The training collar, an essential tool

The training collar

If you just want one to give your dog shocks when they annoy you, well in my opinion you should find another solution!

It is not a torture tool and is in no way cruel if used intelligently.

Never start a training session if you are not in a good mood: if you give off negative energy, the dog will sense it and will likely become stressed. The use of a training collar should not be taken lightly and, ideally, consulting a dog trainer could increase the effectiveness of this wonderful tool.

Improper use could even worsen your dog's bad habits, so please read this article carefully.

Choose a model suited to your dog's size

As with containment fences or anti-bark collars, you must choose a collar adapted to your dog's size. For very small dogs (under 8 lbs), we recommend the Aetertek AT-211: the intensity is tailored for small breeds, the receiver is truly tiny, and it is the smallest on the market. For dogs starting from 5 lbs, the Mini educator ET-300 is our best choice.

For medium and large breeds, there are several models available, which are typically designed for dogs weighing 8 lbs and up. You can view them here: browse our models.

First step: before use

First of all, most people are in a hurry to use the training collar. As soon as the owner has the collar in hand, they rush to put it around the dog's neck and start using it.

Actually, this is exactly what you shouldn't do, as you must allow for a familiarization period for the dog; this means you should place the collar on its neck, but do not turn it on and do not give any corrections.

There is no magic number of days for them to get used to the collar; however, a good timeframe is between 7 to 14 days. And yes, you have to be patient!

What is the purpose of the familiarization period?

This period is very important. By wearing the collar without corrections, the dog will not associate future corrections with the collar; therefore, when you remove the collar from its neck, its behavior will remain the same. However, if you do not include a familiarization period, the dog will make the connection between the collar and the corrections. You can imagine that as soon as the collar is removed, it will do whatever it wants as it pleases.

In other words, in the dog's eyes, the collar should not seem like a punishment.

Trying the adjustment period is worth it, because it really is a winning formula.

Choose a location to start training

When you begin training your dog, you must choose the right environment—meaning a safe and quiet place, such as inside your home or in your backyard.

You have to take it step by step. Once you have been successful, you can then go to the dog park or other places with distractions.

Plan to use a training lead

With a 15 or 20-foot leash, the dog will be safe and the leash will facilitate training.

Tip: Never attach the leash to the electronic collar, as the contact points will exert pressure on the dog when you pull on the leash. You should therefore use a good old regular collar to attach the leash.

Start with short training sessions

Don't ask too much of the dog. Short sessions of 15 to 20 minutes will ensure that the dog remains interested in the training. When using the training collar, it is important to release the pressure; this means that after your dog has correctly executed your command, you can have a short play session with a ball or one of their favorite toys. Speak to them in a cheerful tone, and then continue the training.

What types of behaviors can be corrected using a training collar?

Here are a few examples: running away, jumping on people, jumping on the door or on cars, chasing other animals, aggressive behavior toward humans or other dogs, excessive barking, digging holes, destroying your garden, or rummaging through the trash. The possibilities are almost endless.

Please note: if your dog exhibits aggressive behavior, we still suggest that you consult professional trainers before starting to use the collar.

Set up a specific voice command for each behavior

It is necessary for the dog to know what you are asking them to do or not to do.

A voice command will be very useful when you don't have the remote control within reach. Furthermore, the dog will learn it very quickly and you will likely no longer need to use the collar.

Quick tip for practicing recall:

For the recall, attach the dog to a leash and call your dog. If he does not come back to you, give him a small correction with the training collar and pull lightly on the leash. Once he has come to you, do not forget to praise him and give him a small reward. Afterwards, repeat the same exercise without the leash during future training sessions.

Does your dog jump on visitors?

This is a behavior that is very easy to correct.

As soon as you catch the dog in the act of jumping on someone, use a voice command, for example "out". At the same time, you must press the correction button. To be even more effective, move toward the dog and drive them out of your space.

This command is very useful and will serve you well on many other occasions.

Is a dog training collar really effective?

Here is a very simple comparison:

When you get into your car and don't fasten your seatbelt, your car emits a warning chime to alert you that your seatbelt is not buckled.

Certainly, this signal will not hurt or injure you, but the noise becomes very tiring, so of course you will fasten your seatbelt to make the noise stop.

C'est exactement la même chose avec un collier de dressage. Quand le chien fait un comportement que l'on désire changer, il reçoit lui aussi un avertissement sonore ou une vibration qui le dérange.

No, it doesn't hurt him, but it tires him out, so as soon as he associates the behavior with this disturbing signal, he will stop doing it, and very quickly at that.

In short, yes it is truly effective and makes training easy and fast.

Necklace adjustment

The receiver collar can be placed under the throat; however, the best location is on the right or left side, just below the ear. In this position, contact will be better, and you will be able to use a lower level of electrostatic stimulation.

How to choose the shock intensity level?

First of all, you must check that the collar is tight enough: you should only be able to fit one finger through.

The contact points must touch the skin, so if your dog has very long hair, you must use the long contact points.

Always start at the lowest level. If your dog does not react, increase the intensity by 1 level for the next correction, and so on until the dog reacts to the static stimulation. Observe the dog; the reaction should not be a cry of pain. Your dog may scratch or shake its head, which is a sign that it has felt something.

Training with negative reinforcement

When the dog does something that is not correct, it must be corrected immediately; this is essential. There must be no delay so that the dog can understand what it has done wrong.

That is why it is better to avoid low-end collars, as the response time is often quite slow.

Always start with the sound warning. Why use electrostatic correction excessively if the sound warning yields good results?

Many are skeptical about the effectiveness of the sound and vibration modes, but from experience and thanks to numerous customer testimonials, I can tell you that the shock is unnecessary most of the time. Some will use it once or twice, and others will never use it at all.

Personally, I use the vibration and if the dog doesn't react, I use the shock at a low or slightly high level, depending on the situation and the distraction.

Many dog trainers will use only the shock, but at a very low intensity; when environmental distractions become stronger (for example, in a park with many screaming children, or when the dog spots an animal, etc.), they momentarily increase the electrostatic stimulation level, and if the distraction level is lower, they return to the minimum intensity that the dog can feel.

There is no universal method, so everyone has their own technique.

For more stubborn dogs, such as certain Pitbulls, Rottweilers, and English Bulldogs, a higher intensity collar should be prioritized, such as the SportDOG SD-425S.

Training with the positive reinforcement method

For example, when the dog does something well, you must reward them immediately. If you combine positive and negative reinforcement, you will achieve better results and make training easier and more enjoyable.

With the training collar, you give a command to your dog while using vibration or electrostatic stimulation, and as soon as they have done what you asked, you reward them immediately. Remember, timing is everything.

You can also use a clicker for positive reinforcement (not mandatory).

The clicker's operation is very simple: you press the button, the clicker makes a sound, and then you give your dog a treat or simply praise them. The dog will then make a connection between the sound of the clicker and the treats or praise.

Just as with the electronic collar, there must be no delay between the praise and the dog's action; this is very important.

The clicker is a very inexpensive but highly effective tool for positive reinforcement.

The most common error seen

The collar is not installed correctly. If you are using the shock feature, it is essential to properly fit the collar on your dog's neck.

In most cases, the collar is much too loose, so the dog feels little to no shock because the contact points are not properly touching the skin. As a result, the owner will increase the shock intensity, believing it wasn't strong enough. The collar will then shift and, occasionally, make better contact with the skin, causing the dog to feel a shock that is now far too strong.

It should be worn snugly, either on the throat or on the side of the neck. Do not over-tighten it to the point of choking. You should be able to fit a maximum of one finger between the collar and your dog's neck.

Install it and, a few minutes later, check again that the collar is still in the same place and tight enough. If necessary, tighten it a little more.

Quick tip: fit the collar while your dog is standing or lying down. This ensures their neck is in a neutral position. If you fit it while they are sitting, the dog tends to have their head tilted up or down. As soon as they stand up, the collar will shift and become loose. A good brushing around the neck to remove dead hair will also improve contact with the electrodes.

Training collars, just like bark collars and in-ground fence collars, should not be worn 24/7. They should be worn for a maximum of 12 hours per day to avoid skin irritation, which could be caused by friction with the contact points.

To conclude, here are a few points to remember:

• Use the necklace in a smart way.
• Do not correct the dog if you did not catch it in the act.
• Wear the remote control using a belt loop or a lanyard around your waist or neck. Avoid putting the remote in your pockets, as this could accidentally trigger the receiver.
• Start with vibration and, if necessary, shock.
• Follow the familiarization period.
• Only undertake training if you are in a good mood; otherwise, postpone it to another day.
• Start with very short training sessions and increase the training time after a few sessions.
• Establish a specific voice command for each behavior.
• Consult canine behavior professionals if your dog exhibits aggression issues.

Take good care of your dog and they will be grateful to you for their entire life. With a lot of patience, you will receive an enormous amount of love in return.