When choosing a dog training device, you may encounter products like e-collars and shock collars. These collars may appear similar at first, but let’s discuss their differences.
Shock collars use an electric current which provides negative reinforcement in hopes of eliminating a dog’s bad habits. In other words, the shock stops the dog from doing an undesired behavior as they come to learn they will have this unpleasant experience whenever they perform that act. Positive reinforcement, a much more humane way to train your dog, achieves a desired behavior by reinforcing that good act with something the dog finds pleasurable: a treat, playtime or even a pat on the head. This can also be achieved through clicker training. E-collars fall in between, but typically achieve their results from negative reinforcement through a variety of vibrations, sounds and scents to make the dog not want to do a certain behavior.
The Real Deal Between E-collar and Shock Collar
A lot of people interchange the use of e-collar and shock collar. However, assuming that the two are the same is a common misconception. Shock collars are one type of e- or electronic collar, and while they are one of the most popular e-collars, there are other types of e-collars. E-collars vary depending on their use and their level of stimulation. Some e-collars emit a vibration, tone, or even spray a scent. They are a better option for most dogs than shock collars are in eliminating an unwanted behavior from a dog.
Different Types of E-collars
E-collars can suit the purpose of trainers and dogs if you aren’t receiving results from reward-based training, but don’t want to “shock” your pet. There are numerous types of stimulation you can choose from but here are the most common types of e-collars on the market.
Tone Collars
As its name suggests, tone collars stimulate your dog using a variety of sounds. The sound can vary from a small beep to a customized alarm. Since dogs have excellent hearing, these collars may help in recall and obedience training. By training your dog to associate your commands with specific sounds, he can learn to respond appropriately.
Shock Collars
If you want your dog to associate bad habits with punishment, you can consider shock collars. As their name suggests, these collars provide a shock when your dog performs a specific action that you do not want him to perform. These are best when life & death is at stake. When Police officers, Search & Rescue teams and even soldiers work with dogs by their side and making sure the dog responds to a command is vital to the dog or human’s safety, this type of reinforcement may make sense. These tools do not electrocute your dog, but provide varying degrees of shock that the handler can adjust, typically using a “mild kick” to get good results to help get your dog out of a bad situation by doing as you direct.
Bark Collars
If your dog barks uncontrollably, a bark collar might fit the bill. Depending on the specific product, it can beep, shock, or vibrate. Unlike collars that use a single stimulation, most bark collars offer different types at once. This way, you can have an option when you want to train your dog and eliminate excessive barking.
You can find lists and reviews if you are interested in buying one. Here is the link for a list that compiles highly-recommended bark collars you can consider.
Remote Collars
A remote collar may be a great choice to correct your dog’s behavior manually. With this item, you can send out different stimulations for your dog at your control. Since you are the one calling the shots, you can also avoid accidental activation of your dog’s collar. Like bark collars, remote collars also often offer different forms of stimulation, so you have options to determine which your dog best responds to. While this product is a good choice if you want more control, there is one thing you need to note. Unlike other e-collars, you must control it directly, so it will only work when you activate it.
Are E-collars Effective?
Like everything in life, it depends on the trainer and the dog as to what form of training device proves most effective. In general, e-collars can help with your dog’s recall, whether you are punishing them or rewarding them, but the work in training really has to be put in by the person doing the training. You must be confidence, deliberate, patient and repeat the commands over and over and over again, in short training sessions, keeping each session interesting for the dog. If you aren’t adept at using the device the dog may become confused or even frightened by sudden shocks, beeps, scents, and vibrations.
Should You Use E-collars and Shock Collars?
As the story goes, if you get 3 dog trainers in a room, the only thing they will agree about is that the other trainer is wrong LOL so if you are wondering whether you should use an e-collar or shock collar for your dog, the answer depends on you and the dog.
Positive reward-best training is always best for a healthy bond with your dog, but there are times when more drastic measures are needed to increase the chances the dog will respond appropriately in emergencies. E-collars may be helpful, but do your research. Talk to a highly accredited trainer who belongs to a reputable organization, such as the APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers), listen to their advice, and even get a second opinion. If you choose to use an e-collar, do so in moderation, making sure you are correctly using the device. Although relatively harmless, abusing or wrongly using would be inhumane. It is your responsibility to keep your dog safe and happy!
