Does anyone have any experience with remote training collars?
 

My dog is so badly behaved and the most stubborn dog I have ever met. He barks, chews on things, digs in the house and does not listen. I've tried a citronella bark collar on him, but it was too big for him and did not fit properly so it didn't work.

I'm thinking about getting a remote controlled static collar, but I'm worried about getting the wrong kind. He's only 4.5 lb. and I don't want to hurt him. I just want to startle him when he's doing something wrong and doesn't listen to "no". I'm looking for a collar that will pick up the signal from a distance and is small enough to fit his tiny neck.

If anyone has had any positive experience with a particular kind, I would very much appreciate the advice.

new book called let the dog decide... also cesars way.... instiiling fear is not the way to train...good luck:)

y not take him to puppy classes? i signed up my abby for them n she starts in 3 weeks!! im not too sure i wud want her to get "shocked" wenever she does something wrong, just a personal thought.

He's already been to puppy classes and was completely disruptive the entire time, barking at the other dogs, etc... Besides, he's not a puppy anymore. He's over a year old now.

I am having the same problems with my Rocco so I'm curious to see what suggestions you get. I don't like the idea of the collar either but nothing else seems to be working and hubby and starting to gripe. The sad thing is that hubby would have to go before I give up Rocco :) but I guess I need to figure out a peaceful solution.

please , please , please, just try to have a little bit more patience, its
worth the wait.... no shock collars please.!!!

My problem exactly! I'm not too keen on the idea of the collar either, but nothing else has worked so far. He's been to puppy classes, I've tried positive reinforcement, time out in his crate, scolding him, treats, you name it. My vet said he'd get better if I had him neutered and it made no difference. I know that people will give me all sorts of suggestions as to other means of training, but I really wouldn't be considering the collar if it weren't a last resort. I would never give up Milo, but my neighbours hate him (I live in a condo). He won't even stay quiet through the night. He's over a year old and should know better by now.

I just want to make sure that I find a collar that's safe and won't do any permanent physical harm. While I try to stay open to opinions, I'm just looking for some suggestions on collars.

I'm sorry to butt in - but the statements above actually tell me that (and please don't take this the wrong way) you perhaps weren't trained correctly in whatever class(es) you took. "Time out" in a crate - is sort of an oxymoron. A crate is never intended as a place of punishment.

Based on what I've read here - I'd venture to guess that your baby has received very mixed messages from various methods of training from those trainers - so, he may have no clue what he's supposed to do and how to perform.

Getting a collar such as the one you're talking about is introducing yet ANOTHER language to this dog - which will further his confusion and add to the frustration.

A book I'd suggest is by Tamar Gellar called The Loved Dog - it explains how a *dog* communicates - and how to communicate with them as humans. It also further explains what happens when a dog is confused by multiple training methods, as I've sort of explained above.

Second, after reading that book, I'd really recommend trying to find a personal trainer who follows/understands those methods - and then having them help your dog unlearn some of the previous stuff (or, just teach him a new, simple language like Tamar uses). Please believe me, a punishment collar is not the way to go. :)

Have you tried using a spray bottle?

Training
 

Those puppy training classes a la' Petsmart are a huge waste of time and can actually be counter productive! When a dog shows behavior that is not pleasant then it's not the dog's fault but the owner's fault. A dog does not willfully engage in mischievous acts but does what he does because you have allowed him to take over the role of pack leader. YOU have to reclaim that role back from him through CORRECT training or you will end up with a vicious dog! Shock collars should be banned from the market as they're human's invented cruelty at its worst and must've been cooked up by some sadist!
Here's an interesting link to a very informative website! Please, do yourself and your dog a favor and read the info in it's entire content!
Dog Training Classes Sacramento-Dog Obedience Classes Sacramento.
Here's a great book that every dog owner should own: "The Dog Listener", click on this link and scroll to the bottom:
thedogleader.com - Home

Yes, I have. He likes it. So, it does nothing.

Guys, I realize that some of you may disagree with the use of these collars, but I'm really just looking for suggestions and feedback from people who have used them in the past. I'm not looking for someone to call me cruel, misinformed or a sadist.
So if there are any owners out there who have used these collars in the past, I would greatly appreciate the feedback.
Having said that, I hope anyone who is against these collars is a vegan. Otherwise they're just being hypocritical.

No offense but I find it hypocritical to want to place what's essentially a torture device on a dog and coming on a discussion forum that is dedicated to dog lovers! I did not call YOU anything, I was using these words to describe these shock collars and the people that have invented them! To give you the benefit of the doubt; you have not used this shock collar yet on your dog but the fact that you're even entertaining the idea repulses people! If you love your dog then you should want what's best and healthy for him and not want to punish him with a shock collar for behavior that is YOUR fault in the first place by clearly confusing him by sending mixed messages! Some great resources for research has been provided for you but you don't seem to even be remotely interested in discussing or admitting that what you have been doing so far is not working for you or your dog and searching for a better way! Instead, you blame your dog and haven't even considered that it might be your own fault! Wouldn't it be great if you could learn how to make your dog behave again without the use of these collars?????!!!! Societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals, PETA, no kill shelters..... google it and you will find many such places, many opinions and arguments against the use of such collars!

Punkie - Nadia didn't call you this - she used these words to describe the inventors of these products. I think we all realize you're looking for feedback on these collars, but since this is a public forum and since most folks don't support the use of the collars - I would expect a lot of feedback that is probably alternative to the collars. And, who knows - maybe you'll find something in these suggestions that works. Never hurts to consider these alternatives. :)

I understand your frustration all too well. My Simon was always a "loose cannon" so to speak and did not want to listen. I hired a trainer who came to my apartment and worked with us individually during those sessions. It was the best thing I've ever done. What I learned was that I was making a lot of mistakes and had to change what I was doing as well as change the techniques I was using to help change Simon's behavior.

This might be a good option for you too. Try asking vets and groomers for possible recommendations and see if you can find someone. Good Luck~