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~

First of all, what repulses me is the fact that you're trying to jump down my throat for not sharing your views. You have no idea what places I have been to for research or what methods I have tried and on top of it all, you have never met my dog. Perhaps you should try to keep more of an open mind, instead of being so judgmental and telling me that my dog's behaviour is my fault.
Also for your information, PETA is against the keeping of animals as pets. Maybe you're the one who needs to do some research!

I understand that not everyone agrees on every training technique. I appreciate people trying to help, as long as it's in a non judgmental and polite way.

How much did these training sessions cost you and were they helpful? I'm leaving the country for three months and taking Milo with me. I won't be able to hire a trainer where I'm going, but maybe when I come back. But I do need him to behave while we're away. He's just so incredibly stubborn and not the brightest dog.

This would be a VERY bad idea. These collars were not and are not designed to be used for these behaviors. You run the risk of creating a fearful or aggressive dog.

1. Enroll him in basic obedience classes.
2. Work on what you are taught in class DAILY.
3. Play with your dog.
4. Walk your dog.
5. Crate your dog if you can not watch him.
6. "Wear" your dog. This means attaching a leash to your belt loop and clip it to the dog's collar. You will know where your dog is at all times, control where he goes, and know when he needs to potty.

A remote collar is not the way to go.

I'm a professional trainer and behaviorist, and work with a lot of dogs. There is not a single one that I would ever tell to use a remote collar like this with.

However, my dad does a lot of off leash work with his dog. In this case, a remote collar is used ONLY as a back up!!! It is NOT a replacement for good obedience training.

Hi Punkie - there is a member on here - I think her screen name is K9trainer (I hope that's it). Anyway, she travels all over the world training dogs - so I assume she really knows her stuff. Maybe PM her and see if she has any ideas for you too. Hang in there - I know there's a solution out there. :)

Here is what to do about your issues:

1. Chewing: Get a spray bottle and fill with distilled white vinegar. When your dog goes to chew something, say "no chew" and spray the object of his interest.

2. Wear your dog. Attach his leash to your belt loop and you will know what he is doing and when.

3. If you can't watch your dog, crate him.

4. If your dog barks when you are not home, read this: Separation Anxiety and Destructive Dogs

5. If your dog barks excessively at everyone and everything, he does not see you as the pack leader and is confused about his place.

-Revoke furniture priveleges.
-Eat before he does and let him see you eat.
-Mix his food in his bowl with your hands to put your scent on it.
-Make him sit and stay before you let him eat.
-If he goes to bark or starts to bark, say "Ah Ah" in a sharp tone of voice. (Think Victoria Stillwell on "It's Me or the Dog."
-Praise him when he does well. This will enforce the good behavior.
-If your dog barks, whines, jumps or vies for your attention, ignore him. Do not give him attention until he is calm.

Invest in a good behaviorist to come out to your home and work with you on what you want to get fixed. Petsmart teaches basic obedience...it does not teach you how to deal with "problem behaviors." Also, not all trainers are behaviorists and therefore are NOT qualified to work with you and your dog on problem behaviors.

I know you did not intend to put this post up to get slammed, but I was in total shock when I read that you are even considering this type of collar for your yorkshire terrier! If any trainer or behaviorist even suggests this to you, get your money back and find someone qualified!

Walk your dog! Several times a day, if you must! Get a friend/neighbor/family member/professoinal dog walker if you must. Exercise is key to a well behaved dog as well. Some people mistakenly think that a small dog does not need good exercise or mental stimulation from a controlled walk, but they do.

Shock collars should ONLY be used by someone who knows what they are doing with them. The average dog owner does NOT know how to properly use them, therefore abuses it without even knowing it.

PM me if I can be of any more help to you. I wish I lived closer to you (I'm in NC!) because I'd love to help you one on one. However, I have had extensive experience with these issues, and these techniques have worked for my clients.

You do need to take into account that change will not happen overnight. It takes patience and consistency. Your dog needs to see you as the pack leader. Fear is NOT the way to get yourself that status.

Good luck and I hope you put these techniques into play!

Monique (The Dog Nanny in Fayetteville NC)
Owner of Liberty Dog Training

GREAT post, thank you! :) :) :)

I didn't even see you were a trainer in your previous post. We're lucky to have you here. :)

I've never been to PetSmart for training. I took my dog to an actual obedience school when he was a puppy. All he did was disrupt the class and he didn't pick up things like the other dogs did. They always had to spend extra time with him and most of the time we couldn't accomplish what we were trying to get him to do. He'd lose interest and keep barking at the other puppies.

I bought a shock collar today and I just tried it on my arm. It's a bit harsher than I thought, though, so I don't know if I want to use it anymore. But I also can't afford to pay a lot of money fr private training sessions.

I'm really frustrated. I can't take him anywhere without him barking at everyone and everything. I can't have people over without him jumping all over them and biting their fingers and hands. He never bites in an aggressive way... he's just trying to play when he does it, but this doesn't make it any less annoying or painful. He also jumps at people's faces and makes a biting motion. He never actually bites them in the face, but it makes people flinch and no one likes a dog jumping at their face. He's also really timid and constantly shakes when I take him outside like he's super nervous. He's really awkward when interacting with other dogs and either lies down in a very submissive manner or hops around and jumps on them. They don't like that very much. He bites my toes when I walk around to get attention and when it doesn't work, he starts barking. When I say "no bark" or "quiet" he runs away and hides under something where he knows I can't reach him and taunts me. He's just all around annoying and not an enjoyable dog at all. Thank god he's small, otherwise he'd be completely unbearable.

So, I have a million and one problems with him. I know that he could be super sweet if he could contain himself, but I don't know how to get him to calm down.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: Very good advice for anyone having behavior problems with their dog.

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. I will look for her.

:confused: this might not be much help but 4 years ago my mom and i rescued a siberian husky named misty from a shelter and fell madly in love with her... she was a TERRIBLE behaved dog!!! we couldn't even take her out to go potty alone BOTH of us had to hold her leash because she would LITERALLY drag us through the yard... this is NO exaggeration either!! one day she snipped at a neighbor and we freaked out.. from that point on NO ONE could walk into our house without her going crazy and getting vicious... we assume she was beat at her previous home.. we wanted to take her to training but she was a 4 year old 75 lb dog we had to muzzle... at home she was sweet as can be and we got so attatched we couldn't imagine getting rid of her... my mom ended up taking her to training where they used a shock collar and ALWAYS on minimum.. and now she goes potty without a leash comes when called, does every command immediately and people walk in and out of the house with NO problems and she doesn't even wear the collar anymore... i understand misty was probably more sever of a case but i wouldn't say it was a cruel thing either because if we wouldn't have done that misty may have bit someone or something and could have been taken away from us. i don't know that i would say your dog was at the point yet it sounds like there are other options... but i def. don't think its as cruel as everyones saying either NO i don't think every dog should do shock training but in our case it saved our family and kept misty with us

I personally have one for my GSD, he weighs in at 120 pounds and has gotten to the point after a few times when he first got it, that when its on him I never have to use it, ( he has worn it for over a year when he is out on runs) and he has been thur obedience training also, you have to do whats best for you and I am not judging you, but as someone that uses one, there is no way I would EVER put one on yorkie. Just thought I would tell you how I feel about them since I have 1st hand experience with it. Good Luck!

Yeah when I tried it on my hand, it was a bit harsher than I thought. So I don't know what to do now. I don't think it's mild enough to use on him if it can hurt me. But I need him to behave and fast. He's a little terror!

I posted some of the problems (not even all of them) here: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/tra...collars-4.html

If anyone has any suggestions that won't cost hundreds of dollars, I'd be more than happy to try them.

I think you've gotten a lot of great advice :) I don't really have anything to add except that consistency is the most important thing when trying to train a dog. Consistency will keep the dog from getting mixed signals. Good luck!

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Great advice.