Shock, citronella, and sonic collars are designed to prevent unwanted behavior through positive punishment. They may also be used to obtain a desired behavior through negative reinforcement or avoidance conditioning.
How they work:
Remote training systems consist of a collar with receiver unit and a remote transmitter held by the trainer. When the trainer presses a button on the transmitter, the collar delivers a stimulus - shock, citronella spray, or a high-pitched noise. Table 3.10 compares the first two types of collar. The remote sonic collar is the least effective of the three, since many dogs quickly become used to the noise. Some remote training collars produce a neutral tone as well, used to indicate "no punishment."
A collar is also available that vibrates when a button on the transmitter is pressed. Most dogs do not find this aversive enough for it to be used as positive punishment. This collar can be used as an attention getter, or in place of a clicker for a deaf dog.
Benefits:
Remote training collars allow the trainer to deliver an aversive from a distance. Limitations: Remote training collars are intended for use only in training sessions. They should be used by or under the close supervision of an experienced trainer. The trainer should carefully observe the dog's initial reaction to the collar's use, and stop using it if the dog's reaction is extreme or undesirable.
Remote training collars should not be used for primary basic obedience training, and should be used only after the dog has received training in the desired response. Any training program should be designed so that the dog can learn the appropriate response quickly, with minimal use of the collar.
Risks and warnings:
If the trainer's timing is so far off that the dog cannot associate it with the undesired behavior, this is unacceptable and inhumane use of the collar. It is also unacceptable if the collar is frequently activated by electrical signals from television stations, radio transmitters or other equipment.
The intensity of shock needed to modify behavior in a timely fashion is difficult to estimate in advance. Starting at too high an intensity can cause an extremely fearful or aggressive response, but starting at too low an intensity can cause habituation.
| Type of collar | How it works | Limitations | Risks and warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic | Delivers shock to dog's neck when button is pressed on transmitter. | Training goals should be achieved with minimal repetitions. May need to shave hair on dog's neck to ensure contact points touch skin. | Shock can trigger aggressive behavior or stress severe enough to interfere with learning. Contact points may irritate skin, causing infection. |
| Citronella | Sprays citronella when button is pressed. Collar should fit snugly so that reservoir stays under chin. | Training goals should be achieved with minimal repetitions. There is a slight time delay before dog hears and smells citronella. May need to trim hair on dog's neck to allow more odor to reach dog's nose. | In rare cases, a dog or person may be allergic to citronella. |
