Using Long Range Shock Collars for Dogs: Tips and Tricks for Dog Owners.

Alright, so, I’ve been messing around with these long-range shock collars for dogs. Yeah, I know, it sounds a bit harsh, but hear me out. My dog, Buster, he’s a good boy, but man, does he have a mind of his own when we’re out in the open. I needed something to get his attention when he’s way out there chasing squirrels or whatever.

First off, I did some digging online, read some stuff, and watched a few videos. You know, just to make sure I wasn’t gonna fry my dog’s brain or something. Some folks online were totally against these collars, saying they’re cruel and all. But then there were others who swore by them, saying it’s all about how you use it. And I asked the trainer, who is an old professional guy.

So, I decided to give it a shot. I got this collar, not the cheapest one, but not crazy expensive either. I made sure to get one with different settings, like a beep, vibration, and then the shock. I am not going to use the shock setting all the time. I mainly want to use the vibration to warn him.

First Steps

• Fitting it right: This was step one. I made sure the collar fit Buster snugly. Not too tight, but not loose enough for him to slip out of. The vibration part needed to be right against his throat, just like those articles said. I could get like one or two fingers between the collar and his neck.
• Testing it out: Before I even put it on him, I tested the different settings on myself. Yeah, I know, call me crazy. But I wanted to know what he’d be feeling. The beep was nothing, the vibration was a bit startling, and the shock… well, let’s just say I wouldn’t want to feel that too often.

Next, I started with the lowest setting. We were in the backyard, and every time Buster did something I didn’t want, like digging up my wife’s flowers, I’d press the button and say “No!” firmly. At first, I only used the beep. He’d stop and look at me, kind of confused. But I just used the beep as a warning, most of the time I tried to use verbal orders, and I wanted to see if that was enough.

Then, I moved on to the vibration. This definitely got his attention. It wasn’t painful, just surprising. He’d stop whatever he was doing and look at me like, “What was that?” And that’s when I’d give him a command, like “Come” or “Sit.”

I’ve only used the shock setting a couple of times, and only when he was really far away and not listening to the beep or vibration. And I’m talking low-level shock, just enough to get his attention, not to hurt him. It’s like a tap on the shoulder, saying, “Hey, pay attention!”

It’s been a few weeks now, and honestly, it’s been working pretty well. Buster’s much more responsive, even when he’s off-leash. He knows that if he doesn’t listen to my voice, he might get a little buzz. But I don’t leave it all the time, which might be harmful to his neck and fur. And I always take it off when we’re done training or playing outside.

But here’s the thing: these collars aren’t magic. You can’t just slap one on your dog and expect them to be perfectly behaved. You gotta put in the work, be consistent, and use positive reinforcement too. Treats, praise, all that good stuff. The collar is just a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or bad. It’s all about how you use it.

So, that’s my experience with long-range shock collars. Not for everyone, and definitely not for every dog. But for Buster and me, it’s been a helpful tool in our training journey. Just remember to be responsible, do your research, and always put your dog’s well-being first.