If you’ve decided to use a static shock no-bark collar, you might be eager for some handy hints on using this type of collar safely.
The first shock collars were brought to market back in the early 60s. These units packed a considerable punch. The shock emitted was strong and you were unable to manipulate the level of correction. In many ways, the bad press shock collars get today harks back to these early iterations.
Luckily, the static shock no-bark collars of today deliver a much more humane solution.
With some of the best collars boasting over 100 levels of correction, you can dial in the intensity to match the size and temperament of your dog.
The primary benefits of no-bark static shock collars include the following:
- Train your dog quickly and easily
- A safe and humane solution as long as used correctly
- Ability to also use just beeps or vibration with many shock collars
- Fully adjustable levels of correction to personalize training to your dog
One of the most frequently asked questions we encounter here is how you can safely use a static shock collar. Fortunately, the answer involves nothing more than a little common sense and following some simple guidelines.
As with all ventures, success or failure rests in the planning stage. This includes spending plenty of time selecting the most appropriate collar for your dog. Once you’ve got that squared off, it’s time to begin training before you apply the collar…
Disclaimer
Before opting for shock collar use, we recommend obedience training as your initial response to bad behavior.
Training your dog can prevent the potential stress of a shock collar, and is a more positive way of preventing unwanted behavior.
Using a shock collar should be considered if obedience training fails or if you have a particularly stubborn, large, or aggressive dog.
While shock collars aren’t considered harmful, for certain dogs they can cause emotional distress.
Check out brain training techniques, a science-backed way to improve your dog’s behavior without the use of force or dominance!
Use a No-Bark Shock Collar Safely in 6 Easy Steps
- Start Training Before You Fit The Collar
- Test The Collar On Yourself
- Test The Collar with No Stimulation
- Begin with Low Levels of Static Stimulation
- Don’t Rely On Over-Correction
- Never Forget to Incorporate Positive Reinforcement
1) Start Training Before You Fit The Collar
You can start encouraging your dog not to bark inappropriately before you fit the no-bark collar.
Each time you notice your pooch barking over-enthusiastically, correct her verbally. As with all elements of training your pooch, don’t forget to reward your furball if she complies and dials back the barking.
This is a great way to ease your pup into the idea of training without relying on the punitive aspect of using a no-bark collar.
Next up is a step often overlooked but well worth considering…
2) Test The Collar On Yourself
If you’re happy to use a no-bark static shock collar on yourself, you shouldn’t have any objection to testing out the collar so you can get a feel for the level of shock doled out.
While we are not here to suggest you take this course of action, if you decide to try out your collar, make sure you press both contact points.
Just like with using the collar on your dog, deciding whether or not to test it this way yourself is purely down to your personal preference.
If you do road test the collar by touching those contact points, you’ll be able to accurately sense how much discomfort your furball is experiencing.
Next up, a great way to slowly introduce your pooch to the collar without actually using it…
3) Test The Collar with No Stimulation
As any dog owner knows, getting your pooch used to any new collar can be testing. This is worsened if the no-bark collar you’re considering is quite bulky.
Try leaving the collar on your dog and not initially using the static correction. If you want to him to wear this device without constantly trying to yank it off, slowly is the best policy.
Once you’ve got him starting to feel accustomed to the collar, it’s time to get going with training proper…
4) Begin with Low Levels of Static Stimulation
It’s vital to start off at the lowest level of static correction. Although the shock dispensed is only minor – think of the static shock you occasionally get yourself – you should minimize the initial shock your dog might feel from being nudged with a high level of correction.
So start gently. You can always push the intensity of the shock slowly upward if you find your furball isn’t really responding.
The next tip for using these no-bark shock collars safely is to exercise a light touch…
5) Don’t Rely On Over-Correction
If you start training your dog not to bark excessively or inappropriately, it can be frustrating if he seems not to be taking too much notice of the new collar you’ve invested in.
The last thing you should do is to get overexcited and start ramping up the static shock in an attempt to bludgeon your dog into submission. This is cruel and will not achieve the desired effect.
If you find that your dog is not responding to stimulation, you should examine other methods of correction. Perhaps your pooch will react better if you use ultrasonic tones, vibration, or even some citronella spray instead.
As a last resort, don’t feel that calling in a dog trainer is an admission of failure. Often, just one or two sessions with a pro handler can point you in the right direction and help you achieve better results on your own.
6) Never Forget to Incorporate Positive Reinforcement
Possibly the most important advice of all if you’re looking to use a no-bark shock collar safely and effectively is to combine the static shock correction with positive reinforcement.
If your dog feels that only punishment results from training, he’s unlikely to be motivated to comply. Throw in plenty of rewards for good behavior and you’ll get the best from your training collar the safe way.
Conclusion
Well, you should now have a clear idea about how to slowly and gradually introduce your dog to a no-bark shock collar.
As long as you’re comfortable administering this type of low-level shock and you keep the collar and your dog’s skin clean, using these collars safely is a breeze.
See you soon!
