What Is an E Collar and How Does It Work?
An E collar, also known as an electric or electronic collar, is used for dog training. It provides control over your dogs and offers remote communication. Sometimes it is also referred to as a remote collar or remote training device.
E collars have two main components, a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is a handheld remote and the receiver is a small device attached to the collar on the dog’s neck. These devices are used for behavior modification and safety purposes
E collar works by giving a mild shock, tone, or vibration to your dog. The commands are issued by the transmitter and the receiver acts on it by targeting the dog’s muscles around its neck.
It is very important to use an e-collar carefully and responsibly because if you use it excessively it may cause irritation to your pet. It is not used as a punishment tool.
The stimulations of an e-collar are not dangerous and their frequency can be adjusted from a range of 1 to 100.
E collars train the dogs with positive reinforcement rather than cruelty or discomfort and dogs also learn through positive reinforcement better than negative reinforcement.
Pros
- It is a very effective training tool for behavior modification and off-leash training.
- It is controlled by a remote, so the trainer can easily control it from a distance.
- The stimulation levels can be adjusted as per your dog’s requirements.
- They are best for safety emergencies in case your dog starts running on a busy road.
Cons:
- Its improper use can cause health problems and constant fear in dogs.
- If the stimulation level is too high then it can cause physical and mental issues for your dog.
- It may not be suitable for all dogs
Myths About E-Collars
E collars are considered harsh and they always cause pain. But it is not true as E collars are used for positive reinforcement and they do not cause any pain to your furry friend if you use them properly.
People think that only lazy trainers use E collars to save time but real E collars require proper training and skill.
Another misconception about E collars is that they cause aggression in pets but it’s not true as they reinforce desired behavior only.
What Is a Shock Collar and Its Use?
It has many potential benefits but still, it is a very controversial tool due to safety concerns. It should be used very carefully and with proper guidance because negative usage can harm your dog’s mental health.
You should use it after taking suggestions from a professional trainer to know whether your dog needs a shock collar or not. Your dog’s health and welfare should be your top priority.
Pros:
- It is a very effective training tool for behavior modification and off-leash training.
- It is controlled by a remote, so the trainer can easily control it from a distance.
- The stimulation levels can be adjusted as per your dog’s requirements.
- They are best for safety emergencies in case your dog starts running on a busy road.
Cons:
- Its improper use can cause health problems and constant fear in dogs.
- If the stimulation level is too high then it can cause physical and mental issues for your dog.
- It may not be suitable for all dogs.
Myths About Shock Collars
Shock collars are misconceived as a punishment tool. People think that they are only used for torturing and negative reinforcement. I agree some people use them to punish their dogs but that is their personal choice, it has nothing to do with collar-specific use.
Some people also think that they are used as a last option for training or reinforcing your pet but in real it can be used at any stage of training.
Why Are They Misconceived as a Punishment Tool?
E collars and Shock collars are misconceived as punishment tools because they are capable of delivering cruel stimuli, such as electric shocks and loud sounds that can harm the pet if set on high frequency. The misconception is that these devices are only used for negative reinforcement or discomfort for dogs.
In reality, the collar’s effectiveness depends on how they are used. They can be misused but it only depends on the trainer, and how he uses them.
Misunderstanding is caused by some users who use them wrongly and torture their dogs. Ethical trainers use it with care by using it properly and keeping the welfare of their dog as their first priority.
Conclusion
E collars and Shock collars are almost the same, they have very little difference in terms of terminology. Shock collars can be called a subset of E collars because they have all the features an E collar has. While E collar has many other features as well such as vibration, tone, and GPS tracking.
They are used for training purposes and to reinforce undesired behaviors of the dog. They are not a punishment tool, only some stupid people use them for torturing their dogs. If used correctly, they are the best and most effective tool for dog training.
