Curious if a vibrating collar can help you in your dog training efforts? 

The short answer is a resounding “Yes.” The long answer is “Yes, but you’ll need to know a few things first.”

For instance, one of the most common questions pet parents ask is appropriately, “are vibration collars bad for dogs?”

We’re here to answer this question and more, as well as explain why vibrating collars (like the Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar) are great alternatives to shock collars.

So, let’s start with the most obvious of questions.

WHEN TO USE A VIBRATING COLLAR FOR DOG TRAINING

Vibrating collars for dog training have become increasingly popular in recent years — both as a way to train dogs to behave in a certain way and to stop unwanted behaviors — like getting into the flower bed or taking off after the neighbor and his Pomeranian.

Some of the most common behaviors we see that prompt pet parents to seek a smart dog collar for their pup include:

• A dog that runs away from the yard too much

• A dog that tends to run off while on walks or hikes

• A dog that loves getting into things (ex. garden, pool, flower patch, etc.)

• A dog that barks too much

• A dog with separation anxiety

And the list goes on and on. The point is that when deciding if a vibrating collar is right for your dog, it's important to consider the specific behaviors that you want to address.

Vibrating collars can be effective in stopping unwanted behaviors, but they may not be the best choice for all dogs or all behaviors. For example, if your dog has a severe fear or anxiety issue, a vibrating collar may not be the best solution. It's also important to consider the age and size of your dog, as well as his overall health and temperament.

This leads us to our next most common question.

WHY USE A VIBRATING COLLAR FOR DOG TRAINING

There are many reasons why you may want to use a vibrating collar — but the most common we see is that today’s pet parents are looking for humane alternatives to shock collars.

Additionally, it’s important to note that vibrating collars should never be used as a form of punishment. Vibrations should be used as a deterrent when training, not as a means of causing pain or discomfort.

For example, a dog that is learning his boundaries may experience a vibration each time he leaves a designated area. Oftentimes, the vibration is accompanied by a tone or beep, which can be used as a warning before the vibration is activated.

In addition to deterrence, a vibration can also be used as a distraction to interrupt unwanted behaviors, such as barking or digging, or to reinforce commands, such as "come" or "stay."

It's also important to use a vibrating collar in conjunction with positive reinforcement training methods, such as rewarding good behavior with treats and praise.

And the last, most common question we get involves where to get started.

HOW TO USE A VIBRATING COLLAR FOR DOG TRAINING

When it comes to using a vibrating collar, timing is key.

The vibration should be used at the exact moment the dog is performing the unwanted behavior.

It's also important to use the lowest vibration level possible to achieve the desired effect. And, as with any training method, consistency is key.

The vibration should be used every time the dog performs the unwanted behavior, and it should be phased out as the dog learns to correct the behavior.

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Vibrating collars can be an effective tool for training dogs, but they should be used with care and consideration.

Before using a vibrating collar, it's important to understand the behavior you want to address and ensure that the collar is the right choice for your dog.

And of course do not forget the treats — positive reinforcement, use in conjunction with humane corrections, can help curb unwanted behavior and help your pup learn his boundaries.

The Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar uses vibration, audible cues, and ultrasonic sounds (individually or in combination) that occur automatically when he crosses a geofence or can be activated manually in the Wagz App.

Dogs may respond differently to each correction type, so feel free to try them individually or in combination to determine what is most effective for your pup.

Still curious if the Freedom Smart Collar is the right fit for you and your pup? We’ve got all the details you need on our How Wagz Works page.