
Imagine taking your dog to a park, unclipping the leash, and watching them run freely without worry, knowing that they will come back to you the moment you call. A reliable recall is every dog owner’s dream, especially when it comes to off-leash adventures. But achieving this can be challenging. As a seasoned dog trainer specializing in off-leash recall, I can confidently say that one of the most effective tools to help with this is an e-collar. In this article, we’ll dive into the secrets of using an e-collar to achieve a near-perfect recall, dispelling myths and providing practical tips along the way.
What is an E-collar?
An e-collar, also known as a remote training collar, is a device that allows you to communicate with your dog from a distance using various forms of stimulation like tone, vibration, or static electricity.
When I first started using e-collars, I was a bit skeptical, just like many dog owners. But after seeing the remarkable results, I became a believer. These collars are not about punishment but about creating clear, consistent communication with your dog.
The biggest advantage of an e-collar is its ability to provide immediate feedback, which is crucial for effective training. This precision helps your dog understand what you want them to do, even from a distance. Whether your dog is chasing a squirrel or sniffing a tree, the presence of the e-collar allows you to get their attention and bring them back to you reliably.
It all gets down to learning theory and how dogs learn. Dogs learn by making associations and by the results of their previous behaviors (positive and negative). All living organisms are biologically programmed to move toward something positive and move away from something negative.
Choosing the right e-collar is essential. Look for adjustable levels of stimulation and waterproof designs for outdoor adventures. I would highly suggest either an Einstein mini-educator, a Garmin, or a Dogtra. These are far from the cheapest but will provide the best reliability and will last for years.
Introducing Your Dog to the E-collar
Start by letting your dog wear the collar without any stimulation, so they get used to the feel of it. Pair this with lots of treats and praise. Your goal is to make the collar a positive part of their routine.
The e-collar should be tight against your dog’s neck. Tight enough that you can barely squeeze two fingers under the collar. I usually put the collar under one of the dog’s ears.
Also, for a week don’t turn the e-collar on. Put it on their neck before walks. This is probably the highlight of their day, so a great association will be made.
The e-collar is not for teaching anything. Your dog should understand how to recall before using the e-collar. Please read this blog post and work on the recall before using the e-collar:
Using an e-collar responsibly is crucial. Always start with the lowest level of stimulation and never use the collar to punish your dog. The collar should be a tool for communication, not a source of fear.
Begin training in a familiar, low-distraction environment. Find the lowest level on the e-collar using the static electricity mode. If you have an e-collar that has levels 1-100, start with level 2. Tap the button watching your dog. You are looking for some sort of reaction. This could be a movement of the head, a yawn, a change in their eyes, or change in their direction. Keep going up level by level until you see a reaction. Once you do start pairing the collar with a recall command and reward them generously when they come to you. Also, use a leash and apply pressure to the leash at the same time as you tap the e-collar.
I found that starting in my backyard was perfect for initial e-collar training. It was a safe, controlled space where my dogs could focus on learning without too many distractions.
Gradually, fade out the leash pressure so that dog is just replying to the command and the e-collar.
Start playing with different combinations of command, e-collar, and reward:
1) Command, e-collar, reward
2) Command, no e-collar, reward
3) Command, e-collar, no reward
4) Command, no e-collar, no reward
Remember that dogs learn by making associations so we want to use the command every time. And I would also very gradually fade out the reward. The experience needs to be positive as possible.
Once your dog responds reliably in a controlled setting, gradually increase the distance and level of distraction. Move to more challenging environments like parks or hiking trails, always ensuring your dog feels comfortable and confident.
As you do this, there will come a time when the level of distraction is high enough that your dog will be undecided at what to do. You need to be ready for this moment and the level on the e-collar. E-collar technologies has a button which happens to be red. This button I call the emergency button and it can be programmed at a level higher than what your dog learned on (which is called the working level).
If your dog is working on a level of 10, I would program this emergency button for 25-30. You want to make this aversive. You want your dog to want to avoid this in the future. And when you do this and your dog recalls, make sure you reward the heck out of him/her. You want to once again make it a positive experience and mitigate and negative feelings your dog might have.
The more time and effort you put into teaching the recall and on the steps outlined above, the less challenges you will have with your dog not responding in distracting environments.
As your dog becomes more confident, you can start adding variations to the recall command. Practice in different environments and with different distractions to ensure your dog responds reliably no matter what.
Dogs are predators. It is very important that dogs get some sort of instinctual outlet for their genetics. Whether this is chasing a ball, playing a game of tug, or even allowing them to safely chase a squirrel at times, you need to allow your dog to be a dog. I often let my dogs chase deer, squirrels, and rabbits. The key though, is that I don’t let them do it all the time and often when I do, I call them off the chase. Your dog needs to come when called.
Also, training doesn’t stop once your dog has a reliable recall. Regular practice is essential to maintain their skills and reinforce positive behavior. I make it a point to practice recall with my dogs during every walk. It keeps their skills sharp and ensures they remember what’s expected of them, no matter the situation.
Achieving a near-perfect recall with your dog is possible with the right tools and techniques. An e-collar, when used responsibly, can be a game-changer in your training journey. Remember, it’s about clear, consistent communication with your dog.
So, take the plunge, invest in a good e-collar, and start your training journey today. With patience, practice, and a positive approach, you’ll soon enjoy the freedom of off-leash adventures with your best friend.
We are here to help. Although it may not be too difficult to teach your dog the meaning of an e-collar, often it is helpful and less stressful for all if you have the help of an experienced professional.
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