Never use pain or punishment when training dogs
Most dog owners will do just about anything to ensure their dog is happy and safe. Some dogs need a little help overcoming small or more significant issues. If you have a dog that requires training, please do your research before hiring a trainer to ensure they have considerable experience. You have many possibilities available to help you find a local dog trainer; you can ask your veterinarian or friends, search online, ask family members and other dog owners for recommendations.
It would help if you took ample time and research to find a proper trainer. Look for a skilled and experienced trainer who does not use pain or punishment when training dogs. It would help if you had a trainer who uses positive reinforcement and gentle leadership. Dogs are cherished members of the family and they need to be protected.
Never use your hands to correct a dog's actions and never grab them by the muzzle or collar if they are barking. Do not lower yourself and shout in their face. Hands should only be used for affection and tenderness with your dog. Getting in their face only teaches them that hands and close human faces are wrong. Both actions can result in dog bites, especially for a child.
Nothing else will damage the relationship you have with your dog more than inflicting them with physical and psychological pain. If your trainer uses shock or prong collars to train your dog, they are inflicting painful punishment with negative reinforcement. These collars cause physical and mental distress for any dog; they will create many mistrust issues with your dog.
Prong collars are exactly what they sound like; a metal that is linked together with points inside the collar that press into the neck of your dog. You attach the collar to the leash, and any time your dog pulls on the leash, the prongs press into your dog's neck. It is excruciating for your dog and can cause physical damage.
Most shock collars work with a handheld remote, unless a shock collar is used to contain the dog inside an electric fence. The handheld remote brand allows you to send a warning signal or direct shock to your dog's neck when you feel they are misbehaving. The warning signal is a buzzing sound or vibration. Some shock collars allow for different shock signal levels. Therefore, you can send separate and distinct shock strengths. This is very painful and confusing for a dog who acts on instinct. The dog may stop the unwanted behaviour but training them with pain only creates a world of confusion for the dog.
If you have a dog that needs some help working out a few issues, please get them some help. Getting your dog the assistance they need makes you a loving dog owner and it will make your dog happier. Everyone wants a happy dog.
Please be kind to animals.
Tracy Jessiman is a pet portrait artist who lives in Halifax with her husband and their three pets. She has been rescuing animals most of her life, but more intimately, animals rescued her.