no-bark collars (Erica1989)

I'm sorry you made the choice you did, but they're your dogs and you have that right, unless the use of e-collars becomes illegal here as it has in Wales.  To others I would simply say that any device that uses electricity can malfunction, and that every person who has had a dog injured by one of these things is NOT an idiot who didn't understand the directions. 

You've got my support Erica...as someone who's been there and done that, and reaped a nice quiet reward! I wish the neighbors to our right would get on board too. Their dogs are a mega uber disturbance in the neighborhood...they bark a ridiculous amt.

Go for it Erica.  I've never seen dogs that have been burned or injured by e-collars and being in Schutzhund most people do use an e-collar for certain things so I can't even count the number of dogs I know that have worn e-collars.  Throw in the number of people using e-fence collars and that number quickly doubles.  I have seen dogs firsthand that have embedded flat collars.  Personally I think it's ridiculous that people judge a tool based on gross negligence and misuse.  Do we ban flat buckle collars because idiots chain out their dogs for months wearing a collar that's too small? Duh.

Erica, as you know Tootsie is a Corgi and Casey is probably 1/2. Their bark can be ear-splitting. If Tootsie could not control her voice (we also live in an apt) I would not hesitate to use one. I know for a fact that you probably researched this to death. So, good luck!

erica1989

You're right. They are MY dogs, and I will do what needs to be done. I've done my research, and I feel 100% comfortable with my decision. I'm sorry you cannot see that, but again, they are MY dogs. I've yet to SEE a burn from a dog wearing a collar - and believe me. I've seen all there is to see when it comes to things like that.

Again. I am NOT looking to start a debate about collars. If they were that dangerous and harmful, they would not be sold.

This is a forum, and polite debate is not prohibited.  Your reasoning is bogus.  A lot of products and devices that cause harm are still sold in the marketplace.  This information is for others who might be reading this thread, and not just for you, since you have already decided on what you will do.  I have no problem with you expressing your interest in shocking your dog, but I reserve the right to say that I would never, ever, ever, shock one of my dogs for any reason.

http://www.hollysden.com/say-no-to-shock-collars.htm

http://www.itchmo.com/dog-injured-by-anti-bark-collar-at-kennel-2157

Cita

However, I disagree that calling someone's reasoning "bogus" is polite debate. ;)

Well said and I agree. 

Cita

I think NONE of us would shock our dogs if we had other options available.

I would.  I am not one to "resort to" using this or that.  If something is the appropriate tool for the dog and the behavior, I use it.  If not, I don't use it, ever. Nikon is a dog that will never see an e-collar.  It has nothing to do with not wanting to "shock" the dog.  In fact an e-collar is too neutral a tool for him.  When using -R and +P, he is a dog that needs to understand *where* the corrections are coming from.  Each time I look at the dog and the behavior.  There are certain behaviors I intentionally train with compulsion (not necessarily an e-collar) and certain behaviors where I don't believe it is ever appropriate to use an e-collar.  If I think the e-collar is the right tool, then I use it right away, I don't train on a spectrum of methods and move down the list as things don't work.  If there is a tool I'm not comfortable with using, I won't use it at all.

Cita

However, I disagree that calling someone's reasoning "bogus" is polite debate. ;)

Absolutely agreed.

Erica...you have some support here and I really hope you can overlook "the rest".

I am in total support of ecollars being used for barking issues. 

Like I said, 2 eviction notices for barking, nearly fired from my job with a barking dog who had some definite behavior issues... it was either that or euth'ing him. 

Casey will be FINE.  He'll get one or two corrections from the collar, learn how to inhibit himself and probaby will rarely bark once the collar is on.  Get the collar, don't give it a second thought.

I only raised the issue of habituation to the stimulus to inform you and anyone else who may read of the potential for this to occur. I by no means meant to start any debate on this, as it appears the direction may have gone after I raised this issue, nor did I mean to pass any judgment. As for my own opinion on the use of such a device, anyone who chooses to read between the lines can probably determine what it is, and if someone wants to ask privately, I'd certainly be willing to discuss this and provide plenty of evidence in support of my opinion.

You have my apologies if you were offended by my use of slang, and I'm perfectly happy for you to replace it with any of the following synonyms: false, fictitious, spurious.  We simply disagree, and I'm not surprised from whence your support comes, since the same people usually support so called "balanced" methods on this forum.  I simply wish to offer, on any thread that presupposes that these methods are harmless and fine to use, the opposing point of view which states that they can be quite dangerous, harmful, and full of unintended consequences, whether you are a novice or a supposed expert user of such devices.  As much as you don't care for me sharing that point of view, I am equally upset not to, lest more dogs be subjected to them without sufficient consideration of the negative aspects of punishment techniques on the part of their owners before making their decisions.  Another device for people to consider before laying down your money on an e-collar - Manners Minder.