9 E-Collar Training Myths: Busted
Like many, I once believed that e-collar training was cruel. I thought positive reinforcement was the only right way to train a dog, until I had Laila. As much as I learned and worked with her, she just wasn’t as responsive to the training as I needed her to be.
As a result, I happened upon balanced training methods, thanks to friends who had faced similar difficulties with their own dogs. The more I learned, the more I saw how incredible this tool could be, when used correctly.
There are a lot of myths and assumptions out there about e-collars, and many of the claims and beliefs simply are not true. This post breaks down those myths and explains the truth behind proper use of an e-collar.
Modern Day E-Collars vs Shock Collars
You’ve probably heard the terms e-collar and shock collar used interchangeably when referring to such tools. More often than not, the term “shock collar” is used today as a way of intentionally creating a reaction in people to associate pain and harm with its use.
The first electronic collars were introduced during the 70s, based on the psychology of shock treatment. The tools were designed to shock dogs using three different settings.
Modern e-collars use TENS technology (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), which delivers a mild pulse that stimulates muscle contraction (the same thing your PT or Chiropractor uses on you when you are in for treatment).
They are also designed to safely and humanely deliver the stimulation to dogs as small as 5 lbs.
Not all E-Collars are the Same!
While the archaic shock collars of the 70s are no longer produced today, there are still a number of low quality, inhumane e-collars on the market. Nearly every trainer I have met or follow on social media use the E-Collar Technologies Mini Educator, which has a stimulation level range from 0 to 100.
Do not buy an e-collar from a chain pet store or some off-brand from Amazon (which also includes any ads you might see in this post. I wish I had better control of the ads, but I don’t always have the choice!).
How E-Collars Work
This stimulation interrupts the dog’s thought process through an unpleasant, but not painful sensation.
As I will mention several times in this article, the stimulation used negative reinforcement to teach the dog command they already know. With proper conditioning, the dog learns how to stop the sensation by responding correctly to a command.
The e-collar can also be used to deter undesirable behaviors like digging, counter surfing, jumping, and more. In this instance, your dog learns to associate the unpleasant feeling with its own behavior.
Think of the e-collar as an extension of the leash. Just as your dog feels a tug on their collar when they reach the end of the leash, the e-collar is sort of like a tap on their shoulder, only does not cause damage to the larynx or spinal cord like a jerk of the collar can.
Now let’s get into those myths about e-collar training!
Myth #1: E-Collars Hurt Dogs
Used incorrectly, yes, e-collars can hurt a dog.
So can a flat collar.
So can your hand.
So can a leash.
Think about your kitchen knife, a tool you probably use every day, multiple times a day.
Have you ever used that same knife to kill someone? I sure hope not.
When used correctly, a sharp knife can create delicious meals for your family. Used incorrectly, it can be a murder weapon.
Catch my drift?
Any tool can be misused. When an e-collar is used correctly, under the guidance of a professional trainer, then they are incredible tools that make life safer for your dog and give them more freedom.
Hold up. Safer? More freedom?
Yes.
I have 100% confidence that Sitka will respond when I recall him back to me. Even if there is a squirrel, a dog, something tasty, a bear, you name it. I can call him off anything because of the e-collar.
Sitka’s working level ranges from 4 to 10 in low distraction zones. If I have to call him off something especially exciting, I might have to dial up to 30.
What this means is that I can give Sitka more freedom when we hike and trail run with full confidence that he will obey commands.
Low quality, cheap collars and poor training methods are often used to demonstrate the abusive side of the tool.
Myth #2: E-Collars are for Lazy People
If e-collars are for lazy people, then I’ve been doing this all wrong.
I have worked with Sitka on a daily basis since the day I brought him home in December 2019. I worked harder once I started working with my trainer and had homework on a regular basis.
Those who oppose e-collars claim that having to use a tool equals laziness. What they don’t proceed to recognize is that the following items are also tools:
- Collars
- Leashes
- Harnesses
- Halti’s/Gentle Leader
- Food
Everything mentioned above is a tool. Everything mentioned above are tools that most trainers use.
Efficiency does not Equal Laziness
What some claim as “lazy,” I call efficient. E-collars allow me to communicate with my dog in a way that they understand. They learn more quickly because the tool is more effective.
Since I love to bake, let’s use a baking example.
Let’s say I’m making a lemon meringue pie. I can use a whisk and whip those egg whites for 20-30 minutes (or longer, trust me, I’ve tried it), or, I can use egg beaters for 5 minutes and save my arm strength for the gym.
Does it make me lazy to use an egg beater over a whisk? Nope. It makes me efficient. Now, I have an extra 15-25 minutes of my life back, my arm isn’t wiped out, and I’ve got perfect peaks.
Here’s a great personal example of a tool used by R+ advocates (positive reinforcement) that I consider lazy: the Halti or Gentle Leader (you can see in the name that it’s all about marketing: This tool is gentle!)
We used one on Sora because she pulled on walks. Inspired by halters used for horses, the design allows the handler to control the dog’s head position and helps reduce pulling. Magic!
Sora would also run away and hide every. single. time. we got out the Gentle Leader. She fought and turned her head when we’d put it on.
We didn’t have to teach her how to walk without pulling because we just used the Gentle Leader.
After reading this great Instagram post from @flashdogtraining, I understood why she resisted so much. A dog’s nose is its most sensitive organ, and the straps on this tool place pressure directly on the snout.
Guess what? Sitka wags his tail when I bust out the e-collar. He knows it means we’re going on an adventure.
E-Collar Training Goes an Extra Step
E-collar training actually requires an extra step than positive only.
Larry Krohn, one of the most well known balanced dog trainers explains his method in this Facebook post.
First, he teaches a dog a command using food and marker words. Once the dog knows that command, he introduces the e-collar, pairing it with the food and marker words.
Only when the dog understands a command is the e-collar used to both reinforce behavior or correct for non-compliance.
Myth #3: E-Collars Cause Confusion in Dogs
I found the exact opposite to be true once I began using tools like prong collars and e-collars.
When I relied on treats alone, I was only as valuable as the treats I had or I used them as a bribe. It didn’t matter how much I squealed, engaged in play, walked back and forth along the same street, if I wasn’t constantly shoveling food down my dog’s throat, my dog would find something else more enticing.
I had no idea how to engage my dog otherwise and they had no idea what I wanted from them.
Good trainers don’t just slap an e-collar on a dog and start pushing buttons believing that it will magically change a dog’s behavior. An e-collar won’t be introduced until a dog is fluent in a command, as explained above in #2.
What does cause confusion in dogs is asking for commands before they understand what it means, and then getting mad at them for not doing as they’re told.
This is exactly what happened with Laila and I didn’t understand the disconnect in our communication. I was just always frustrated with her and neither of us were in a place to work together successfully.
Myth #4: E-Collars are Only Used to Punish Dogs
E-collars are used to both reinforce behaviors the dog already knows, and correct when the dog does not obey or engages in an undesirable behavior using low level stimulation.
By first teaching the dog the commands, we can then use the e-collar to get the dog’s attention or interrupt their thought process, similar to your phone’s ring when someone is calling you.
As an example: During a hike, I call for Sitka to come using his base stimulation level (about 6 out of 100). At that same moment, he’s caught wind of a squirrel in the vicinity and wants to find that critter.
He hesitates on my first call, so I dial up to 10 and use the continuous button or tap, tap, tap until he decides to release that pressure, and sprints back toward me so that I can re-release him to go find that squirrel (of course, I never allow him to chase our animal friends!)
You know that R+ training uses punishment as well, right?
What? Egad! It can’t be true!
Indeed, my friends.
- Ignoring a dog that jumps on you is negative punishment. (it also doesn’t really work, see this Instagram post)
- Withholding a treat for breaking or not performing a command is negative punishment.
- Removing access to your dog’s favorite window spot because they bark at everything that goes by is negative punishment.
But, that has the word “negative” in it! That can’t be right!
Negative doesn’t mean “good” or “bad.” Negative means “the removal of something” to discourage a behavior.
Myth #5: E-Collar Training is not Science-Based
Here’s the thing with science. It changes constantly. One year scientists prove one concept, the next, they show different results. “Scientific” studies can and do have biased results, depending on the subject.
The fact is that there are not enough quality studies on dog training that support this claim. Research shows that punishment can be effective, particularly when paired with positive reinforcement. Further, there is no evidence that shows that reinforcement is more effective and punishment can result in adverse effects.
This Instagram post by @itshenrythebully does a great job of explaining how science-based claims are not always what they seem and require more studies. And here’s another from university professor who focuses on scientific literacy.
Myth #6: You Can’t Use E-Collars on Small Dogs
Um, why not?
I’ve seen trainers use e-collars with all kinds of dogs, ranging from chihuahuas and dachshunds to Great Pyrenees. Smaller dogs require more delicacy and size-appropriate tools, yes, but there’s no reason one can’t use an e-collar on a small dog.
In fact, e-collars are great tools for highly reactive small dogs who can’t handle a leash correction. The e-collar lets them know that the behavior is not appropriate.
Myth #7: E-Collars Will Make Your Dog Afraid of You
The misconception is that e-collars use intimidation tactics in order to get the dog to do a behavior, but that couldn’t be more incorrect.
Used incorrectly, sure. So can “non-aversive” tools.
I worked with a trainer for Laila who used a Martingale collar. When we wanted Laila to turn, we’d do a sort of snap that, when performed correctly didn’t hurt, but was tricky to get right without yanking. Soon after implementing this tactic, I’d notice Laila flinching and cowering every time I went to make the snap motion.
Case in point. Improper use of any tool can make your dog afraid of you.
With proper conditioning, e-collars are wonderful tools that teach dogs how to make decisions and control the stimulation they receive.
Here’s a great post with several examples comparing appropriate and inappropriate methods of using the e-collar to curb undesirable behaviors.
Myth #8: E-Collars Burn Dogs’ Necks
If you’ve ever read an article discussing the abusive traits of e-collars, then surely you’ve come across horrific images of dogs with “burn marks” on their necks.
These aren’t burn marks. They’re caused by allergies and improper use. Some dogs, including Sitka, have allergies to nickel, the metal used in the contact points on my e-collar. The manufacturer suggested I switch to the hypo-allergenic titanium contact points, and he continued to have allergies.This resulted in scabs.
I’ve since switched to plastic contact points and have had no issues.
The second reason you see photos of “burn marks” is a result of leaving the collar on for too long. The e-collar position must be switched every 2-4 hours, otherwise pressure sores will occur (just as humans experience bed sores when they’re stuck in bed for long periods of time). A properly-fitted collar that is rotated regularly will prevent these sores.
Myth #9: E-Collars Should only be used as a Last Resort
I don’t know about you, but if I learned of a tool that expedited the learning process, bridged the bond between my dog and me, built confidence in my dog, and provided off leash reliability, I wouldn’t wait to try everything else before using this tool.
I get it, it seems like a last ditch effort because you want to try positive reinforcement to see if it will work. Truth be told, not all dogs need to use an e-collar. It depends on your dog’s personality and your lifestyle.
But if you enjoy hiking and trail running and going on other adventures with your dog, then why wait until you’re frustrated and can’t stand your dog?
Think of it like this:
You always wear your seatbelt in the car.
You purchase car, health, and home insurance, just in case.
If you live in the Northwest, you always bring a raincoat, even if the forecast shows sunny skies ahead.
I didn’t get the chance to use the e-collar with Laila and we were both miserable and frustrated. I chose to use it right away after I got Sitka and we’ve been able to enjoy our time together nearly every day since day one.
What is your experience using an e-collar?
Did you used to believe some of the myths in this article (I sure did)?
Hi Jen,
I’ve always shied away from E-collars, mainly because I saw them used as short cuts (i.e. zap the dog every time you don’t like what they’re doing) without the paired training you describe above.
In the cases where I’ve seen them used successfully (where the dog wearing them seemed happy and the owner rarely needed to use it because of solid training), the dog was generally a well balanced dog with a solid temperament.
I’m curious what your thoughts are on owners who use E-collars on dogs with fear-based aggressive behavior. My gut tells me that if a dog is barking or lunging at a passing dog, that an E-collar correction will only exacerbate the fear. You seem to have a balanced view of E-collars so I’m curious what your take is on that type of situation.
Thanks!
Hi Karen! The way you thought of e-collars was exactly how I used to think of them as well. Proper training is so, so different.
To answer your question, what my trainer had me do was to go on 3 20-min structured walks daily with Sitka using the prong collar. He’s reactive, so it meant that we spent many days walking up and down the same street, turning around if he started to pull or react. I would use the prong to correct if I needed to, but it was MY job as the handler to pay attention to his cues and catch him before he reacted (not always so easy!).
Then, we introduced the e-collar to our walks and did “tap and turns,” using the same 20-min structured walks. Once he could walk nicely on leash, we would then venture to places with other dogs, but kept our distance, slowly creeping in more closely as his reactivity waned.
Today, if I see his ears perk up at a dog coming our way, I use a slightly higher level (usually a 12 or so) to snap him out of his thinking. If he really starts to react, then I dial up because he has already learned that that is not appropriate behavior.
I hope this answer helped!
@Jen Sotolongo, ‘structured walks’ – there lies the problem. Is the dog allowed to smell things, socialise, or even take a break to practice some cues?
That’s the bonus of e-collar training for reliable recall. We go to the woods to run 30+ miles each week and my dog can smell as much as he wants. We are always training, no matter what we’re doing, and as far as socializing, I only socialize my dog with dogs I know so that he maintains his trust in me.
Hi..I am new to this dog training thing. Basically a cat person, I have recently been attracted to owning a dog around the time of severe depression and a leg amputated…it was great therapy.
I now have a 2.5 yr Plott female who is getting spayed when heat is done..another 2 weeks.
My new guy is 6 month PittBoxer 70lbs and very obedient and smart. I rehom d him but owner had him run the house..no crate..ate whenever..no boundaries..no cat or dog interaction.
I’m trying to teach him so much..crate..leash..eat at specific times then bowl up…certain rooms no…and intro to dog and cat. So much to learn. Day 5..he’s already great with a crate..but not out of my sight. He still pulls on leash so getting a halter. He quickly corrects when told no..come here..don’t chase..etc. He is treats motivated and praise.
He won’t leave my side and panics when I do. I’m working on all this but cat chasing is also a biggee. My cat loves dogs and thinks he is friendly but does outrun him when chased. I will use a long leash to correct that instinct to chase.
I keep him and female Plott separate as she wants to be Boss and acts mean toward him..slowly introducing them.. short times..a few each day..her leashed..him behind gate.
I give her alone time with me so she’s not so jealous..but I think it’s more fear..she’s very jumpy and highly alert( hunting blood)
Not sure about E collars…only think it’s shock treatment and hate that. It takes time to train..Properly. patience and consistency.. I know..I’m a behavior specialist for humans with intellectual challenges.
I think I will skip the Ecollar and go with commands..praise..phase out treats…and use my dog’s intelligence paired with his great obedience and my consistency to train.
I know the key factor is Patience and I just want everyone to get along..it’s only 5 days..so…trying my best here.
If you’re unsure about e-collars, then what I’d do is crate train your dog to teach them to be alone and then also teach the place command. It sounds like your dog needs jobs and place is a job. He’s not allowed to chase the cat if he is in place. When you do introduce your two Plotts, do so in a neutral environment with a lot of space. They both need to feel like they can escape if they don’t want to participate in the introduction. Introducing them in the house sounds like it might cause problems and they will feel trapped.
As far as e-collars being “a shock treatment,” that’s not so. Think of it as a communication tool instead of a punishment tool. I like to think of it as my translator that helps me speak dog.
@Jen Sotolongo, think of bullying a kid into handing over their pocket money at school as a communication tool. Or the alternative being offer something nice in return for their pocket money? E collars do NOT speak ‘dog’.
What would you offer a kid that is more valuable than money on a reliable basis, nearly 100% of the time?
@Jen Sotolongo, hm – I’d rather communicate with my dog in terms that are not “unpleasant” like the sensations delivered by an e-collar. Additionally, to say that an e-collar is only used after the dog understands a command – then what is the point of the e-collar if your dog already understands the command? No – they don’t understand the command yet. Your dog obviously doesn’t have a full grasp of the command if it’s not working on a reliable basis such that you would need an additional “tool” to reinforce. Introducing unpleasantness will not help to reinforce, just convolute.
I would recommend doing further research on the use of aversive methods in training before touting the magic of adding “unpleasantness” to your dogs life.
What is the point of giving a speeding ticket if the speed limit is posted? It’s because people speed. What is the point of grounding a child if they break curfew when they know what time they’re supposed to be home? It’s because they missed curfew. What’s the point of the e-collar if my dog already understands the command? It’s because sometimes chasing a deer or dodging after a car is more important to them in that moment and I’d rather they return back to me instead of potentially die. Rules mean nothing if they are not reinforced with consequences.
@Rob@Robyn Hello, mam, you as are many other well-meaning people are mistaken. I have been training dogs since 1969 I have worked with thousands of dogs.
Please allow me to explain something to you and give you some examples. A dog may have complete understanding of the command come. Under the right conditions, this does not mean that the dog will always come when called. Just because it knows some does not mean it will always obey a command.n Humans disregard rules all of the time.
Example #1: If you drive a car, and you are approaching a traffic light that is yellow, do you stop or hurry through it? A yellow light means stop just as a red light means stop.
Example #2: We all know that smoking, vaping, drinking, drinking and driving, and abusing drugs are things we should not be doing. But humans do it anyway.
#3 Do you always drive the posted speed limit? You know that you should but do you?
Just because you may have a clear understanding of a rule doesn’t that you comply everytime.
These are great examples to help folks understand why it’s important to have that “must key.” We all take advantage of the system when we think we can get away with it, and we often do. It’s the threat of being caught and, more importantly, understanding the consequences of being caught, that determine our choices. Dogs are no different. Thanks for your insight!
Since the 70s I worked with (trained is the wrong word) border collies on livestock. I never used and e collar with them as the breed to me was too sensitive. Corrective action called for more physical activity on my part and working in smaller areas. Never had a problem. Then I got a BC/kelpie cross. We also got a BC/black mouth cur cross with strong hunting drive. Both dogs were more strong minded and less amenable than any BC I worked with or owned. We both mini educators. One of the best purchases we made. In the earlier days we used mostly the vibrate mode, usually around 10-20 strength if they failed to come to verbal commands. Now we hike without the collars but they were life savers when the dogs were younger, You can’t just slap them on, you need to educate yourself as to their use way before you ever put them on a dog.
Your story is a great example of training the dogs you have! You recognized their different needs and made adjustments. I’ve never heard of a Black Mouth Cur cross. They sound like a BC on steroids, haha. And yes, you’re right, training is absolutely key! Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
I usually pass by blogs and other conversations about e-collar training (Steve Snell at Gun Dog Supply is an exception, but the hunting and working community have long integrated e-collars into their training), but I gave yours a flier, mostly because I am always searching for good sites on backpacking with dogs. I will look forward to more of your work, less about e-collars for you’ve done a great job in your article. My only quibble: I hate the use of “punishment”; it implies retribution. I think correction is the far more accurate term. In that context, the e-collar is a tool for correction, but also for conversation (at the lowest level of stimulation that the dog can feel). What I will look for is more of your experiences doing multi-day wilderness backpacking with your dog(s). In the meantime, thanks for this article and for your site.
I also prefer the term correction to punishment, and advocate for proper use of this tool, as I believe you learned by reading this post. I appreciate you having a read through!
@Jen Sotolongo, it is still punishment though despite what you want to call it. Funny how service dogs, police dogs, let alone performing dolphins don’t get trained using those methods
Balanced training and e-collars are indeed used frequently with police and service dogs, actually. And I guess if you’re ok with dolphins forced to live in small tanks and perform for people then I’m not sure how that fits with positive reinforcement.
Thank you so much for this information, Jen. I have a lifelong affinity for Australian Shepherds, due to growing up in rural Idaho and their ability to be great running companions. As you may know, there are two lines to this breed: conformation and show. My first few dogs were from the conformation line and reinforcement training worked well, but then I got a line-bred puppy from pure working lines. She came out of the womb completely convinced that it was her job to manage everyone and everything on our farm. We took her to classes, tried different trainers, etc., but then things became much more serious when she attacked my brother’s dog.
This prompted us to send her to a brilliant trainer that used a balanced approach. The trainer was very honest with us and stated that she probably would never be the kind of dog that can be at dog parks, but that we would be able to manage her behavior. And she’s right. Kika will never be a get along with other dogs dog, but she’s our dog and fantastic at it. She is fine with our other animals that are part of her pack, but her life is to be one of being our working farm dog, she goes to the fields with us, feeds the animals, keeps them from leaving when we’re working with them. We have even got her to the point where she’ll be able to compete in agility and herding trials.
There is no way you could convince me this would be possible without the use of an e-collar. She just doesn’t like other dogs and is hardwired not to. It’s likely genetic, which is why I’m going to be removing from my breeding program. What e-collar training allows us to do is know that when we’re around other dogs, she is going to avoid them and look to us for guidance. I know that if we’re in the field and a strange dog comes on our property, she’ll recall back to me everytime. When out on walks, she’ll maintain a perfect heel, regardless of what other dogs are doing that she passes.
I am not embarrassed about our decision to go this route, as the alternative would be for her to be put down or never leave our farm. In a life or death situation, I chose Kika’s life and am very proud of her.
I’m so glad that you found a great dog trainer to work with you and Kika! I don’t know if you’re still in Idaho, but I dream of trail running along all those open trails!
Hi Jen – Great article! I recently went through a training program with my dog on how to use his E-Collar. I love it and I hardly have to use it for correction anymore. Except when I took him for Agility training last night he reverted back to old behaviors of bossiness and not follow directions. The facility won’t allow me to use the E-Collar so I am just wondering if you have experience with this type of resistance with Agility Training and what I can do about it? I hate for my dog to miss out on this fun thing to do together. Thanks!
I’m so glad you have had such great success using the e-collar! It’s such a great tool! I’ve not taken Sitka to agility, but I have heard that it’s very common for facilities not to allow dogs to use their e-collars. It’s completely unfair and based on false information. You could try something like barn hunt that might be more e-collar friendly, depending on where you live. I’ve been doing that lately with my dog and he has a blast!
Hello!
My 1 yo female Corgi is leash reactive around any dogs (not always but some days it’s so bad she can snap her collar )…. I just bought an ecollar after months (like 6 or more ) of just positive reinforcement… she isn’t super treat motivated if dogs are around though. I did teach her to not lunge at cars or people/bikes… but other dogs has been NO LUCK!.
She knows many commands, has decent recall unless she’s over stimulated and reactive on her leash. Would the “leave it” command be a good one to pair with this!? Like say a dog is approaching, she notices and I say leave it but she won’t look at me, then do I do low vibration and turn it up as the dog gets closer if she stops responding to me? Do I still give treats when she does look at me and not the dog?
We are doing a reactive dog class this week but I’m not super optimistic they will teach me anything new. So I’d like to incorporate this new tool!
It sounds like you need to maybe go back to the beginning with her and slowly work with her around other dogs. So make sure she can pay attention to all of your commands inside, at home. Then while walking up and down your street. Then at a park a far distance away from other dogs. I just use the word “no” instead of leave it. I find that it’s shorter, easier, and more useful, but leave it is fine, too. I’d also just do a 180-degree turn if she’s still that reactive.
This is very well written. I use an e collar with my retriever mix dog. I worked with his trainer for months making sure I used it properly and use it along side positive reinforcement (praise). It’s worked wonders. He is happy and I am happy! Like your dog, my dog gets super excited when I put it on because he knows he’s going somewhere fun.
Woo hoo! Yay for e-collars! Glad to hear that you had success with your pup!
Does there come a time when you no longer need the collar for the dog to execute the desired behaviour?
I’m thinking I may need it for my pup but don’t want to have to rely on it forever.
I think that really depends on your dog and your consistency. I look at the e-collar the same way I do a seat belt. Have I ever been in an accident? Thankfully, no, but in the event that I am in one, I definitely want my seatbelt on!
Hi Jen,
I had a few questions.
I’ve went the R+ route for the last year and a half, so everything is quite confusing for me when I read articles about the balanced approach. R+ has been quite successful for us, she’s even won multiple obedience-based titles. She’s a very smart dog and knows over 30+ cues.
Now, I’ve been contemplating on going to the “dark side” of e-collars due to my dog’s reactivity. The reactivity has been there since she’s found her voice. However, I had a couple questions.
1. I’m not necessarily nervous of the collar itself, but I am nervous about if it comes with any negative repercussions. Will my dog lose trust in me? Will our relationship change? WIll she think of me any differently?
2. How did you get started? Was a trainer hired? Is this something that can be self-studied?
3. Could the collar truly be ditched once you start on it? I’ve heard people give the analogy that it’s like insurance. However, in my mind, if I need to rely on a tool, is my dog even learning anything? I guess that’s my mindset right now.
Hi! Thanks for your questions, they’re great and happy to answer.
1. If you first train your dog to understand pressure/release and then overlay the e-collar once they are fluent with their cues (sit, down, place, no, yes, come), then the e-collar really acts as an extension of the leash. If you only use the e-collar on a high stimulation to tell them what not to do, then that’s where people run into issues.
2. I spent a year educating myself by talking to friends, trainers, and watching videos of trainers that had been recommended to me. I worked with a trainer to learn how to introduce the prong collar and then started getting Sitka used to the e-collar by finding his working level and overlaying it with his known commands on a low stim level. Then, I worked with a trainer for a month with 1:1 lessons. I highly recommend working with a trainer to introduce the e-collar, there are a lot of small steps involved that most pet dog owners will miss.
3. Could it be ditched? I guess? Would you drive without your seat belt? Probably not. I think it’s important to reframe your mindset of what a tool is. A knife is a tool you use daily to cut your food. Locks are tools to prevent someone from breaking into your car or your house. A leash is a tool you use with your dog when you go for a walk. Food is a tool you use to train your dog.
Dogs have good days and bad days, you don’t want to wish that you had the e-collar on your dog on that bad day they decide to run after that animal in the woods and not come back. Sitka recently went to chase after a dirt bike that passed by our campsite. We had just arrived from driving for an hour and a half, so he had some energy to burn. I heard the dirt bike coming, put him in a down and despite never having broken his command in that situation previously, he did this time and you’d better believe that I was grateful for the e-collar in that moment.
Thank you so much for your answers. It clears up a lot of the confusion I had. I did have a couple one-on-one sessions in regards to a prong collar, but haven’t touched the prong since that training. I know the prong works, my dog walked beautifully within the first 2 minutes (NOT EVEN JOKING). He told me that a solid heel with a prong alone would greatly reduce my dog’s reactivity. However, even in training, we never used it in reactive situations. I think I will start incorporating the prong on walks and I’ll start looking into a local trainer who uses an e-collar correctly.
Thank you Jen!
Oh YAY! This makes me so happy to hear. Isn’t the prong collar an incredible tool? The prong does help tremendously with reactivity, but has it’s limits, which is where the e-collar can swoop in when you need to add more pressure. Please keep me posted!
@J, don’t use it or a lot of the achievements you got using R+ will regress
I vote that you do what works best for you and your dog. 🙂
Jen, Thank you for this article. I have a 100 lb one-year-old Goldendoodle German Shepherd who was a saint from birth. We recently rescued a 1-year-old german shepherd BC mix, and have done basic training courses with her. She knows how to do commands- she is just extremely unfocused and reactive due to a sad unstructured first year of her life. This makes doing everything and anything with her very difficult. I purchased the mini educator in hopes it would improve her focus when asking her to complete tasks and trying to curb learned behaviors that are not acceptable in our house (tearing through screen doors, scratching paint off of doors). I have felt guilty for purchasing or deciding to use an E collar, even though we have done everything R+ tactics ask of us with her. We followed the 3-3-3 rule for rescues… she knows crate, sit, down, place, come… her recall is phenomenal. My question is: when I put her E collar on she lays down and will not get up, she pants and yawns from stress. I wouldn’t know if one has been used incorrectly with her before we got her, and I haven’t even started giving corrections or setting levels! I’m just trying to get her used to the collar… how do we move forward with it as a positive tool? is it a lost cause?
I’d highly recommend working with a professional trainer to teach your dog (and the humans) how to properly use it for best results.
Hi Jen,
I just wanted to say thank you so much for your article.
It helped me made a decision on e-collar use.
I have a 9 months old Vizsla. Hunting dog. Amazing puppy.
I like to trail run with him and go for hikes. Ofc leash.
Treats and to s of training not always work. Especially when his nose is busy diggind the grass finding those amazing sents.
Sometimes listens ather times not at all. It gets so frustrating. After reading your article I made a decision to purchase a good quality e- collar.
It will benefit both of us. I don’t want to take away his off leash privileges.
Thank you
I’m so glad you found my article helpful! I hope the e-collar helps sort through those issues and that you can soon enjoy your best lives together!
Same here. I learned from a professional dog trainer how to properly use an e-collar. The dogs were taught the commands without the collars first and then once I knew they were proficient in the command, I could expect a successful performance. My dogs can’t contain their excitement when I unplug the collars. Consequently, when I pull out the nail clippers, they disappear! I use the e-stim buttons to remove them from danger, but for things like pulling on the leash, the vibrate works just as well for us. We do enjoy off leash hikes thanks to the collars because I am confident in my commands, and for any unusual or dangerous encounters, like a raccoon or something, I know that I can keep them safe.
I’m so happy to hear that you’ve had such a great experience with the e-collar! They really do offer so much more freedom for dogs!
I love your explanation of e-collars as tools, not weapons.
We had a Cocker Spaniel rescue who was uncomfortable with all training, but was terrified of the word “come,” even when it was directed cheerfully at another dog in a group training class.
Her flight reaction to hearing it was so extreme, it had given her a reputation as an “escape artist” with Animal Control and made it hard for the rescue to find a home for her in spite of her good home manners and friendliness.
We cycled through a couple of R+ trainers who tried sign language training without making a dent. Then we found a balanced trainer who taught us to train Ebby’s recall silently, with a tiny, non-threatening tap from the collar. Just being able to communicate without frightening her was huge, but getting her to stop expecting punishment in recall situations was monumental.
Six months later, she was hiking off leash and joyously participating in agility and group classes, verbal commands included. Nobody who met her could believe that this confident adventure dog could ever have been urinating and running away from us in fear.
What an amazing transformation! Thank you so much for sharing Ebby’s story with me and for sticking with her until you found a solution. I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying off-leash freedom as a result. YAY!
Thought about it but just can’t. Simply, wouldn’t want it done to me
Okie doke. I’m guessing your dog isn’t spayed or neutered then?
Hi – I found your posts extremely helpful when considering e-collar training. My question is about a product mentioned above. Where did you find plastic contact points, what brand are they, and how does that work? My poor girl is having a reaction and scratching herself bloody. We’ve tried different metal point sizes and configurations to no avail.
We are not using the collar for extended amounts of time or in mucky conditions, so I’m assuming the issue is a reaction to the metal. Her health is our main priority so we shelf the collar until she heals, but it’s really disrupting our training effort.
I got my contact points from E-collar technologies, which is also the same brand as the e-collar I use. They have amazing customer service, so if you call them up and let them know what you’re looking for, they’ll point you in the right direction.
This has got to be the dumbest article in dog training ive read. along rhe lines of guns dont kill ppl ppl kill ppl. and cheating is wrong but hey so is not wearing a seatbelt. all your arguments don’t take into account the idea of degrees that things can be bad and very bad or uncomfodtable and very uncomfortable. completely without logic. i sincerely hope no one takes your advice on dog training
Thanks so much for reading my article and visiting my site! Oof, I had a rather challenging time reading your comment filled with grammatical errors, typos, and incomplete sentences. I sincerely hope that you use spell check when you write anything in the future.
@james b, agreed the article sounds like trying to justify quicker results without taking any notice of the long term drawbacks
Such as?
This article is extremely thoughtful, helpful, and obviously very humane. Everything you said is echoed by an amazing training facility I sent my dog to due to his unrelenting and unprovoked aggression towards other dogs. While he will never be a dog park dog or a playdate type of dog, we’re trying to give him the best life possible while not putting neighborhood dogs at risk should he ever get loose (again) I am paranoid and anxious about him getting out so I’m looking to add layers of security, including an e-collar and possibly the e-collar brand invisible fencing.
Do you have experience with that? While my fencing is secure, my dog is strong and extremely motivated and once he is after something there is no turning him back. If there’s a loose board, he’ll find it so for the last year + he can’t even go in the backyard alone to bake in the sun (his favorite hobby.)
The e-collar will be the most straightforward piece to add to his current training but it would give me peace of mind to have that added layer should he ever slip out without us noticing or if the remote is out of readh. I’m super paranoid so it is unlikely but you never know, right?
I don’t want to have to have two e-collars on him. Do you know if a single e-collar works with their fencing AND their training collar all in one? I’m trying to figure it out myself right now and would be happy to use your affiliate link if I can figure out exactly what items to purchase. I’ve also thought about having a professional install it but I still want to make sure I understand the ins and outs before making a decision.
I appreciate the time you took to explain away these common myths. It reinforces everything I’ve learned from really respected people that I’ve been dealing with over the last year.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Emily. I don’t know of an e-collar/electric fence combination collar on the market just yet. I’d personally focus on working on training, place command, and impulse control before allowing him in the yard unattended if it causes that much anxiety! It sounds like you haven’t used the e-collar with him yet, so I’d work with your trainer to see how it goes and then take the next steps for fencing if necessary. Best of luck!
Sounds like you are trying to justify taking shortcuts instead of trying to understand your dog.
Can you explain why you think that as a result of reading the article, Mark?
NOTHING about HOW to properly place them, for how many hours a day & how tight.
Yes, they can be effective used PROPERLY…
Some people ARE lazy & do not take the time to be mindful with them.
Case in point; my employer who has her short coated little dog sitting in a crate almost 24 hours a day with the collar ON.
You cannot fit two fingers under it & it’s placed BEHIND the regular collar which is WRONG.
I would take your “article” (or ad) more seriously if you’d taken the time to go over safety & proper placement, but that clearly wasn’t your aim.
Sounds like I need to write an article about how to properly use an e-collar! Thanks for the suggestion!
Thank you for this. We need more accurate information out there about e-collars. I was dead-set against them until my dog, who has responded well to most training couldn’t be trained out of her prey drive. She chases coyotes, bears, rabbits, anything that moves and nothing I did could stop her! And to me the worst thing I could do is leash her up all the time. To me THAT is cruel.
So, reluctantly, I researched e-collars and bought the mini Educator. I hired a trainer to help me understand how to use it.
It has been the perfect tool to complement the training we’ve already done. Her recall is better even without the collar on and she gets excited when I pull the collar out! That means she gets to go run free. And I get to relax knowing I can recall her from a dangerous situation.
Ah I love that you had so much success with the e-collar and that your girl can go out and enjoy your hikes and you no longer have to worry about her chasing wildlife! E-collar for the win!
This article has been perfectly written!
Heidi is my third German shepherd and before her I was highly adverse to prong and ecollars, I personally couldn’t understand why anyone would see the need for them and how other training methods would not be just as effective.
I also considered myself highly experienced in dog training (if you’ve ever had a GSD you know where I’m coming from!).
However, Heidi threw a whole load of curve balls our way. Her training was high standard, she was regularly socialised and by socialised I don’t just mean other dogs, but also plenty of experiences. There was just one thing that that was inbuilt and that was her EXTREME prey drive. Unfortunately this resulted in the death of a Ewe. Despite Heidi being on a lead, she pulled away from me, crossed a river, barbed fence and electric fence…. She was 100% determined.
The uk police were involved and were very helpful and thankfully the farmer backed up my story that Heidi had a lead on. However we still have an order against ME that if she is found to be out of control again I will go to court and get a criminal record!! Heidi was on a lead, so the police and I discussed the use of e-collars. Obviously the officer did not force me to use one, but the benefits were explained.
Apart from having a new taste for sheep Heidi is a fantastic dog… great around people, does not bark or react on a lead and will walk to heal. I’m not willing to give up on my dog so easily so I decided to open my mind and properly research e-collars and it was the best thing I ever did. So good in fact that I would not hesitate to get one for any future dog.
Thank you so much for writing this article, I’m sure it has opened so many peoples minds against the propaganda that is spread regarding them.
Oh Heidi! She does sound like she was very determined to get that sheep. I’m so sorry that happened and that you are facing a potential criminal record. It really is frustrating that the stigmas and potential legislation against these tools could have prevented that from happening in the beginning. I’m glad that the police officer was knowledgeable about them and talked to you about them!
So I see a lot of opinions from people advocating for “positive reinforcement” training. Which is all good, and I am totally for that. But they will not understand the need for an ecollar, until they own a pet that truly needs it. I spent my whole life owning and training animals, I grew up on a ranch, so I have trained more than just dogs. I had chickens that followed me around the whole pasture, a duck that came when I called his name, and a horse that did barrel patterns without me riding him, and had three different rescued Rottweilers growing up as well as various other dogs ranging from chihuahuas to great pyranese. I always frowned upon shock collars, and thought that every dog could be taught using positive reinforcement. And then I moved in with a friend, and that’s the first time I encountered a dog that no matter what I tried and what way I tried it, I couldn’t get the response I was looking for. And then after just one day with the ecollar it was a night and day difference. He was listening, and I was getting the desired responses I was looking for (sit, down, stay etc). So yeah, it’s just one of those things, until they actually need it, they won’t understand, and it’s almost pointless trying to convince them otherwise.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Joseph. As I say, the required tools depend on the goals the owner has with their dog. If they are not able to get the desired behaviors or safely do the activities they wish to do with their dogs, then they’re wonderful tools!
Hi Jen,
I have a leash reactive dog (reactive to other dogs) and everyone is telling me to try an e-collar, but I am hesitant. Did you find that the e-collar greatly reduced your dog’s reactivity or do you still need to dial up the e collar when in the presence of other dogs? In other words, did it fix the issue or is it just managing your dog? I guess management is not bad — but I am curious and would find it helpful to know. Thanks!
Hey Maggie, so it’s not so much about whether the e-collar itself reduces a dog’s reactivity, it has more to do with changing the relationship you have with your dog and establishing clear communication with them, something the e-collar can do. You have to establish a relationship where your dog trusts you to advocate for them and also help your dog work through their challenges (triggers) in a way that brings success. My recommendation is to work with a trainer that will first help you build motivation and engagement with your dog so that they think you are the most important thing on earth, then you can start working on obedience, and then introduce the e-collar. It’s a process and it can absolutely be game changing, it just has to be implemented correctly.
I have trained dogs since 1969. I am the owner of Team Peaches Dog Training and Education.
This is absolutely best article that I have come across to date, regarding e-collars. I use e-collars when working with dogs. I use them to effectively teach come and recall for nearly all dogs the require it.. I also have big respect for Larry Krohn, Will Atherton, Robert Cabral, Tom Davis, Sean O’Shea, Joel Beckman, just to name a few.
I have made links to this article for my clients who are concerned about using e-collars, Thank you for this writing. – Zhahn and the canine team
Wow, that’s quite the compliment! Thank you, Zhahn.
Hello, My name is Zhahn-Pam, I am the owner, trainer, and educator of Team Peaches, Dog Training and Education, you can find me on YouTube and Facebook.
I have been training dogs since 1969. I just wanted to say that it is such a breath of fresh air, to find an article that contains real facts and not hearsay.
My training team consists of 5 canines. They are Peaches, Shay, Daisy, Nikki, and Prince. I live with 7 dogs, and I have used E-Collars to train all of them. When my clients actually see how happy and obedient my dogs are their fears about the PROPER use of E-collars begin to dissolve. Thank you for posting this article.
Hi Zhahn! You’ve been in this game a long time! I’m glad you found my blog and introduced yourself. It’s always nice to meet other trainers!
I really like this article. I recently tried working with an e-collar and while it worked well, I felt guilty and was hesitant to use it enough to really make a difference in training my young dog. So I stopped and went back to only using treats and a prong collar. I found myself constantly snapping the leash and prong collar and giving a treat just to have to reoeat it after 30 seconds. Then a friendly neighbor encouraged me to use the e-collar again and I gave it another try. It works like magic now and your article gives me confidence that what I am doing is right.
Thanks so much for sharing your story! I’m glad that your neighbor stepped in to offer some help and guidance and that my article helped you feel more confident using the e-collar!
Hi Jen! Thank you for writing this article. I initially felt ashamed and embarrassed about my dog needing an e-collar for training, as if I had failed as a dog owner. Your article helped me feel more at peace about it.
It pains me to think that owners feel like they’ve failed because they use e-collars! I understand why and hope that shame disappears when your dogs turn around on a dime when you call them!