E-Collar Myth and Fact

E-collars also known as remote collars, wireless leashes, or in the circles of uneducated trainers “shock collars”.

When remote collars were first invented, they earned the name shock collars, and they hurt. Over the past thirty years, there have been a few moderate advances in technology. Cable TV no longer issues boxes with 32 channel buttons on it and a 20 foot wire that hooks up to your TV. Cell phones no longer require something the size of a backpack that has a five foot antennae attached. Satellite TV dishes no longer take up your entire front lawn and the first computer that was the size of a small house can now be carried in a brief case. Likewise, e-collars no longer need to “SHOCK” dogs.

Why do we use e-collars? There are many reasons.

Training is physically and emotionally easier on the owner. It’s far easier for most people to learn than traditional training. E-collars are less stressful and easier for the dogs to understand. They produce excellent results. This method works better, faster and more reliably then other methods on all the different personalities of dogs. It’s far more humane as well. Our dogs are not shocked, they are touched with low levels of stimulation. The stim will eventually mean “Pay Attention”. Until then, the stim will let your dog know when he’s in the correct position and when he needs to change position.

Remember the collar has 3 levels, too high, too low and just right.

According to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Training (Choke) collars are the #1 cause of training injury to dogs. Prongs rank distantly below chokes. Head Halti’s or Gentile Leaders yank the dogs head to the side and could cause neck and spine injury.  They all need to be used correctly. Clickers and treats alone, can’t cause injury and will work for some dogs but won’t produce the results.

E-collars are incapable of causing injury during training. If you turn the stim up too high, like the other collars the e-collar will cause discomfort, but unlike the other devices e-collars cannot cause neck, back and spine injury. They don’t make a dog mean, nasty or unsocial. They are not used  for punishment. They do remind a dog to COME under heavy distraction, sit and down at a DISTANCE, and keep your dog from jumping, scratching, and biting people anywhere you go. They allow you to have an off leash trained dog that you can take anywhere with you and be the best friend you always wanted.

It doesn't’t matter if you have a Chihuahua or a Great Dane, we can get the same awesome results.

All training equipment is just that.Equipment to help you and your dog communicate with each other. Any piece of equipment can be misused and abused.

Consult a professional trainer experienced with working with e-collars.

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