Monday, February 24, 2014

Reinforce Commands and Control Bad Behavior With a Dog Training Collar

An e-collar is an effective and safe training device to help dog owners control their loyal companion. Although dogs generally like to please their owners, many get distracted easily by things like other people walking by, the mailman, or dogs nearby. With the proper use of a training collar, dog owners may be able to see a significant improvement in their dog’s behavior and the way their pet responds to their commands.

How Do Training Collars Work?
Training dog collars look almost like a normal collar but come equipped with a small square device attached to the side. When the owner sends a signal to the collar through the transmitter, a mild stimulus will be applied to the dog’s neck. This feeling is similar to a slight electrical shock and does not actually harm the dog.
In order for this training device to be successful, dog owners should read the instructions that come with the collar thoroughly and make sure it works before putting it on their dog. They should then attach the collar to the dog’s neck and adjust the stimulation level. Starting at the lowest level, owners should adjust it until the stimulus causes their dog to prick up their ears or turn their head. If the dog whines or yelps when the stimulus applied, it needs to be turned down a notch.

Reinforcing Commands
Training collars are generally used for one of two reasons – to reinforce commands or control bad behaviors. Before a dog owner can start using the collar to reinforce common commands, like sit, stay, or speak, they should make sure their dog is familiar with them. Once the dog can recognize these commands, they can introduce the training collar for reinforcement using this process:
  • Say the command and then wait for the dog to respond. If the dog is not paying attention, press the button on the transmitter and then repeat the command.
  • When the dog responds, praise him.
  • Reinforce their behavior with a pat or a special treat.
The training collar in conjunction with praise and other positive incentives will eventually teach the dog to respond without hesitation to these commands.

 Controlling Bad Behaviors
A puppy that constantly gets into the trash or a dog that doesn’t stop barking at cars that drive by can be stopped if their owner implements a training collar into their training routine. In order for dog owners to successfully curb these bad behaviors, they should:
  • Plan for the bad behavior to take place. For example, if a new puppy instantly starts digging holes when they are let out to the backyard, their owner should be prepared to train him whenever he is let outside.
  • Stay hidden when they apply the stimulus so that the dog does not associate them with the slight shock they feel from the collar.
  • Apply the stimulus whenever they see their dog engage in the bad behavior for no longer than three seconds.
Whether a dog owner is trying to get their dog to stop barking at neighbors or wants to teach them new commands, using a training collar is an effective way to accomplish these training goals.


Please feel free to contact Ella Gray at ella.l.gray@gmail.com with any questions.

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for this post. We have tried a dog e-collar before but did not have luck (I think it was more our behaviour then our dog... i.e. being consistent). Thanks for letting me know about the e-collar, I will have to try it. Is it available in Canada?

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  2. Being consistent helps but it will affect dogs differently. Mine is super smart and learned the basic commands quickly but when at home he likes to bark at people and barks at trucks that looks like the usual parcel delivery truck

    If any store in Canada would have the e-collar it would be PetSmart but I know you can find them online too.

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