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When we take a puppy home, we have to be patient, because it may take a long time to get used to the new home, the owners, and the new environment for the pup. Frequently, during this process, the owners suffer material losses, but when we look into the eyes of our new family member, we forgive him or her for everything. And realizing that it is still a child and he or she does not understand why they are being punished, because they were just playing. It is still important to start the training process.
However, the most important age for training is from 6 months, because the dog is no longer a child, but a young dog that is well able to analyze and realize actions and consequences. It is important to understand that while the dog is young, it has well-formed neural connections, and this is when cause-and-effect thinking appears. Therefore, this is the perfect time to educate, form habits, and understand what to do and what not to do. You probably do not want some actions to become a norm and routine.
The easiest and most effective way is to use E-collars. They are also known as vibration collars, shock collars, or remote collars. The difference with a bark collar is that you can trigger the stimulation from a distance via a remote and choose the stimulus like shock, vibration, or sound.
But are they suitable for a 6-month-old dog? We will find out in this article.
When Is a Dog Old Enough for a Shock Collar?
The first thing you should consider when you want to start training with an e-collar is your dog's age. Dogs under the age of 6 months should not use electronic collars. As we already mentioned, at such an early age, they may not have the ability to properly understand different types of stimulation. Up to 6 months, you can focus on training with a clicker or whistle. This will be a good base before training with an electronic collar.And we highly recommend to do such trainings up to 6 months. By doing so, you are showing that it is not a good idea to disassemble the inner cushions; to pee all over the apartment, the house; to tear curtains, and so on. And that it's not fun. If the puppy has had this training, it will get faster results when using the E-collar.
Another important point is that some dogs are more sensitive than others, so your answer to the question of whether my dog is big enough for an e-collar should be based on several factors, not just the appropriate age. One of these important factors is listed below:
- Your dog's temperament and character.
The temperament of the dog plays an important role in determining the appropriate training methods and tools. Consideration of the dog's age and maturity is important in determining when to begin e-collar training and the appropriate age for a collared puppy.
A number of factors can influence a dog's temperament, such as breed, genetics, and socialization experience. When determining the age of a dog to use a shock collar, it is important to consider not only the age of the dog, but also the temperament of the dog. For example, some dogs may be more sensitive or fearful, which may make them less suitable candidates for shock collar training.
If your puppy is under six months of age and has developed a damaging temperament, it means he or she is ready for training with E-collar. In this case, dog owners can consider using a E-collar to correct negative or dangerous behavior.
You can adjust the collar according to your dog's mental esprit to prevent over/under mental pressure.
Usual Concerns about Training Collar
Everywhere it is written that electronic collars are safe, but is it really so?
Every owner begins to have concerns as it comes to the well-being of the pup. Some of them are represented below:
- Is my dog big enough to train with a shock collar?
- Are there any hidden nuances associated with shock collars that I should be aware of?
- Are they really effective?
If we have already answered the first concern above, then to find out about the others, you can read reviews from other owners who are already using electronic collars, this will help you form your own opinion about electronic collars.
Additionally, we have asked dog trainers & veterinarians to discuss concerns above. We’ve put down all the answers, suggestions, and whatever those professionals said about using a training collar in this article, so give it a read!
Is It Safe To Use a Shock Collar on a Dog?
If used correctly and all important factors are taken into account, a shock collar is safe for dog training. Unlike a tactical collar, an e-collar is designed to correct undesirable behavior by delivering a mild electric shock, vibration or sound.
The existence of different modes, allows the owner to choose the punishment. For many dogs, just the vibration and sound is enough to understand. This is already a trigger and allows the dog to understand what to do and what not to do.
Another important feature worth mentioning is that the intensity of the shock can be adjusted. You can set a minimum level of shock. However, we recommend starting with a medium level to better understand your dog's needs and find exactly what works for your dog.
How To Introduce Shock Collars to Your Dog?
Introducing a dog to a e-collar should be done with care and concern for the health of the pet. The following is a general guide to introducing shock collars to your dog:
- Choose the right collar:
- Educate yourself:
Thoroughly understand how the collar works, including its settings and features. Read the user manual and watch the YouTube videos.
- Properly fit the collar:
Make sure the collar fits comfortably and securely around your dog's neck. It should be tight, but not too tight, so as not to cause discomfort. The tightness is proper that you can fit one finger between the strap and dog’s neck.
- Positive association:
Before using stimulation, let your dog get used to wearing the collar without shock. Encourage your dog with treats, praise, and play when he or she puts on the collar.
- Start with the vibration settings:
If possible, use tone or vibration settings first to teach your dog to associate them with commands.
- Training and Commands:
Use the collar in conjunction with regular training commands. For example, if you are teaching your dog the "off" command, use the collar when your dog does not respond to your voice command.
- Gradually increase the level of stimulation:
Gradually increase the level of stimulation as needed. Pay attention to your dog's reaction and make sure the intensity of the stimulation is appropriate for the situation and does not cause discomfort.
- Consistency:
Be consistent in training.
- Positive reinforcement:
Always accompany correction with positive reinforcement when the dog responds correctly to a command. Praise and encourage the dog to create positive associations with the training.
- Monitor and correct:
Closely monitor your dog's behavior and response. Adjust collar settings as needed to ensure comfort and safety.
- Safety and Welfare:
Prioritize your dog's safety and well-being. Never use a shock collar as a means of punishment and monitor your dog's emotional and physical well-being during training. Always prioritize your dog's health and happiness.
Pros and Cons of Shock Collar for Puppies.
Despite the controversy surrounding e-collars, they are still a safe dog training method for correcting behavior in your pets. Let's get into the details.
Pros
Here are some pros of using an e-collar for puppies
- Effective and efficient
Not only are shock collars effective in correcting unwanted puppy behavior, but according to many dog owners, they only require 1-2 training sessions to achieve the desired results.
While more stroppy dogs may require more sessions, results are guaranteed compared to other training methods.
- Adjustable
Modern shock collars have a large number of modes and intensities, allowing you to use one collar to correct multiple dogs with different temperaments.
- Not too costly
Many pet owners think that the e-collars are expensive because of the advanced technology incorporated in them, but this is not the case.
A quality shock collar can be purchased for between $30 and $130, meaning this humane tool is less expensive than even citronella collars. The price depends on your specific needs and preferences. Besides, sellers often give discounts for the first order.
Cons
Of course, there are some minor cons.
- Probability of erroneous adjustments.
If you have a wireless collar, due to technical issues, it can wrongly correct the signal, which in turn can confuse your dog. However, if you choose the right seller and the collar that suits you, your dog and your property needs, these issues shouldn't happen.
- The short delay.
If you use an e-collar as a dog fence, you can face a short delay. This delay can be caused because of some obstacles on your property.
When used properly, these collars can correct any bad dog behavior. We hope this article has helped you learn the answer to the question of when a dog is old enough for a shock collar!