|
Rating:  -
Before using a device such as this on your dog, one must consider that this indeed is an "Advanced" training tool. I would really suggest getting familiar with more simple rehab tools such as a non-roaming leash (regular leash.) Specifically, I would recommend reading Cesar Milan's book "Be the Pack Leader" first. Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life
Here's my case scenario: I have 2.5 year old Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix we adopted from the Pasadena Humane Society. She was in their "Shy Dog Program". In other words, she was a fearful dog. Fearful dogs can either go in to fear-submission or fear-aggression. "Ribbon" went into the latter. She's improved so much in less than one year by leaps and bounds, but still had scary episodes with other dogs. I needed a way to teach her good canine social skills. I wanted a way to prevent her from escalating her fear into red-zone aggression before she would get hurt by a bigger dog at dog parks.
After exhausting other training aids and getting over the stigma of an e-collar, I finally decided to invest in this collar. I'm glad I waited since I created a good foundation with other techniques and tools. I was able to incorporate this e-collar into my everyday rehab exercises with my dog. In other words, I was able to use this collar to communicate to the dog instead of using it as a "negative" enforcement tool. It is a way to get the dog's attention to the handler instead of its fixation (ie. fear of an approaching dog). For example, if I didn't know when and how much of correction to use on a fixed-length leash, I believe I wouldn't have been as judicious on when to hit the "beep" button or "zap" buttons.
Good training tip:
Like other training tools (like a muzzle), when you are initially introducing the collar, be sure to make it into a positive experience. I used treats to have the dog come to the collar instead of having to force the collar on the dog.
Rating:  -
While there is little doubt that this collar will have your dog responding to the stimulus immediately, I don't think it is good value for the money. The battery lasted no more than a week and these are not cheap batteries to replace. The plastic buckle is cheap and easily breakable. There is no loop for a leash to attach so your dog will need to wear at least two collars if you are on a walk and want to use both leash and shock collar. My strong recommendation would be to spend a little more money and get a collar with a rechargeable battery and higher quality craftsmanship.
Rating:  -
Well, it works, that's the main thing. But for our female "German Lab Chow", it's a major challenge to her will. We've been using it for two weeks and out of the 1-10 range have the collar set at 7 - yes, 7. If you believe your dog has a extremely stubborn streak, then brace yourself for a battle.
Rating: -
This shock collar has good range and works well. The only problem with the collar is the size even though it says for a small dog it is still a bit big on our 4 month old beagle. He will grow into it, I hope.
Rating: -
I was reluctant to purchase a "shock" collar for my Min Pin because he's only 10 pounds; however, it's worked like a charm. I actually have not used the shock stimulator portion of the collar much because the audio sound stops him in his tracks most of the time.
He's crated daily when I go to work and would not stop barking during the day (relative lives with us and complained about it). After some trial runs over the weekend while I was actually home, he's almost completely stopped barking - only seems to bark when he hears noises.
Only downside is that I've had the collar for only a month and I just had to replace the 2 button batteries in the collar. I turn the collar off every night; however, it seems to still drain the batteries. Small price to pay though!
|
