Are shock collars cruel?

Question

I adopted a new dog back in June. She is 8 moths old now. She’s a mix between a Labrador and a pitbull and so she’s a pretty big dog. She’s a happy and friendly dog, she just has a bad habit of stealing food off the counter. She once managed to steal a piece of chocolate off the counter. I’ve tried everything to stop her from eating off the counters but nothings working so I’ve been thinking of using an e-collar.

Yes

No

Select age and gender to cast your vote:

GirlGuy

Answer 1

VIVANT | 685 opinions shared on Other topic.

Guru

They are used to electrocute the dog so yea. Often times the dog will be one agitated and it will have the opposite of desired effect. Plus yes cruel.

there are kind ways to train dogs it takes patience. Meanwhile you will have to be disciplined about not leaving dangerous food on counter.

pit bulls are sweet they get a unfair bad rap. I’m glad you rescued one 💜
... shock collars suck. 😐

Cherokeehp

12 d
I love her to death. Personally, I’m very careful about what I leave around the house because she has a habit of stealing and playing keep away and eating everything. But I live with my family and my 6 year old brother. Despite my constant lecturing and warning he still leaves food like chocolate and raisins just lying around. I’m usually pretty vigilant about stuff like that, but she managed to eat the chocolate while I was distracted. Not only is it dangerous for her to just eat whatever off the counter, it’s also really annoying. She’s constantly slapping food off of counters and tables. I’ve tried all sorts of training to get her to stop she just won't give up. For now I’m just going to purchase a spray bottle and spray her, but if that doesn’t work I think I might try the collar.

Answer 2

Cherokeehp

I love her to death. Personally, I’m very careful about what I leave around the house because she has a habit of stealing and playing keep away and eating everything. But I live with my family and my 6 year old brother. Despite my constant lecturing and warning he still leaves food like chocolate and raisins just lying around. I’m usually pretty vigilant about stuff like that, but she managed to eat the chocolate while I was distracted. Not only is it dangerous for her to just eat whatever off the counter, it’s also really annoying. She’s constantly slapping food off of counters and tables. I’ve tried all sorts of training to get her to stop she just won't give up. For now I’m just going to purchase a spray bottle and spray her, but if that doesn’t work I think I might try the collar.

Answer 3

nicole270

Xper 1

I understand your position that you are in. Because my dog did the same but instead of using a shock Collar there is a spray you can get at petsmart that it's meant for chewing dogs like yours. Spray on the item or object and it repeals the dog from chewing it. Because putting something that shocks the dogs throat is not really a good idea.

Cherokeehp

11 d
We have that spray. I purchased it when we first got her because she wouldn’t stop chewing the furniture. It didn’t stop her. He’s chewed through a brand new recliner, two walls, a couch, and two stools. We even tried different brands of sprays but nothing stops her. We’ve had to like completely dog proof the house. Everything is baby gated, put away in plastic bins, and covered. Our house is basically dog Alcatraz and she still manages to get into stuff and destroy everything. I work from home and go to college online so I’m pretty much always home watching her or outside walking her so she can get exercise, but it’s like she never runs out of energy. I don’t know what else to do.

Answer 4

Cherokeehp

We have that spray. I purchased it when we first got her because she wouldn’t stop chewing the furniture. It didn’t stop her. He’s chewed through a brand new recliner, two walls, a couch, and two stools. We even tried different brands of sprays but nothing stops her. We’ve had to like completely dog proof the house. Everything is baby gated, put away in plastic bins, and covered. Our house is basically dog Alcatraz and she still manages to get into stuff and destroy everything. I work from home and go to college online so I’m pretty much always home watching her or outside walking her so she can get exercise, but it’s like she never runs out of energy. I don’t know what else to do.

Answer 5

ShadezMcgee | 129 opinions shared on Other topic.

Explorer

Shock collars should be used more so for human interaction or other dog interaction to help train them of the boundaries and to correct them when they cross them.

Using something like that for a dog just being a dog and eating food from you counter is overkill. Just keep her in a separate room until all food is put away or sweat her nose with a newspaper firmly.

Answer 6

NamerOfStars | 299 opinions shared on Other topic.

Guru

No, but they can certainly be used that way. If you're concerned, you can always go with a lower voltage, and test it on yourself beforehand. Bear in mind that your neck is more sensitive than a dog's.

Cherokeehp

12 d
My friend/neighbor also has a new puppy. Her dog is only a month older than mine. He’s a very large cane corso but he’s one of the most well behaved dogs I’ve ever seen. She uses a shock collar with him. She’s let me try it on and it’s more uncomfortable than painful. Even though I’ve tried it myself I feel guilty about putting one on my puppy. I feel like a new parent and everyone’s telling me I’m doing it wrong.
NamerOfStars

11 d
There are definitely other ways to do dog training, and I'm told most tend to respond better to positive reinforcement (with some breeds, as well as individuals, taking it harder), but "harsh" and "cruel" aren't the same thing. Remember that chocolate can KILL dogs, even big ones. You'd probably benefit from talking to an expert who knows more about this than strangers on the internet; it's perfectly viable to train a dog without using a shock collar (we did it for tens of thousands of years, after all), and they could tell you how it's done.

Answer 7

Cherokeehp

My friend/neighbor also has a new puppy. Her dog is only a month older than mine. He’s a very large cane corso but he’s one of the most well behaved dogs I’ve ever seen. She uses a shock collar with him. She’s let me try it on and it’s more uncomfortable than painful. Even though I’ve tried it myself I feel guilty about putting one on my puppy. I feel like a new parent and everyone’s telling me I’m doing it wrong.

Answer 8

NamerOfStars

There are definitely other ways to do dog training, and I'm told most tend to respond better to positive reinforcement (with some breeds, as well as individuals, taking it harder), but "harsh" and "cruel" aren't the same thing. Remember that chocolate can KILL dogs, even big ones. You'd probably benefit from talking to an expert who knows more about this than strangers on the internet; it's perfectly viable to train a dog without using a shock collar (we did it for tens of thousands of years, after all), and they could tell you how it's done.

Answer 9

Jjpayne | 5.9K opinions shared on Other topic.

Master

I'd personally talk to a vet and a couple of animal stores. My cousins used one on their dog and it seemed fine. Their was fast recovery. The dog was not tramatized after every shock

Answer 10

RawIronhide | 133 opinions shared on Other topic.

Xper 6

Don't use shock collars. there's plunty of ways that work you just don't know about them. Watch dog training videos ya don't see them using shock collars you don't have to either.

Cherokeehp

12 d
I’m sure I haven’t seen all the ways, but I’ve been very serious about trying to train my dog. I’ve been watching training videos and reading up on it since before bringing her home and I’m still trying to learn more. I have certainly seen videos of trainers using shock collars, which is why I was interested in trying one. I love my dog, but she’s a high energy asshole with a short attention span. She’s literally been kicked out of obedience classes. A shock collar definitely wasn’t my first resort, but I’m running out of options here.
RawIronhide

11 d
It can be hard with some animals but I don't recommend them still. Chances are you have a very intelligent, teachable dog you just need to exercise her more befor training. Let her run around for a few hours before trying to teach her anything. This should help her focus better.
Cherokeehp

11 d
Lol. She gets plenty of exercise. I work from home and go to school online so I’m pretty much with my dog 24/7. At the LEAST she gets walked 3 times a day. I practice obedience with her in the house, I take her to dog park and she gets to play with our neighbors dog, and on days when my workload is light I’ll take her on really long walks around the city or we’ll go visit the lake. She used to get tired out when she was younger, but now it’s like nothing tires her out.
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RawIronhide

11 d
Really? Oh man sounds like you got your hands full then lol. I see your frustration. Not sure what els to say really. Maybe just keep at it and give her a little more time before trying something too drastic but do whatever you can. Good luck.

Answer 11

Cherokeehp

I’m sure I haven’t seen all the ways, but I’ve been very serious about trying to train my dog. I’ve been watching training videos and reading up on it since before bringing her home and I’m still trying to learn more. I have certainly seen videos of trainers using shock collars, which is why I was interested in trying one. I love my dog, but she’s a high energy asshole with a short attention span. She’s literally been kicked out of obedience classes. A shock collar definitely wasn’t my first resort, but I’m running out of options here.

Answer 12

RawIronhide

It can be hard with some animals but I don't recommend them still. Chances are you have a very intelligent, teachable dog you just need to exercise her more befor training. Let her run around for a few hours before trying to teach her anything. This should help her focus better.

Answer 13

Cherokeehp

Lol. She gets plenty of exercise. I work from home and go to school online so I’m pretty much with my dog 24/7. At the LEAST she gets walked 3 times a day. I practice obedience with her in the house, I take her to dog park and she gets to play with our neighbors dog, and on days when my workload is light I’ll take her on really long walks around the city or we’ll go visit the lake. She used to get tired out when she was younger, but now it’s like nothing tires her out.

Answer 14

RawIronhide

Really? Oh man sounds like you got your hands full then lol. I see your frustration. Not sure what els to say really. Maybe just keep at it and give her a little more time before trying something too drastic but do whatever you can. Good luck.

Answer 15

niya_2006

Xper 3

No
But if you buy one that lets you change how high or low u have the shock setting don't turn it up too high

Answer 16

ghostqueen | 5.1K opinions shared on Other topic.

Master

Have someone shock you with a collar and call it humane. Get a trainer or give the dog to someone who can raise it properly.

Answer 17

jasco | 555 opinions shared on Other topic.

Yoda

If you wanna feel what a shock collar is, then simply buy a tazer and have some tase you. There you will now know what happens when you something so evil on a animal. I will never put a shock collar on a dog or any other animal

Answer 18

Agape93 | 2.9K opinions shared on Other topic.

Master

If you need to shock your dog into listening, you don’t need a shock collar. You need to get them trained properly.

Cherokeehp

12 d
I’m trying. This is my first dog. When I went to pick out a dog the rescue she was a very well behaved puppy. She seemed like a very low energy dog. We went to see her twice before deciding to take her home. I thought she seemed like a perfect dog. As soon as we signed the paperwork the shelter people breathed a sigh of relief and said that she was the highest energy pup they’ve ever had and she was just a bit sluggish cause she was on some medication. Almost as soon as I got her home she went berserk. I’ve taken her to obedience classes and she’s been kicked out. I’ve tried training her myself but she’s a pretty stubborn dog. I’ve managed to teach her some things but when it comes to food she basically lacks all self control. I’ve tried hiring trainers but I can’t seem to find one close by, within my price range that is available during covid. I love my dog, but at best she’s a little annoying, and at worst she’s literally a danger to herself and I’m not sure how else to stop her.
Agape93

11 d
Get her into training. Professional.

Answer 19

Cherokeehp

I’m trying. This is my first dog. When I went to pick out a dog the rescue she was a very well behaved puppy. She seemed like a very low energy dog. We went to see her twice before deciding to take her home. I thought she seemed like a perfect dog. As soon as we signed the paperwork the shelter people breathed a sigh of relief and said that she was the highest energy pup they’ve ever had and she was just a bit sluggish cause she was on some medication. Almost as soon as I got her home she went berserk. I’ve taken her to obedience classes and she’s been kicked out. I’ve tried training her myself but she’s a pretty stubborn dog. I’ve managed to teach her some things but when it comes to food she basically lacks all self control. I’ve tried hiring trainers but I can’t seem to find one close by, within my price range that is available during covid. I love my dog, but at best she’s a little annoying, and at worst she’s literally a danger to herself and I’m not sure how else to stop her.

Answer 20

Agape93

Get her into training. Professional.

Answer 21

_no_one_ | 262 opinions shared on Other topic.

Xper 7

Nah, dogs love getting shocked for being inhuman, wild, and natural.

Cherokeehp

12 d
I get it, she’s a dog, and that’s what dogs do, but it would be pretty irresponsible for me to let her run around doing whatever she wants with no boundaries. Nobody loves being disciplined, but it’s necessary. I love her, but she isn’t responding to other training methods. I’ve tried teaching her to leave it, and just blocking off the kitchen entirely, and deterring her with foil, and sticky tape, and loud noises, but she always finds a way.
_no_one_

11 d
You think an electrical shock thing would work?
Cherokeehp

11 d
I don't know. I have a friend with a puppy a similar age and she’s used one on her dog. They have a great bond and he’s super well behaved. I don’t think it’s the answer to every problem, and I know it should be used sparingly. I’m not really sure what else will work.

Answer 22

Cherokeehp

I get it, she’s a dog, and that’s what dogs do, but it would be pretty irresponsible for me to let her run around doing whatever she wants with no boundaries. Nobody loves being disciplined, but it’s necessary. I love her, but she isn’t responding to other training methods. I’ve tried teaching her to leave it, and just blocking off the kitchen entirely, and deterring her with foil, and sticky tape, and loud noises, but she always finds a way.

Answer 23

_no_one_

You think an electrical shock thing would work?

Answer 24

Cherokeehp

I don't know. I have a friend with a puppy a similar age and she’s used one on her dog. They have a great bond and he’s super well behaved. I don’t think it’s the answer to every problem, and I know it should be used sparingly. I’m not really sure what else will work.

Answer 25

genericname85 | 7.9K opinions shared on Other topic.

Master

not any more cruel than the water spray method. it's just basic conditioning. not torture.

Answer 26

worldscolide | 1.5K opinions shared on Other topic.

Guru

How bout you wear it, and tell me if it's cruel.. Fml people that use those should not own animals... Period.

Cherokeehp

12 d
I have worn one. It felt weird, but definitely not the worst thing I ever felt.
worldscolide

11 d
Bottom line is, it's cruel. It saddens me that you're even considering it.

Answer 27

Cherokeehp

I have worn one. It felt weird, but definitely not the worst thing I ever felt.

Answer 28

worldscolide

Bottom line is, it's cruel. It saddens me that you're even considering it.

Answer 29

chriscdi | 2.3K opinions shared on Other topic.

Master

have you tried calling it a bad dog? i feel like that hurts their doggy feelings

Cherokeehp

12 d
Lol, I’ve tried. I’ve tried calling her a little asshole, but she doesn’t seem to care. I feed her 3 meals a day and the little asshole still wants to steal and eat everything in sight. I love her to death, but my dog is a dumb dog.
chriscdi

12 d
i dont think they know what little asshole means, i think bad dog always hits them tho
niya_2006

11 d
Lmaoooooo
Why did this make me laugh so much?
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chriscdi

11 d
cause you know its true 🙂
niya_2006

11 d
Hmmm okay

Answer 30

Cherokeehp

Lol, I’ve tried. I’ve tried calling her a little asshole, but she doesn’t seem to care. I feed her 3 meals a day and the little asshole still wants to steal and eat everything in sight. I love her to death, but my dog is a dumb dog.

Answer 31

chriscdi

i dont think they know what little asshole means, i think bad dog always hits them tho

Answer 32

niya_2006

Lmaoooooo
Why did this make me laugh so much?

Answer 33

chriscdi

cause you know its true 🙂

Answer 34

niya_2006

Hmmm okay

Answer 35

Eliiiiii

Xper 3

Yes, they are horrible.
It seems like torture.

Answer 36

Anonymous

Only if used improperly. I wouldn’t have it on all the time but during training definitely

Answer 37

pizzalovershouse | 2.4K opinions shared on Other topic.

Guru

Not if no permanent damage

Answer 38

msc545 | 712 opinions shared on Other topic.

Yoda

Don't - it's cruel, and she will hate you for it.

Answer 39

Anonymous

It could he their kink

Answer 40

MountAverage | 155 opinions shared on Other topic.

Yoda

Of course they're cruel, don't do that.

Answer 41

NorthwestRider | 616 opinions shared on Other topic.

Guru

That's animal abuse

Answer 42

Anonymous

I guess yes.

Are shock collars cruel?

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