Since sometime in the 1950's man has been experimenting with the use of shock collars in training dogs. Although the idea of electrocuting your dog as a teaching tool is gaining popularity, is it truly necessary? Or are we just falling prey to the american way of wanting instant gratification, a free ride, a short cut. I have never used a shock collar on a dog, but I have to admit that the idea is somewhat unsettling to me as a dog owner. We have all been frustrated when the dog is just not getting it, when we wish we could just beat the lesson into them, when we want to put a shock collar on and jolt them into understanding the command being taught. This is when the lesson or training session should end and the trainer should probably take five.
We have all heard the horror stories of the amateur dog trainer strapping on the shock collar and proceeding to zap a pup on it's first bird. I wonder how many dogs spirits have been destroyed this way? It seems to me that there has to be a better way to get a point across to a young pup without the use of electricity. Some of the most famous and successful dog trainers of all time trained their champions without the use of whips and choke collars let alone shock collars. I am not an expert but as a reasonable human with a respect for all living things, I think that a different approach altogether may yield better results.
I admit that todays shock collars are more advanced and offer more control than ever. And the manufacturers are becoming more and more responsible in training the dog trainer in the proper use. Anyone can drive down to the local sporting goods store and purchase a collar, and many do. In fact, shock collar sales have increased nearly every year for the past two decades to an all-time high in 2004. I am not posing the question of whether or not they are ethical, but whether or not they are right for me and my pup. I am determined that I can succeed without the aid of shock collars. We'll see how it goes.
I find in my training both field and basic commands that leaving my 30' check cord on for longer time( for instance my six year old pointer; I used it for 3 mo longer) I get better results. I've never used a shock collar yet. However in threatening situation;i.g. rattlesnakes, porkypines, and skunks I would have to reconsider its use.