Shock Collars For Dogs

A shock collar is a type of “control tool” used to correct a dog’s behaviour, but are they safe and effective? Learn more in this article.

Your dog has some outrageous behaviour - it doesn’t like children or maybe any visitors? Or perhaps it keeps using the house as a toilet? It never seems to listen to you? So maybe a shock collar could be the answer?

A shock collar is one of a family of what are called control tools. They work by giving negative reinforcement to a dog’s behaviour. Then the dog will learn and over time it should stop doing the bad behaviour.

Pros

These collars can be very good for overly aggressive dogs that are not responding to traditional methods. For example, a mistreated but strong dog that won’t listen to you. Sometimes, these collars can save the dog from otherwise being put to sleep.

The effect of a mild electric shock is just a small discouragement to the dog but enough to show that bad behaviour is not tolerated. It is no worse than a quick “clip” from a dog’s mother.

Cons

They are not a magic bullet or cure. If they are not used correctly then they will be of no use to you. Make sure you get good training on how to use one and when to use a shock collar.

Some dog trainers argue that dog training shock collars are antiquated and totally unnecessary. They say that with a dog, you can always create a reward or punishment for any behaviour and a dog will always learn.

Some people say that any electric shock, no matter how small, is a form of torture and cruelty.

Should electric shock dog collars be banned? I say yes. And I don’t just say yes in a mild manner, I strongly say yes. The equipment should be banned because it’s cruel and unreliable.

Using pain to discourage unwanted behaviour is simply wrong. You could and should be using rewards to encourage good behaviour instead of relying on punishment to train. The bottom line is that you can and absolutely should train your dog without the use of painful shock therapy.

The concept of how this equipment works is simply horrific. It allows the trainer or owner to remotely deliver an electric shock to a dog in order to suppress an undesirable behaviour. Shock collars train a dog to respond out of fear of further pain and even allow increasing the pain level if the dog continues its bad behaviour.

Scientific research confirms that this method is painful and can influence the animal’s well being negatively in the long term. There is clear evidence that the use of this devices is unsafe, unnecessary and inhumane.

Experiments showed that shocks can cause responses associated with fear and distress such as yelping, struggling, hiding, biting, freezing, trembling, cowering, defecation and urination, just to name a few. They can make a dog scared of almost anything that they are looking at or smelling when they get shocked.

Shock collars also have a high potential for misuse, especially if they get into the hands of owners who may be inexperienced, impatient, angry, frustrated or even sadistic. Regrettably, they often do.

All experts agree that there is absolutely no need to use this sort of equipment. Positive, reward based training methods are far more effective than punishment or negative reinforcement methods.

I have no doubt that shock collar training can be at least superficially effective, but your dog could end up being afraid of you or even damaged in the long term. The use of reward-based training is far more effective and results in a more positive relationship between the dog and the owner.

Luckily, shock collars has already been subjected to ban or control in a number of countries in Europe, including France and Germany. But they are still widely available and used in the US.

I would never consider using a shock collar on my dogs. I’ve always used positive reinforcement to train them and had nothing but great results. Remember, dogs need training not punishment.

Golden retriever puppies are the cutest puppy on the earth and possibly the most useful of all the breeds on earth. They include in them every thing which other puppies do and we should say much more than that. You can also take the enjoyment and all the fun which they give as they grow up. Golden retriever puppy never looks like a monster dog because it never grows in that much size and have weigh between sixty and seventy pounds. The golden retriever is a smart and very easy going dog which can be kept at the top of the list when it comes to have a cute pet in home.

It is best to buy a puppy from a specialist breeder. Specialist breeders conduct hereditary checks before breeding. They also provide Kennel Club registration, pedigree and golden retriever calendar. The buyer can go back to the breeder for help.

The most important thing with the golden retriever puppies are that they have to be ordered before and have to wait for them to born. Before that you can choose the mother for the look. After the born it is ready to take home after 7-8 weeks. Also it is very important to look after the puppy with great affection and love and warmth to grow it in a friendly and long living manner as it is the time when the puppy’s temperament is judged.

The puppyhood of your golden retriever will last three or more years. You will have the pleasures and the responsibilities almost like those of raising a child. It will be like a roller-coaster ride with its ups and downs. There will be times when you will have to be soft, and times when you will have to be strict, so that your puppy keeps away from danger. Regular exercise and grooming, timely inoculation and worming and consistent training will ensure the health and well-being of your pup. What else do you need for your puppy? A cute name, and then you are ready for a good ten years of unadulterated joy and love.

Dog training collars can be used to teach your dog basic obedience training, sport dog training and advanced training without the aid of a dog trainer. These collars help owners keep their pet under control. Dog training collars can be used to teach basic obedience commands such as ‘sit,’ ‘stay’ and ‘heel.’ The collar has to be the correct size, so measure your dog’s neck with a string or tape and add two to three inches to the measurement.

Electronic dog-training collars (also called shock collars) were introduced to the market about thirty years ago. Today, they serve as one of the most effective ways to train a dog. Some of the other dog training tools are remote training collars and e-collars. These collars are remote-controlled and emit a light, corrective static shock as soon as the dog does something wrong. The corrective signal sent by the collar draws the dog’s attention, and it links the behavior with the response of the dog teaching them what is good and bad — consequently stopping the bad. Most of the collars have several levels of correction.

There are lightweight and reliable water resistant collars for all kinds of dog activities. The different kinds of collars available include plain buckle collar, martingale collar, limited choke collar, choke chain, snap-around choke, head collar, pronged collar and no-bark collar. The choke collar is the safest if used properly. The most popular is the slip collars. These training collars work properly when fitted and used properly. Even though some disapproval exists among people regarding the use of dog training collars, professional dog trainers and veterinarians accept this as a safe training tool.

Other than the bond that you form with your dog, his/her leash and collar are your only connection for communication. While most collars are humane and effective in training, some can be dangerous if they’re not used correctly. Here are a few tips on how to choose a collar that will provide proper training aid and allow dog pet to be perfectly safe.

Nylon Collars

A nylon or leather collar is the only type of collar that is safe for your dog to wear at all times. It should be firmly tightened so your dog cannot get it off, yet loose enough for you to easily insert two fingers between it and your dog’s neck. This type of collar has a metal ring on it for ease in fastening a leash, dog tags and other identification tags.

Choke Chains and Slip Collars

Choke chains and slip collars have metal links with a ring on each end. It is important to make sure that these types of collars fit properly. Take your dog with you if you are planning on purchasing either of these.

When used properly, choke chains and slip collars allow the trainer to correct the dog with a “popping” movement to the leash. This quickly tightens the collar and releases just as quickly. A choke or slip collar that is improperly used or doesn’t fit correctly can choke your dog and put painful pressure on his neck.

To properly fit your dog’s choke or slip collar, stand on his right side and loop the chain through the link and hold the collar like a lazy “P.” The straight part of the “P” must go across the top of your dog’s neck.

Gentle Leaders

The hottest rage in the dog collar industry is head collars, also called “gentle leaders.” These are not muzzles. A muzzle is a mesh cup that fits over a dog’s nose. It is attached to his head with a strap behind his ears. A muzzle completely covers the dog’s nose and mouth. He cannot drink, bark or bite. It is never attached to a leash, or used as a training aid. A “gentle leader” or halter lets the dog pant, drink and bark and yes, even bite. It is used as a training aid and they work wonderfully. Essentially, the “gentle leader puts steady but pressure on the back or your dog’s neck (scruff,) which is the way his mother would discipline him. Pressure at the scruff of the neck and the muzzle is a correction and leadership method that your dog understands perfectly. Another type of head collar is called a “Promise Halter.” These are very similar to the gentle leader and are perfectly safe for your dog.

Electronic Collars

Electronic collars are a source of debate. They give your dog a static shock or blast of citronella spray. They are sometimes used to stop excessive barking. With some, the blast or shock is triggered when your dog barks. Others are operated manually - you have to administer the blast or shock. There are also shock collars that confine dogs to a specific area. If he/she tries to overstep the boundary, he gets a shock. Though these collars can, and do, have their place in dog training and control, they won’t help your dog to learn to behave on a leash.

Prong and Pinch Collars

Prong and pinch collars are used to handle dogs that are very hard to control. The prong collar lies flat on your dog’s neck until he pulls or you give a correction. Pressure from either your dog pulling or from you giving a correction, cause blunt metal prongs to poke into the dog’s neck. Never use a prong or pinch collar without the supervision of a professional dog trainer. Trainers use these only when all other methods fail, and then for only a short period of time. If you use one of these collars incorrectly, it will cause your dog to become very aggressive. This can result in him/her biting or attacking someone, which could mean that your dog will have to be put down. So please be careful!

Harness

Some dogs require the use of a harness. This is strapped onto the dog’s body across the chest and around the ribcage. There is a ring on which you can attach the dog’s leash at the top, between the dog’s shoulder blades. A harness doesn’t allow you to direct your dog’s body, nor can you give correction when it is on. Your dog can pull when he feels like it and if he is a northern breed, this can be often. They were bred for the specific purpose of pulling a sled. This can cause pulled muscles and tendons in your arms if your dog decides he’s going to pull in excess. A harness is recommended only for dogs that have a medical problem of the neck.

Summary

Never chain a dog who is wearing any type of collar other than a buckle collar. Tying a dog on a chain that is wearing a choke or slip collar is sentencing him to certain death. When you and your dog have finished a training session or walk, remove all training aids except his buckle collar, which he should wear at all times.

All collars should be fitted properly in order to be an effective training tool and to keep your dog safe. If your dog is a puppy, you will have to buy a new collar several times over the next few months, as he will rapidly outgrow them. An adult dog’s collar will last for months, but should be checked often for signs of wear and replace as needed. This will ensure that your dog will not get loose to run in city streets or get hit on a busy country highway. After all, you want your dog to be safe and assuring his collar is the right one for his breed will allow you to meet that goal.

How to stop dog barking first involves determining why they are barking to begin with. In the majority of situations, the problem barker has never learned to be bye themselves. Your dog is used to having the attention they want when they want it, when they are alone they are not able to get that attention and often resort to barking. The following will greatly reduce the amount of barking.

1. Be a good role model: Words mean nothing to your dog, what matters is the way you say those words. Constantly reassuring the dog when you leave and being over excited upon your return compound the issue.
2. All praises must be earned: While breaking your dog of barking it is important to restrict your praises and petting to only when he has responded correctly to a command.
3. Be out of touch: Get some chew toys, once your dog is sufficiently distracted calmly and quietly leave the room. Return to the room before the dog has an opportunity to miss you and continue what you were doing. When the dog rushes over to greet you, do not react, the separation was unimportant to you and should also be unimportant to your dog.
4. No more goodbyes: Now that you are ready to leave your dog alone, I suggest your start your day a little earlier. Get ready to leave and then sit down with the paper for a bit, ignore your dog completely. Quietly walk out the door after some time of quiet separation.
5. Keep them busy while you’re gone: It is unnatural for your dog to be alone with nothing to do, ensure you provide various distractions for the dog to play with throughout the day. Toys such as kongs and nylabones are excellent for this.

To answer the questions of how to stop dog barking you just need to follow the simple steps listed above, those together with some patience and persistence and you will lick this problem.

Dogs are natural companions for seniors. Dogs are good company. They can help seniors feel secure by keeping the house under watch. They also have the added bonus of giving seniors a reason to be more active. But when considering a dog for a senior, there should be several things taken into consideration in order to find the best match.

First, the dog should be suited to living in an apartment or small space. They should be able to get most of their exercise indoors and grooming should not be too demanding, since most seniors are on a fixed income and cannot afford to pay for such services. I tried to stick with breeds that are relatively easy to train and don’t need a strong pack leader.

Taking all those things into consideration, I’ve devised a short list of the Top Five Dog Breeds that would work best for Seniors.

The first on the list is my favorite breed; the Chihuahua. This breed is perfect for seniors because they are easy to keep and maintain and their exercise level will easily adapt to that of their household. They do need to be socialized thoroughly so that they do not become fearful or too yippy. They are a loving dog, but they need rules and boundaries, just like any other.

The second dog is the Chinese Crested. This may seem like an unusual choice, but they are very loving dogs and get along well with other pets. They are a true companion dog. As with the Chihuahua, the Chinese Crested needs to be socialized properly to prevent timidness and they do need to be protected from the sun and cold weather.

The third dog is the Pug. They are very happy and playful dogs and they get along well with other pets and people. They do need to be protected from the heat, as they tend to overheat quickly, but they do benefit from short walks. The fourth dog is the Lucas Terrier. This cute little terrier is sweet and easy to train. They are a very friendly terrier. They do require a weekly brushing, but they have a low doggie odor and shed very little.

Another one of my favorite breeds is the sweet little English Toy Spaniel (King Charles Spaniel), which ends the list at number five. This is a breed that LOVES to be around people. They get along great with children and are friendly with other dogs. They are happy and playful; a real treat to be around.

There is no reason why a senior cannot enjoy the companionship of a canine, but they need to be sure to choose a dog that will be happy in the environment and lifestyle that they live. Make sure the dog is easy to keep and maintain and both the dog and the senior will be happy for many years.

Today several articles that discuss dog food reviews have been so theoretic and they are based on the company’s product label and not on the true research. People just view the label, list out the ingredients and then identify the differences between two products. On comparing the ingredients on the label, the review is given to every company’s food product and it is not very helpful to dog owners.

Standards for Dog Food Reviews

The comparison must be with an established standard. The standard must indicate the necessary ingredients in any products. The standard must also list out the lethal items that should not be used in any items. Such standards establishment alone could bring you complete clarity with this rating. Once the standards are established, a product must be compared to that established standard and then deviations from the given standard must be evaluated to identify the correct rating. The users or the consumers must be given free trial packs to write the dog food review, rather than just hiring people to write the review for the company. Therefore, the dog owners must understand the real plot behind this review and then get a particular product for their dog.

Factors to Consider for Dog food Reviews

1.       Ensure that the packet  you buy contains high amounts of protein rather than colorful stickers of dogs and other attractive pictures. Almost all the ingredients listed out in the list must be checked for their protein content. Meat, Fish and chicken must be considered to be the major ingredients in the product.

2.       Avoid products that contain chemical preservatives and other color inclusions. Especially, preservatives like BHA, BHT which are very dangerous and they may cause trouble to heath. Be sure to get a green-labeled pack.

3.       Do a patch test of the packet food with your dog and then use them regularly. Sometimes as a source of protein, the dog food packets may contain soy, bean and other grains rich in proteins. However, your dog may be allergic to such sort of ingredients. In addition, these grains are difficult to digest.

The dog food items do not have legal laws enforcing the right ingredients to be added. As the laws are very weak or even they do not exist, the dog items include lot of chemicals that proves to be lethal to dogs. Therefore the dog food review must not be done comparatively instead must be done based on a particular standard.