ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, April 16, 1996 TAG: 9604160035
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: At Home With Technology
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
Q: I love our new Golden Retriever puppy, but he's already developing some bad habits. I've heard of an electronic training aide. Could this help me teach him not to run off or jump on people? Most importantly, is it safe?
A: You're referring to an electronic training collar. Professional trainers sometimes use them with difficult animals. When used properly, an electronic collar can be an effective tool within an overall training regimen. However, it's not a quick fix. Your time and effort are still the key ingredients.
Training collars use two modes of correction. One mode is a high-frequency sound that dogs find irritating and distracting. The other is a mild electrical shock, not unlike a static discharge you may experience when the air is dry. Most collars include both modes.
A tiny battery-powered radio receiver hangs from the lower portion of the collar. The enclosure also houses two stainless steel electrodes and/or an ultrasound transducer. A button-press on a hand-held transmitter initiates the correction. With most models, the level of correction can be adjusted to match the size and disposition of a particular dog.
Your dog realizes that you can effectively discipline his behavior only if you're right beside him. A training collar helps de-couple his tendency to associate disciplinary action with you. A timely correction immediately breaks the dog's train of thought and centers his attention on your commands. Your dog will quickly associate unwanted behavior with unwelcome sensations.
Trainers sometimes use electronic collars to control nuisance barking. Automatic "no-bark" collars are available for home use. Some early designs had a major problem: A nearby barking dog could trigger a correction. False corrections are absolutely unacceptable! The latest models avoid this problem with a close-proximity vibration sensor that straddles the larynx.
Typically, a no-bark collar emits a warning beep the first time the dog barks. If the barking persists, the collar administers an ultrasonic spike or mild electrical impulse. Some trainers credit bark control collars with saving dogs that might otherwise have been euthanized for nuisance barking. Nevertheless, I strongly advise against their use on an unattended dog.
Underground pet containment systems work on a similar principle as remote training collars. The main difference: A correction is triggered as the dog approaches a buried wire. During the initial training period, temporary boundary flags give the dog a visual reference. As with no-bark collars, most models can be set so that the dog will receive an audible warning prior to an electrical impulse.
Underground containment systems can also be configured to keep your dog out of flower beds and other attractions. If you enjoy taking your dog along on family outings or camping trips, a portable containment system can help keep him at bay. One design has a radial transmitter with an adjustable range. Another consists of portable "fence posts" that create boundaries with narrow radio beams.
As for safety, the shock administered by a training collar is too weak to be dangerous. However, at least two veterinarians I spoke with had treated dogs with skin lesions caused by the electrodes (the collar was too tight). Although negative reinforcement is controversial, most animal behavior scientists agree that electronic training collars should only be used if other avenues have been exhausted.
Surprisingly, none of several nationally recognized humane organizations I contacted offered formal positions on training collars, pro or con. A representative of the American Humane Association did offer this advice: Bark-control collars are reasonable devices when adjusted to a low setting.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture electronic training collars, no-bark collars and underground containment systems, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-608, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products. You'll also receive sources for electronic "homing" collars that can help locate a lost pet.
LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: A tiny battery-powered radio receiver hangs from theby CNBlower portion of the collar. A remote-controlled transmitter
activates the collar.