NOVA/DC/MD - Z's & Coffee Saturday's at 10AM in Fairfax, VA & Columbia, MD

Originally Posted by dmhenderson

And uh...electrocuting your dog is not the solution either. I'm hoping that was a joke.

Those collars work well for boundary training because those collars emit a high pitched tone right before the dog gets zapped. The dog will(very quickly) learn to associate the warning tone with the impending zap so the dog really isn't traumatized.

You can't use a shock collar for aversion training. That's just cruel. If you are really electrocuting your dog rather than training it, you need to seek help and/or not own a dog. It'll result in a hostile/fearful response from the dog which is a very bad thing. A stern "no" or a spray bottle/can full of pennies will achieve a similar response without y'know...shocking the everloving sh*t out of your animal.

My advice:
-Training and repetition are always the keys to success.

-Dogs love schedules. Morning/evening walks to get the crazies out will help immensely ESPECIALLY with a high-energy breed that likes to roam like a Pit. My dogs aren't even crated during the day anymore and I have zero accidents and zero destroyed yard/furniture.

-Either crate her during the day so she gets used to the idea that while you're gone, that's her downtime or keep her inside.

-Supervise her play outside. Correct her IMMEDIATELY if she begins to dig.

-Reward good behavior.

If you do the above, you can break the habit - I promise. It just takes time and patience. Don't expect an instant fix. It will probably take a couple months to fully break her of the habit but it can be done.

Originally Posted by 4r3s

I wasn't joking at all. But yeah you do the high pitch warning first clearly and if she continues you give her a shock. I wouldn't ever shock an animal without trying it out on myself first.

Originally Posted by dmhenderson

Shock collars shouldn't ever be used for aversion training in my opinion. It's a totally different message.

It's:

1) If you approach the edge of your territory you will be warned, if you attempt to cross the barrier, you will get a shock.

versus

2) If you do something I don't like I will hurt you.

Just my two cents. Take it or leave it.