It’s human nature to take the path of least resistance. Training a dog takes time, patience, understanding, love, affection, leadership, respect, knowledge, method, and devotion. This is not the description of taking the course of action that is easiest to do, that which avoids confrontation, difficulty, awkwardness, or tension; one definition of taking the path of least resistance.
Electronic devices, including ultrasonic handheld devices and collars, allegedly provide a quick and easy solution to training your dog and eliminating unwanted behaviors. This sounds good, but do you know all the facts?
Often, I’m asked to offer my opinion about these “quick fixes,” so here’s what I know, what I’m not sure of, and what I think, in that order.
WHAT I KNOW.
Shock is punishment. Ultrasonic sound is punishment. The higher the frequency, the more harm. The longer you hold your finger on the control button, the more harm you inflict on your dog.
These devices should be used in conjunction with appropriate simultaneous good old-fashioned hands-on training. Electric shock will most likely be effective, but it will be through pain, fear, and, at low frequency, discomfort.
The photo on the left is a warning on an Ultrasonic hand-held device. Ultrasonic devices may work for a short time and then be ignored once the dog adjusts to the discomfort or distraction of the sound. If they’re harmful to human ears, how could they not be harmful to canine ears?
Underground fencing has been used for decades with great success. It’s a good alternative to having a dog roam and risk being lost, injured, stolen, or killed. Rather than installing these fences yourself, a reliable, professional company is your best bet. They can properly regulate and control the installation, usage, layout, and training. Training is the operative word, so the shock is only activated if your dog tries to run through. Otherwise, your dog is taught to stop at the flags and audible warning beeps.
Ultrasonic devices are not regulated properly. You don’t know if the sound is being emitted or not because you can’t hear it. You don’t know if your dog is responding because it’s hurting his ears or damaging his hearing. There are too many unknowns with these products. Ultrasonic devices also require appropriate training simultaneously to be effective. Ultrasonic devices usually become ineffective after a few days. You will most likely not be aware that the charge is running low unless you monitor the low battery signal.
Incorrect use or overuse of shock collars can ultimately create a “porch dog,” which is a dog that now hides on or under a porch or deck attached to the hidden fence property.
WHAT I AM NOT SURE ABOUT.
What physical and emotional damage is being done to your dog? What frequency of these devices is unsafe? Are pet parents overusing these devices? Do pet parents have a false sense of security by relying on electronics to keep their pets safe? How often do these products cause further behavioral issues? Are there any regulations controlling the manufacturing and marketing of e-items?
WHAT I THINK ABOUT ALL THIS.
Fencing…I always prefer a good old-fashioned physical fence to an electric one. Your dog doesn’t need acres of property to exercise and have fun. Your dog is fine with the back and sides of your home and doesn’t need to be on the driveway or near the road. Additionally, taking your dog for a walk is easier if you don’t have to deal with crossing the electric fence in front of your house. With invisible fencing, your dog may not be able to get out, but anything and anyone can come in. If your dog takes the shock of leaving the fenced area, he will be shocked when coming back in. If you cannot have a physical fence, it’s a good alternative to having a dog roam and face being lost, injured, stolen, or killed.
Remote E-collars…I don’t use them, I disapprove of them, and I won’t help a pet parent who insists on using them. They are mishandled, overused, used incorrectly, and used instead of proper training. Dogs are highly intelligent and can be trained without shocking them. I do use and recommend a vibrating mode on an e-collar, which works well as a distraction away from another distraction.
Ultrasonic handheld devices and collars. Too much is unknown about them. They cause great discomfort and possible damage to your dog’s ears. They are used incorrectly in most cases. They become useless in a considerably short amount of time. Using something you and your dog can hear or a distraction, like a squeaker, will most likely do the job better. Your voice is ALWAYS best, and you always have it with you.
Speaking of squeakers, here’s a conundrum for you. NOW AVAILABLE…ta da… SILENT SQUEAKER DOG TOYS. These are toys for dogs with an ultrasonic squeaker out of human hearing range.
Wow. First, we use ultrasonic sounds to punish, train, and stop our dog’s unwanted behavior. Then we give them toys with the same sound!!! None of this makes any sense to me.
What do you think?
