No Learning Effect: Training Collars for Dogs 

How Do Training Collars for Dogs Work? 

The principle is the same for all training collars: when the dog shows unwanted behaviour, a stimulus is triggered to interrupt the dog’s action. Here are various punishments – depending on the type of training collar: 

• odourless spray emitting a hissing sound 
• scent spray, for example, with citrus scent 
• unpleasant ultrasound signal 
• vibration 
• electric shock (e-collar) 
• pain from choking or spikes 

Additionally, the operation of different collars varies: Anti-bark collars have a small microphone. If the dog barks, they automatically deliver the unpleasant punishment. Other training collars can be controlled remotely via a remote control. The punishment comes in both cases – at least from the dog’s perspective – out of nowhere. 

Moreover, there are training collars for dogs as an “invisible fence”: if the dog moves out of a defined radius, the punishment is triggered. The dubious classics, choke and spike collars, on the other hand, tighten when the dog pulls on the lead. This causes pain, even leading to shortness of breath. 

Why Are Training Collars a Bad Idea? 

The key to success in dog training is: positive reinforcement. We reward desired behaviour and ignore – with few exceptions – undesired behaviour. This learning method of operant conditioning is effective and contributes to a trustful bond between dog and human. 

If a dog receives a punishment via collar in the form of a spray or an unpleasant noise, its stress level rises. And stress makes learning difficult. Such punishment is particularly severe for anxious and insecure dogs. If they bark or growl out of fear and are punished for it, their fear will even be reinforced. 

Dog trainer Yamei Ross sums it up perfectly regarding growling: “Punishing a dog for growling is like taking the batteries out of a smoke alarm. You no longer hear the noise, but the danger is still present.” 

Are Training Collars for Dogs Legal? 

Electric shock collars have been prohibited in Wales since 2010 under The Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations 2010. Anyone convicted of using such devices on a dog or cat can face up to 12 months in prison and/or a fine.

In Scotland, shock collars remain legal, but in 2018 the Scottish Government issued guidance strongly discouraging their use, along with other aversive training methods.

Supposed Applications of Training Collars 

Below, we examine the supposed areas where training collars might be used and give tips on how to train your four-legged friend with humane alternatives. Training should not be left to an aid, but rather real teamwork between you and your dog. 

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Anti-Bark Collar 

Barking is part of a dog’s communication – for some more, for others less. Guard dogs and so-called “loud hunters” are born to bark. Other dogs bark because they are afraid or not sufficiently occupied. 

By barking, dogs express their moods and needs or fulfil their task. Some signal through barking, howling or growling that they are not feeling well. 

In no case does it make sense to punish vocalisations using a training collar for dogs. If the dog is anxious, we only increase its fear. It may stop barking to escape the unpleasant stimulus but will be internally paralysed with fear. 

This is not only cruel to the dog but can also lead to other behavioural problems. The same applies to barking out of boredom or traditionally bark-happy dogs. 

In this magazine article, you will find many tips on humane anti-bark training: How to calm barking dogs.

Does your four-legged friend bark and howl when left alone? Training with separation anxiety.  

Remote Trainer: Punishment at the Push of a Button 

Remotely activated collars with punishment impulses are still unfortunately available in Germany. They are used, for example, in hunting dog training to deter heightened hunting instincts. 

Some dog trainers also use such training collars for dogs to correct unwanted behaviour. This makes sense only in absolute exceptional cases and should be reserved for a professional and responsible dog trainer. 

For the average dog owner and the vast majority of communication problems between two- and four-legged friends, remote trainers are not suitable. They tackle only the symptom, not the cause. 

Better and more effective long-term is step-by-step guided training. Learn more about anti-hunting training. 

The Invisible Dog Fence 

The invisible dog fence is secured by a thin wire. The dog wears a training collar linked to it. If the dog crosses the unseen boundary, it receives a punishment. A punishment out of “blue sky” makes it insecure and fearful. 

An additional major safety flaw of the invisible dog fence: If the dog has crossed the boundary once, for example to flee from the pain stimulus, returning is made more difficult. Arrangements like the invisible dog fence are prohibited for several good reasons! Reliable fencing systems are a solution. 

Choke Collars and the Like 

When discussing training collars for dogs, we should also look at collars that have been used in training for a long time: choke and spike collars. Behind the lovely name “coral collars” are spike collars with inward-facing spikes. 

With these dubious devices, the owner can punish the dog for pulling on the lead or barking. Usually, the effect wears off quickly – the dog gets used to the pain and does not associate its behaviour with the punishment. Humane dog training looks different. 

A dog-friendly tool for lead training can be “Haltis” like the Halti No Pull Training Harness. The correct application is best practiced with a dog trainer. 

By the way: For livestock guard dogs on duty, spike collars make sense. But here the spikes are directed outwards to protect against wolf bites. 

Conclusion: Training Instead of Training Collars for Dogs 

There are very few situations where a training collar makes sense for a dog. This can be the case, for example, with deaf dogs that respond to a light vibration. They then look at their owner, who subsequently communicates with visual signals. Here, targeted training with a vibration impulse device can occur under the professional guidance of a dog trainer. 

However, training aids that suppress a dog’s vocalisations like barking or growling are never a good idea in principle. They deprive the dog of the ability to express itself – without addressing the root problem. They are also unsuitable for curbing other unwanted behaviour. They complicate real learning and can result in severe behavioural disorders. 

Because training collars do more harm than good to the human-dog relationship, they are not available in the zooplus shop.