There is controversy about whether or not shock collars for dogs are humane. My opinion, as a veterinarian, is that the shock collars used in an electric fence or to detour barking are humane as the dog is in control of whether or not they get a negative stimulus. The shock collars in which the human delivers the "zap", however, should only be used by a trained expert as the potential for misuse is great.
If you chose to use an electric fence collar or a bark collar, it is important that the dog not wear that collar all of the time. One reason is that sometimes we can see skin sores created by where the prongs of the collar rub against the skin. Also, with the bark collar, it is important that dogs have times during the day when they are allowed to bark. Barking is a normal canine behavior and it shouldn’t be inhibited all of the time.
For more information about shock collars, follow this link:
http://www.southwestjournal.co...
