Electric Aids for Dog Training
Posted on Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
On first impression, the idea of using electronic aids in dog training sounds inhumane and cruel. Simply, the word electronic brings to mind – quite without invitation – images and ideas of a dog receiving an electric shock, and this being extremely painful. If this were true, and electronic training devices did indeed produce an electric shock that was painful to a dog, then the allegations of inhumanity and cruelty would be justified.
However, these thoughts are incorrect. While a shock is produced by any electronic training device, the feel – and pain rating – of it are more akin to those produced by static electricity. This is the kind of sensation given sometimes by touching a car or just switched on television screen. While this sensation is unpleasant and indeed shocking, it is by no means painful – it is the shock of it that causes the upset, not the pain. This is the kind sensation that any electronic training device provides; it is no more painful than other, non-electrical, training aids such as claxons or air blasters.
The intention of these devices is indeed to distract, not harm. They are designed to inform a dog, silently, that their behaviour is unacceptable. This is performed in a quiet, non-intrusive way and is therefore preferable to other aids, such as claxons, which are noise-based in their training. Noise-based aids may be effective, but they are extremely irritating, particularly for any irate neighbours.
If you have worries about the effect an electronic training device will have on a dog, you can test it for yourself. Aids like collars and fences will usually produce a similar shock when tested on a human. The effect will not be identical to what a dog will feel, due to different genetic make ups, but it will at least assure you that the intention is distraction not pain.
Most electronic devices for dog training come in various strengths, which is usually altered for the weight and breed of the dog. This is because a mild shock for a big breed, such as a German Shepherd, will be far more shocking for a smaller breed, such as a Jack Russell. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and adjust any strength of signal depending on the size of your dog. Then all you have to do is look forward to a more effective training regime, and therefore a happier life.
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