Basic E-Collar Training

A couple of weeks ago I talked about a great company, E-Collar Technologies, Inc,. and who and what they were.  So, today I want to give you some very basic lessons in e-collar training.

E-collars are a great training tool when used properly to reinforce things your dog already knows or to assist with training when the dog is displaying unacceptable behavior.

First, I will discuss using an e-collar to reinforce things the dog already knows.  Before you begin, you want to make sure that you have chosen the right collar.  You will need the proper size and then chose one with the options that are going to work best for you and your dog such as different stimulation levels and maybe just a vibrate setting.  You should always start with the lowest setting first and then increase it as you need to.  Remember, you are just trying to get their attention.  The other important thing to remember when you are going to use the e-collar to reinforce known behavior is that they know the command that you are trying to reinforce.  So, whether that command is sit, stand, stay, lie down, whatever, just make sure they know it ahead of time.  In reinforcing behavior, you want the dog to associate your voice to the stimulation.  So, call out the command you wish the dog to perform.  If he or she does not respond right away, then push the transmitter button to deliver the stimulation.  When the dog does as you have commanded then you want to reward them with praise, petting them, or maybe a treat.


Now let me briefly go over how to handle unwanted behavior with an e-collar.  In this circumstance, you do not want your dog to associate your voice with the stimulation.  So, it is best if you can deliver the corrective stimulation from somewhere your dog does not see you.  In this case, the stimulation is associated directly with their bad behavior.  Wait until your dog begins the unwanted behavior.  Once you observe them doing the behavior that you are trying to eliminate then you hit the transmitter to deliver a level of stimulation.  In these cases, the stimulation may have to be a little higher since the dog is already absorbed in the behavior.  However, try the lower settings first and work up to the proper setting.  Again, you are trying to just get their attention, not hurt them!  Depending on your dog, you may have to go through this type of training several times before the unwanted behavior stops.

Again, e-collars are wonderful training tools.  You must however use them properly to get the most out of training with them without causing any undue stress or discomfort to your dog.

At baddogsupplies, we carry a wide range of some of the very best names in the business when it comes to e-collars.  So, stop by and see what we have to offer.  Remember, we are always here to help in any way we can and we offer free shipping on any orders over $120.