Shock Collars

[Mutt Luv]

Not my choice but I think I'm going to be forced to get a shock collar for my dog, its not my choice and I really dont want to. I would be forced to use it for barking and barking ONLY.

I was wondering what peoples experences are with the shock collars are and how well they work, does it make the dog NOT bark at things in the yard? (it would be used in his kennel only) Anyone know of anyother meathods other the the shock collars that with produce the same kind of result?

Thanks eveyone, and keep in mind I REALLY dont want to get him one so I would LOVE some alternative options.

 

[Zoom]

A friend of mine has a shock collar on her dog for barking. The dog doesn't bark anymore but has turned that energy into destroying things instead. He has figured how to pull up the grate covers in his room at work and likes to chew on those since he can't occupy himself with barking anymore.

What else have you tried first?

 

[Maxy24]

I also have heard that they can tell when the collar is off and will bark if you take off the collar. I've never used one myself and never will, I believe there is always away to train it out or redirect the problem if you take the time and are patient.

 

[Pomp]

Aren't dogs supposed to bark? It would be like forcing people to not talk.

 

[sam]

You'll have more success if you can adress the issue of WHY the dog is barking. Is this when it's left alone ? at people going by on the street ?

I would adress the underlying issue wether it's boredom, anxiety etc . It's hard to know what to suggest without knowing more. There are plenty of good things to try before reorting to a shock collar- which also may or may not be effective and may or may not cause some unpleasant , unwanted side effects.

 

[Mutt Luv]

Well ya, that is what I'm worried about and I'm being forced to get one unless I give an alternative reason by saterday, AHHH.:yikes:

Well the thing is he barks when he is in his BIG kennel at night he is only ever put there at night for sleeping, you can tell him quiet and he know the command but he will only shut up for 10mn, then back at it again. My dad was so mad yesterday(I'm 14) he went out and totally beat up the dog and taped him mouth shut. And the big problem is I dont hear him barking, I'm SOUND alseep, lol So I cant even stop him and when I do hear him I'm gettin up anyway.

So my dad is making me get him a shock collar and if I dont I have to drop him at the pound, now I will NEVER do that he is my baby is a GREAT dog but you get how serious this is. I have heard that they will whine enstad of barking with it on and he is VERY smart and he will most lickly figure out when its on and when its off. I DONT need him being distructive, he already is when he is barking in there, he scratches at the door and barks, lol. But I'm sure he could figure out how to open the door if he REALLY tryed.

I dont want to make MORE problems, and he really doesnt have any that cant be trained out.

Also in terms of figureing out WHY he barks I totally know VERY well why he barks, he is outside in the cold and wants to come in he is sick of it, and I have told my parents to let him sleep inside but they are just blew up and said "no way is this dog sleeping inside dogs sleep outside, the kennel is his bedroom at night, every other dog slept there" so ya, that is out of the question, I have been trying to perswade that FOREVER, parents, sigh.

So ya, that is the problem and its a big one.

Can anyone help??? I need it bad.

Thanks

 

[Zoom]

Ok, put the shock collar on your dad. Seriously, you cannot BEAT UP A DOG AND TAPE IT'S MOUTH SHUT. EVER. Especially when he's in his kennel. Now the dog feels like it's in a trapped place and probably wants out so it has a chance to run and hide before this huge scary monster comes in and beats the crap out of it again for no apparent reason.

I really hate to say this, since it's obvious that YOU love your dog, but that dog might really be better off in a different home. One that will let him inside and won't beat the crap out of it him for being a dog. Putting a shock collar on this dog is about the most unfair idea I've ever heard.

 

[terrier terror]

My dad was so mad yesterday(I'm 14) he went out and totally beat up the dog and taped him mouth shut.

If your dad is being THAT abusive to the dog and not listening, I would try to find a rescue to take him in. That is no life and your dog sure as heck doesn't deserve that.

Maybe print some Dogs Deserve Better (that's the org that pops into my head) info and get in touch with a rep to work with your parents.

 

[Mutt Luv]

He is NOT better in another home, I know it was wrong but thats my dad. He is only in the kennel from 11:00PM to about 8:15AM, then he is inside, he goes out to eat and do his buisness, then he plays outside a little, alone, then back inside for a little then I go out with him, we do agility, show training for Jr's mostly the free stacks then I do some heel works and some rally, then he plays fetch the maybe a walk, then he comes inside, then at 6:00PM he goes out to eat the back inside at 8:00.

He is NOT neglected and I love him to death and I will NOT get rid of him, he has really no problems, I can live with the barking in the morning cuz I really dont here it but its my parents the are the problem, arent they always, lol no, I love then, but when it comes to dogs we are about opasit in what we belive in and for the life of my I can convince them any different

So, I still need HELP!!!!

 

[Maxy24]

have you ever asked why he can't sleep inside, I mean if he is allowed inside anyways why can't he sleep there or be crated in there or be kept in one room INSIDE the house? When he is out there does he have stuff to do? Get him a bone filled with marrow or a stuffed kong, maybe a couple so he does not finish and then bark. Does he have an insulated dog house with a flap over the entrance so he does not freeze?

 

[Mutt Luv]

He cant sleep inside becasue "he is a dog, dogs sleep outside, all the other dogs slept outside" that what my mom says.

He doesent have anything to do really cuz its night time and he can get somthing out of a kong in a half an hour. And bones are bad for his teeth since he chews REALLY hard on them and gets peices off.

And yes he has a warm dog house, he is warm if he stays in it, but then he has to get up and bark.

Part of the reason he barks is cuz we have a dog team that lives below us ( I live in Alaska) so thos dog bark at like 7AM and that gets the hole neiborhood dogs going and he doesnt know went to be quite. We were going to talk to the people down below about shuting there dogs up but my mom doesnt want to cuz my dog barks and that would just be causeing a conflict and my mom doesnt want to do that, althougt I think we should.

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

He is NOT better in another home, I know it was wrong but thats my dad. He is only in the kennel from 11:00PM to about 8:15AM, then he is inside, he goes out to eat and do his buisness, then he plays outside a little, alone, then back inside for a little then I go out with him, we do agility, show training for Jr's mostly the free stacks then I do some heel works and some rally, then he plays fetch the maybe a walk, then he comes inside, then at 6:00PM he goes out to eat the back inside at 8:00.

He is NOT neglected and I love him to death and I will NOT get rid of him, he has really no problems, I can live with the barking in the morning cuz I really dont here it but its my parents the are the problem, arent they always, lol no, I love then, but when it comes to dogs we are about opasit in what we belive in and for the life of my I can convince them any different

So, I still need HELP!!!!

Would your dad let him sleep in the kennel in your room at night time. Maybe it's a separation anxiety. I would NEVER put a shock collar on any of my dogs...EVER!!!! This will only make the problem worse in my opinion.

 

[Pomp]

Sorry to say, but your dad is a disgusting human being. If I saw anyone do that, I would personally kick the crap out of them.

 

[Pomp]

He is NOT better in another home, I know it was wrong but thats my dad. He is only in the kennel from 11:00PM to about 8:15AM, then he is inside, he goes out to eat and do his buisness, then he plays outside a little, alone, then back inside for a little then I go out with him, we do agility, show training for Jr's mostly the free stacks then I do some heel works and some rally, then he plays fetch the maybe a walk, then he comes inside, then at 6:00PM he goes out to eat the back inside at 8:00.

He is NOT neglected and I love him to death and I will NOT get rid of him, he has really no problems, I can live with the barking in the morning cuz I really dont here it but its my parents the are the problem, arent they always, lol no, I love then, but when it comes to dogs we are about opasit in what we belive in and for the life of my I can convince them any different

So, I still need HELP!!!!

Your dog is being abused, not only physically by your awful father, but being made to sleep in the freezing cold. If you love your dog, you will find it a more loving home. I know you're only 14, but I don't understand all the "LOLs" when you are talking about an abusive situation for your dog. If you keep the dog, you are doing so for your own benefit. You do not have the dog's best interest in mind. As long as you are under your parent's roof, your dog will continue to be treated like trash.

The image of a dog having his mouth taped shut is absolutely vomit-inducing. If I knew where you lived, I would call the police or a local animal rescue league.

 

[terrier terror]

He is NOT better in another home, I know it was wrong but thats my dad.

How would he not be better off in another home where he won't be abused? Clearly your parents don't care, and since they are in control...

I would call the police or a local animal rescue league.

If I was her they would have already been called - there's no way I would be able to live with that.

I just can't imagine seeing or even hearing about one of my dog's mouths taped shut. There's no words. How long was he like that?

OP, I can understand you love your dog, and if your dad was different (ie: not being so physically abusive) I could understand you working and trying. But your dad aint sunshine and roses, or at least somewhat understanding, so I can't say that the dog belongs in that type of home, or that he would be better off there.

Hope you give it some thought. Possibly get in touch with Alaska's DDB (www.dogsdeservebetter.com) rep anonymously (or simply explain the situation) and see if they can talk to your dad/parents?

 

[Whisper]

This sounds like some tough decisions need to be made.
Sometimes love means having to give up an animal to a better home- your dog needs a home where he does not have to be mistreated, unappreciated, and abused. Of course you love your dog and you want to keep him but sometimes the ultimate love means getting him away from a bad situation. But what kind of life is he living now?
I know you're young; I'm the same age as you, but really think about what kind of home your dog needs and wants- and compare it rationally to the one he has.

 

[Kayla]

Being a minor (I'm 17) who keeps a large number of exotic and domestic pets if I ever found out that my mom or step dad were being abusive to my pets or forcing them to live in unfair conditions (i.e not letting me keep Duke indoors, or insisting the cats are kept as outdoors only or so on) I wouldn't hesititate for a second to rehome.

Ultimatly as an owner who has no control over his or her own living situation when you rely on others it is your duty to always put the animals that rely on you first, which at present you are not, you are putting you love and attachment to him above his mental and physical well being.

If you cannot convince your parents otherwise I would find a reptuable rescue group or shelter to take him and find him a home where he is safe and secure and can live the life he deserves.

This is why It is so important when in such a situation you know your parents or family are 100% behind you in raising and wanting the pup.

It's not an easy desicion to make but it's one that needs to be regardless.

Kayla

 

[BostonBanker]

My dad was so mad yesterday(I'm 14) he went out and totally beat up the dog and taped him mouth shut.

Ignoring everything else that is wrong with this sentence yikes: ), it is so incredibly dangerous to tape a dog's mouth shut. Panting is how they cool themselves. I assume it isn't hot outside in Alaska right now, but a dog in such a panic could overheat easily. It does sound as if some steps need to be taken to protect the dog from your father.

 

[IliamnasQuest]

Mutt Luv, I don't know what breed of dog you have - but it has been DARN COLD in Alaska these past couple of months. Even down here on the peninsula we're still having sub-zero temps at night. I wouldn't leave a dog outside in a kennel even if they have a dog house.

Your dog sounds bored, lonely and - I know you hate to hear it - abused. Not by YOU, maybe, but still the situation is abusive. Beating the dog and then taping his mouth shut could (and should) get your dad put into jail. That's animal abuse, plain and simple. And while you don't want to hear that your dog would be better off elsewhere, sometimes we have to put the well-being of the animals we love over our own feelings. Your dog isn't happy living like that. He may be happy when he's with YOU, but how could he possibly be happy being out in a bitterly cold kennel for nine hours a night, and then being beaten when he voices his unhappiness?

A shock collar won't solve your problem. Maybe your dog would learn not to bark in order to avoid the shock. But those collars have to be put on snugly in order to maintain contact and work. He will probably develop sores from the metal contacts against his neck for hours on end. He will probably substitute another behavior - digging, pulling at the kennel fencing, chewing on the dog house, or chewing huge holes in himself - once he's being shocked for barking.

What this dog needs is human contact, and it doesn't sound like your parents are human enough to allow it. I know you don't have much choice because you're a minor and you're living in your parent's home. But please think of what your dog is being put through. No animal deserves that kind of treatment.

I don't know what's available in your area (I think you said Talkeetna). You say you're doing agility and rally and junior showmanship with him - do you have a training club there who might help educate your parents as to how to handle the situation better? You may try to address this with your parents in a different way. You said they're saying that the dog has to sleep outside because that's where he belongs and all the dogs slept there. But if you put it to them that this dog is different because you are working with him in dog sport activities and that he is going to be much better trained overall than the typical dog, it may help sway them. Tell them that having this dog gives you activities that keep you out of "bad" things like drugs and alcohol. Maybe research on the web about how activities for teenagers decrease the likelihood of getting into bad things and then print off these articles and statistics so that you can show them. Look at the cost of a shock collar as opposed to an airline kennel or crate and show them that it would be cheaper to have the dog sleep in your room in a crate. Tell them it also helps build a better bond with the dog so that you can be more successful in your training.

To me, the solution is simple. Bring the dog in, teach him to sleep quietly in a crate in your room and he will no longer have a reason to bark. Since there is no way you are going to stop the sled dog team from barking and howling, and your dog is (naturally) going to respond, then the logical and intelligent thing to do is to bring the dog in to avoid the problem.

Good luck with this. If you can't talk your parents into letting him be crated in the house instead of outside, I really think your dog deserves to be re-homed. I know that's a harsh thing but until your dad learns control it's completely unfair to the dog to be in that situation.

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

 

[Boemy]

MuttLuv, I'm sure you love your dog, but it needs a different home. Your dad is abusing the dog. Beating a dog and TAPING ITS MOUTH SHUT is abuse. I'm sorry. I know it's hard because your a minor and you can't control your dad, but think of how cold your dog must be outside and how scared he must be. Don't you think he deserves better?