At DogSpot, we dedicate a significant amount of time to educating people about remote collars, often referred to as “shock collars.” To clarify, these devices are not shock collars; they stimulate muscles much like a Tens unit used for humans. We don’t view these as instruments of torture, as they activate a dog’s muscles with static stimulation. No collar exists that a determined dog can’t eventually build resistance to—it’s nothing like what is portrayed in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” While dogs do respect these collars, when used correctly, they won’t fear them; in fact, many dogs become excited each morning when their collar appears.
If you search online, you’ll come across horror stories about remote collars, most of which are inaccurate. If any harm comes to a dog, it typically results from human misuse or misunderstanding of the tool. Many people purchase a collar without knowing which size or model is appropriate, put it on their dog, and immediately start issuing corrections. This approach is detrimental. Others may forget about the collar, leaving it on for days, resulting in sores where the prongs rub against the skin. Some owners report hearing that the collar burns holes in their dog’s neck, but this is untrue—the collar cannot burn through skin. Additionally, claims that these collars might electrically shock a dog when wet are false; most remote collars are waterproof.
If you work with a trainer who knows how to use the collar correctly, your dog will learn quickly and develop a positive association with it. This can allow them to go off leash and roam freely during hikes if you desire. Typically, trainers start with a consultation and recommend the collar that best suits your dog’s needs; however, sometimes their choice may not be strong enough, so it’s helpful to have different collars available to try. Many service dogs are trained with remote collars, which are considered training tools—not instruments of punishment. Trainers first determine the appropriate working level, where the dog feels the collar but shows only a minimal response. Training begins at this level, allowing the dog to select the intensity needed to complete tasks. With a remote collar, dogs can master one command per week, reaching about 80% proficiency, while the remaining 20% depends on continued practice and consistency. In the very first lesson, your dog can learn to walk beside you without pulling and even sit when you stop. There’s nothing quite like walking your dog politely on a leash and letting them run free, confident they’ll return when called. Proper training means the collar won’t be a lifelong necessity; every dog is different, so results may vary, but ultimately, the collar will just be used occasionally for tune-ups.
Although you may wish to continue using treats (which I strongly advise against), it’s not necessary. Once your dog understands the command, rewarding them with treats essentially becomes negotiating, which isn’t beneficial. My motivation for training wasn’t about making money—it was about helping owners communicate better with their dogs and ensuring pets stay in their forever homes. I’ve seen countless people spend thousands of dollars and invest months or even years in training, only to see little progress when real-life distractions arise. Our focus is on training amid these distractions and avoiding negotiation, since consistently using treats can lead to unhealthy, overweight dogs simply because you want them to obey.