FYI: we may earn a commission for qualified purchases made through the links in our articles (learn more).
Quicky Summary
- Dog fence training methods involve introducing a static correction collar to teach dogs boundaries. The receiver collar delivers safe electric stimulation to get the dog’s attention and make it retreat when it crosses the border.
- Static correction collars are safe for dogs when used responsibly. It is crucial to fit the collar properly, not too tight but snug enough, and read the instructions for correct usage.
- Shocking the dog with static stimulation or using an electric fence should be a last resort and proper training should be conducted before using the collar.
Static correction, also known as static stimulation, is a highly effective technique utilized by modern electronic training collars to capture a pet’s attention. I find that it helps ensure compliance with commands and discourage unwanted behavior in dog’s training. It’s crucial to avoid labeling this stimulation as a “shock” since it inaccurately portrays its nature. In reality, it’s only a mild electric stimulation that’s substantially lower compared to popular electronic medical devices frequently advertised on television. In fact, I’ve tried static collars or an electronic collar on my wrist before choosing to place them on my dogs. I prefer static correction for gentle and reliable pet training in establishing boundaries, establishing an invisible dog fence, and reinforcing other behaviors.
What is a static correction for dogs?
Static correction is a soft, safe electric stimulation delivered by a collar on the pet’s neck to get a dog’s attention.
Is it harmful to use a static correction dog collar?
Static stimulation has been proven safe and will not harm the dog’s skin. For dog safety, however, I make sure that when fitting the collar, I could slip two fingers between the collar and the dog’s skin to see if it’s not too tight. Of course, I also make sure to read the operating instructions and user’s handbook completely since every collar is unique.[1].
Few things about Using a Static Correction Dog Collar
Note that using a static collar should be a last resort. If my dog doesn’t respond to traditional training, this is the only time I introduce static correction. Checking the fit of the collar is also crucial – it should be snug enough so that it can’t be pulled off, but not so tight that it causes discomfort. The contact points rubbing on the skin are also important. Third, take the time to train the dog to appropriately respond to the electric shocks before using the collars. I also make a point of making sure that I am always there when my dog is wearing the collar. Using training flags around the dog’s containment area also helps reinforce the invisible electronic dog fence.
Before the Dog Training Tips: Everything Pet Owners Need to Know About Static Correction Shock Collars
Deciding Static Correction Levels
The correction level of shock collars depends on the size of the dog as well as its temperament. An excited and disobedient dog will need a higher correction. Similarly, how much static can the dog bear is also a factor in deciding the level of static strength.
I find that some dog owners set very high static levels to ensure that they get their pet’s attention. However, this could scare the dog and put the pet’s safety at risk or perhaps the static stimulation might prevent the pup from cooperating in the training sessions in the first place. Others choose a very low static however and some dogs barely feel anything and therefore, ignore the command. So, it is necessary to choose just the right level.
Fitting the Electronic Collars
The dog collar has to be properly placed on the dog’s neck to ensure that the dog feels the correction. I learned that a hairy dog tends to remain insulated from the static so I try to bury the collar beneath the fur so that it’s slightly closer to the skin of the dog’s neck.
I can pretty much tell if the correction is being felt by the dog or not. If there is no reaction in my dog, it might usually be due to the shock collar not probing the skin enough.
Play Before the Training
Before the dog training starts, I always play with my dog so he’s in high spirits. It will keep the pup eager to cooperate.
Are shock collars bad for dogs?
Not really. Although proven useful and safe most of the time, a shock collar might be dangerous to dogs if used incorrectly. Some studies show that high electric shock can create psychological suffering in dogs, such as phobias and high levels of tension, as well as harmful heart rate spikes and severe skin burns.
What is the difference between E-Collar vs Static Shock Collar vs Bark Collar?
The distinction between an E-training collar and a Static Shock Collar is almost non-existent. It’s more of a semantics dispute brought to light by animal rights advocates who don’t want to use a shock collars on pets. However, properly utilizing an e-collar or shock collar does not harm dogs. As a matter of personal choice, however, I always begin with the smallest shock settings and progressively increase them.
Here are The Advantages & Benefits of Using a Bark Collar
The advantage of using one of the best bark collars today is that I can control the stimulation from a distance using a remote control and pick between shock, vibration, or sound as a stimulus.
I personally use electronic collars with two or more channels. This means I can trigger an electric stimulation to two or more dogs using just one remote.
During the Dog Training – Tips
Wait for the Dog to React to the Warning Beep.
With a week or so of training, the dog should have started associating the beep sound with pulling back the collar. Now in this phase, I would stop pulling the training collar and see if the dog responds to the beep with a retreat. If it does, then that’s already a success! But most pets won’t react this way and will often ignore the correction. In this case, activating the receiver collar is often best.
Reward the Dog
If the dog does not cross the wireless dog fence boundary or electronic dog fence upon hearing the beep, it means that it already has a basic understanding of what’s happening. My pooch already knows that the shock happens upon crossing the electric dog fence – so it won’t do it anymore! Such behavior should be rewarded. This will ensure that the dog knows how to please the owner when it comes to obeying the commands.
How to Handle a Corrected Dog
When a dog receives correction, it reacts depending on how effective the shock collar was. Some dogs tend to get an itch while others get surprised and just jolt not knowing what it is.
I advise against comforting a corrected dog. While I definitely feel sorry for the pooch, comforting him will not help with the training. I also make a point of not giving electric stimulation too often. This improper training technique will stress the dog and make them non-cooperative.
Using Body Language
When the dog is still receiving its correction from the shock collar, I would also say NO to make sure the dog associates the static with my command.
After the Training
Of course, after every training, I would spend some fun time with my furry friend. This helps cheer them up and also rewards them for good behavior.
Positive Reinforcement for Dogs
Food rewards, praise, stroking, or a favorite toy or activity can all be used as positive reinforcement. Food rewards work exceptionally well for training with electric dog fences since most dogs are extremely motivated by food.
Conclusion
Make sure that the dog retreats every time the shock collar is used. This means that the dog has been trained correctly with the cue. However, I like to kick it up a notch by checking my pet’s compliance when something tempts them to cross the electric dog fence.
If the dog training process becomes too difficult though or if the dog ignores the shock collar, then it’s time to seek the advice of professional dog trainers to figure out what’s going on. I always remind myself that a single training session is not enough to properly train a pooch. In some cases, however, a professional dog trainer can get better results.
