For those who use shock collars

I think this may be of interest. Just food for thought - try it on yourself before you subject your dog to it. Also take into account that the reaction shown in the video is likely to be worse with a dog, who is not expecting it and does not understand pain as humans do. The dog quite likely would also be shocked more than once. The reason I've put this up here is because I hear so often people saying "It's okay - I'm only using a low level of shock". Low in comparison to the highest level, obviously, but it's still a shock, so I think owners should know exactly what it does.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leOjBPjftjc

Bear in mind that by the time it gets to level 3, the man admitted that it hurt.

Now, I'm sure some people will disagree with me on this subject and say that they would never subject their dog to any level of shock that they themselves would not be prepared to take. But what I wish people would remember is that your dog cannot tell you how much pain or discomfort it can take, and how repeated shocking can cause injuries, even on a low setting. Examples of such injuries (links only, as some of the pics may be disturbing):

http://www.dogbreedstraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Dogs-Injury-from-Shock-Collar.jpg
http://www.lawandorder4k9s.com/uploads/1/7/2/2/17225868/1492292_orig.jpg

And that's just the visible injuries from prolonged use. The neck is one of the most vulnerable areas of a dogs' body - both physically and mentally. Not only could using shocks repeatedly cause psychological issues with the dog such as nervousness, anxiety and even fear-aggression - it can also damage the nervous system. The spinal cord and thyroid gland are both found by the neck. If the impulses running through the spinal cord are disturbed, huge consequences can ensue.

The same goes for prong collars, actually. Thydroid problems are becoming increasingly more prevalent in strong 'puller' dogs such as bully breeds, german shepherds and labradors. A huge contributing factor is due to the fact that each time the collar digs into or shocks, depending on the collar, the neck of a pulling dog, it can cause inflammation of the thyroid gland. This can cause the body's immune system to destroy the gland in an attempt to get rid of the inflamed tissue.

Thanks for the info, I've heard of them but didn't really know much about it. It is not something I would ever consider, there are far better ways to train!!

I hate them, I hate them, I hate them!!!!!

Anybody who uses one of those on a dog needs to have one strapped round their neck for a month with maximum shock every 30 seconds!

I think they are totally unnecessary and cruel. I see people using them on dogs from time to time. I am unsure of the law regarding them over here. They tend to be small dogs like yorkies/shih tzu's too.

I am in no ways a dog trainer and can only really do the basics but I could always handle my dogs without having to shock them.

I think some people find it ok because it's a very un-physical thing (compared to hitting the dog for example) so it doesn't look as bad in public, and requires little to no effort from the owner.

It shouldn't be allowed though at all.

Caryll - agreed!

Sazzle wrote:Thanks for the info, I've heard of them but didn't really know much about it. It is not something I would ever consider, there are far better ways to train!!

Just wanted to make sure that people are aware of how much damage these products can do.

Caryll wrote:

I hate them, I hate them, I hate them!!!!!

Anybody who uses one of those on a dog needs to have one strapped round their neck for a month with maximum shock every 30 seconds!

Not particularly fond of them either!

great post!

MatLogan wrote:I think they are totally unnecessary and cruel. I see people using them on dogs from time to time. I am unsure of the law regarding them over here. They tend to be small dogs like yorkies/shih tzu's too.

I am in no ways a dog trainer and can only really do the basics but I could always handle my dogs without having to shock them.

I think some people find it ok because it's a very un-physical thing (compared to hitting the dog for example) so it doesn't look as bad in public, and requires little to no effort from the owner.

It shouldn't be allowed though at all.

It's a shame that people like to fool themselves into believing that it's just 'a mild shock'. Although I think ignorance is a big part of it. They just assume that, because some professionals (not naming names, though I'm sure people will guess who I'm referring to!) use them, it makes it alright.

ella wrote:great post!

Thanks!

I've nothing against vibrating collars being used with deaf dogs - as long as it's just vibration that's used.

But shock collars? Absolutely not!

Often could the benefits see of strspping one to the wife's neck , but one of my babies ???? never

I actually think vibration collars are a good idea, particularly for dogs partially or completely deaf. Vibrations are a way to gain attention - not to discipline the dog!

Dave wrote:Often could the benefits see of strspping one to the wife's neck , but one of my babies ???? never

I think your wife's probably dreamed of doing the same to you, Dave - just be careful if you see a package arrive and she won't tell you what's in it!

surprise

I could hardly understand what he was saying. Was he testing it out on himself and then saying they're good products to use? That's weird. Horrible though I'd never use them anyway, they're completely unnecessary. I feel like techniques like that are for lazy people, because scaring a dog into obedience is much easier than using positive reinforcement with a stubborn, young dog.

Tara wrote:I could hardly understand what he was saying. Was he testing it out on himself and then saying they're good products to use?

No, it had been recommended for him to use on his dog, but he wanted to test it on himself first. He decided it hurt too much!

Sound horrible !! Wouldn't dream of using one

Caryll wrote:I've nothing against vibrating collars being used with deaf dogs - as long as it's just vibration that's used.

But shock collars? Absolutely not!

A vibration collar is what my trainer used with Blue to see if he is dog aggressive off lead less or more. We found he is only DG on lead. Blue did put his head down and dart towards one male dog like he was about to attack. The trainer said Leave! and pressed it. Snapped Blue straight out of it. In fact he spent the next 5 mins looking at the floor thinking it was that that vibrated  

I admire this guy for testing the shock collar around his own neck, he could verbalise what a dog can't as to how much it hurt.

I don't know how much it compares to the shock from a collar, but I'm reminded of the static shock I get when stepping out of my car on a hot dry day and then touching the car (like closing the door). Does it sting me and give me an unwelcome surprise? Yes. Would I prefer to avoid this experience in future? Yes. Next time (repeat ad infinitum) I step out of my car on a hot dry day will I remember my "lesson" and avoid getting shocked? No. Because I am going about my human business with a dozen things going through my mind, like a dog is going about his doggy business with so much stimulation through scents, sounds, sights bombarding him. If I, with my "superior" human intellect can't remember cause and effect whilst so much is going on around me and occupying my mind, how can a dog?

Simplistic I know, but the best way I personally can draw a parallel.

Very good point, Lynda.

Horrible devices for lazy dog owners. I am sure that a human body could better cope with repeated shocks . These and prong collars should be banned. I also noticed the other day a new type of prong collar that hides the prongs so the owner gets no grief from others.... thats disgusting.... here is the link https://onestopcollarshop.com/shop/pretty-prong-collar/

Good grief - if they feel they need to hide it then they must know it's not acceptable!!

Oh that's horrible Great post Eleanor, really good info!

Words fail me (for once). A Pretty Prong Collar? "Most dogs wear prong collars because they are always ready to play and have more fun than a setting allows. " ???????

If I ruled the world they would be banned this minute.

               

Lynda wrote:Words fail me (for once).  A Pretty Prong Collar?    "Most dogs wear prong collars because they are always ready to play and have more fun than a setting allows. "  ???????

If I ruled the world they would be banned this minute.

               

Just say the word & you'll have my vote!   

Why aren't they banned already, without waiting for me to become world leader?

It was the wording of the Pretty Prong advertisement that made me see red - bad enough that hooks should be shot into a dog's neck and he being dragged about by them, but because "they are always ready to play and have more fun ?  

I would never ever consider one of these cruel collars, dogs are totally at our mercy they never have the brain more that of a three year old child apparently, would anyone do this to a small child ?, these collars disgust me .

Caryll wrote:I've nothing against vibrating collars being used with deaf dogs - as long as it's just vibration that's used.

But shock collars? Absolutely not!

I am on this one, virbration is gentle and would help with deaf dogs. shock collars,   no way! Whoever designed them should be shot!

I'm not going to get into it, the last thread I chipped into got locked RE: prong collars/shock collars!! But I have to say I HATE THEM!!!