Kingsbrook Animal Hospital's Blog: Electric Collars-Ouch!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Electric Collars-Ouch!


There are a wide variety of electric collars available to dog owners marketed to address a variety of issues. Dog collars with an electric charge are most commonly used to deter barking, train a dog to particular behaviours, and establish roaming boundaries.

An electric impulse is a negative stimulus intended to deter a behaviour commonly referred to as negative reinforcement. The picture above is an example of a two pronged electric anti-bark collar that was worn by a dog for several days under the supervision of a pet sitter who did not notice she was developing a hotspot secondary to irritation from the collar.

All of us at Kingsbrook Animal Hospital would tell any of our clients who are experiencing behavioral or training issues with their pet that consulting someone like Laurie Luck at Smart Dog University will lead you to helpful positive reinforcement techniques that will help address their concerns.