I know I will not want any dog accessories to hurt my Pom. As a result, I don’t use any accessories until I know the safety level. I ask a lot of questions when I want to buy a new product for my dog.
For instance, can a shock collar hurt a dog’s throat? Many pet parents want to know if their dogs are safe when they use shock collars. Let’s read on to understand why you should use this collar.
Types of Collar Best Suited For Your Pup
The importance of collars cannot be overemphasized. Dogs require collars as they require something to hang their IDs, license, vaccination tag and their leash.
To suit the personality of your dog, there are numerous styles and types of collars available. However, some collars are specially designed to serve other purposes asides identification and aesthetics. It is also important to note that not all types of collars are ideal for your dog.
Below are some types of collars:
Martingale collar
The martingale collar is also referred to as the limited-slip collar. This collar has been designed especially for dogs that have narrow heads. These include breeds such as:
- Whippets,
- Greyhounds and
- Salukis
Moreso, this collar is also recommended for other dog breeds who slip out of their collars easily and fearful dogs that may want to retreat while they are out on walks.
Components of the Martingale collar
- A length of material that has a metal ring located at each end
- A separate loop of material that passes through the two rings
- A leash which is attached to a ring on the loop formed
The collar tightens around the neck of your dog when your dog tries to pull out of the martingale collar although it does not choke them. Once it is properly adjusted, it will tighten to the size of your dog’s neck.
The martingale collar is by far the most benign option for dogs who are likely to slip out of their collars.
Head collar
The principle of the head collar is quite similar to that of the horse’s halter. Around the neck of your dog, one of the straps of the collar is fitted and this is positioned high on the head behind your dog’s ears.
The second strap is used to form a loop just around your dog’s muzzle. The leash is then attached to the ring which is located at the bottom of the muzzle loop.
If you have high-spirited, enthusiastic, and very strong dogs who enjoy jumping or pulling, then the head collar is a very good choice.
Since the halter is kept around the muzzle of your dog rather than their neck, your dog will not be able to pull on the leash with their full body weight as they do not have enough leverage.
Flat collar
The flat collar is the standard collar that is most commonly used by pet owners for their pooch. This collar has either a bucket or with plastic snap closure and a ring for placing identification tags and a leash. It has different colors and designs available to suit the personality of your dog.
The flat collar, as its name implies, is flat and sits comfortably on the neck of your dog. When putting this collar on your dog, endeavor that it is not too tight so that it does not choke your dog.
Also make sure that it is not too loose so that your dog does not slip out of it, especially when on a leash.
The basic rule for ideal fitting is to be able to get two fingers underneath the collar. Once this is done, you know that it is just perfect.
Can a shock collar hurt a dog’s throat?
Collars that tighten or provide concentrated pressure points on the throat of your dog should be avoided. The throat and neck add very sensitive areas which can develop injuries due to constant and prolonged straining of the leash.
Once the scar tissue develops from repeated bruising of the muscle and ligaments, your dog may not be able to feel anything in that area.
Loss of sensitivity in the neck and throat region can cause your dog to choke or get puncture wounds before feeling pain from their actions.
Noisy breathing is another effect of prolonged straining of the leash. This can be reflected in a goose honk cough and frequent dry cough. These collars can cause collapsed trachea in a lot of dogs.
Reasons You Should Opt for More Subtle Training Methods
You love your dog:
When it comes to dogs and their owners, there is an undeniable bond that cannot be explained. The use of some aversive training methods which require fear and pain may make your dog begin to avoid you and become violent with you.
To avoid this, it is recommended to opt for more humane and gentle methods which come with rewards instead of pain and punishment. This will make sure that you and your dog still have a close bond while you teach your dog how to behave properly.
Shock collars are not more effective than humane training:
Studies have shown that the constant use of shock collars on your dog will cause a change in your dog’s behavior towards you, other people, and other animals. It would be more suitable to go for reward-based training methods that are not in any way associated with causing your dog any pain.
Shock collars can harm your dog:
Due to the electrostatic shock from the shock collars, your dog may be psychologically distressed. This includes issues such as:
- Painful burns on your dog’s skin
- Violent behaviors
- Fear-based behaviors
- Development of phobias
- High-stress levels
- Unhealthy increase in the heart rate of your dog
Experts advise against using shock collars:
Many establishments and organizations such as the Veterinary associations and humane organizations have recognized that shock collars are punishment-based training that can be harmful to animals.
As such, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s position statement on training has vehemently discouraged the use of aversive training methods.
There is a better option:
It is very normal for pet owners to resort to some training methods to stop unwanted behaviors in their dogs such as lack of recall, barking, and so on. However, there are a number of options which does not harm your dog or cause any form of pain while still effectively correcting your dog and calling him to order.
FAQs
Are shock collars cruel?
More times than not, shock collars are not properly used and can cause fear, anxiety, and aggression in your dog towards you, other people, and other animals as well.
The purpose of these collars is to train your dog against unwanted behaviors. However, the shock collar may not teach a dog how to behave properly instead cause fear and make your dog become violent. It is not ideal for use especially if you have very sensitive dogs.
Are dog vibration collars cruel?
A lot of people have a common misconception about vibration collars. However, these collars are completely harmless and produce very gentle sensations on your dog. It will not cause your pooch any pain or stress.
Are vibration collars humane?
Since the sensations that are induced by the vibration collars on your dog are completely harmless and very subtle, the vibration collar is a more humane method of training your dog.