An E-collar or a smart collar is an electronic collar that is used for dog training. It was initially used in the 1970s to train dogs to modify their unwanted behavior. Sometimes, when dogs suffer from anxiety they become too rigid to handle, that’s why professional trainers prefer E-collars for their training.
But the question is, how to train your dog with e-Collar? E-collars use electric stimulation which is more likely to be a vibration than a shock. It has many training modes and you can use it according to your dog’s temperament. It consists of two main parts a remote and a receiver. The remote gives commands to the receiver which is attached to the collar for positively reinforcing behaviors
How To Train Your dog With E-Collar?
When it comes to dog training, your dog’s welfare and safety should be your first priority. Training your dog requires effort, Here is a step-by-step guide on How to train your dog with e-collar:
- The first step towards training is to buy the right collar for your dog which suits its temperament and is adjustable in size to ensure a proper fit.
- Consulting a professional trainer is also a good thing to do as they can give you suggestions about the perfect brand and help you make a training plan.
- You should know the basics of an E collar, training modes, stimulation levels, and other features to use it better. Do read the user manual as it will help you understand it better.
- The adjustability of the collar is very important, if the collar is too loose then it may cause irritation to your dog and if it is too tight then it may cause breathing issues for your pet. You should ensure a 2 finger gap between the collar and your dog’s neck.
- Allow your pet to see the e-collar from a distance and observe it. Dogs rely on their sense of smell heavily, So let your dog sniff it and then apply the collar around its neck.
- Offer some treats and toys to your dogs after the training session to create a positive association.
- Use the e-collar to reinforce basic commands initially such as “sit”, “stand”, and “stop”.
- Start with the lowest stimulation level and increase it only if your dog resists low stimulation and does not enforce commands. It is better to use it on low-level increase only if required.
- Always be clear and consistent with your commands to make them easily understandable for the dog. Donot change your words frequently.
- Be precise about the timings, give the stimulation right after giving the commands so your dog identifies stimulation with commands.
- It is a good practice to offer treats to your dog when he responds well to a command.
- With the passage of time, reduce the stimulation level and give more verbal commands because the main goal is to train your dog to understand verbal cues without an e-collar.
- You should monitor your dog carefully during training sessions to ensure they are not showing signs of distress or anxiety. If they are showing any such signs then stop the training session immediately.
- Short sessions are more effective than long sessions so it is better to keep short training sessions as they are positive and enjoyable for your dog.
Always keep in mind that E-collars should only be used for positive reinforcement-based training methods and the welfare of your dog should always be your first priority.
Things To Remember While Training With an E-Collar
- The most important thing to avoid while dog training is excessive stimulation and high ends as it can harm your pet.
- Never use the e-collar for punishment and torturing your dog, it is only for positive reinforcement.
- Inconsistent use is of no use and it will not help you train your dog.
- Set limits for your training sessions, and donot overuse them.
- Use verbal commands while training as it will help in faster training.
- Never compromise on your dog’s wellbeing and check for signs of discomfort.
- Using an e-collar on an unfamiliar dog is not suggested, use it only on dogs under your care.
FAQs
Are E-Collars Used for Punishment Purposes?
No, e-collars are not used for training purposes, they are used for positively reinforcing behaviours. They are not harmful to the dog if used with proper guidance and care.
They are not a punishment tool for dogs, they are used to train them positively.
What Are Some of the Best E-Collars?
Sport Dog brand is the top-rated brand and its Sport DOG 425X is the best E-collar for dog training. There are many other brands that have the best dog collars such as PATPET, BOUSNIC, and NPS.
Conclusion
Using an e-collar for dog training is very effective and highly recommended by professional trainers. It is very easy to use and train your dog with positive reinforcement.
Training with an e-collar is very easy but it should be used with care because using it the wrong way can harm the dog’s mental health.
Training a dog requires effort but it should not be taken for granted because a dog’s health should always be our first priority.
