Opinions on Prong or Shock Collars

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

Don't get me wrong... Remington is my dream dog... he really is!  But... we've been having some problems with him lately. He's always been kind of territorial of his back yard and we have mainly kept him under control for the most part these past 3 years, but lately things are getting a little out of hand. 

 

Recently, he has start charging (running full speed and barking up a storm) around the front of the house when he sees or hears someone out there. This is a problem. We always have him leashed up when he's outside mostly because we don't have a fenced in yard and also because we live around a lot of little kids and in the past Remington has ran after them to play, which pretty much scared the poo outta them... 80 lb dog running full speed at you equals scary! The problem with the charging at people or animals though, is that I'm pulled right along with him. He has hurt my shoulder, torn off one of my nails, and given me several bruises when he has these episodes. I feel it's only a matter of time before I'm going to be knocked down, or heaven forbid I lose my grip and he's lost or hit by a car. 

 

So, Dan and I are thinking about looking into a prong or shock collar to pretty much let Remington know that when he does this it's not acceptable. I've always been against this kind of stuff in the past, but at this point I don't know what else to do, and my main concern is keeping Remington as safe as possible.

What are you thoughts about prong or shock collars?  What are some other suggestions you may have to take care of the problem?

[F, Calla & Luca]

Look back in this discussion to where I posted some information and links. My two remain on prongs when we walk. I love the security they give me. I have used the ecollar on vibrate for Luca and still to on occasion to remind him about recall.

[Heidi Magyar]

Maybe that is a good thing too - a combination of the two - thanks!

[Dave Wheeler]

I have a 2-year old doodle with both an invisible fence and "beeper" collar.  The beeper collar has shock ability, but I only use the beeper mode.  Anytime he hears it, he stops what he is doing, looks, and comes running to me.  I don't think this is at all cruel or in-humane.  Because of these to collars, he get 10 times more excercise.  I'm able to play fetch in the yard until he has had enough, can go for hikes in the woods off-leash, and often have him off-leash at the park.  I don' think the invisible fence has shocked him more than once or twice since we have used.  (both in the initial training period). 

[Heidi Magyar]

Thank you so much for the feedback - that is just what I needed to hear.
Really - I have had a couple of times where I was concerned about their overall safety - others have said the same thing too and the important thing is to use a good trainer and get trained yourself. Thank you - Heidi

[Heidi Magyar]

Thank you Emily - I spoke to a trainer today who used the shock collar, but went over all the settings etc - he seemed very confident & smart about it. He will also work with me on technique