Shock collars are often not recommended for dogs that are aggressive. The reason is simple: an aggressive dog may view the shock as a form of punishment and become even angrier. Also, if the dog is aggressive toward people or other pets, using a shock collar could cause more harm than good. So while they may be effective in training less aggressive dogs, they are not recommended for use on canines that have shown aggression toward people or other animals.
A lot of dogs can become mean and aggressive, for various reasons.
Aggression can be caused by a number of reasons. Some dogs are afraid of strangers, other dogs, or certain noises. Some dogs have dominance issues, while others are territorial. Still others may act aggressively because they’re in pain or suffering from anxiety.
First time dog owners sometimes assume that their dog’s aggressive behavior is due to poor temperament and start looking at shock collars right away, but this is almost always a mistake.
Dogs can become aggressive for many reasons — some of them quite serious and even dangerous — but those causes can usually be addressed by training the dog to behave differently in those situations or by identifying underlying medical problems. In any case, it’s highly advisable to consult with a certified trainer before you start forcing your animal to wear an electric collar around its neck. Too often that will only lead to injuries and more aggression.
Shock collars are not effective on all types of dogs.
It’s sad but true: Shock collars are not a one-size-fits-all solution to canine aggression. In fact, shock collars will NOT work on the following types of dogs:
If you are planning on using a shock collar with your dog, please be sure to test them first! You can do this by gently shocking yourself and/or your dog every few minutes for approximately five minutes. If you or your dog have any adverse reactions such as increased aggression, extreme fear or even death – then please do not use a shock collar.
Some studies suggest that shock collars can cause more aggression in dogs.
If you’re considering using a shock collar to train your dog, make sure you consider the consequences first. Many studies have shown that dogs trained with shock collars actually have more aggressive behavior toward other dogs and their owners. This is thought to be because the dog associates their aggression with the presence of another animal or person, rather than linking it to the shock itself–meaning your dog may bite someone when they encounter them in the future, even if you’re nowhere around. In fact, some studies have found that dogs trained with shock collars become fearful of their owners as well.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior warns against using these training methods unless there are absolutely no other options available, since they can cause irreparable damage to your pup’s trust in you and overall quality of life.
Using a shock collar may not be the best way to get an aggressive dog under control.
Shock collars are one of the most controversial topics in dog training. Whether you’re trying to combat your pet’s aggression or simply curb its barking, it’s important to take many factors into account before using a shock collar.
One of the most common problems people have with their dogs is aggressive behavior. It may manifest as barking, growling, biting, or lunging toward other dogs and humans. Unfortunately, this type of behavior can be hard to control—but luckily there are solutions out there if you seek them out. Shock collars may seem like an easy way to get these issues under control, but they’re not always the best option.
Before using a shock collar on your dog, consider talking with a vet or animal trainer first. While shocks may be effective in some cases for certain behaviors, they don’t always work for everybody. In fact, shocking your dog when it tries to bite someone could make its aggressive behavior worse! And that’s not even including all the potential health risks from prolonged exposure to electric stimulation…
Depending on how severe your pet’s aggression is and how much time and effort you’re willing to put into training it (which may require professional help), other options include:
- Using positive reinforcement, training treats, and/or praise for good behavior;
- Relocating your pets so they don’t cause problems for neighbors;
- Putting bells on cats’ collars so they aren’t sneaking up on each other; and/or；
- Seeking help from behavioral therapists who can help identify triggers of aggression and find ways around them (e.g., giving treats before introducing stimuli).