Especially as puppies, dogs have to learn a lot. They must be housebroken, integrate into the family and social behavior with other dogs, animals and people must also be learned. Also various experiences often shape a four-legged friend negatively. Not infrequently, new behavior patterns must be rehearsed. To achieve these goals, there are different ways of education. This includes, among other things, various designs of collars, which differ in their functions. But what do they bring and above all, are these animal-friendly?
The basic principle of the education collar
The aim of the educational collar is to correct undesirable behavior and learn new behavior patterns. For this purpose, an impulse is released in the collar, which provides an immediate “punishment” of the dog. The quadruped remembers this in connection with the act that was the trigger of the impulse. In order for the punishment not to be repeated, the dog will make an effort not to repeat the unwanted behavior.
The educational collars with functions and effects
At animal trainers and doctors, as well as in the trade, there are numerous models of the education collar. But they have different functions and not every one is suitable for every behavior.
The electric collar is mostly used by owners whose dogs have a strong hunting instinct and tend to aggression. In the collar is a receiver integrated, which is equipped with electrical contacts. The contacts lie on the skin of the dog. The dog owner can thus control the dog through the hand-held transmitter over greater distances. If the hand transmitter is actuated, a previously individually set electric shock is triggered. However, there is a danger that when the impulse has been released, the dog will associate this with the passing jogger or some other stimulus. Accordingly, his behavior may turn out differently than intended. Often the dog also reacts frightened.
In addition, the electric collar is regulated in §3 paragraph 11 Animal Protection Act. There it says: “It is forbidden to use a device that, through direct exposure to electricity, significantly restricts the behavior of an animal appropriate to its species, especially its movement, or forces it to move and thereby causes the animal not insignificant pain, suffering or damage, unless this is permitted under federal or state law.”
The Antibell – collar is mostly used when uncontrolled continuous barking is to be stopped. Here there are different types that are used. These include collars with warning signals, spray functions, ultrasound and vibration. On the collar is a microphone and vibration detection integrated. If the dog starts barking or his larynx vibrates, the collar sends the selected function. By the way, if the antibarking collar contains a spray function, it is usually safe. Most often it is water mixed with fragrances such as lemon or lavender.
The spray collar for dogs is used when hunting and barking gets out of hand. A receiver is integrated in the collar. With the help of a hand-held transmitter, an impulse is released there. The spray emitter is located on the side of the collar and should be oriented so that it sprays in the direction of the nose. In some models, a warning signal can be set. The spray collar is used only to assist in training, not as the sole means of training.
When we talk about a vibration collar, we mean an educational collar that works mainly through vibration. Since it is a collar with which the barking should be brought under control, it belongs to the anti-bark collars. Through the integrated microphone, vibrating impulses are emitted when the dog barks. In many models, the strengths can be adjusted differently.
Caution is advised
The education collar is available in numerous different variants, but is still rightly highly controversial. Especially with electric collars, it is an extremely fine line for the dog between painful trauma and successful education.
To achieve success with any form of training collar requires experience. Experience with the education of the dog in general, as well as the effects of the chosen method. There is always a possibility that the quadruped will not react to the collar or its behavior will be steered into another behavioral disorder. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult in advance with dog trainers and breeders who already have relevant experience with such collars.
The dog education without collar
To a successful education of the dog without education collar belongs an intimate relationship between the animal and owner. At this level it is possible to teach the four-legged dog new behavior patterns in a playful way. It is important to let the education proceed step by step. Also to praise the dog for each achieved success. Thus, the dog has the incentive to continue, negative experiences are thus spared. If the dog nevertheless shows noticeable conspicuousness in behavior, it is often already sufficient if minor changes take place in the daily routine.
FAQ
What is meant by a training collar for dogs?
Training collars are used especially for larger dog breeds as well as list 1 dogs. In order to intensively convey the desired command to the dog, these collars emit unpleasant signals. These clarify the command to the animal, so that the animal corrects its wrong command.
The collars are designed in different ways. Some spray an unpleasant odor, such as orange or lemon, at the touch of a button. Other models use ultrasound. In addition, there are collars that emit electric shocks.
Are electric collars allowed at all?
Strictly speaking, collars that emit electric shocks for educational purposes have been banned since 2006. However, they are still available in stores. Under the hand they are just as available. In particular, dubious owners of list dogs as well as owners of the very large dog breeds always find ways to get their hands on an electric collar.
What arguments do proponents of educational collars bring to the table?
Proponents believe that problem dogs in particular can be kept at a distance with training collars, but still remain under control. The distance allows them to set the unpleasant stimulus without setting a direct breach of trust. Supposedly, the dog would not be able to make the connection between handler, collar and the electric shock. Moreover, it would only be a low-level electric shock similar to that of an electric fence.
What arguments do the critics of training collars use?
For the critics, the main argument is that a dog is not able to relate its own behavior to the punishment provided by the collar. Thus, the use of the education collar is a punishment that the dog cannot understand because it comes from ambush, from the unpredictable. The critics see that the relationship of trust between the master and the dog is equally permanently damaged if it is used permanently. Trust is replaced by fear – an educational measure that should no longer be accepted anywhere in the world.
Are the educational collars useful?
To answer this question, it must first be pointed out that the best foundation to get along with a dog. The better this basic training takes hold in the dog, the more carefree it can be taken everywhere without making a mistake. If the basic training has taken hold, the dog rests in itself and can distinguish friend from foe.
As the critics of the education collars point out, it is possible for the dog to assign the sounds or the scents, which are produced or nebulized during a release, not to his action, but to the human being. If it runs optimally, also no releasing takes place. The dog notices this immediately. Should a training collar be the last possibility to bring his dog under control, the trigger should only be pressed in an emergency. The less often the collar is put into operation, the more likely the effect can be perceived positively by the dog.
Which collars are prohibited or can be used only with conditions?
Education collars, which are used for large dogs, as the electric collars, are prohibited within USA. In case of violation of this regulation, a fine is to be expected.
Collars that spray a lemony or orange scent should also be used only to a small extent. They do not have as intense an effect as the working mason.
Basically, the educational collars should not be used in public. They could cause problems, not only for the dog wearing it. But there are good options to bypass such a collar – namely, a solid basic training, preferably completed with a good dog trainer. If this is successful, the purchase of a training collar needs to be evaluated at all.
