Is a remote shock collar a bad idea for my dog's backyard?

I think an underground fence or an electric fence that has a home base (see link below) might be the best solution. Petsafe is a good company who makes these products. It shouldn’t scare her further away but it should keep her inside the boundaries. I would keep the level on low to keep her from becoming scared to go in the yard. This is the safest thing to prevent her from getting out and either getting lost or injured. There is also a GPS tracking device for the collar called whistle that you can use to keep up with her if she still gets out. I hope this helps. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/petsafe-wireless-instant-fence-pet-containment-system?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o3&scid=scplp692131&sc_intid=692131&cm_mmc=PLA-GG-_-PTC_P_SUP_PLA-GG_FY17_SCShopping-Mobile-_-Non+VIP-_-92700026257943398&kwid=p26257943398&device=m&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjtH4nPzz1wIVh4WzCh05bAl_EAQYAyABEgJ1sfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Shock collars, bark collars, and clicker training are all acceptable ways of training pets. The down side is they are ineffective if not done properly. They are great modalities in the correct hands that know how to implement them and do it correctly to where the dog understands what is being asked of them. Consulting a behavioral/trainer that is experienced is the best way to achieve positive results.

This is a lot of questions, and talking with one of our experts in a consultation may be useful for figuring out the basics of puppy training. Another good option is to enroll in a puppy training class together where you can learn to train with positive reinforcement, better communicate, and both get on the same page about house rules and basic obedience. I do NOT recommend shock collars at all as these are likely to just frustrated or even scare your dog. They work to stop problem behaviors by causing pain or fear, instead of figuring out how to turn a "bad" behavior into a positive one through redirecting or stopping the behavior before it starts. As for potty training, without knowing your puppy's age or what you've tried already, it is hard to give a good answer. Making sure to take your puppy outside frequently (every hour if needed for very young dogs) and especially after waking, playing, eating or drinking can help provide opportunity to go outside successfully. Inside, when you are not at home, looking into crate training or blocking off your puppy's access in the house to only an easy to clean kitchen or laundry room with potty pads can help prevent accidents and encourage good behaviors.

No. This is not acceptable. If your dog's behavior is so severe that you are considering this type of punishment then I suggest you seek the help of a professional dog trainer or re-home the dog to someone that can potentially get the dog trained. This time of punishment will only make things worse and is cruel.

Underground fences can be an effective, safe option to keep dogs contained. You do have to be aware that it is not 100% effective for all dogs. Some dogs, if they get very zeroed in on something they want to chase, will run right through it even though they are getting zapped. It looks like your dogs are neutered, and that is key. If they are not neutered, and they catch wind of a female dog in heat, they are not going to let the underground fence stop them. In terms of "affordable," it depends on how big of an area you're talking about and on what your idea of "affordable" is. Depending on where you are at and what you are looking for in terms of confined area, this could range from a few hundred dollars to thousands. Get a few different quotes, and ask your vet if they know of someone near you who installs them. When used properly, (such as an underground fence), shock collars have no recognized long term negative effects. If you were to learn that one of your dogs had an arrhythmia or other heart condition, or had a seizure condition, I would avoid shock collars altogether. Other than that, I think they are fine (again, when used appropriately). Keep in mind that even when dogs have a confined outdoor space, they still benefit greatly from walks with their "people!" For exercise, bonding, and overall health, regular exercise for your dogs is important. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I like this idea. Electronic fences can be a great solution. The caveats: some dogs will get so excited by something (bird, squirrel, etc) that they ignore the shocks and keep right on going. Use the collars EXACTLY as recommended. I have seen plenty of horrible neck wounds from collars left on too long. Best of luck to you and the dogs!

I personally recommend against them. Most bark collars work by delivering a shock to your dog, in an attempt to "stop" them from whatever behavior they are doing. However, this often either causes pain to your dog, or starts an association of the shock with other things, such as you, or a nearby child or person, which may cause redirected aggression instead. Instead of shocking your dog when they bark or do something they shouldn't redirection through positive reinforcement is a better option. it can help build a bond with your dog without resorting to pain or fear, and while still stopping the problem. If your dog likes to bark, say, when someone walks past the house, you can instead get your dog's attention with a favorite treat or chew toy, moving them to a different room and refocusing their behavior on that, instead of the person causing them to bark. If they are distracted or upset, refocusing them into a sit or down (far enough away that the stimulus causing them to bark isn't as distracting) can help change the behavior from "bad" (barking) to "good" (sitting), which you can then start to reward if they present that behavior instead of the bark in the future. It does take longer to work with positive reinforcement and redirection training, but the overall result is a change in your dog's underlying behavior, rather than just a band aid that can lead to fear, redirected aggression, and at worse severe injury. If you're curious to work on more positive reinforcement behaviors, speaking with a local dog trainer or animal behaviorist (specialists in behavior training specifically) is best as they can work with you in person on any specific problems you're having.