If you are looking into a shock collar for Great Dane training, you’ve come to the right place!
We offer modern dog training advice and can help you decide if using a shock collar on your Great Dane is going to be helpful for fixing behavioral issues.
We are here to give you ideas and resources for E-Collar training, products, positive training, and more!
Read on for more information about shock collar training and Great Danes!
SHOCK COLLAR TRAINING and GREAT DANES
Many people search for shock collar training resources when they are at their ‘wit’s end’ with their dog.
Aggression, lunging, barking, pulling, digging in the trash and general stubborn nonsense are common reasons that otherwise well-meaning dog owners seek to use a shock collar on their dog!
We understand your frustrations, we hear you, and we are here to HELP!
At Hello Danes, we believe that shock collars are so 2001, and that E-Collars are the new, more effective and humane way to train Great Danes.
A properly used E-Collar can give your dog off-leash freedom and so much more.
Shock collars (especially inexpensive ones from Amazon, etc.) provide a sharp, startling shock or aversive vibration sensation that is designed specifically to hurt and punish. With shock collars, the dog is the subject of the training and may not be aware of how to avoid being shocked.
E-Collars (in particular, the only brand we stand behind, E-Collar Technologies) provide a blunt tingling stimulation that is designed to be a positive, tactile communication. With proper E-Collar use, the dog is a participant in training and knows how to make choices that turn that stimulation on and off.
WE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE THINKING
You may be reading this and thinking ‘no way, lady. My dog is LARGE and in CHARGE and I need a way to get his attention. An E-Collar isn’t going to cut it’.
Look, we get it! Having an out-of-control giant breed Great Dane is embarrassing and can result in injury, lawsuits and more. Training your Great Dane is extremely important!
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Now imagine for a moment that your currently bratty Great Dane could have amazing off-leash obedience and recall, polite manners, the ability to ‘settle’ indoors (even when guests are over), and confidence (not fear, anxiety or instability).
BELOW I’ve written two training examples, so you can learn about the difference between shock collar training and E-Collar training for your Great Dane!
SHOCK COLLAR RECALL
The dog runs off and doesn’t listen when off leash.
The shock collar is used to punish the dog for ignoring the recall command.
The handler may repeat the sharp static shock or vibration until the dog comes back, often with poor body language (ears pinned, hunched, low to the ground).
Teaching Recall with an E Collar
From Running Away to Off Leash Freedom
The dog learns that running from the owner is scary and may, through this process learn to stay closer because they fear what happens if they don’t.
Additionally, the dog may learn to associate the shock or vibrate with the environment, lowering their confidence and increased anxiety and aggression (BLOAT RISK).
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The Scary Bloat Timeline
E-COLLAR RECALL
The dog is taught that the stimulation from the E-Collar (up to 1/2 mile away) means to come back.
They are enthusiastic about it, not fearful or hurt by it, and associate the stimulation with good things.
The stimulation feels like an ant crawling around, and the dog quickly learns that they can turn it off by running back to the handler.
Just like leash pressure or teasing a dog with a treat until they sit!
The E-Collar becomes a true wireless leash!
The dog learns that staying close and listening means good things, treats, praise and freedom. If they go too far, the E-Collar reminds them to turn and run back! They quickly learn boundaries and gain freedom; in dedicated hands, most dogs can easily be off-leash within weeks.
This is all done, reliably, with a gentle muscle stimulation that most humans cannot even feel.
Because the dog associates the stimulation with good things and has full control over the stimulation, the dog is an enthusiastic and willing participant. Treats, praise and play are also part of a proper E-Collar training program. Dogs that have fun training learn faster and develop stronger obedience skills!
WHICH DOG WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE?
So if you ask us if you should use a shock collar for Great Dane training, our answer will always be NO. Shock collars cause unnecessary stress and anxiety that can increase bloat risk, reduce confidence and cause worsened training problems. It’s just not worth it.
But if you are interested in using an E-Collar for Great Dane training? Let’s chat!
A properly used E-Collar is less aversive, less harmful and more effective than a long leash, no-pull harness, squirt bottle, verbal correction or head harness!
With some fun, simple positive training your E-Collar becomes a ‘wireless leash’, allowing you to effectively communicate with your dog (even your large stubborn one!) up to 1/2 mile away.
IMAGINE YOUR DOG:
- Having insane amounts of enriching off-leash freedom (which results in better physical and mental condition, less stress and lower anxiety. All things that may reduce overall bloat risk and improve behavior).
- Loose leash walking with calm confidence.
- Being free from leash reactivity, an unfortunate result of the natural restriction and tension of the leash, collar or harness.
- Dropping calmly to a down-stay while other dogs, children and people walk by.
- Redirecting immediately away from dangerous and annoying behaviors such as fence jumping, running into the street and stealing cooked chicken bones from the counter; then running back to you with enthusiasm!
- Calmly sitting on a ‘place’ while you greet guests or unload groceries.
WHEN NOT TO USE AN E-COLLAR
There are times and situations where the use of an E-Collar, and especially of a shock collar, is NOT appropriate. Seek the help of a professional trainer, and never use an electric collar of any kind to address the following behaviors:
- Addressing dog-dog, dog-human or dog-child aggression
- Puppy biting
- Crate frustration and separation anxiety
- Resource guarding
- Leash reactivity/aggression
- Fearful, timid or anxious behaviors, especially in rescue dogs that have not had time to decompress (3+ months)
Keep in mind that the majority of behavior problems are the result of boredom, frustration, anxiety, immaturity, poor socialization, pain or confusion. E-Collars are not appropriate for resolving those behaviors (including reactivity, aggression, puppy biting, resource guarding and destruction), but can be used as part of an entire training program centered around building confidence, skills and independence.
Remember, shock collars are an outdated tool. There are better, more humane and more effective ways to train dogs, and the E-Collar can help you.
Ready to get started with E-Collar training your Great Dane?
Shop our selection of high-quality E-Collars from E-Collar technologies, and view our ever-growing library of E-Collar training resources.
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