Among the efficient solutions available today, many people consider vibrating collars as a great compliment. This accessory has been developed to help a trainer modify a dog’s negative behaviors. Yet, many people wonder if it is the best option for our pets.

That is why here, we have gathered all the necessary information to know the efficiency and correct application of the vibrating collar. We will even determine if these collars hurt the animals or if they are safe to use. 

What is a vibration collar?

A vibration collar is often used as a supplement or an accessory to train a dog. The functionality of this accessory allows the trainer to modify the negative behavior or aggressive habits of most dogs. A vibration collar is usually complemented with a handheld remote control used by the trainer.

According to the trainer, this remote control usually incorporates some buttons to activate the vibration at the most appropriate time. In addition, the remote control usually incorporates different vibratory levels to increase or decrease the vibration in the collar. Beyond the effectiveness of this device, the vibration collar is not usually efficient for more than 12 hours.

Do Vibration Collars Work For Dogs? – A Complete Guide

When using vibration collars, their application can be more or less practical, considering different situations.

1. Excessive Barking

Many people have opted for applying a vibration collar to succeed in modifying this behavior. The vibrating collar manages to divert the dog’s attention using a painless and small buzzing sound. In this way, the dog will no longer pay attention to what it was barking at.

Many vibrating collars are specially designed to reduce the amount of excessive barking automatically. There are also those options that incorporate a remote control. The user or trainer can issue the vibration signal at a particular time.

2. Negative Behaviors

Vibration collars can function as an adjunct to training. Many experts claim that the vibration factor produces faster effects than verbal corrections from people. Thus, the dog will be able to understand what the actual negative behavior is more efficiently.

It is not as fast an effect as the shock collar, although it will be enough to distract a dog and get his attention. The results are much more efficient when the functionality of this device is combined with positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement can be something as simple as a treat or a dog’s favorite toy.

3. Hearing-impaired Dogs

Cllars with different levels of tones may be useless. A vibrating collar can produce an excellent result for these hearing-impaired dogs. Vibrating collars and positive reinforcement, such as a treat, are needed to get these dogs’ attention.

Do Vibration Collars Hurt Dogs?

When vibration collars are used correctly, they do not produce any significant harm to the dogs. That is why it is necessary to consider that this type of collar should only be used as a complement for training or modification of negative behavior.

Vibrating collars should not be used permanently on a dog. When used permanently, dogs may experience some discomfort in their necks. Even some vibrating collars can produce some degree of skin irritation when tightened or overused.

Occasionally, dogs may feel some fear when a vibrating collar is intended to be used to modify their behavior. This also means that many vibrating collars fail to be fully or partially effective on all breeds of dogs. As with any other collar, improper fit can cause significant discomfort to dogs.

The vibrations must reach the dog’s skin for them to understand the meaning in a particular context. So, dogs with too long and bulky coats might not be able to feel the vibrations. At the same time, the different types of vibrations must be used correctly.

Dogs that are too small and have sensitive skin may feel a great deal of discomfort when training is started with the highest level of hum. It is always more advisable to start with the lowest vibration levels and increase the level if necessary. 

Are Vibrating Dog Collars Banned?

In many countries, collars that use an electric shock to modify the behavior of dogs and other animals have been banned. This is because many people use a higher level of electric shock than is necessary. In addition, the excessive or frequent use of this electric shock produces significant discomfort and negative behaviors in the animals.

Therefore, vibrating collars that also incorporate electric shock may be banned in different countries around the world. However, vibrating collars that do not incorporate the electric shock factor are not banned to this day. While there are some disadvantages to using a vibrating collar, it does not cause significant harm to dogs.

It should also be noted that a vibrating training collar usually provides higher levels of vibration that are sometimes too strong. As we have mentioned, a vibration level that is too strong can produce negative fear behavior in dogs in general.

Should I Use Vibration Collar to Train Dog?

Using a vibrating collar to train a dog can provide more efficient results overall. To do this, the most appropriate vibration levels should be used for each type of dog. This means considering whether it is a dog with an overly active and anxious behavior or a dog with a calm and relaxed behavior.

In addition, the type of skin each dog has should be considered and how thick the coat is. A dog with an overly thick coat will need higher vibration levels than a dog with short, fine hair. This is why it is always recommended to start with the lowest vibration levels and increase each level as needed.

During a training session, the vibration collar usually captures each dog’s attention faster and more efficiently than a verbal correction from people. The important thing about these vibration collars compared to shock collars is that the vibration does not cause any pain in the dog’s neck area.

The only problematic aspect may be the feeling of discomfort that some dogs may feel from the vibrations. In any case, it is always efficient to complement a vibrating collar with positive reinforcement. In this way, negative behaviors or the creation of positive habits will be entirely manageable.

Experts recommend using a vibrating collar together with specific positive reinforcements such as treats or petting. Many expert trainers can achieve adequate results without producing fear or pain when using shock collars.

Do Vibration Collars Work for Aggressive Dogs?

Vibrating collars are usually efficient for a large number of dogs, including aggressive dogs. In principle, it is necessary to understand the reasons for dog aggression. Many dogs are aggressive because they have been mistreated or have not been socialized with other dogs in the most appropriate way.

Incorporating vibrating collars may be a better way to modify the aggressive behavior of some dogs. Some dog training accessories can lead to aggressive behavior. This is the case with shock collars that use electric shocks.

All levels of electric shocks produce some level of fear or pain in dogs. Inexperienced dog training users often overuse electric shock levels. This can easily cause a dog to become aggressive or increase the aggression previously present in these animals.

On the contrary, a vibrating collar does not produce pain, even if it only produces some restlessness or fear. Combining this collar with positive reinforcement and proper training can produce genuinely effective results.

Vibrating collars allow a person to reinforce his image of authority in front of aggressive dogs. In addition, vibrating collars can get the dogs’ attention by distracting them from the factor that makes them aggressive. This combination of factors may be more than enough to modify dogs’ aggressive behavior, allowing them to be more relaxed and friendly.

Conclusion:

Undoubtedly, vibrating collars work for dogs that need to modify their negative behavior or learn positive habits. However, a vibrating collar must be used correctly to achieve the desired results.

Incorporating treats or other positive reinforcement into training with a vibrating collar can produce a more efficient result without fear or pain. With the correct use of a vibrating collar, any dog will be more friendly and respectful of all people.