WHY I BELIEVE IN THE E-COLLAR

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Written By: Gabby Reed (Founder & Head trainer of WBCS).

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In my early days as a dog trainer, I had the unique experience of working for a multi-million-dollar corporation that emphasized the use of positive reinforcement techniques exclusively. This meant relying on a leash, clicker, and treats to reward desired behaviors, while gently redirecting and dismissing unwanted ones. Over six weeks of training with nearly a hundred dogs, however, I began to notice the limitations of this approach and the resulting dissatisfaction among many dog owners.

What became evident is that not all dogs respond optimally to positive reinforcement alone. Some dogs, like my own prime example, Wish, exhibit reactive behavior that necessitates the use of aversive tools. However, Wish's inherent fear and submissiveness to the E-Collar, a tool commonly associated with aversive training, initially posed a challenge in our journey.

During training sessions, I discovered a unique solution—layering the E-Collar over a dog's command to emphasize the non-negotiability of the demand. For instance, when commanding Wish to sit, the E-Collar's sensation initially caused her to hunch over in submission. This reaction could stem from past negative experiences, improper use of the E-Collar by previous trainers, or be linked to her overall fearfulness and

anxiety.

Upon this realization, I decided to reverse the role of the E-Collar, using it not as the demand itself, but as a correction for non-compliance. We transitioned to requesting commands without E-Collar pressure, ensuring Wish only felt the stimulus if she failed to perform the required action. Adjustments in stimulus strength, timing, and consistency were crucial elements in this transformation.

Living with a dog like Wish, who truly benefits from the E-Collar, has allowed me to witness its positive impact not only on her but also on the countless dogs I've trained. The E-Collar serves as an extension of the leash, especially when a dog is at a distance, providing a safety net. Moreover, it enables clear communication with an animal we can't directly converse with. Most significantly, it grants dogs more freedom, addressing various behavioral issues in the process. Ultimately, it's about understanding the individual needs of each dog and tailoring our training methods accordingly.

If you are interested in learning even more about the uses of the E-Collar and would like to even use these skills with your own dog; then I highly recommend our "Complete E-Collar Course."