Wikipedia describes a TENS Unit as "a non-invasive, safe nerve stimulation intended to reduce pain, both acute and chronic." Years ago, I suffered a shoulder separation during a Judo practice. Another black belt and myself were practicing our throws and take downs. Due to our competeitive nature, it really wasn't a practice but instead a sparring match. Well ok, truth be known we were screwing around as neither one of us was willing to submit to the other one which one should do to avoid an injury. So long story short, he had me in a one arm shoulder throw and instead of taking the fall safely like I was trained to do, I tried to avoid taking the fall. I didn't want to be pinned to the mat even though he was an experienced international competitor. Consequently, my shoulder was driven straight into the mat and separated. As part of my recovery, the physical therapist placed a TENS Unit on my shoulder which relieved the pain. It was not painful and instead I would describe the sensation as a stimulating massage.
MacFarlane's new website contains some helpful and thought provoking articles such as: "What Does Science Have to Say about Remote Collar Training?", "What Level of Stimulation is Needed When Training a Dog with an Electronic Collar?", "Can I Use a Shock Collar on a Small Dog?", various testimonials from remote collar clients, and more.
Why do clients consider using a remote training collar? It is because they need reliability in their training program that most family owners cannot achieve without the constant use of food treats or other rewards. It needs to be a system in which is fair and humane to the dog and easy to learn with the assistance of a professional dog trainer. Remote training results in excellent communication and more freedom for your dog.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I come across about remote collar training:
1. Will it hurt my dog? Answer: No. A remote training collar used at the "just right level" will get your dog's attention and serve as a reminder to comply with your direction. This could be life saving such as when calling your dog away from a passing car, calling your dog off from chasing the family cat or simply just improving your relationship with your dog. The collar does not burn the dog's skin nor cause any other type of injury. Additionally, some of Michael's clients include veterinarians who have used and endorsed the use of remote training collars with their personal family dogs and clients' dogs. We would not endorse the use of a training tool if it was inhumane.
2. Is it like a electronic fence collar? Answer: No. An electronic fence collar system is developed with a shocking intensity necessary to ensure a dog does not go through a permanent boundary. Additionally, it is used as a "positive punisher" which means a punisher is "added" to a scenario (leash corrections, electronic fence, etc.) causing the undesired behavior (going past the boundary) to decrease. Whereas, a remote training collar is used at "just the right" level that gets the dog's attention. Properly taught, the remote training collar is a "negative reinforcer" which means an adverse stimulus is taken away or stopped (the buzz of the vibration collar or the tingling sensation of the electronic collar) upon the dog complying with the desired command. This results in establishing an effective communication system with the dog instead of a punishing situation.
3. Can I still use food treats, verbal praise and/or physical praise with remote collar training? Answer: Yes. Combining the remote training collar along with positive reinforcement (a desired reward is given to the dog upon successful completion of a desired behavior) and negative punishment (taking a desired reward away until the dog does what you want such as placing his rear on the ground after being asked to "sit") provides reliability to your training program. The dog does what you want him to do in hopes of receiving a reward as well as to avoid feeling the tingling sensation.
4. Is there a potential for the collar to be used abusively? Answer: Not any more so than any other training tool. It's a tool, that's it. Some people who oppose using a remote collar instead resort to yelling at their dog, jerking their dog's collar, and in some cases even swatting their rear end. A remote training collar is not only not painful but it also removes you from being the bad guy in the scenario delivering the corrective action. Consequently, there is no need for you to become angry with your dog when he does not comply with your directions. It's nothing personal, it's just a training issue.
5. Can a novice dog trainer learn to use a remote collar effectively and safely? Answer: Yes, although I didn't use to think so. As a young trainer, I bought into the idea that a remote training collar should only be used by training professionals or serious dog competitors. The belief presented to me was that the novice dog trainer would not take the time or concern to learn how to use a remote training collar correctly. As my experience as a dog and people trainer increased, I realized this simply is not true. Family dog owners are intelligent people who are concerned for the welfare of their pet. While they do not have the professional experience and knowledge of training dogs, they are intelligent people in other fields. Therefore, they are very trainable. They are seeking professional instruction as how to train their dog the right way, the first time and to do it humanely. So they have already demonstrated their love and commitment for their dog. It is my job therefore, to provide them with professional training that will enable them to be successful with their dog.
6. Can an older person learn to use a remote training collar? Answer: Yes, many of my remote training clients are senior citizens, including my mother who is 73 years of age and recently learned how to train her high energy Miniature Schnauzer using a remote training collar. Some senior citizens may have physical limitations preventing them from being able to handle a strong willed dog but with a remote collar this is not an issue. In fact, a remote training collar is a very effective training tool for many senior citizens to use. After completing my Remote Dog Adventures group class, she sent me this very nice email:
"Dear Michael, thank you so much for having your dog class. Misty is so much better since working with the remote collar. I used it at a low setting, the "just right setting" and it did not hurt her at all. We can now enjoy our walks together. I learned a lot and had fun in class too. Thank you! Love, Mom (Beth Burkey)."
Suzzane Antisdel's dog, Keller, an all American mix breed, use to pull so hard on the leash and lunge at squirrels that it was impossible for her to hold onto her leash and therefore, walks became non-existent. Food treats were not rewarding enough for Keller and management tools such as an "Easy Walk Harness" had little effect on her (although for most dogs an Easy Walk Harness can be a very effective management tool).
Using a remote collar, Suzzane was able to train her dog to walk nicely on a leash amongst multiple squirrel distractions. Keller also learned a super fast recall (come) with a sit by Suzzane's side that would put many working dogs to shame. It appeared as if Keller had a magnet in her rear as she quickly and happily returned to Suzzane's side and performed a lightning speed "sit". Suzzane happily supplied the following testimonial of her experience using a remote training collar:
And, here's another wonderful testimonial from Lisa Lagone regarding her dog Rocko and the use of a remote training collar. Rocko use to jump repeatedly on Lisa and he was quite a handful for her aids to walk him. Now, the jumping is resolved and Rocko can walk off leash and come when called despite outdoor distractions.
" I had never heard of a remote training collar ("shock collar") prior to Mike Burkey mentioning it to me. As I use a wheelchair to get around and also have limited use of my hands, Mike thought it made sense for me to obtain Rocco's (Bernese Mountain dog) attention, if needed.
At first, I was reluctant to use it, because I feared it would inflict pain. Turns out, it doesn’t. My caregiver uses it when Rocco is outside playing with his small group of friends (a practice he enjoys a few times a week). This has been a wonderful addition to not only the caregiver, but especially to Rocco, as well. It offers freedom and flexibility, which enhances the experience for all. The best part is, there is no pain to the dog. If anything, it appears to be the equivalent of a tap on one's shoulder -- -- a gentle reminder that it's time to pay attention.
Rocco and Mike first met several months ago when Rocco did a board and train program with Mike. Rocco continues to go for extended walks when Mike has the time. He sends pictures and an occasional short movie of the fun they are both having! This makes me smile, and Rocc is so happy and worn-out when he gets home!
I would recommend Mike Burkey to anyone who has a dog in need of training." Lisa Lagone, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Here is a video showing Rocko's freedom and improved good manners. He is a joy to walk with in the woods.
Here is a video showing Rocko's freedom and improved good manners. He is a joy to walk with in the woods.
Remote training collars are very effective, safe and humane tools to use with most clients and their dogs. It enables dog owners to achieve the desired relationship with their dog, which is a happy and obedient family dog.
To learn more, check out MacFarlane's website, "the truth about shock collars" or contact Michael Burkey, 734-634-4152, a Michigan professional dog trainer who offers group classes and private instruction utilizing remote training collars as well as other positive training methods.
