How to Properly Train a Dog With a Shock Collar? (2024 Upd.)

Last Updated on December, 2024

The shock collar is an e-collar that emits an electric shock to the dog’s neck when activated by a remote controller. It can be a very effective training tool for dogs with behavior problems when used correctly. 

This guide is aimed at people who have never had any previous experience with how to train a dog with a shock collar or how it works. It will cover how to get started and how to avoid some common mistakes in both training and using this type of device on your Furry Friend.

What is a Shock Collar?

A shock collar is an electronic collar that sends electrical stimulations to the dog’s neck. The shock collars are used as a training tool to help correct unwanted behaviors in dogs.

The shock collars come with different levels of intensities, so you can choose the level of stimulation that is best for your dog.

Shock collars are also referred to as e-collars, shock training collars and remote control dog collars.

How Does Shock Collars Work?

The e-collar sends out a signal through the transmitter that is worn around your dog’s neck. This signal will activate the receiver collar that your dog is wearing. It will send a shock or vibration to your dog when this happens.

When the dog exhibits unwanted behavior, you will press the button on the shock collar transmitter to send a shock to your dog. The shock will startle your dog and interrupt its behavior.

The shock collars are not punishment devices but rather training tools that help correct bad behaviors in dogs. If used correctly, shock collars can make training your dog much more straightforward.

If this information isn’t enough for you and you want to know more about how does a dog shock collar work?, I suggest you check out this full guide here.

Buying An E-Collar

There are many shock collars available for sale on the market, but not all shock training collars are created equally.

The shock collar you choose should come with different intensity levels so that your dog’s unique temperament can be taken into consideration. 

Also, make sure to buy a shock collar made of high-quality materials and equipped with solid construction features which can withstand shock.

Since most of your training sessions will be outdoors, make sure you get a shock collar that’s waterproof. Additionally, you’ll want to get a shock collar with rechargeable batteries so that you don’t have to worry about running out of power during your training periods.

When looking for a shock collar, it’s essential to do your research and read the reviews from other dog owners before making your purchase. You can train your pooch to stop engaging in bad behaviors without physical harm with a suitable shock collar.

Things You Need to Know Before Using a Shock Collar

You need to know some important things before using a shock collar on your dog. Below are all of those.

Never Leave Your Dog Alone When They Have a Shock Collar On

Leaving your dog alone when they have a shock collar on can be dangerous. If the shock collar accidentally goes off, your dog could get injured.

Also, if your dog is left unsupervised with a shock collar on, they may start to associate the pain of the electric stimulation with you and become fearful of being near you. This will make it difficult when you try to train your dog in the future.

Don’t Use the Shock Collar As Punishment

Using a shock collar as punishment will confuse and frighten your dog. Your pet won’t understand why they’re getting shocked, which can cause them to become afraid of being near you or their surroundings.

Never Use a Shock Collar on an Unhealthy or Injured Pet

Do not use a shock collar on your dog if they are unwell or injured. You should take them to the vet before starting any training sessions with an e-collar.

Shock collars can cause injuries in dogs with existing health problems too.

Never Use a Shock Collar in its Highest Level

The shock collar’s highest level should only be used as a last resort. Suppose you’re having trouble correcting your dog’s bad behaviors with the lower levels of stimulation. In that case, you may want to consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer who is skilled in using this type of collar.

Using a dog shock collar at its highest level can be dangerous and cause physical harm to your pet. Make sure to carefully consider your options before using a shock collar on your Furry ball.

Be Sure to Read All Instructions Before Using the Device

Before you use an e-collar, you should read the manual that was included with the particular collar you purchased. Electronic collars can be complex, so it’s important to carefully read all the instructions before using one on your dog.

You Need to Let Your Dog Get Used to the Collar

It’s important to let your dog get used to the new e-collar you’ve bought before starting any training sessions. This will help them become comfortable with the device and make them less likely to feel scared or confused when they’re wearing it.

Start by letting your dog wear the collar for short periods of time, gradually increasing the time they wear it.

Letting your dog get used to the e-collar will make training sessions easier and help prevent your pet from becoming afraid or confused wearing one during these sessions.

Before You Start Shock Collar Training

Before you start training your dog with an e-collar, you’ll have to consider these things if you want to see results later down the line.

Integrate Positive Reinforcement Training

One of the best ways to get your dog to stop engaging in negative behavior is by integrating positive techniques (Also known as reward-based training) with e-collar training.

This will help them associate good things with being near you or doing as you ask.

When they obey your commands or display good behavior, make sure to give them lots of praise and rewards. This will help them learn that they will be rewarded for their good actions, encouraging them to continue displaying these behaviors.

This can also come in handy, for example; If your dog only knows how to perform a task with a shock collar, you won’t be able to get him to do anything without it. Integrating this method will ensure your dog will still understand what to do when you make a request.

Formula to integrate positive reinforcement with shock collar training:

1. Command.
2. Your dog does not respond to your calls because they are too thrilled.
3. To get your dog’s attention, press the remote or transmitter that came with the collar.
4. Repeat the command.
5. The dog executes the command or a tiny step in its direction.
6. Reward a treat and praise.

Teach Your Dog the Basic Obedience Commands

It’s important to teach your dog the basic commands before e-collar training. This will make it easier for you to communicate with them and give them clear directions during e-collar sessions.

Basic Commands To Teach Your Dog Include: “sit”, “down”, and “come”. If they know these, then teaching a more complicated behavior, such as “stay”, will be much easier.

By teaching your dog the basic commands before e-collar training, you’ll make the process a lot smoother and less confusing for both of you.

Please remember e-collars can be dangerous to dogs with existing health problems, so before you start e-collar training, it’s essential that your dog is healthy enough for this type of physical activity.

Don’t use the highest level on the shock collar – let your dog get used to the device first + integrate positive reinforcement techniques if possible.

Training a Dog With Shock Collar

E-collars work great when it comes to dog training, but they can be complicated to use. To make things easier, you should’ve taught your dog the basics before e-collar training.

Anyways, here’s how to train your dog with the help of an e-collar.

Revise the Basics

As I mentioned above, training your dog the basics before getting a shock collar is essential. And revising all the skills you taught with an e-collar is also necessary.

Follow the formula I’ve mentioned above, and in no time, your dog will get used to the basic commands while wearing a shock collar.

Revising the basics with a shock collar on is the only way for your dog to move to more advanced training. If you fail to do so, there’s is no point in continuing.

Correct Behavior Problems Your Dog Has

Correcting behavioral problems with an e-collar is not that complicated. It’s just a matter of using the training collar every time your dog behaves badly.

For example, if your dog is barking like crazy at a stranger or other dogs or animals, use an e-collar.

As soon as that happens, the e-collar will remind your dog immediately not to bark at anyone anymore; it’ll also let your dog know that this barking is unwanted behavior. (1)

In spite of being simple and easy, an e-collar is very effective in behavior modification like barking, jumping and many more.

If you want to see better results, combine this training with positive reinforcement training techniques, and you’ll be able to correct any behavior problem your dog has in a very short period of time.

Other Behaviors You Can Teach a Dog With Shock Collars

You can not only teach basic and advanced commands with remote training collars.

Hunting, Police Dog Training, Agility Training, Military Dog Training, Assistance Dog Training are some of the other training that is possible with modern shock collars.

In fact, hunting dogs are primarily trained this way.

However, it’s worth noting that even though Police and Military Dogs can be trained this way. These days they’re trained through just positive training methods.

Don’t Hesitate to Consult a Professional Trainer

If shock collar training seems complicated to you at first, don’t hesitate to get some assistance from professional dog trainers.

Even though e-collar is simple enough for someone with basic dog training skills to use properly, there are some situations a dog owner should avoid, or if they still want to give e-collars a try but need more help, only the pros can help.

Other Effective Ways to Train Your Dog That Don’t Involve Shocking Them

Training with a shock collar is just one way to train your dog; there are many other ways that don’t involve shocking them.

The majority of people use positive reinforcement when training their dogs because it’s effective and doesn’t involve hurting your dog. And it is the one I would recommend to dog owners.

Negative reinforcement techniques are also used, but I would not recommend them. It’s not that effective and puts your dog into deep trouble.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, shock collars are a great tool to help train most dogs with bad behaviors safely and effectively.

With the right shock collar, you can curb unwanted behaviors in your dog quickly and efficiently while keeping them happy and healthy at all times.

However, it’s important to remember that shock collars are just one tool in your training arsenal and should not be used as the only means of training your dog.

Always consult a professional trainer if you’re unsure about how to properly use a shock collar or need help correcting behavioral problems in your pooch.

Thanks for reading!

REFERENCES:

1. https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-behaviorial-problems-in-dogs