Benefits of E-Collar Training
Your Guide to E-Collar Training for Dogs
While somewhat controversial, E-collars can be an extremely effective tool for training your dog. These collars carry many safety and moral concerns. However, they can be pivotal to some training methods, and when used properly, have been safe and effective. What exactly are E-collars? How are they effective? Should you use one? You have the questions, and we have the answers. Continue reading to learn more about E-collar dog training and if it can be a tool that works for you and your training journey.
What is an E-Collar?
An E-Collar is essentially a collar the delivers a small electric shock when activated by remote control. The stimulus provided is often considered to be completely harmless. Most E-Collars are now remote controlled, and those used for training tend to be solely remote controlled, allowing them to be used properly.
Most modern E-Collars allow the trainer to choose level of frequency, meaning that the stimulus given can be adjusted by power, need, and more. The stimulation provided by these collars feels less like an electric shock and more so like a deep vibration, like a neuromuscular stimulator, or a deep tissue massage gun.
How Does an E-Collar Work?
The first step to using an E-Collar is placing the transmitter around the dog’s neck. The transmitter should touch the skin, but shouldn’t be too tight or uncomfortable, much like a normal collar should rest. By using the collar’s handheld transmitter, the trainer is able to send a remote signal to the receiver that corresponds with a command or action. The signal from the collar helps to communicate to the dog the difference between wanted and unwanted behaviors in a simple manner. This is an easy method of reinforcing or discouraging behavior. It is important to work with a knowledgeable local trainer to introduce and use the e collar properly.
While many people have concerns over the safety of E-collar training, using these devices is often completely safe. The key to safe and effective E-Collar dog training is finding the dog’s working level, or the range of stimulation that the dog responds to the most. Most E-collars have over 100 stimulation levels, allowing the trainer to find the range of stimulation that is best for the dog.
Common Methods and Techniques
There are two main methods that are associated with E-collar dog training. One method is the tone-only method. This style of training is done by using a unique sound before giving the command. The dog will then learn to associate the sound with the action. This is sometimes combined with voice commands and other techniques.
Then, there is the stimulation only method. This type of training is done by using a unique vibration or shock before giving the command. This behavior starts by putting the dog on the leash and walking around. When the dog goes to display the undesired behavior, the corresponding stimulus would be given. This is often followed by praise if the dog responds correctly.
Balanced Training
E-collar training is one of the tools and techniques that most balanced and successful dog trainers use. This method is in line with the four quadrants of operant conditioning, which is a common, trusted, and popular method of modifying dog behavior through rewards and consequences.
Balanced trainers will assess every dog they work with individually, to find the right combination of quadrants for each animal that is based on several factors, such as breed, drive, and even genetics.
The tools and techniques of balanced dog training span across the four quadrants, using everything from positive reinforcement methods such as clicker training, to simple negative techniques like withholding a treat when a command isn’t obeyed.
Using an E-collar can be a useful tool, helping balanced trainers to reinforce desired behaviors and discourage unwanted behaviors.
Benefits of Using E-Collars for Dog Training
There are many potential benefits for using an e-collar when it comes to training your dog. An E-Collar can help reinforce commands, give corrections, stop unwanted behavior, and even keep your dog safe in spaces and situations where you may lose control.
Some common benefits include:
Teaching and Enforcing Recall
When combined with a long line and treats as motivation, an E-collar can help a dog learn to return when called. This technique can also be used to reinforce basic obedience commands. These collars can be rather effective at extinguishing unwanted behavior while also helping reinforce positive and wanted behavior, regardless of dog breed, age, or size.
Easy Remote Use
Because these collars work by using a remote, it provides an easy to use, nearly hands free tool for any trainer. The remote transmitter can be carried anywhere, making it an invaluable tool throughout the training journey. This tool is mobile, working anywhere. This means that it can be used during public training, or anywhere else. Some E-collar models are even waterproof, and are submersible up to a certain depth, most usually around 25 feet. These factors make E-collars a fantastic tool for any step of training.
Non-Discriminatory
One of the best things about using an E-Collar is that they can be suitable for any type of dog, no matter the age, breed, or size. However, keep in mind that puppies should be at least eight weeks old before beginning any training, especially training that uses an E-collar. Puppies under eight weeks old should still be under the care of their mothers. While it’s important that these collars are used by experienced trainers and individuals to allow for safe and humane use, they are an effective tool that shows no discrimination. Finding the proper stimulus and range is crucial for the safety and success of this type of training. For instance, a dachshund may need less stimulation than a rottweiler, but both can use this type of training and respond to it.
Possibility of Personalization
Because these collars are available with a variety of stimulation levels and features, the right one can be chosen for each dog based on a variety of factors such as breed and size. The collar itself also allows the trainer to personalize the technique to the dog, using different stimulus, different ranges, and more. This means that the training process can be totally customized to match the dog and the dog’s needs. This is a crucial aspect, especially for us at Next Step K-9.
The Bottom Line
Using E-Collars for dog training can be a useful and effective tool for any dog trainer. However, a study has shown that while this method can be effective, it’s only as effective as the trainer and that consistency and users with knowledge of training (or those who have attended training classes) played a role in success rates when using E-Collars. Basically, E-Collars are more effective when someone with knowledge in dog training is using them, such as Next Step K9.
Next Step K9 has experience in a wide variety of training methods and tools. We value your dog’s safety and comfort, while also still prioritizing the success of the training program developed for your dog or puppy.
E-Collars have many benefits, from ease of use to portability. Yes, E-Collars can be a safe and effective tool for training any type of dog and can be used safely and humanely, especially when used by those with knowledge and experience, such as professionals like Next Step K9.
Dog training is a personalized process that takes patience, knowledge, and care. Next Step K9 would love to help you, and your dog live together happily, in harmony, without daily obedience issues. You only have so many years with your dog, and we’re here to ensure that they’re good ones.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help train your dog, no matter what the behavior or severity. Let’s get started!