No. No. NO!
There are far better ways to deal with a barking problem than using a device that shocks your dog. The shock collar is essentially a last resort that should only be used if all other avenues have been exhausted.
As we mentioned earlier, dogs bark for various reasons. Whether you’re dealing with an excessive barker or a territorial dog, some training techniques will help get the problem under control even before you bring out the shock collar.
Can a shock collar stop excessive barking?
Some dogs bark at everything. A person walking behind a fence, a car down the street, even a bird flying past can drive some dogs to bark incessantly. You may have wondered if there’s an easier way to get your dog to stop barking or calm him down when he barks at everything. It can be frustrating when you’ve tried everything and nothing works!
To stop this behavior, shock collars use negative reinforcement by administering a brief and immediate shock while the dog is engaged in the unwanted behavior. The shock only lasts for one second and then stops until the dog resumes barking again. After a few shocking experiences, most dogs learn that barking results in pain so they make an association between barking and discomfort—and stop doing it altogether (unless there is someone or something outside).
However, as with any training method, there are pros and cons. Shock collars require you to go through all seven levels of stimulation before they will work properly on your dog. This means that there’s no instant gratification if you want to use them effectively.
How does a shock collar stop a dog from barking?
Dogs have a natural instinct to bark, especially in response to a stimulus such as another animal or person. The shock collar can remember the level of shock that stops the barking and associate its application with the barking itself. If your dog tends to bark at other dogs or animals, it might be useful to apply a shock just before your dog starts barking when he sees something moving on the street or in a park.
The point is that you need to combine several training methods with this collar so that it actually works. If they only use an electric collar and let them go without any supervision, then they will still be able to bark. Barking is good for dogs; it’s how they communicate and get attention from their owners. Therefore, you should always be there when using this device to make sure your dog doesn’t get bored with it quickly and start looking for other ways to get your attention.
Can a shock collar stop excessive barking?
Shock collars can certainly stop excessive barking if they are used correctly. They should never be used as a punishment. You should see a shock collar as a way to improve your dog’s behavior at the right time and place, not as something to use on your dog whenever you feel like it. It is absolutely essential that you do some research before buying a shock collar and make sure that it’s safe for dogs and that it is effective in solving your dog’s barking problem. If you try using a shock collar on an aggressive dog, this could lead to extinction bursts, which will only make things worse.
If you do use a shock collar, you have a responsibility to the dog not to overdo it.
If you do use a shock collar, you have a responsibility to the dog not to overdo it. You should be able to see immediate results after using it for the first time. If the results are what you expected—the dog is calmer and barks less—then you can stop using it altogether. Do not keep using the shock collar on your dog if he is no longer showing any signs of aggression or misbehavior.
But if there’s still need for more training, then you must use other methods to modify your dog’s behavior in order to achieve the desired result without having to shock him every time he does something wrong.
Here are some of those other methods:
- Use positive reinforcement techniques. This involves rewarding your dog with treats when it shows good behavior and ignoring bad behavior (no treats).
- Use desensitization techniques when possible. If your dog is barking incessantly at cars outside your house while they pass by, try bringing him indoors whenever cars go by outside and praising him when he’s calm inside so he associates being inside with calmness rather than excitement from seeing cars outside.