Train with an E-Collar?
Over the years, there have been several ways to train a dog. Yet, one of the issues that came with training was giving the dog a command from a distance. But in the 1900s, something changed the game —the introduction of e-collars.
This collar brought a new and easier way to train dogs. However, there have been certain misconceptions surrounding e-collars training for dogs. Some people think e-collars are shock collars and others think they aren't a humane way to train dogs.
But don't worry; in this article, we will be teaching you how to train dogs with e-collars and the difference between e-collars vs. shock collars.
What are E-Collars?
First up, let's look at what e-collars are.
An e-collar is an electronic training aid. It is also called a zap collar or remote training collar. It is used to train dogs, teaching them the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Like any other collar, it is worn at the neck of the dog.
The e-collar has a remote that you carry, and the collar is fitted with a wireless receiver. The wireless receiver is what sends the stimuli through the collar contact points.
BENEFITS OF E-COLLARS
Many people still mistake shock collars for e-collars, but they are very different. Even though they have a similar working principle, an e-collar is a humane way to train a dog. There are several benefits of e-collars to dogs and you, the owner. They are:
1. HELPS WITH CLEAR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN OWNER AND DOG
E-collars send stimuli through dogs' skin, giving them a tactile sensation that they respond well to. Thus, with e-collar training, you communicate more naturally with your dog, even in situations where they may ignore you, like when distracted by a squirrel.
2. AN E-COLLAR CAN SAVE THE LIFE OF THE DOG
Dogs can get excited or distracted and run towards traffic or a harmful animal. However, with the e-collar, you can immediately get the dog's attention, stopping it from running towards danger.
3. IT PROTECTS OTHER PEOPLE FROM HARM
Even though we want them to be perfect, dogs aren't. They can make mistakes just like us. They can attack someone else or even other animals. An e-collar is a trusted way to communicate with them and get them to stop immediately without harming you or someone else.
4. IT GIVES THE DOG FREEDOM
Since e-collar training for dogs is reliable, a well-trained dog with one can be allowed to play in the dog park freely.
5. STOPS BAD BEHAVIOR
An e-collar is a good way to say no to your dog in a manner that will be meaningful and fast.
E-Collar VS Shock Collar
There is controversy surrounding the use of e-collars in training dogs. The main reason for this is the lack of understanding of what exactly e-collars are.
E-collars are remote training collars that use electronic stimulation. Electronic stimulation artificially stimulates tissue, nerves, and sensory receptors using an electrical field. Because of this, there is no pain at all to the dog. Think of it as if someone is tapping on your shoulder.
Now, a shock collar utilizes sufficient electrical current on the dog to cause a harmful effect causing electrical shock. This is miles different from e-collars that only use TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation) to simulate tactile sensation with absolutely no harm to the dog at all!
However, as e-collars became more known, the term "shock collars" started being used interchangeably with "e-collars" as a way to reclaim the word. But it is still used in a derogatory manner.
How to Train a Dog with an E-Collar
Before we start, you must know that the e-collar is not an authoritarian tool to control your canine. So, it would be best if you didn't consider it a punishment or corrective tool alone. Instead, think of it as a tool to enhance clear communication between you and your dog.
Let's get into e-collars training for dogs.
When you want to start conditioning your dog to its e-collar, it is important the dog knows basic commands such as heel, sit, and come. These commands would come in handy in the e-collar training.
Next up, you start your collar conditioning. You do this, so your four-legged best friend understands that this collar has become part of their life. In the morning, you put it on them, and they wear it everywhere. Ensure it fits in snuggly on the fur and the contact points of the collar are touching the skin.
Now, the training begins.
Sit your dog in front of you. Put the collar's stimulation at the lowest setting, then slowly increase it till your dog appears agitated. The point the dog appears to notice the slight stimulation by an ear twitch or even looking towards the collar. Be sure not to increase it too much. If your dog appears to be in pain, the stimulation is too high. Please don't hurt your furry friend.
To train the dog, everything starts on a leash. Preferably on a prong collar or a slip lead. Our conditioning process looks a lot like our prong collar intro. Remember we aren’t teaching new behaviors, we are layering the collar over things your dog should already know.
CONCLUSION
The e-collar is a very effective way to train your dog and get their attention under any distraction. It gives you control over dangerous situations allowing your dog to be free. Still, know that it is not a tool for just punishment. So, understand the nuances of training the dog.
Everything you need to know to perfectly understand how to train your dogs can be found in the Kindred Dog Training Course. It explains in detail all the nuances of training different breeds of dogs. We are sure you want the best for your furry friend. So give them the best.