Have you ever wondered if shock collars actually work for training your furry friend? Maybe your neighbor swears by them, or perhaps your dog’s excessive barking has pushed you to consider this controversial training tool. Whatever brought you here, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about shock collars and whether they’re worth trying.
What Are Shock Collars Anyway?
Shock collars (also called e-collars or electronic collars) were first introduced in the 1960s to train hunting dogs. Today pet parents use them for various reasons
- To stop excessive barking
- To create boundaries (invisible fences)
- To address aggression issues
- To reinforce off-leash commands
These collars typically deliver a static shock through two metal prongs that touch your dog’s neck. Most modern collars offer multiple correction modes
- Beep/tone
- Vibration
- Static shock (with various intensity levels)
The Big Question: Do They Actually Work?
This is where things get complicated. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no.
The Pro-Shock Collar Perspective
Some trainers and pet owners report quick results with shock collars. According to the Canine Journal, some benefits include:
- Fast results: Some pet owners claim it only took a few shocks before their dog’s behavior improved
- Adjustable intensity: Modern collars let you control the strength of correction
- Remote training: You can correct behavior from a distance
- Cost-effective: Potentially cheaper than hiring a professional trainer or installing a physical fence
One dog owner I know was at her wit’s end with her Lab who kept running into traffic. After trying everything else, she used a shock collar on the lowest setting, and within a week, her dog stopped crossing their property line. For her, it was literally a lifesaver.
The Anti-Shock Collar Perspective
On the other hand, many veterinary behaviorists and organizations strongly oppose shock collars. According to Dr. Lisa Radosta, shock collars:
- Increase cortisol (stress hormone) levels
- Can cause fear, anxiety, and aggression
- May create negative associations with people or training locations
- Are not more effective than positive reinforcement techniques
Several scientific studies back these concerns. The European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology, American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Pet Professionals Guild, Humane Society, and the United Kingdom Kennel Club all advise against using shock collars.
In fact, shock collars are considered so potentially harmful that they’re actually banned in several countries, including Scotland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Germany, Quebec, Wales, and parts of Australia.
Common Misconceptions About Shock Collars
Let’s clear up some confusion:
“The shock doesn’t hurt my dog”
Truth: If it didn’t cause discomfort, it wouldn’t work as a deterrent. Many owners test it on themselves first, but this isn’t an accurate comparison because:
- You know when the shock is coming
- You probably tested the lowest setting
- You only tried it once, not repeatedly
- Your dog doesn’t understand why they’re being shocked
“You only need the beep after initial training”
Truth: Research shows that dogs trained with shock collars still experience stress from the beep alone after associating it with shock.
“Shock collars are more effective than other methods”
Truth: Head-to-head studies show dogs trained with positive reinforcement were equally obedient compared to those trained with shock collars, but without the stress symptoms.
“Some dogs are too stubborn for anything else”
Truth: This claim isn’t supported by scientific research. All breeds can respond to positive reinforcement when applied correctly.
Are There Better Alternatives?
If you’re hesitant about using shock collars (and honestly, I don’t blame you), here are some effective alternatives:
1. Positive Reinforcement Training
This method rewards good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. Studies show dogs respond better to this approach, and it strengthens your bond rather than potentially damaging it.
2. Clicker or Whistle Training
These tools mark desired behaviors and pair them with rewards. Many professional trainers use these methods with great success.
3. Citronella Collars
If barking is your main concern, citronella spray collars are considered more humane while still being effective. They release a harmless but unpleasant spray when your dog barks.
4. Professional Training
Sometimes the expertise of a professional trainer is worth the investment, especially for persistent behavior problems.
My Personal Take
I’ve worked with dozens of dogs over the years, and I’ve seen both sides of this debate. While shock collars can produce quick results in some cases, I’ve also witnessed the fear and anxiety they can create.
One of my clients used a shock collar on their border collie for boundary training. The dog stopped running away, but also became terrified of going in the yard at all. It took months of positive reinforcement to undo that fear.
For me, the potential risks outweigh the benefits when there are effective alternatives available. If you do decide to use a shock collar, please:
- Start with the mildest settings
- Use it sparingly
- Combine with positive reinforcement
- Never use it on puppies under 6 months
- Consult with a professional trainer first
The Bottom Line
Do shock collars work? They can, but at what cost? The scientific consensus points toward avoiding them in favor of more humane, equally effective methods.
Training isn’t just about stopping unwanted behaviors—it’s about building a relationship of trust with your dog. The method you choose reflects that relationship.
What’s your experience with dog training? Have you tried shock collars or alternatives? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
FAQs About Shock Collars
Can I use a shock collar on a puppy?
No, experts recommend against using shock collars on dogs under 6 months old. Puppies are still developing and may not understand the connection between their behavior and the shock.
Are shock collars safe for all breeds?
No. Small dogs and breeds with thin coats may be more sensitive to shock. Dogs with anxiety or fear issues may get worse with aversive training.
How much do shock collars cost?
They range from $30 for basic models to $250+ for advanced features like GPS tracking and multiple correction levels.
Can shock collars cause physical harm?
While modern shock collars are designed to be safe, improper use can cause physical discomfort and psychological harm.
How long does it take to train a dog with a shock collar?
Results vary widely depending on the dog and the behavior being addressed. Some owners report results in days, while others take weeks or months.
Remember, the best training method is one that works for both you AND your dog’s wellbeing. Sometimes the quickest solution isn’t the best one in the long run.
E-collar vs Shock Collar
Before we begin, I suppose it would be helpful to touch on the difference between an “e-collar” and a “shock collar.” The term e-collar refers to an electronic collar that is controlled by a remote—the remote is an important distinction because some bark collars are also electronic but they are not controlled via remote (those are typically referred to as “bark collars” or “no-bark collars”). The term shock collar technically refers to the same thing but is typically used in a derogatory manner. Some balanced dog trainers have made an attempt to reclaim the term “shock collar” but “e-collar” is still the most commonly used term.
Okay, first thing’s first: I’m glad Petco is no longer selling their crappy shock collars! Petco, like many pet retailers, sold low quality e-collars. E-collars are definitely a product where quality absolutely counts. High quality e-collars like the ones I and most of my colleagues use have 100+ levels, which means you can dial into the exact level required to communicate with your dog in any given moment. Low quality, cheap ass e-collars, on the other hand, have very few levels. Here’s the problem: if a level 3 isn’t cutting it, you have to go up to a level 4. On a high quality e-collar this is a very small shift, but on a low quality e-collar dialing from a 3 to a 4 is a jump—and can be very alarming for the dog. Some people argue that the cheap e-collars deserve the term “shock collar” as they’re very shocking for the dog, and I don’t disagree. Quality matters and frankly, those pieces of junk that Petco used to sell should never have been on the market.
What does it feel like?
At this point you might be wondering “But is it okay to shock your dog at all, even if it’s a low level?” Let’s explain what an e-collar feels like. For most folks, the only point of reference they have for a “shock” is something that’s jarring and painful—messing with wiring and getting an accidental jolt, touching an electric fence used for livestock, etc.—and they assume this is what an e-collar is like. However, this is not the reality of e-collars! High quality e-collars utilize the same technology that’s used in a TENS unit; it’s a muscle stimulator. At low levels, this is a weird tapping sensation that feels kind of like a tap-tap-tap on the shoulder. The reason why this is such a fabulous way to communicate with your dog is because it’s a tactile experience (as opposed to the auditory experience of a verbal command). Tactile methods of communication are more natural for your dog and can get through to your dog in moments when they’re liable to ignore your verbal command. If you’ve ever called your dog and he’s completely blown you off, you can appreciate the ability to get his attention with the e-collar! The beauty of e-collar training is you can communicate in any scenario. Now, that doesn’t mean that dogs come with some kind of intuitive knowledge of the e-collar—you still have to teach them what to do when they feel that sensation, and this is where training comes in. E-collars must be combined with thorough, quality dog training in order for that communication to make sense to your dog. You can’t just put the collar on and start pushing buttons (please don’t do that).