REMOTE DOG TRAINING

One of the most controversial dog training methods involves using a remote collar, otherwise known as a “shock collar”.

This term is used almost primarily by the detractors of the tool. It is commonly referred to as a "remote training collar", or "remote dog training", as in the ability to communicate remotely with a dog.

As with other training methods, whether this tool is cruel or humane generally depends on the user. Modern remote collars have many different settings, ranging from so low that it is difficult to perceive the sensation at all, to uncomfortably or even painfully high. Which settings are used depends on the goal of the trainer for the particular dog. These remote electronic collars are very similar to a chiropractors 'tens unit', which are used to aid pain, and not cause it.

The most common method to use a remote collar in dog training is to use the collar as an operant conditioning tool to encourage rapid and reliable response to commands the dog has already learned, especially when the trainer is a substantial distance away from the dog. The collar is set at a fairly low level. When the command is given, the collar button is pressed either immediately or after a very short delay. As soon as the dog completes the command, the collar button is released. From the dog's perspective, the dog's own actions ( performing the command or ignoring the command ) turn the collar on and off.

The collar can also be used as a classical conditioningtool. By pairing the aversive stimulus with another stimulus, a conditioned aversive stimulus is formed. The collar can also be used by pairing positive stimulus such as food, or reward as well.

Remote collars can also be used for other purposes besides normal behavior modification. Some trainers use very low settings as a way of getting the attention of deaf dogs, when the dog is at a distance or not facing the handler. In this case, the stimulation is not used as a punishment to modify behavior, but as a substitute for verbally calling the dog's name. Many newer collars include a vibrate feature ( like a cell phone vibrator ) or an audio pager which can be used for this purpose. These features can be classically associated with the "come" command so the dog can be called back to the handler from a great distance without verbal communication.

Remote collar training is especially popular for working dogs involved in retrieving, search and rescue, and other activities where the dog is off-leash and far from the handler. The collar is very useful in these circumstances because it can completely replace the use of a leash in the training process, allowing the handler to work from a long distance while still delivering instant feedback to the dog. This type of long-distance obedience training is normally quite difficult to achieve, but becomes much easier with the collar. The collar can also function as an "emergency stop button" for an off-leash working dog who may be tempted to wander into traffic, cacti, skunks, or other danger though this is purely a backup and should not be relied upon as a substitute for solid obedience training.

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