Are e-collars safe and effective for off-leash dog training?

Shock collars such as the SportDog work well when used properly. The key is you have to train them on a leash to know what the response is before letting them off leash to use it. This brand come with several shock settings and a beep. Some people use the beep as a praise and reward when they are far off and do well, other use it as a warning beep to listen or the shock is next. When you have them on leash, tell them a command. If they do not do it, you shock them and make them do it. This teaches them the consequences. When they do right, you praise them. AS they get better you can start with longer distances until they fully understand--which doesn't take long. Once they get it, some just need the collar on to keep paying attention without using any buttons

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.

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.

Shock collars are ineffective and often times just cause your dog to fear you, or in your case, not react at all. I recommend immediately stopping its use and contacting a trainer in person for help and proper positive reinforcement training to address the issue you are having.

Hi there. It sounds like you're doing a great job with Sienna so far. I would not recommend using a shock collar with her - this is not necessary for reliable training, and often creates other issues with fear or aggression. Instead, continue proofing her skills with positive reinforcement by providing her with gradually harder and harder challenges, and rewarding her generously when she chooses to stay with you.

No, there are no known links between shock collars and cancer that I am aware of. It sounds like a horrible coincidence for your previous dog. I would recommend working with a dog trainer to teach Bailey how to walk politely on a leash. There is also a brand called Gentle Leader that has both a chest harness and a head harness that will help with pulling. They include instructions on proper use so that Bailey learns to walk politely while using the harness.

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!