Last updated on October 6th, 2026 at 01:15 am
Have you ever thought you need a simple way to contain your dog or get your buddy’s attention? If so, then you may have wondered about a shock collar.
Shock collars look like a fast fix. What they actually do to a dog, and to your vet bill, is the part nobody puts on the box before you buy it. Some trainers will use them, and they are used in rattlesnake aversion classes. The harm these collars can do will have you thinking twice about one for your pup.
In this article, you’ll learn about the actual side effects of shock collars and discover great alternatives. I’ve been using an alternative for my dog, Henry, for years, and it works great.
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Budget tip:
You may think that a quick solution for an open yard or a dog behaving badly is a shock collar. It’s actually a very bad purchase. Not only does it punish and hurt your dog in a cruel way it increases your vet bills. It can even turn a happy dog into an aggressive dog unwilling to trust you or anyone. Selecting an alternative is a much better choice.
If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to make your yard more dog friendly, this guide will walk you through it. You can have caviar taste on a beer budget, and no one needs to know it.
What Is A Dog Shock Collar?
An electric shock collar, or e-collar (electronic collar), is a collar a dog wears that can deliver a shock (or jolt of electronic energy) when a dog does something undesirable.
The shock is delivered by a remote control device that the dog owner carries. Basically, it’s a form of negative reinforcement to get a dog to yield to a dog parent’s commands.
What Does A Dog Shock Collar Feel Like?
Honestly, it’s painful! It’s an electrical shock. It hurts!
However, if you don’t think that an e-collar is that bad, I recommend you put it on your bare skin, set the voltage to a high level, and shock yourself. You’ll quickly realize it’s painful.
If Dog Trainers Use Shock Collars, Are They Safe?
No! A shock collar is a form of negative reinforcement. An e-collar gets a dog to do what the trainer or dog owner wants out of pain and fear.
For example, think back to when you were learning to read. If your teacher smacked your knuckles every time you messed up a word, you probably hated and most likely still do hate reading. Not to mention, you wouldn’t like or trust that teacher.
But if your teacher encouraged and helped you read when you messed up a word by gently correcting you and showing you how to do better with kind words (positive reinforcement), you most likely learned faster and enjoy reading now.
This analogy works perfectly for your dog and pets as well as your kid. A research study showed that negative reinforcement with shock collar training slows a dog’s learning ability.
Want to learn about how to train your dog with positive reinforcement methods of training but don’t think you have the time or money to do it? In this article, I share how to train your dog on your schedule and often for free.
What Are Shock Collar Side Effects For Dogs?
There are many side effects a dog can experience when using a shock collar. These include:
- Physical pain and even burns (on a dog’s neck)
- Extreme anxiety and stress from being shocked
- Seizures, tremors, and other neurological issues
- Respiratory distress
- Digestive disorders
- Heart strain
- More aggressive behavior
- Reduces trust and increases unwillingness to bond
- Worsening of bad behavior (destruction and other behaviors)
- Shorten lifespan
Can A Shock Collar Make A Dog Aggressive?
Yes. They can turn a sweet dog into one that is fearful and aggressive. It can be difficult to turn that clock back. The best option is to talk with an animal behaviorist.
Why Do Some People Think A Dog Shock Collar Is Cruel?
Personally, I think applying pain or fear is cruel. Also, creating such devastating side effects as listed above is without a doubt cruel.
I’m not alone, many professional organizations state that e-collars are cruel and inhumane. These organizations include:
- European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology (ESVCE)
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
- Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
- Pet Professionals Guild (PPG)
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
- Humane Society of the United States
Many countries have even outlawed the use of shock collars. These include:
- Austria
- Australia (parts)
- Canada – Quebec
- Denmark
- Germany
- Norway
- Scotland
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Wales
What Are The Alternatives To A Shock Collar For Dogs?
Knowing about alternatives is critical. For example, my yard isn’t fenced. Yet there are times when my dog, Henry, would rather chase a bunny than listen to me.
Thankfully, there are several alternatives to e-collars that don’t cause fear, pain, or anxiety. The best alternatives include:
- Positive reinforcement training
- GPS collar (However, make sure to select one with vibration and training “tones” only.)
- Vibrating collar
This vibrating collar is the updated version of the one I use with Henry.
What Is A Vibrating Collar For Dogs?
I use a vibrating collar for Henry since my two acres aren’t fenced. Basically, a vibrating collar feels like when you have your phone on vibrate in your pocket, and someone calls. It vibrates but doesn’t hurt.
But to make sure it wouldn’t hurt Henry, I tested it on myself first. I can personally guarantee that the vibration of these collars doesn’t hurt. It does grab your attention, much like your phone vibrating in your pocket.
Is A Bark Collar A Shock Collar?
It really depends on the bark collar you select. Some do emit an electrical shock when the dog barks. But there are other anti-barking collars that will emit a spray, such as lavender or citronella, when the dog barks.
I get the frustration of your pup keeping you up at night with barking. But you can put a device in your yard that will keep your dog quieter without any collar. Devices like this one emit an ultrasonic sound that doesn’t harm your dog.
But the problem with these devices is that they can deter your dog from going into your yard. In turn, you may experience more “accidents” in your home.
Although I can tell you that a nuisance barking remote device that emits an ultrasonic sound placed in a yard does work. My friend used it to help with her small dog and the neighbors’ dogs barking.
Is A Dog Training Collar A Shock Collar?
It depends on the training collar you select. Yes, some remote training collars are e-collars. But others simply track or use a vibration.
Some dog training collars are just as cruel as a shock collar. Such as a prong collar or choke collar. Seriously, it’s best to know how the collar will feel when used before subjecting your dog to it.
What If The Dog Trainer I Use Trains With A Shock Collar?
Now that you know the damage a shock collar can cause to your dog and you know about the alternatives, the answer is simple. Find a new dog trainer!
What If I Already Used A Shock Collar On My Dog?
Humans can make honest mistakes. It’s what you do when you’ve learned you’ve inadvertently made a mistake that matters most. Heck, I’ve made lots of mistakes with Henry. But when I realize something isn’t right, I make a change.
The first thing is to stop using the collar. If your dog is aggressive, contact an animal behaviorist. If your dog has burn marks, contact your vet.
What Does Skipping The Shock Collar Save You?
To illustrate that you can save money, keep your dog safe, and not use an e-collar, let’s look at the possible cost savings you will see. Consider the following issues and costs of using a shock collar for a moment.
| Item of concern | Cost |
| Shock collar purchase | $25 – 170 |
| Treatment of burns | $200 – 800+ |
| Seizures and tremors | $200 – 500+/ year |
| Respiratory distress | $50 – 150+ |
| Heart issues | $1,000 – 3,000+ |
| More behavior issues | $30 -100+ |
| Lack of trust | Devasting!!! |
| Shorter lifespan | Heartbreaking!!! |
Want more ways to cut your dog’s expenses without compromising care? This guide walks you through easy ways to do it.
FAQs About Dog Shock Collars That Dog Parents Ask Most
Are shock collars illegal?
In some places, yes. Wales, Scotland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Quebec, and parts of Australia have banned or restricted them. In the United States, they remain legal almost everywhere, which is not the same thing as safe.
Is a shock collar okay on the lowest setting?
The lowest setting still works by making your dog uncomfortable. That’s the whole mechanism. If a sensation is mild enough to be harmless, it isn’t changing behavior, and if it’s changing behavior, it isn’t mild. A vibrating collar gets the attention without the trade.
Do shock collar side effects go away if I stop using it?
The physical ones usually fade. The trust takes longer. A dog who learned that something unpredictable hurts near their person may stay watchful for a while, and that part is rebuilt with time and positive reinforcement, not with a different device. If your dog shows ongoing anxiety or any physical symptoms, your vet or a dog behaviorist is the right call.
Are shock collars better for stubborn or large dogs?
No. Size and stubbornness are training questions, not voltage questions. Henry is perfectly capable of ignoring me when a bunny shows up, and the fix was a vibrating collar and consistency, not a stronger correction.
What’s the cheapest alternative to a shock collar?
Positive reinforcement training, which costs nothing but your time. A vibrating collar runs well under the price of most mid-range shock collars, and it’s the one I use with Henry on unfenced property.
Related articles:
- Does My Rescue Dog Need A Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer?
- Why Teaching Dog Boundaries Saves Money?
- Is There a Cheap Easy Way to Train Your Dog?
- The Keys To An Aggressive Dog
- A Dog-Friendly Backyard On A Budget
- Best 12 Alternatives to Invisible Dog Fences
- Hidden Dog Expenses: Why Good Dog Parents Spend More Than They Expect
Final Thoughts on the Shock Collar Side Effects For Dogs
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I realize that often life gets in the way, and you look for affordable shortcuts. The problem with using a shock collar for your dog is that it does more harm than good.
Simply knowing that it’s painful and that so many organizations and countries are firmly against these devices is telling. Truthfully, I’d love to see every electronic collar banned worldwide and the market for these devices dive.
I have a rule with Henry, “If I wouldn’t do it to myself, no way will I subject him to it.” A dog shock collar definitely falls into this category. For me, it’s an easy decision. Although I use a vibrating collar with Henry on the property, I’ll never, ever use a shock collar. The costs are painfully high.
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Were you aware of all the dog shock collar side effects?
Why??? Is this easier for people than interacting and training your dog? It seems so unfair to the poor dog. You suggest so many positive alternatives that I can’t see why people need to spend money on these horrible things! Your dog is your friend, you don’t torture friends.
Thanks, Marjorie! I appreciate your kind words. I agree we shouldn’t torture our furry friends. We should treat them as we’d like to be treated. That seems like the best approach to me. I can’t imagine anyone would enjoy being shocked.
Thank you for writing such an important article. It’s unbelievable how many people would rather use a shock collar then actually take the time to train a dog. The fact some trainers use it is even more horrifying as I would expect them to know better. I’m sharing it in the hopes of raising awareness about the terrible effects it can cause.
Isn’t it awful that some trainers will use shock collars and think that’s just fine? I don’t get that mentality. I don’t call those people trainers. They’re hacks. Lazy. Wanna be trainers. Animal abusers. I could go on, but you get the idea. Thanks, Hindy for the support and sharing.
I would never use a shock collar on my dogs. I wouldn’t use one on a disruptive child either! Train your dog, leash your dog or maybe if necessary, a vibrating collar. Thank you for this important piece.
I completely agree with you. Shock collars are awful! That’s the point of this article. I use a vibrating collar on Henry. But it’s set low and honestly it doesn’t even vibrate as much as my phone. He can easily get distracted with a bunny or barking dog. But with coyotes, snakes, bears, mountain lions, and cars, he needs to always pay attention. Even though I’m within grabbing range, he still needs to pay attention. A vibrating collar works great in this situation. Henry is well trained, but even a well trained dog can become distracted with a deer or lizard and not hear a command. I really hope that the purpose of this article to present alternatives to a shock collar was explained well enough.
I hate those collars and call them abusive collars as the humans are too lazy to train their dogs and would rather use an easy way out and hurt their dogs. That is my opinion on them.
I hate them as well. The point of the article was to show that they are awful and their are good alternatives. I hope that came through. I’m with you with people wanting and easy way without thinking it through. Excellent observation!
Terri, another excellent article on an important topic. I never (and would never) use a shock collar. My Huskies were trained well, but because they were Huskies and had that “need to run” gene, when I took them out for walks out of the safe confines of our Fort Husky (a very Husky-proofed yard), I always used an Easy Walk harness (where the pressure is a push against their chest, instead of around their neck or across their nose) on my two who were the “pullers” (they believed I was a sled! BOL!) They worked amazingly well. When Bandit lost her hearing, I did do a brief training with a vibrating collar to help teach her hand signals, then eventually, I did not need that at all. I’m with you and Marjorie…why in the world would someone even use a shock collar?! There are so many other training methods that are very effective and non-abusive to the dog.
Sharing this everywhere in the hopes that if someone is thinking about getting a shock collar, this will help them decide against it.
Thanks, Dorothy! I couldn’t agree more on shock collars. They truly are torture devices and should be banned. I love the idea of an easy walker. Those are great. I’ve been surprised at how hard Henry can pull. I have a harness that doubles as a regular back latch and front latch easy harness. Boy, does that make all the difference when he thinks he’s hot on the smell of something. I appreciate your kind words and support. It truly means a lot to me!