Electronic dog collars (also called remote or ‘shock’ collars) can be helpful when you are training your Rottweiler, but only if they are used carefully and with great attention on your part.

The following guidelines can help you to avoid the most common problems associated with electronic dog collars and enjoy only the success that comes along with a well behaved and properly trained Rottweiler.

1. Electronic dog collars are not for Punishment

These collars are only intended for use as a guidance tool and by punishing your Rottweiler you can counter any training progress you may have made thus far and instill fear and aggressive responses.

2. Positive Association with the electronic dog collar

Take steps to ensure that your Rottweiler doesn’t associate the electronic collar with negative connotations. To accomplish this, put the collar on casually and spend some time simply playing together before your training session with the electronic collar in place. This play time will make your Rottweiler much more receptive to training and generally put you both in a much better mood.

3. Short, productive sessions with the electronic dog collar

It is important to keep the training sessions with your Rottweiler short with copious praise for each correct behavior. Every time you see a positive and correct response, put your training on pause and give your Rottweiler a chance to relax. This will allow him to not only further trust and respect you, but to retain what he has learned with confidence. This will make your dog much more receptive to training in the future.

4. Learn the Basics of using the electronic dog collar

Likely one of the most common mistakes that Rottweiler owners will make when using an electronic collar is that they start using it far too soon. By teaching your dog the basic commands before you begin using the collar, you are giving your Rottweiler a solid framework and understanding of the correct responses before the collar is ever activated. This will greatly increase your chance that training with an electronic collar will work. To do otherwise may cause your Rottweiler to bolt out of fear the first time it feels the burst of electricity.

5. How strong is your electronic dog collar

While on the topic of that burst of electricity, it is imperative that you know the degree of shock that your electronic collar emits. Each dog is unique and so is their level of sensitivity. A burst that is too strong can cause your Rottweiler to immediately lose focus. Likewise a burst that is too weak might get little or no response whatsoever. You will know that the burst is too high because in all likelihood your dog will tell you in its own way.

6. Show your Rottweiler that they can control the electronic collar

Each time your dog responds correctly to a command, respond by turning the electronic collar off entirely and giving plenty of praise and a treat. In no time at all you will find that by simply leaving the collar in place the Rottweiler will respond to your commands appropriately. The physical presence of the collar will be all that is needed to remind your dog to respond correctly.

Electronic collars can indeed be useful, but only if used cautiously and only as long as is absolutely necessary. Used too long, the Rottweiler may adapt to the burst from the electronic collar and could possibly even begin to retaliate. Electronic collars should never replace the human interaction that is an integral part of training your Rottweiler.