E Collar Dog Trainers Share Essential Training Tips

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Posted Oct 13, 2024

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Purebred dog in collar with letter in sunlight
Credit: pexels.com, Purebred dog in collar with letter in sunlight

E collar dog trainers use a variety of methods to train dogs, but one thing is consistent: they focus on positive reinforcement. A well-designed training plan can help you build a strong bond with your dog and achieve your training goals.

A key aspect of e collar training is setting clear boundaries and expectations. This is where a trainer's expertise comes in - they can help you identify your dog's individual needs and tailor a training plan accordingly.

Effective e collar training requires patience and consistency. E collar dog trainers often recommend starting with short training sessions and gradually increasing the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable with the equipment and the training process.

By following a well-structured training plan and being consistent, you can see significant improvements in your dog's behavior and obedience.

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What Is an E-Collar?

An e-collar, also known as a dog training collar, is a system with a remote control and receiver your dog wears.

Credit: youtube.com, E Collar Training HACKS For BEGINNERS

It's commonly used for dog training, and has different distraction modes to help correct unwanted behaviors. These modes usually include Sound, Vibration, and Static.

The e-collar is designed to be a tool, not a punishment, and is meant to help your dog learn and grow.

In fact, it's often used in conjunction with positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior.

Choosing the Right E-Collar

Quality matters when it comes to choosing the right e-collar. High quality e-collars have 100+ levels, allowing for precise communication with your dog.

Low quality e-collars, on the other hand, have very few levels and can be alarming for dogs. This is especially true when trying to make small adjustments, as the shift from one level to the next can be significant.

It's worth noting that some low quality e-collars may deserve the term "shock collar" due to their potentially startling effects on dogs.

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Do Your Research

Quality matters when it comes to e-collars, and low-quality ones can be very alarming for dogs. The problem with cheap e-collars is that they have very few levels, making it hard to find the right setting.

Credit: youtube.com, Choosing the Right E-collar: Pointing Breeds

High-quality e-collars, on the other hand, have 100+ levels, allowing you to dial into the exact level required to communicate with your dog. This is a huge difference from low-quality e-collars, which can be very shocking for dogs.

Researching how to implement an e-collar in your training is crucial. Knowing the capabilities of a dog collar, its limitations, and how to use it is hugely beneficial. This is why it's essential to collate information from multiple dog trainers to learn their approaches and pick up on the common themes and small tips & techniques to build your training routine.

Most dog training collars will have different modes (Sound, Vibration and Static) and levels to customize the distraction for your dog. To find the right setting for your dog, start with the lowest mode and intensity (i.e. Sound at level 1), observe your dog and see if they react to the distraction.

Here are some key things to consider when choosing an e-collar:

  • Look for e-collars with 100+ levels for precise communication with your dog.
  • Research how to implement the e-collar in your training to avoid startling your dog.
  • Start with the lowest mode and intensity and gradually increase as needed.
  • Consider the capabilities and limitations of different e-collar modes and levels.

Proper Fit

Credit: youtube.com, Selecting the proper e-collar for training

Proper fit is crucial for your dog's comfort and the effectiveness of the e-collar. The collar should fit and be positioned correctly.

Make sure to turn off the collar before fitting it on your dog. Fit the collar on your standing dog, and you should be able to fit one to two fingers between the collar and the dog.

On small dogs like Chihuahuas, a one-finger difference is a good gauge, as a two or three-finger spacing may cause the collar to fall off. On large fluffy dogs like German Shepherds, a two-finger difference is more suitable to ensure comfort without risking the collar falling off.

The receiver should sit high on the side of the dog's neck, not the throat. If you use the collar multiple days in a row, swap the side where the receiver sits to avoid irritation.

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Using an E-Collar Effectively

Using an e-collar effectively requires consistency and positive reinforcement. Consistency is key, so use the same verbal command every time, such as "here" for recall.

Credit: youtube.com, E collar training for beginners/How to train a dog using the remote collar!

To teach recall, start with a longline and reward your dog with treats and praise when they respond to the command. You can also use a lead to gently pull them in towards you.

To keep the training fun and positive, quit while you're ahead and pick up where you left off another day. Don't overdo it, or your dog may get tired and confused.

Here's a step-by-step guide to teaching recall using an e-collar:

  1. Verbal command "here"
  2. Begin to send a distraction
  3. Use a lead to gently pull your dog in towards you
  4. Reward

Remember, the goal is to make the e-collar a tool for good, not a source of frustration or anxiety. With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog to respond to the e-collar and stay safe.

How to Put On

To put on an e-collar effectively, make sure it is on correctly. The prongs on the e-collar need to be touching your dog's skin for the training to work.

You want to avoid a loose e-collar, as this can cause the contact points not to connect when your dog moves. This defeats the purpose of using an e-collar.

The e-collar should not be too tight either, as this can become uncomfortable for your dog. A comfortable fit is essential for successful e-collar training.

When fitted correctly, the e-collar can be worn for multiple hours without any issues. This is a great advantage of using an e-collar.

Use Consistent Commands

Credit: youtube.com, E Collar Training For Beginners: Acclimation to Stim

Using consistent commands is key to successful training with an e-collar. It's essential to establish a clear understanding of what each command means to your dog.

The basics, such as "Sit", "Come", and "Heel", should be mastered before introducing an e-collar into your training routine. Use the same word for the same behavior every time to avoid confusing your dog.

Verbal commands like "here" should be consistent, and it's crucial to use rewards to make training sessions enjoyable and light. A simple step-by-step process can help you reinforce this command:

  1. Use the verbal command "here."
  2. Begin to send a distraction.
  3. Use a lead to gently pull your dog in towards you.
  4. Reward

By following this process and being consistent with your commands, you'll know your dog is improving when they respond immediately to your "here" command.

Remote

Remote training collars are a game-changer for dog owners who want to train their dogs effectively. They provide a means of communication and correction at a distance, allowing trainers to work more efficiently with their dogs in the field or during various training exercises.

Credit: youtube.com, How to properly introduce the remote collar!

The concept of remote dog collars can be traced back to the early 1960s when American veterinarian and inventor William Koehler and fellow trainer Wilford "Wil" Gibson developed the first electronic dog training collar for training purposes.

Remote dog training collars are designed to be controlled remotely using a handheld transmitter, allowing trainers to communicate with their dogs from a distance. This feature is particularly useful for off-leash training or working with dogs in large open spaces.

The best remote dog collar options often include features such as adjustable stimulation levels, multiple modes of communication, a long-range of control, and durable construction. These features ensure that the dog collar with remote is effective, reliable, and suitable for various training environments.

Remote training collars are specifically designed for use in various weather conditions, excluding water-based activities. They are designed to ensure their functionality and durability, but are not protected against moisture.

Dog owners who frequently engage in outdoor activities with their dogs or train their dogs for tasks not involving water will find remote training collars highly beneficial. Some of the advantages of remote training collars for dogs include durable materials, quick-drying straps, and adjustable stimulation levels.

The dog collar with remote is designed for use in various environments, but not suitable for water training, while remote training collar allows trainers to communicate with their dogs from a distance, making them suitable for off-leash training or working in large spaces.

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Understanding E-Collar Settings

Credit: youtube.com, How to Condition Your Dog to the E-collar ⚡️ FIRST E-collar Session

To find the right setting for your e-collar, start with the lowest mode and intensity, such as sound at level 1, and observe your dog's reaction.

You'll want to look for behaviors like stopping and looking around, turning their head over their shoulder, or shaking their head, indicating they've noticed the distraction.

Most e-collar dog trainers will have different modes, such as sound, vibration, and static, and levels to customize the distraction for your dog.

The ideal setting is one that's high enough for your dog to notice but doesn't cause them stress.

If your dog doesn't react to the distraction, gradually increase the level or mode of distraction until you find the right setting.

Once you've found the right setting, test it out randomly to make sure your dog is reacting to the e-collar.

Training with an E-Collar

Training with an E-Collar is a precise process that requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of how the device works. The remote control is a crucial aspect of an e-collar, as it allows the trainer to deliver precise corrections and rewards to the dog.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Introduce the ECollar to Your Dog for the First Time - Fair, Effective and Humane

Some e-collar trainers use the terms "e-collar" and "shock collar" interchangeably, but technically, "shock collar" refers to the same thing.

To be effective, an e-collar needs to be used in conjunction with a well-thought-out training plan. The trainer must understand the dog's behavior and respond accordingly.

The term "e-collar" is the most commonly used term among e-collar trainers, and it's often preferred over "shock collar" due to its more neutral connotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an e-collar a good way to train a dog?

E-collars can be a helpful tool for training dogs when used correctly, but they require proper training and usage to be effective. With the right approach, e-collars can help dogs stay focused and perform behaviors even in distracting situations.

Do professional dog trainers use shock collars?

Professional dog trainers do use electronic training collars, but not necessarily "shock collars" as commonly misunderstood. These tools are a valuable part of a trainer's kit, but their use is often shrouded in controversy and misinformation.

Is an ecollar the same as a shock collar?

Yes, an e-collar is often referred to as a shock collar, although the term "shock collar" is sometimes used in a derogatory manner. The terms are generally used interchangeably, but "e-collar" is a more neutral and widely accepted term.

Sources

  1. Why I Train Dogs with E-collars (chaostocalmk9training.com)
  2. Remote dog training collar (petspy.com)
  3. Remote Dog Training Collars (ecollar.com)
  4. off-leash training (americascanineeducator.com)
  5. bark collar (edogaustralia.co.nz)
  6. our customer service team (edogaustralia.co.nz)

Íris Nobre

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