Dog training collars, also known as shock collars or e collars, are a form of electronic training that owners can use to keep their pets within boundaries, control barking, or deter aggressive behavior. They should never be used on puppies younger than 8 weeks of age, despite the fact that shock collars are designed only to deliver safe voltages of stimulation. There is some debate about whether training collars are bad for dogs because e collars rely on punishment rather than reinforcement or conditioning to alter a pet's behavior. E collars don't often fit into positive reinforcement methods, but it does not mean they are all cruel when they are used properly.
Prong collars can be cruel if they are not used responsibly, as careless use can lead to accidental stimulation or excessive shock being administered. This has led many manufacturers to design safety features that prevent accidental static correction, and the design of some e collars for different sized dogs. It is important to ensure that you are using your collar correctly – even the best dog training collars can lead to redness, soreness, or injury if they are left on overnight (when not designed for the purpose) or if the prongs are not regularly moved around to different contact points on your dog's skin. With proper use, e collars do not make dogs more aggressive or cause brain damage, nor will they hurt your dog.