Ecollars
E-collars (electronic collars) are remote training collars that use stimulation technology similar to that used in TENS units or muscle stimulators in human physical therapy. These devices are designed to allow clear communication with the dog through adjustable levels of stimulation. At appropriate levels, the sensation is comparable to a muscle stimulator used in medical settings.
“The stimulation is comparable to a medical device known as a Muscle Stimulator or TENs Unit, which doctors use to re-educate muscles, alleviate muscle spasms, improve range of motion, prevent muscle atrophy, and address conditions stemming from a stroke. This method does not cause any marks or lingering pain and encourages compliance through muscle control of the dog’s neck.” (Ecollar Technologies)
A modern e-collar is different from what many people commonly refer to as a “shock collar.” Cheap or poorly designed collars often have limited levels of stimulation and are frequently misused, which can lead to confusion, stress, or suppression of behavior rather than clear communication. When used correctly with proper training, modern e-collars are designed to provide clear communication rather than just punishment.
Difference Between Ecollars and Shock Collars
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E-collars are designed to provide clear communication through adjustable levels of stimulation. When used properly and fitted correctly, serious physical injury from the stimulation itself is uncommon. Most physical issues associated with remote collars come from prolonged collar wear rather than the stimulation itself.
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The most common issue is skin irritation or pressure sores that can occur if the receiver is left on the dog too tightly or for extended periods of time without movement. This is sometimes referred to as pressure necrosis and results from constant pressure on the same spot of the neck. To help prevent this, it is recommended to rotate the collar position throughout the day if it is being worn for extended periods. We also remove the e-collars whenever dogs are crated, especially when we leave or go to bed, which allows the dogs to have a break from the collar.
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Many inexpensive “shock collars” have limited stimulation levels. Moving from one level to the next can be a large jump in intensity. Because dogs are very sensitive, they may fall between these levels, where one level is too low to feel and the next is far too strong. This can lead to unfair and unclear communication.
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The e-collars we use have up to 100 levels (and sometimes more), which allows us to find a very precise level for each individual dog. The goal is to find the lowest level the dog can perceive so communication is clear without being overwhelming (this is their Working Level). This level would be like a tap on the shoulder for us. They feel the new stimulus but it is not so intense that it is uncomfortable. The appropriate level can change depending on the environment and the level of distraction around the dog.
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With many inexpensive shock collars, the lowest level can often be felt easily on a human hand. With modern e-collars that have many levels, most people cannot feel the lower levels when testing them on their hand. Dog's often have a working level that is lower than we can perceive, making the typical cheap shock collar, at level 1, be far too intense on the dog. Because dogs are more sensitive than humans, these lower levels on the e-collars we use allow for more precise and fair communication.
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Many inexpensive shock collars cost between $40–$80, while professional-grade e-collars are typically over $200. This difference largely reflects the quality of the technology, the precision of the stimulation levels, and the reliability of the device.
Many trainers use e-collars in their training programs, whether in Board and Train programs or during 1:1 sessions. In many cases the collar is introduced at higher levels and used primarily to correct behaviors immediately. This often leads to the e-collar being used as a way to suppress behaviors rather than as a communication tool.
Our approach is different. We begin by finding the dog's “working level,” which is the lowest level at which the dog can perceive the stimulation. We start at level 1 and gradually increase the level while watching closely for subtle signs that the dog can feel it. These signs may include looking toward the receiver, a small ear twitch, lip licking, or a slight change in attention. Ideally we do not want to see a noticeable reaction, as that usually means the level is too high. If the dog shows a larger reaction, we lower the level accordingly. If we reach level 20 without any indication that the dog feels the stimulation, we check the collar fit and connection and begin again. Some dogs may also require different contact points depending on coat length and thickness.
Once the working level is established, we begin conditioning the dog to the collar. This means pairing the stimulation with behaviors the dog already understands. It would be unfair to introduce this tool the dog does not understand while also teaching something completely new. We commonly begin layering the e-collar into walking, recall, and basic obedience commands while also using body language and leash guidance.
After the dog has had time to understand the meaning of the stimulation (often one to two weeks, sometimes longer depending on the dog), we begin introducing the e-collar as a way to disagree with the dog at low levels. At this stage the dog already understands that the stimulation communicates information, but it has not yet been associated with disagreement. We gradually introduce that meaning so the dog learns that the stimulation can also indicate an incorrect decision.
Only after the dog clearly understands the collar and the communication it provides do we begin using higher levels to interrupt more intense behaviors.
When this process is done correctly, the dog understands the communication rather than simply reacting to the stimulation. For example, if a dog is recalled away from a distraction and does not respond, a corrective stimulation can be used. A properly trained dog will recognize the cue and return directly to the owner.
How we Train with Ecollars, Different from Most Trainers
Improper Training
Using the same example above, with poor training the collar is often used immediately at higher levels to correct the dog without proper conditioning. In this situation the dog may react to the stimulation rather than understand it. The dog may continue chasing the trigger, run in a random direction, or show confusion because it does not fully understand what the stimulation means or what behavior is expected.
Proper e-collar training is extremely important and takes a lot of time and consistency. The explanation above is only a brief overview of the process we use. We strongly recommend that owners do not attempt e-collar training without professional guidance. Without proper knowledge it is easy to make mistakes, and those mistakes can create confusion for the dog or make training more difficult later.
We regularly work with clients whose dogs have already been introduced to an e-collar incorrectly. In many cases we must first undo that confusion before beginning proper training. Improper use of the tool can sometimes worsen behavioral problems, create suppression, or fail to address the underlying cause of the behavior.
This is one reason some trainers oppose e-collars entirely. When the tool is used only to force obedience or stop behavior without teaching the dog what to do instead, the root issue may remain unresolved. In some situations the behavior may even intensify as higher and higher levels are used in an attempt to stop it. Proper conditioning, clear communication, and thoughtful training are what allow the tool to be used effectively.
We do not Require Ecollars in our Training
We do not require clients to train with e-collars when working with us. While many trainers build their programs around mandatory e-collar use, we believe it should remain an option for owners rather than a requirement. We are fully capable of training dogs without the use of an e-collar.
That said, we do recommend e-collars for certain goals. Off-leash recall is the most common example. For safety reasons, we will not allow a dog to be off leash in open environments without an e-collar present. The tool allows for clear communication with the dog even at a distance.
E-collars can also be helpful in other situations. They can improve communication during advanced training and can be useful in more serious behavioral cases where safety is a concern, such as resource guarding or human-directed aggression.
While we often recommend the tool in specific situations, we respect each owner’s comfort level and will never force a client to use one. We are always happy to work with owners who prefer to train without the use of an e-collar.