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Using Pinch Collars Or Shock Collars

from: Kyle Besser

Pinch dog collars and dog shock collars are two training devices that have gained in popularity in the last few years. Before dog handlers use either pinch dog collars and dog shock collars as training collars, they should know what their purpose is and how to use them properly. Misuse of either pinch dog collars and dog shock collars can cause more harm than good to the dog mentally and physically.

Dog Pinch Collars

Many dog owners think that pinch dog collars are the answer to dog pulling problems. They think they are gaining more control of their dogs by using pinch dog collars. Many dog trainers think using pinch dog collars are just a lazy way to train a dog by expecting pinch dog collars to do all the work for them.

Most dog owners who use pinch dog collars think pinch dog collars won't hurt their dog. Pinch dog collars create discomfort and despite this discomfort, many dogs are still going to pull anyway.

A dog pinch collar is not designed to tighten like a noose around a dog's neck and cannot choke a dog as the choke training collar can. Pinch dog collars provide an even pressure around the dog's neck. When the proper snap-and-release method of correction is used, dog pinch collars will ensure responsiveness from most dogs. Pinch dog collars allow the handler to apply the right amount of pressure so that overcorrection (snapping too hard or too often) does not occur.

Pinch dog collars should be used as a training tool on only the most stoic, neck insensitive dogs, dogs that will strain on the leash to the point of choking and coughing. Dogs who are not highly neck insensitive would react adversely to the correction from a pinch dog collar.

Dog Shock Collars

The purpose of dog shock collars is to control dogs from a distance when training off the leash. A dog shock collar sends a shock to the dog's neck to stop the dog doing a particular behavior.

Effective use of shock dog collars needs incredibly good timing. If you shock the dog at the wrong time, you can cause more problems than you prevent. For example, if your dog is running away from you and you give him a shock as he passes some children, he may associate the shock to the children instead of running away. That could be the beginning of a distrust of children.

Think carefully before using either pinch dog collars or dog shock collars. Shock dog collars and dog pinch collars teach obedience through pain and discomfort rather than through love and trust. You want your dog to focus on you and trust you, not because of the pain impulses in the neck. Proper and positive training that you invest into your dog will last the lifetime of both you and your dog.