E-Collar Tips

Many potentially great bird dogs have been ruined by an overeager owner that misguidingly introduces an e-collar into their dog's training regiment. I strongly advise any new user to put in serious time researching and studying the various disciplines from noted professionals before strapping an e-collar on to your own dog for the first time. This is serious business and one that should not be taken lightly. There are a tremendous amount of benefits from adding the e-collar but if steps to mastery are construed or overlooked it is possible to do more harm than good. These are just a few tips that I have picked up along the way which consistently work for me, my own dogs, and others I have helped train using an e-collar.

First and foremost, read the entire manual of whatever brand and model you have chosen. I know it sounds juvenile but the e-collar is not some mundane household appliance! Make sure you know all the functions, various setting, and level adjustments. More harm then good can come to your dog if you are not proficient yourself in it's power!

The dog must first master all verbal commands before switching him to an e-collar. E-collars are NOT a replacement for the check cord and basic obedience training. Ask yourself and be brutally honest, "Does my dog already respond 100% of the time to Here, Whoa, Sit, Stay, etc? If you answered NO, stop right here and get refocused on mastering the basics using just a check cord.

Before even turning the collar on, take about 2 weeks to condition your dog to the collar itself. Incorporate the wearing of e-collar with his fun play time. By the end of 2 weeks he hopefully is associating the e-collar with fun. If you notice your dog getting excited and wagging uncontrollably when he sees you pick up the collar, you are headed down the right path! Remember, 2 weeks is just an estimate. This time could be shorter or longer depending on the dog. Read your dog by using your best judgement and be patient.

You and your dog are now ready to turn the collar on. This begins with both e-collar AND check cord in place. The association must be made that the e-collar pressure will now be replacing his cord pressure.

Remember, Stay consistent, keep it simple, and always very positive(your own attitude must always be positive)

Finding the proper stimulation level is a critical phase in your switch from long check cord to e-collar. First, start at the lowest nick setting during a basic obedience drill. I use the "Here" command to begin. Something like this. Call him "Here" (or whatever word you use for your return command) Even if he comes, act quickly and apply only cord pressure towards you. This will reinforce is foundation of "Here" with cord pressure he has mastered in his prior basic obediance. Repeat this a few times. Then call "Here" push nick button "Here" all while applying cord pressure towards you. Slowly move up in level until you see your dog respond with either a swallow, tongue out, drop his shoulders, while reacting to the command properly. Do not go any higher in level.

For example my nick setting for my pointer during his initial training was reached at level 4. We determined this is the lowest level of pressure he needed to elicit a physical response

Again, be patient and understanding. There is a lot of mental stress at this point. Think baby steps! On day 1 only practice the check cord/e-collar conditioning pressure together a few times. I recommend 3-4 times only. ALWAYS reward with verbal praise and a nice rub on the shoulder!

Going forward, the following weeks should be taken very slowly. Keep reinforcing e-collar/check cord pressure and slowly introduce other verbal commands to the "Command" nick "Command" routine...but only at your dog's pace, not your own! The minute interest and attention is lost, stop and start play time.

There will be tough days where he is just not into it. Stop and play. Come back to it later. Again be patient. Give him extra shoulder rubs and more positive "Good Boy!" when a job is well done.

Personally, I very rarely use the continuous stimulation button. Or as I call it "the heater". I only use it very sparingly and never in the first few days during the introduction phase. The only time I ever find myself reaching for the heater is when my dog's own instincts override his training. This can be caused by overwhelming distractions such as when his "chase" instinct kicks in. Normally this is used only when a "No" nick "No" command fails to stop the action. I then will apply "No" Continuous "No". Used sparingly it is very sharp reminder to your dog or puts himself in danger, like running across a road!

My best experience is with SportDog model collars. SportDog brand is unique in the fact that their collars also incorporate a "tone" function. The tone is simply a non shock button that sends an on command beep to the collar, thus replacing the need for a whistle blow. I have found this one function of the collar to be used during the majority of my dog's later training where the "nick" is slowly replaced by the "tone"(but only after mastering the verbal/nick process). Again, this was another long conditioning process.

I can not strongly reiterate enough, take everything extremely slow. If you find yourself or your dog becoming overwhelmed. Take a break. Have fun and KEEP IT SIMPLE.

I hope you have found a couple helpful tips. These should not take the place of the research and studying you have done from the hundreds of great professional trainers and e-collar training manuals available.

Have fun out there. -Mark