Q: Is a shock collar a bad idea?

Answered by NC6EGRNGLO on 7/5/2006, 1:30 pm

A: Is a shock collar a bad idea?

Barbara, I do not think you need to get a shock collar to stop your puppy biting your adult dog's ears. Remember, he is still a baby! Your adult dog will discipline him as he gets older - that's how pack dynamics work. Puppies are allowed to get away with a LOT while they're young, but as they get older, the adult dogs begin to correct and discipline them more and more for bad behavior. Allow your 3 year old to correct the puppy on his terms. Don't worry; he will not hurt the puppy, even though he may make some really scary noises! ;^)

If the behavior really bothers you, try redirecting the puppy to a toy when he starts biting at the other dog's ears. At 6 months of age, he's likely teething as well, so make sure he has plenty of teething chews like Nylabones or Kongs to keep him from chewing on inappropriate things like table legs and shoes!

KC

> I posted an earlier question regarding how to get my new 6
> month old lab puppy that we rescued from the animal shelter
> to stop tormenting my older 3 year old lab but received no
> responses. We have taken the 6 mo old to puppy classes and
> had a trainer over; he knows the basic commands. I can't
> think of anything else to do except get a shock collar and
> use the mildest setting to stop him from biting the ears of
> my older dog and driving him crazy. They are very loud and
> I am sure my neighbors are going to be calling me soon! If
> anyone has any ideas, please let me know. Thanks!
>