Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Shock collars are touchy subjects. I have a zany young herding dog who is very eager to learn, and equally eager to be naughty. I like to train entirely with positive reinforcement, because it is so effective! I noticed, however, that when Pup Pup had his mind set on something, it was almost impossible to get his attention to direct his behavior elsewhere. I bought this collar for the vibration feature since I don't like the idea of shocking my pup--at least not for training on the regular. The vibration gets our dogs attention every time without hurting or scaring him. The mailman comes and pup goes bonkers? --jumps on guests or on the kitchen counter? --steals socks or gets distracted on a walk? The vibrating the collar gently interrupts the behavior while he's in-the-act so I can give him a command he actually listens to. It is much more pleasant and effective to use than shouting or shoving at your pup. I find all of the vibration settings to be equally effective, and I change the setting (up or down) regularly so that he doesn't get used to one sensation and start to ignore it. After only a few days, Pup Pup learned things we had previously worked on for months with other commands and strategies, and he seems enthusiastic to behave well. Its like we finally found a way to communicate with him that he completely understands. As for the shock feature, I have used it at a level 5/100---but I just can't imagine a scenario where a higher/longer shock would be necessary or humane. When I see consumer questions asking how long of a shock duration can be given...I pray a little more at night. :( In addition to really hurting your dog, I'm afraid that shocking any dog for more than a split second scares your dog and breaks the very important trust bond with their owner. I firmly believe that the way you choose to use this tool makes the difference between creating a pet that is eager to please, and one that is scared and defensive (and dangerous!). I honestly wish higher levels weren't available on the market...and I do hesitate to inadvertently support them by owning this collar. Hence the long review and explanation... So, how do we use the low-level zap? In my opinion, a quick rubber-band-snap type of pinch can be an effective correction in a serious situation. My pup is a herding breed, and it took one tiny pinch one time for him to associate that nipping at guests heals is never okay. Pup Pup also plays fetch outside like a perfect gentleman...but I'm comforted to have a tiny shock feature in case he decides to break a stay one day and dart after a rabbit towards a road (it's never happened, but he's still young and hasn't seen many bunnies in his day)! One quick pinch delivered WHILE (not after!) the dog is misbehaving immediately snaps him out of it and gives him a negative association with a dangerous thing...like getting a burn as you touch a hot stove. That's got to be better than chasing after your dog, grabbing him and giving him a smack or a talking to like I often observe owners doing. That kind of punishment happens too late--and some dogs won't ever associate it with what they did wrong (causing them to never improve, and breaking your relationship with your pup). So! This collar is great. I love it, and I can honestly say I think my dog loves it too. Used carefully and compassionately, it can serve to make dog training not only more effective, but even more gentle!