Electronic Collar Training

You might be wondering when the right time is to introduce your dog to an electronic collar. As with anything new, you don’t want to scare your dog. One of the hazards of failing to plan properly, is you could hamper your efforts rather than helping them. In fact, improperly introducing your dog to an electronic collar could result in not being able to train him at all.

A) Properly Maintained Equipment – make sure that you keep your dog training equipment in proper working order. This means that all dirt, debris and contamination must be removed from the equipment. Failure to properly clean your dog training equipment can render it useless when you need it most.

a. Clean Contact Points – this helps avoid irritation and infection
b. Fully charge equipment – ensure the correction is sufficient

B) Well fitting – you must ensure that your dog’s collar fits him properly. Make sure that while the collar is snug that you are able to insert a finger comfortably between his neck and his collar.

a. Contact probes must be placed at the center/front of the throat
b. Cut or trim hair that may interfere with the signal
c. Fit the beeper at the same time as the probe
d. Trim any excess collar length

C) Find the right level of signal for your dog. Start at a low intensity level and issue a signal. See how your dog reacts to that signal. If you see no change in his behavior, then increase the signal slightly.

a. No reaction – slight increase in signal
b. Repeated barking/panic – slight decrease in signal
c. Acknowledge fear – if your dog is afraid, decrease signal
d. Be consistent – don’t use a stronger level than needed

Remember, once you have found the right level for your dog’s needs, use the signal wisely. Electronic collar are not toys and should not be used to tease, play or otherwise harass your dog. They should be used in conjunction with training only. You want your dog to recognize the signals he is getting and associate them with specific behaviors. This is done by using consistent signals.

Summary
In general, most dogs that have been properly introduced to electronic training collars that are properly used will respond quickly. Chances are that once well trained, your dog will not have to wear the collar, as he will retain the lessons he has learned from the use of the collar. Safe, effective training begins with properly introducing your dog to the electronic training system.

Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of Gun dogs Online, the internet's premiere online magazine dedicated to bird dogs. Visit their site for more information on training bird dogs and hunting dog supplies including a wide variety of dog leads, shooting glasses, and Garmin 220dog tracking collars.