Not all training collars for dogs are alike. Different models have different purposes and produce different results. The bark collar for dogs is used to stop barking while a sport dog collar is used in training dogs like Labs.
The main question that people ask is "is it humane to use a shock collar on a dog"? That can only be answered by the individual themselves, but another question may be asked to help answer that question; "is it humane to let an out-of-control dog bite a neighbors child"? Is it humane to let your dog bark all night and keep your neighbors awake?
A dog barking collar is one of the quickest and easiest way imaginable to stop a dog from barking. When a dog is contained outside, the barking problem will be worse because there is no one around at all times to discipline the dog. If you have ever gotten out of a warm bed at midnight to hush a barking dog, the bark collar has a different meaning.
Most training collars have hand-held remotes that can send an audible warning or a vibrating warning that will give the dog a chance of self-correct before receiving stimulation. This stimulation can be compared to a static electrical shock we may receive after rubbing our feet across the carpet with socks on. Knowing when and how to use the stimulation is very important for the dog owner.
Most training collars for dogs have levels of intensity. Dogs are somewhat like people in many ways and pain tolerance is one of those ways. This is where the issue of being humane comes in. If a dog can be trained using a low level of intensity it is not be humane to user a stronger level. I have watched dogs that would not even flinch at low-level stimulation and I have seen other dogs that would respond to low-level stimulation like it was really painful.
There are also various methods used to train dogs using a remote shock collar, such as, low-level stimulation just prior to a command and then releasing once the dog obeys. An example would be to press the low-level stimulation and within two seconds command the dog to sit. After the dog sits, the button is released and the dog is praised. This teaches the dog to sit quickly and on the first command. On the other hand some had rather teach the dog the sit command other ways and then just enforce the command if the dog does not sit.
I know the pros and cons of training with or without a collar having trained my dog to the Hunting Retriever Champion level. I would never attempt to train a dog without the shock collar but I also spent a lot of time reading and observing others before I got started. I would suggest that everyone purchase a book about using the training collars for dogs.
