Modern E-Collar Training

Positive reinforcement training has completely taken over the world of dog training. The idea that you should train your dog using only positive reinforcement is an overcorrection to the old school way of training that relied heavily on aversive stimulus, punishment, and fear.  The reality is that modern e-collar training has evolved into a customizable, remote stimulus that strengthens the reach of commands by conditioning a dog’s response to verbal cues and physical touch.

E-collars of today no longer produce a static shock, but rather blunt stimulation. They allow levels in which we can convey urgency in a whisper, talk, or shout directed to the dog based on the situation.  This range allows us to work with a dog at their lowest perceptible level for communicating commands in an everyday context while still permitting a life-saving top end for emergency situations.

Once conditioned, you will be amazed at the response you will get from a level that is hardly noticeable to us. You will be able to stop your dog in its tracks with a stimulation that would be tough to even feel if done to yourself.

The tool we are using is vastly different than the old school shock collars that were used in the bad old days. How we train with them is also vastly different. It is everyone’s assumption that they will push the e-collar remote when the dog is doing something that you don’t want them to do. To punish the dog for a behavior that you don’t like. Banishing this impulse is the first step to correctly conditioning the e-collar and strengthening the bond between you and your dog.  

During this training we will almost always be pushing the button because we WANT the dog to do a behavior. With the right training foundation, you will not have to correct your dog on a higher level because they respond to your lower-level prompts.

This is why the e-collar is an amazing tool. You can gain greater reliability and engagement from your dog while having control through obedience. Imagine the opportunities for freedom and fun if you have a dog that will listen to you 100% of the time.

By taking the time to condition the collar correctly your dog will learn that they are in control of the dial.  It is their choice to listen to a command or not. They will always have the option to listen to your whisper.

Once both you and your dog are practiced with the e-collar, you may find that you don’t need it every day. The collar and your training will act as your seatbelt, something you have on just in case. If the worst case presents itself, you will be thanking your lucky stars that it was on your dog and that you took the time to train and condition correctly.