Dog trainers can be helpful for any dog breed at any age. In addition to helping dogs master basic commands, trainers can help with a host of behavioral issues such as obedience, unwanted barking, and aggression. So this raises the question: do dog trainers recommend shock collars?
This is a tricky question to answer, because different dog trainers have different philosophies. In general, dog trainers do approve of training collars, but only if the collars are used properly and as intended by loving dog owners. If a dog trainer is against training collars, it's usually out of an abundance of caution.
Many dog owners, especially parents of toy breeds, wonder whether training collars are safe. When used properly, training collars are not only safe, but they are also incredibly effective!
Let's take an in-depth look at what professional dog trainers have to say.
What Types of Collars Do Professional Dog Trainers Use?
Listening to professional dog trainers, it is clear that training collars are not a magic solution, but instead are a tool to help you communicate with your dog.
When dealing with stubborn dogs or dogs with behavioral issues, it is not uncommon for trainers to turn to training collars.
According to Jill Haffley from Canine Behavioral Specialists and Dog Training, "I also use a training collar, commonly known as a choke chain. Before you start making a judgement, hang on a second. There is a reason these collars are called training collars by professional dog trainers, and choke chains by those who are not. When used appropriately, the collar never chokes."
Of course, a choke collar is much different from a shock collar, but the principle remains the same.
When used appropriately, a shock collar never causes pain. Rather, it simply gets the dog's attention so that you can stop and prevent unwanted behavior.
In other words, shock collars are not inherently bad.
Think of it this way: when used properly, a pencil is a tool. We use it for writing and communicating. But when misused, a pencil can also be used as a weapon. Others might even complain that pencils contain lead, but when they are used properly, pencils are entirely safe and are no cause for concern.
Similarly, a training collar has the potential for misuse, but it is not inherently a bad instrument.
Haffley clarifies, "You only use this type of collar to keep the dog safe, never to hurt them or to push them into submission."
With multiple settings and levels, you can find the right stimulation level for your dog that gets its attention without causing pain.
This is why our e collar at Wiggle Kingdom has three different settings:
1. Sound
2. Vibration (with levels 1 to 9)
3. Shock (with levels 1 to 9)
Haffley adds that she likes to use e collars with a remote, especially when she is working with a dog that likes to chase cars. Why? Because dogs can run unexpectedly fast, even small dogs. There can be scenarios where your dog takes off and you can't get to him. A remote collar allows you to redirect your dog's focus back to you so you can call your dog back to safety. The same principle applies to dogs who like to chase squirrels or other dogs.
Finally, Haffley says, "The other time I use remote collars is for the vibration function. This feature feels like a cell phone going off on your arm. In fact, I never place this on a dog without allowing their owner to feel the sensation."
Whatever setting you choose, your dog will have no idea that you are pressing a button on the remote that sets off the stimulation. According to Haffley, most dogs believe that the stimulation is coming from the object of interest, which creates a natural correction.
At Wiggle Kingdom, we've had many dog parents tell us that the shock feature feels like a little rubber band snap.
To make sure that you are using a shock collar the right way, we recommend that you read our previous article: Expert Tips: How to Train a Small Dog with a Shock Collar.
What Do Other Professional Dog Trainers Have to Say About Shock collars?
It's not just Jill Haffley.
If you're wondering "do dog trainers recommend shock collars," rest assured that other professional dog trainers also approve of using training collars, but only if they are used properly.
According to Marty Grabijas, training collars don't even cause pain when the settings have been customized for small dogs. Rather, the collar simply "annoys" the dog.
"The reality is that the stimulation — when properly adjusted — annoys the dog, but it doesn’t hurt it," Grabijas explains. "I know this because I test the collars before they go on my canines every day by holding the contact points in the palm of my hand and hitting the stimulation button. The sensation might be similar to an insect crawling on your skin."
Bill Grimmer, a professional trainer who specializes in K9 training for police departments, confirms Grabijas' assessment.
Grimmer uses the analogy of a seatbelt in a car. If you turn on your car but don't have your seat belt on, your car will begin beeping. It's annoying, irritating even, but it doesn't physically hurt you. In a way, the beeper "trains" humans to put on the seatbelt to make the noise go away. Similarly, a training collar trains small dogs to stop and avoid unwanted behavior.
James Hamm, a retired Army Command Sergeant Major, is another professional trainer who specializes in K9 training for military dogs.
But that's not all.
Hamm specifically specializes in training dogs using electronic collars. Why? Hamm says he prefers e-collars because he is able to interrupt a dog's behavior without using physical force. Additionally, using a remote controlled collar provides more versatility and the most precise timing.
Dog trainer Christine Dewson, who founded Chaos to Calm K9 Training, also agrees.
Dewson explains, "Why do I use the e-collar? Because high quality e-collars combined with proper e-collar training provide a method of communication that is not inherently uncomfortable or alarming, but that is capable of getting through to my dog no matter what is going on around us—and it does all this without any harm to the dog. It is a complete and total game changer. Period."
What Is the Best Quality Shock Collar?
After hearing from so many professional dog trainers with different backgrounds, experiences, and qualifications, it is clear that training collars are effective, safe, and efficient communications tools!
However, not all small dog training collars are created equal.
Some are very expensive with bells and whistles that you don't need. Training collars with GPS features, for example, can cost hundreds of dollars.
On the other hand, some training collars are made poorly and cheaply. This isn't safe for your dog and it certainly isn't good for your wallet if you need to keep replacing or repairing a poorly made collar.
At Wiggle Kingdom, we proudly sell the world's smallest dog training collar.
Features include:
- Multiple settings. Because you can choose between sound, vibration, and shock, you can rest assured that you will find the perfect stimulation level for your dog while keeping your dog safe without pain or punishment.
- Long-range antenna. Does your dog like to chase after cars? Do you let your dog play outside in the yard? With a range of 1,000 feet, our e collar comes with a remote control that gives you long-range communication access to your dog!
- Water resistant in most circumstances. If you get caught in the rain during a walk or if your dog runs through the sprinklers, you don't need to worry about the collar malfunctioning and hurting your dog. Our training collar is water resistant in most conditions.
- Not just functional, but cute. Many training collars are bulky, ugly, and heavy. At Wiggle Kingdom, we know you want the best for your small dog, so we designed our training collars to be as attractive as possible. In fact, they come with interchangeable plates for personalization!
- Guarantees and warranties. We are so confident in our training collar that we offer a money back 30-day guarantee. If for whatever reason you don't like your collar, send it back and we will refund you the full price. We also stand by the quality of our collar, so we are proud to offer a 1 year unconditional warranty.
- Free shipping. We offer free same day shipping (must order by 1 pm PST) out of Los Angeles, CA.
- Plastic covers. Are you worried that the stimulation level for your dog might be too strong? Does your dog have any sensitivities to metal? With Wiggle Kingdom, you don't have to worry about any of those things! Each of our collars comes with plastic covers that you can put over any of the "prongs." These plastic covers provide an additional layer of comfort for small dogs who need it.
Why Do Shock Collars Have a Negative Reputation?
After hearing the positive things that professional dog trainers have to say, it's clear that shock collars have many benefits.
This raises the question: why do shock collars have a negative reputation?
One of the most obvious answers are dog owners who misuse the collar. Some people (a small minority) are abusive. On the other hand, some dog owners simply don't know how to use the collar, which can lead to unintentional misuse. They might think it's a magic bullet for a misbehaving dog, rather than using it as an effective communications tool.
Another reason that shock collars are misunderstood is because there are many subpar products out there. Cheaply made collars can break or even malfunction. This is why it's important to purchase a quality training collar, such as the one sold by Wiggle Kingdom.
Finally, the history of the training collar itself has led to many misleading stereotypes. You see, the first electronic collar was invented in the 1960s. The collar was intended for hunting dogs who would get so focused on their prey that they accidentally endangered themselves. Hunters needed a safe way to get their dog's attention and call them back to safety.
Technology in the 60s wasn't as good as it is today. The very first hunting collars only had one setting (shock) and they only had one intensity level. Unlike Wiggle Kingdom's collar, there wasn't the ability to change modes or adjust the settings. The intensity was the same regardless of the dog that was wearing it.
Think about it this way: hunting dogs would get in the zone because all of their senses were on high alert. They were visually hunting their prey, smelling their environment, and relying on their hearing. They were so "in the zone" that it was easy for them to ignore the calls of their owners. The high stimulation level was needed to distract them from their hunting instincts.
The disadvantage was that since there was only one setting and one level, the stimulation was unsuitable for simple corrections. It was simply too much and was only appropriate for hunting, not for preventing and stopping unwanted behavior.
Fortunately, technology has improved and we now have more options, owner-controlled customizations, and safety features to keep our furry friends safe!
But while the technology has improved rapidly over the years, the stereotypes have persisted.
Regardless, it is clear from listening to professional dog trainers that an e collar with a remote is a safe and effective tool for small dogs, including toy breeds!
E Collars Can Be Used for Positive Reinforcement
According to the trainers at Dakotah's Doggy Daycare Hotel & Salon, e collars can be used for positive reinforcement.
What is positive reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement is when a person rewards a desired behavior with something pleasant like praise or treats. When a dog does what he’s supposed to do, he gets rewarded.
For example, let’s say that you want your dog to stop jumping up on guests. If you give your pup a treat every time he sits instead of jumps, he will learn to stay calm when guests come over.
Similarly, you can use the sound (beep) function on the collar as a cue that means "come find me for a treat."
Think about it: the stimulation won't hurt your dog because you've already found a setting that works to get your dog's attention. Simply activate the beep, call your dog, and give him or her a treat. In time, the beep will be associated with a treat! This strategy can be used to bring your dog's attention willingly back to you.
Professional Dog Trainers All Agree On One Thing
While different dog trainers have different philosophies, strategies, and techniques, they all agree on one thing: consistency is key.
Be consistent with:
- The cues that you use. If you use different cues or words, this can be confusing for your dog. Be consistent with the cues you use.
- Timing. If your dog engages in unwanted behavior, then activate the collar as immediately as possible. Memory works differently in dogs than it does in humans. The stimulation needs to be as close to the unwanted behavior as possible for dogs to make the correlation.
- The setting and level you use. Once you find a stimulation level on the collar that is right for your dog, then use that same setting and level. Being inconsistent can confuse or even scare your dog.
At Wiggle Kingdom, we know you love your pup and only want what's best for it. This is why we've created the best training collar for toy breeds!
We're here to support you however we can. If you have any questions, please contact us at 213-747-7767.