Dogs are considered man’s best friend. There is a lot of truth to that when you consider what they do for us. They give us unconditional love even when we may be inattentive to them at times or even treat them unfairly. They do not ask for much, yet they give so much in return. They are willing to do service jobs for us or simply be a companion at a troubling time in our lives. So one thing we do not want to do is treat them in such a way that they we betray that unconditional affection that they give their caregivers. One of the most controversial issues in handling dogs is the use of shock collars. There are some that say that shock collars are just another method of dealing with a wild or vicious canine. However, is that really the case? Let us look prospectively at pros and cons in the area of shock collars on dogs.

One of the arguments in the use of shock is that someone properly trained in their handling can effectively use the collar to instruct the pet from biting or nipping at others animals or people. These people are trained in their use and can objectively utilize the collar to ensure the animal is aware that this behavior is unacceptable. Unfortunately, there are those that use these devises strictly for torture, and to gain a certain satisfaction in harming the dog. They use the collar excessively to cause undo pain for the creature and in so doing are potentially creating an uncontrollable animal that reacts to everything out of fear.

Some people argue that shock collars use a simple unpleasant “jab” to the canine and help to reinforce proper behavior being taught to the animal. Nevertheless, in these cases there is no sound documentation that the animal is not feeling a lasting negative feeling or that the animal is not dealing with delayed emotions when that collar is brought to him to be placed on him. Similarly, there has not been anything to show that these quick electrical releases into the pet create long lasting positive results over a mere apprehension to the collar itself.

Another argument for not using shock collars is that unmonitored use of these devices may prevent sincere educated training techniques to use for the animal…i.e. it becomes a wall to further constructive instruction. The value in training a canine is in the consistent and progressive evidence that the furry friend is actually illustrating on a daily basis. if the instruction is to be permanent and tangible, then it seems using a device that is in debate about should be avoided.

To be basic, shock collars leave too much room for error. They have not been shown to be a reliable method for the everyday person to put into practice. If that is the case, then deciding to leave them alone might be the wiser route to go. Remember, dogs show us love and deserve that same reciprocal return from us.