Dealing with an erratic dog is no walk in the park, in fact, we have all been there, putting up with dog breeds such as Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, or even Australian Shepherds that have swift moves and jumps like a kangaroo.
It is a technological wonder that canine accessories have evolved enough for us to train a dog to be much more obedient, and the most effective corrective method there is using a shocking collar if used properly with moderation, you can get positive results without opting for inhumane methods.
If you barely have a clue where to start, sit back and relax and let this article be your cornerstone on how to use a shock collar to stop jumping and nipping, so your dog can live harmoniously with you and around your loved ones.
Why Do Dogs Jump And Pounce?
Canines tend to be extremely energetic in terms of traversal, whether it's scaling fences with surprising ease, jumping to catch a frisbee, or even sometimes chasing their own tail. Speaking of which, you cannot blame them for being a little bit naughty and mischievous, after all, it’s in their nature to be playful and active.
However, that doesn't take away from the fact that these canines can sometimes become mischievous and unruly which could be for a whole lot of reasons which we are going to discuss thoroughly below.
1. Too Much Energy & Playfulness
The first and the most common reason why a dog could be jumping virtually all the time whenever it sees its owner is because it's packing too much energy especially when it is excited. In simpler words, your dog feels like a human being that has gone through their first cup of coffee in the morning as a surge of adrenaline and excitement courses through their veins, making them want to move.
For a dog, their stimulant could be the anticipation of a walk, a rousing game of fetch, or a yummy snack. They are simple beings with innocent souls and all they want is to share that joy with their favorite person.
2. Attention Seekers
Dog breeds, especially those known for their intelligence and social nature, like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles, crave human companionship and attention. And if they feel left out for whatever reason that is, they may resort to jumping or other attention-seeking behaviors to remind you they're there. In some instances, they would also require constant appreciation and approval as a way to reconnect and get back in your good graces.
This behavior is often reinforced if the breed of the dog is extremely energetic and hasn't had an opportunity to burn off their excess energy through play or walks.
3. Natural Instincts
Not all the glitters are gold, sometimes, it doesn't even have to be a special occasion or a hissy fit for a dog to pounce and jump as their internal zoomie switch might suddenly flip on, causing an uncontrollable urge to move.
It is like holding a pen and clicking it repeatedly. There's a strange satisfaction in the action. For dogs, a pounce might just be a way to relieve boredom and add a bit of excitement to their day, it could also be a way to channel their excess energy.
4. Lack of Discipline
While it certainly looks like a cheerful sight for a dog to be happy and act playful around its owner, sometimes it could act erratically due to a lack of discipline. In fact, most dogs tend to build a negative form of communication where they resort to jumping instead of calmer ways of interacting.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg because, in some scenarios, these little pounces and jumps could eventually become aggressive and even cause accidental scratches or injuries. Moreover, there have been reports where their behavior has led to them knocking over children or elderly people.
5. Assertive & Stubborn Stance
Lack of discipline also leads to another form of negative behavior. However, that alone isn't enough to make a dog act weird and all jumpy around people or other dogs. In fact, some dogs love to become overly dominant when they sense a submissive demeanor from others.
This could be due to their nature of having territorial control resulting in aggressive displays towards other animals or people they see as intruders all while establishing their own dominance.
6. Fear Factor
A dog that is raised with proper positive reinforcement and a true bonding of companionship tends to have their morale crushed with little to no confidence to interact playfully with other dogs or people.
One thing leads to another and their trauma and fear are engraved into their mental well-being, which is why most dogs with anxiety act weirdly as a coping mechanism in response to stress or triggers that often translate to irregular pattern movement, jumping, and restless energy, unable to settle down and relax.
A brawny dog could show signs of destructive behavior if it is not raised properly and hasn't had the opportunity to develop a positive well-being against traumas and stress resulting in expressing inner turmoil or an outlet for their pent-up energy and frustration by jumping rapidly.
Shock Collar Usage And Knowhow
Knowing why your dog might be jumping uncontrollably is basically half the journey when disciplining your dog since it helps you address the underlying cause rather than just the symptom, meanwhile, half of the journey is knowing how to use a shock collar to curb the behavior.
1. Measurements First!
Getting the dimensions right is extremely crucial, otherwise, you are putting stress on your dog’s trachea unnecessarily and doing more harm than good. Fortunately for you, selecting a collar that not only fits your dog snugly but also provides the level of control and safety you require is extremely easy.
Start by checking and taking appropriate measurements for your dog's neck beforehand, as you don't want to put unnecessary pressure on your dog's neck or trachea. To take measurements properly, first of all, you need to note down the measurement and add an extra inch or two to ensure a comfortable fit.
The process is simple, first, take a flexible tailor's tape or even a shoelace to get the job done, now carefully measure the circumference of your dog's neck, keep the tape or shoelace level, and mark where the two ends meet.
2. Choosing the Fabric Type
Once you are past the point of getting the measurement right, now it is time to get the type of material that would be soothing and is made from top-tier fabric such as Natural fibers like nylon or cotton since these are considered popular choices by most trainers as they are breathable, durable, and gentle on most dogs' skin.
If you own a dog breed with sensitive skin such as a Pitbull, Shar-Pei, or Chinese Crested, you might want to opt for collars lined with soft fleece or satin. As for Greyhound, Whippet, or Doberman collars with wider straps to distribute pressure more evenly would do the trick.
But if you do not want to go through such a hassle, you could simply opt for premium-grade brands such as Pet Resolve Full Set, which is an all-in-one solution and is highly recommended by top veterinarians and dog trainers for its snug fit and irritation-free collar fabric, The prongs are also incredibly gentle, so you won't have to worry about long term usage.
3. Accessory Type & Water Resistance
In order to ensure your shock collar works effectively without being too harsh on your dog, make sure you research various brands beforehand. Likewise, there are tons of brands that sell shock collars with lighter formats of shock stimulus, make sure you invest in the most humane one possible.
Consider investing in collars that offer water resistance up to an IP rating of IPX7 or higher since this practically eliminates the chances of equipment malfunction.
If you own a water-loving dog breed such as Golden Retriever, Portuguese Water Dog, or Otterhound, then consider investing in a shock collar with at least an IPX8 rating. These are completely waterproof and perfect for water-loving dogs. And that's where the Pet Resolve Full Set comes into play, not only is the e-collar waterproof but even its remote control also has splash resistance, in case you are caught in rainy weather while having your dog out in the park.
4. Cause-And-Effect Relationship & Shock Collar Use Case
Now this step is the most tricky part, as once you have determined which collar is going to be the perfect fit for your dog, it is time for you to start with the basics. These include introducing the collar gradually, ensuring a comfortable fit, and associating it with positive experiences like treats and play. You could also start by practicing basic commands like "sit" and "stay".
Rushing the process wouldn't help you in this scenario, so take as much as it needs to ensure your dog gets used to a new shock collar and how to act accordingly once you use the shock stimulus across its neck once it misbehaves or jumps erratically.
Make sure you keep on repeating the commands and use them as frequently as possible, so it can understand when to stop jumping and change its stances to the desired position i.e. Sit or stay or fetch something for you when playing a game of fetch.
In other words, the dog has to learn the association between your verbal commands and the specific actions you want them to take. If the dog doesn't learn or fails to interpret the meaning behind those words and how to act on them, then the cause-and-effect relationship cannot be carried out.
You also need to make sure you do not abuse the power of the shock collar as it is only needed when the dog has developed the sense of interpretation of verbal communication, otherwise yielding for results without having to train the canine would only lead to confusion, anxiety and unnecessary stress, which is basically counter-effective.
Aside from verbal communication, if a dog shows signs of dominance over its owner, try to display calm and assertive energy. Stand tall, avoid direct eye contact, and redirect their energy towards a positive activity or training exercise.
Alternative Methods To Tame A Dog
If used under professional guidance, shock collars tend to be quite effective and can show amazing results, especially for stubborn breeds, however, not everyone has the privilege to afford a professional trainer or usually overlook this aspect which leads to long-term damage to the mental wellbeing of the dog.
Henceforth, here are some alternative methods, you might want to consider when taming your dog if it jumps too often or behaves aggressively.
1. Rewards & Treats
Dogs, regardless of their age, are like children, pure and innocent, if you give them an inch, they will give you the mile especially if you show affection by making your own homemade treats with wholesome ingredients. The best part is, that the ones made with wholesome ingredients such as sweet potato, pumpkin, and carrots offer natural sweetness and added nutrients which ensures your dog gets to taste a satisfying texture and healthy carbs.
In other words, if you control your dog by tweaking its gears through appetite by providing them with tasty and wholesome treats, the chances of them misbehaving are little to none.
2. Signs Of Affection
As mentioned above, dogs love attention and if you ignore them or barely display any importance, they might become disgruntled and even jump aggressively which is their way to stand out of the crowd or be prominent to their owner.
In order to curb the problem, try to be more attentive to their needs. Offer regular potty breaks, fresh water, and comfortable resting spaces. Engaging them with playfulness doesn't hurt their sentiments either but rather plays a huge role in positive reinforcement which is why it is highly advised by the professionals and the behaviorist to schedule dedicated playtime sessions throughout the day.
If you display signs of consistency and maintain a rhythm your dog will automatically evolve and behave accordingly and eventually become a loyal and trustworthy companion that will never be by your side or go against your will in the public.
Final Word
As mentioned above, diagnosing the main culprit behind why your dog could be jumping erratically is basically doing half the job when taming your dog to behave properly. Once you understand those culprits, using shock collars to stop a dog from jumping is considerably easy, in fact, you wouldn't be often once you address its problems.
On the other hand, if you are planning to invest in an e-collar, make sure it fits the dimensions. You don't want to cause unnecessary pain and trauma to the poor being due to such a neglect that could have been easily rectified.