by Erin Medovich

Created on: September 21, 2009   Last Updated: September 23, 2009

Using an electric shock collar to train a dog in my opinion is inhumane and extremely ineffective. These shock collars can cause a lot of psychological damage to your dog and does not effectively train them to do anything correctly. There are many other ways to train a dog, but I believe that a shock to a canine is not one of them.

Trying your local obedience class out, which usually costs about 75 to 120 dollars to complete is something that should be top priority for your first dog ownership. When you have learned how to properly train a dog for the first time, you should be able to transfer that training to any dog you may own in your lifetime. The classes are easy and truly a form of rehabilitation for your dog, as they get to know you better as well as all the other dogs in your class.

Another great reason to sign up for your local obedience training class is that you will get to know your own dog and what he or she likes best. You will be doing a lot of repeat exercises, as this is what dogs know best in learning. Your dog will learn how to sit, stay, heel, and also how to walk with you as a member of your pack, not the leader. This is extremely important for your dog to know because you do not want them running your household. Your dog should know that you are the pack leader and that you are in charge of all that goes on in and out of your home. Once they understand this basic knowledge, it will be easy for you to bond.

Although your goal is to make sure that your dog understands that you are in charge, the electric shock collar is not the way to go. As you have read, there are many other ways for your to train your dog in order to get the results you desire. Books from your local bookstore can be helpful if you cannot afford obedience classes. Some classes are pay-in-full and some are pay-as-you-go. If you would like to, feel free to contact your local humane society for information on low income familes. Sometimes they will allow you to pay a lower cost in training at their facility and they offer the best choices for low cost training. Good luck with your training!

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