What do you think about e-collars.

4dogs3cats · 01-09-2008, 02:34 PM

I use one for Kody. Yes my BABY BOY gets shocked. He has the petsafe bark collar. He used to have the ultrasonic one, but other dogs barking would set that off, and I have other dogs so it would correct him when it didn't need to be. He now has the automatic electronic one, and I love it. Its not mean because he doesn't bark when it's on. Its just a constant reminder that if he does bark, he gets a little zap. I havent tested it on myself, but my neighbor has one and she said it feels like when you rub your feet on the carpet and touch someone. It really is the surprise. I never considered it before, but he will bark all day long if he can. When it first went off he jumped back and squealed and ran to me, which was sad, but it was nice that he didn't associate the correction with me. In the morning before I leave for work I simply say, "Kodes come get your collar," and he runs over and sits down at my feet and let's me put it on. We used to call it his bad boy collar, because we'd put it on him when he started barking. Now he is so good, that we just put it on if we think he is going to be in a situtation where he might bark, and he does great.

ONE THING TO KEEP IN MIND: My beagle is EXTREMELY SMART. He will whine and semi bark quietly to avoid the shock. So he does still whine if i leave the house, but the neighbors can't hear him whining, they can only hear his beagle bay.

LMH · 01-09-2008, 03:00 PM

Just for peoples info make sure you get a reputable collar and don't skimp on it and don't use it if you are not fully sensitive to your dogs needs. My friend said her husband bought one for the constant barking during the day. So they left the collar on him and FORGOT about it and the poor dog had serious burns and blisters around his neck. She said she was going to take him to the vet and I told her they might bust her for animal neglect or crulety.She got scared as she should have. Everyone here seems to be far from that kind of owner and know how to use it appropriately but I just wanted to point out it's not to be used be the less attentive owner.

4dogs3cats · 01-09-2008, 03:13 PM

I know that wasnt directed towards me, but since I expressed how its on him during the day I figured I'd elaborate.

I leave for work at 11am. I put the collar on him, and leave. My finace gets home from work between 2 and 5, depending on the day. So it's on him for a MAX of 6 hrs a day. It should not be on for more than 11 hrs at a time per the instructional video, (yeah I'm a nerd I watched it,) and you should always check for discomfort. I don't make it too tight especially because if it's on he just knows not to bark. Im going to switch soon and tape a matchbox to his regular collar, but he might be too smart for that.

A couple times Kody would have some red skin where the prongs go, so I left it off him for a while. he never gets on it during the weekend, but he is a beagle, so I do have to put it on him when I leave.

I agree with the last post though, make sure you know what you're doing. you can't just slap it on him and expect an overnight transformation. I personally am trying to phase out the bark collar. When he doesnt bark and its off him, I call him and put on his "good boy collar" which is his regular one with his tag. he loves that one.

LMH · 01-09-2008, 05:37 PM

Oh yeah,it wasn't intended for any of the posts i've read. And they left it on him for like 3 days straight cuz they weren't nerds and didn't read the video or full instructions. I am such a nerd too when it comes to my dog.

4dogs3cats · 01-09-2008, 05:44 PM

oh yeah, I always read things, I dont want anything happening to my babies! haha. I didnt think it was towards me but I just wanted to clarify in case anyone did haha

allison · 07-31-2008, 11:03 AM

OK after wvasko said the term "e-collar" i found this thread, so I am bringing it back .. lol

I want to know more about the alternative methods people talk about besides using the collar and why it shouldn't be used as a first method.

Just a side note, my dog knows sit, stay, laydown... but sometimes he doesn't listen. He also jumps on newcomers and needs to learn heel (he doesn't know this at all).

Please do not think you will offend me.. I really want to know how I can train my dog so he is 100% happy.

Thanks !

cshellenberger · 08-01-2008, 12:14 PM

Here are some threads that can help, I'd also suggest a good positive reenforcement class. I know there are a couple good ones in Vegas, look for trainers that are iaabc certified.

(Greeting Politely at the door)Greeting Politely at the door

(Doggy Zen)Doggy Zen

(Loose Leash Walking Using Positive Reinforcers)Loose Leash Walking Using Positive Reinforcers