Electronic Dog Training Collars – Top FAQ’s

Electronic dog training collars are an excellent option if you are searching for a safe and effective alternative for training your dog without the use of a conventional leash. Electronic collars are used for either correcting bad behavior, such as chasing cars or animals, jumping up on people or furniture, or destructive chewing and digging, etc., and/or reinforcing a variety of known basic obedience commands such as “Sit”, “Stay” and “Come”. Before you begin using your remote training collar, there are some things you should know in order to make your experience pleasant and effective for both you and your pet.

What are electronic dog training collars and how do they work?

An Electronic collar is a training device that enables you to communicate with your dog from a distance in order to correct undesired behaviors or to reinforce basic obedience commands. By providing an unpleasant stimulation, the e-collar lets your pet know that a change in behavior is in order. There are two basic types of electronic for dogs; remote control training collars and no-bark collars.

Remote control training collars are training devices that typically consist of a handheld remote control and a receiver-collar that fits around your dog’s neck. The remote control sends a radio signal that activates the receiver-collar with either a harmless static shock that can be fine-tuned to your dog’s specific temperament, a vibration and/or an undesirable tone. Depending on the specific brand and model, transmit range can be from 100yds to several miles.

The electronic no-bark collars do not come with a remote control, but instead are activated either by the sound of the bark, vibration from the dog’s vocal cords or both (dual technology). These types of collars are extremely effective for barking issues, since they send a perfectly-timed correction at the exact moment your dog barks. Additionally, since no-bark collars are designed to work automatically and do not use a remote control, they work even when you’re not home.

How are electronic dog training collars used?

While experts agree that the use of an electronic training collar is both a safe and effective method for training dogs, improper use can result in a confusing, or even frightening experience for your pet. Therefore, understanding how electronic collars are used is essential. An electric collar can be used in two basic ways:

1. In order to stop your dog from exhibiting unwanted behaviors such as destructive digging/chewing, chasing cars and other animals, jumping up etc., tap the remote to trigger an unpleasant stimulation on your dog’s collar at the exact moment when he misbehaves. Your pet learns to associate the sensation with the activity and ceases the behavior.
2. To reinforce already learned commands such as Come, Sit, Stay, etc., give your dog a known command and immediately tap the remote. When your pet responds correctly, discontinue tapping and praise your dog. Your dog will soon learn that in order to stop the unpleasant stimulation he must comply with the command. 

This is an extremely simplified overview, and is not intended to be used as a training guide. Every remote training collar system that you purchase K9 Electronics includes a free dog training eBook that breaks everything down step-by-step for both types of use to insure success.

How do I choose the best e-collar for me and my dog?

In order for your dog training experience to be safe and effective, it is important that you choose the best e-collar for your unique situation. When selecting your new collar, there are two factors that should be considered:

1. How will the collar be used? If you live in an apartment or home with limited outdoor space, for example, and intend to use your e-collar to correct undesired behaviors such as jumping on people or furniture, excessive chewing, or chasing cars. etc., you will typically not need an e-collar that offers extensive range. If, however, you live on a farm or in the country, or your dog frequently visits places that offer him room to roam more freely, a longer range collar may be in order.
2. What is the weight and temperament of your dog? Consider the temperament and approximate weight of your dog when selecting your new e-collar. E-collars are available in low to medium stimulation ranges, and low to high stimulation ranges. While in most cases, larger breeds will require collars with higher output than their smaller counterparts, this isn’t always the case. Your dog’s personality plays a strong role in deciding which type of collar is right for your situation as well.

Are electronic training collars safe for my dog?

Yes! Electronic dog training collars are both safe and humane, and are highly recommended by many dog training experts and veterinarians alike. The stimulation that your dog receives from an e-collar is much like the static shock we humans experience when we scoot our feet along a carpeted area and then touch something metal. The sensation isn’t harmful or painful, it is simply unpleasant. Additionally, we promote the “Tapping” method that provides extremely low levels of static shock to your dog when he is in need of correction.

Why not purchase those cheap electronic dog training collars that are available?

While it’s true, you can find some cheaply produced electronic dog training collars out there for well under $100, these lower quality models can actually be dangerous to your pet.

1. Inconsistent levels of correction: Say for example that the lowest level of correction to get your dog’s attention is a level 15. With a quality e-collar a level 15 is always a level 15. With cheaper models the levels of correction can be inconsistent and vary significantly.
2.  Sticky Buttons: We’ve heard this one many times! Can you imagine being at the park with your dog a few hundred yards away and have the shock button stick? Not good! With a quality collar this will never happen. Our collars also have auto shut off after several seconds as an added safety feature.

What is “static” shock (stimulation)?

“Static” shock stimulation is the slightly unpleasant surge of energy that is sent through your dog’s electronic collar in order to get his attention when he is performing unwanted behaviors or when you want him to obey a known command. The amount of energy that is sent through the e-collar can be adjusted with your specific dog in mind, and is never intended to cause pain or harm to your dog. In fact, the amount of stimulation that us typically used is actually very minimal, and when set on low, emits approximately only 0.000005 joules. In comparison, an abdominal toning machine emits between 2.0 and 6.0 joules, and a medical defibrillator can emit up to 360 joules.

What age can I start my dog with electronic collar training?

In order for training to be successful, your dog must be old enough to understand what is expected of him. It is recommended that you wait until your dog is approximately 5 to 6 months old before you begin electronic dog collar training.

Can anyone use an electronic dog training collar?

Yes. You do not have to be a pro trainer to use an electric dog collar. They are simple to use and only require consistency and timing on your part. Unlike our competitors who only want to sell you a collar and send you on your way, k9 Electronics cares about the success of your training experience and the welfare of your pet.  At k9 Electronics we give you a free e-collar training guide with your purchase and offer before and after sale support via toll free number, live chat or email during regular business hours.

Can I train more than one dog at the same time with a remote dog training collar?

Yes. Most training collars come in systems that are designed for either one or two dogs, however, many models are expandable so that you can purchase a single dog system and expand it to train as many as 6 dogs from one remote simply by purchasing additional Add-A-Dog collars.

Why use an electric training collars vs pinch or choke collars to train my dog?
Pinch and choke collars require that your dog be right next to you during training, and the use of brute force and can damage your dog’s spinal cord or larynx if not used properly. Electronic dog training collars are much safer and more humane than pinch or choke collars, and can enable you to correct your dog from a distance with a mild static pulse that is similar to tapping your dog on the shoulder.

My dog likes to swim, are electronic dog training collars waterproof?

Yes. With the exception of a couple of lower-end Petsafe models, most of the electronic dog training collars that we carry have waterproof receiver-collars and are fully submersible. It is important to remember, however, that giving your pet a correction while he is in the water will increase the intensity so you should turn the system down to a lower setting then you would normally use.

Will an electric dog collar work on my small dog?

Yes. We carry collars that weigh as little as 2.4 ounces and can be used on dogs as small as 5lbs., and they offer an adjustable collar strap that can be adjusted to fits dog’s with a 3 inch neck. Made in the USA, the Educator ET-300TS Mini is the smallest, safest and most popular collar for small breed dogs on the market. It includes a “vibration only” mode as well, which is typically effective for small dogs, and can even omit the need to use static stimulation.

Will an electric collar work on my large dog?

Yes. K9electronics carries a variety of both low output and high output e-collars that will work even on the largest, most stubborn breeds of dogs. The two most popular big dog training collars are the Educator ET-800TS “The Boss” and the Dogtra 1900npc FieldStar. Each of these systems comes with a strap length of 30 inches, but we carry longer bungee straps as well for dogs with a larger neck size.

Can a remote collar be used to stop nuisance barking?

Technically, yes, you can use remote training collar to solve nuisance barking issues, but to do so requires that you are at home or within transmitter range of your dog EVERY TIME your dog barks, and you must time the correction precisely to avoid confusing your dog. More often than not, a dog’s barking problem occurs when we are away.

An alternative, and likely more effective solution is to choose a “no-bark” training collar. This type of collar is activated from either the sound of the dog’s bark or from the vibration from the dog’s vocal cords, and some collars have dual bark prevention technology that uses both. See our page on NO-BARK COLLARS here.

Will an electric collar work for dog aggression?

When used properly, an electronic dog collar can be a very effective tool in helping to remedy aggressive behavior in dogs. It is important to remember, however, that the e-collar is not intended to be used as a form of punishment for your dog, but rather a means of distraction. When training an aggressive dog with an electronic collar, continue to use the lowest setting that is effective for your pet, and remember to reinforce positive behavior as well.

What does transmit “Range” mean?

Range is the maximum distance with which the collar will receive a signal from the transmitter (remote).  Remote training collars work on a radio frequency much like walkie-talkie’s.  Range is typically determined by “line-of-site,” meaning that if you can clearly see your dog across a field, it’s good weather, and you are holding the remote high above your head, you will get the full stated range. Heavily treed terrain, hills, structures and even certain weather conditions may reduce the workable range. We suggest purchasing a model with double the range that you think you will need in order to maximize effectiveness.

The standard range for electronic dog training collars is 1/2 mile, but we carry e-collars with ranges starting at 100 yards up to seven miles. Long range collars are recommended for serious hunters. If you are looking for a training collar for a hunting dog we suggest you take a look at our HUNTING DOG COLLARS page.

What does “Continuous” & “Momentary” stimulation mean?

Momentary stimulation describes a quick stimulation lasting only a split second that is designed merely to get your dog’s attention. With this feature, even if you hold the button longer, your pet receives only a single “nick”.

When the continuous stimulation feature is engaged, your dog will receive stimulation that continues until you release the button.  As a safety feature, a good remote training collar will automatically shut off after several seconds, even when the continuous feature is engaged.

What does “Tone” or “vibration” (Pager) mode mean?

All of the remote training collars that we carry come with either a “Tone Only” and/or “Vibration Only” mode used for warning your dog first before static stimulation is applied. Using Tone or Vibration before static stimulation will quickly teach your dog to respond to Vibration or Tone only in a very short amount of time.

What kind of batteries do electronic dog training collars use and how long do they last?
With the exception of a few lower-end Petsafe and SportDog training collars that use a replaceable, proprietary battery, all of our electronic collars use replaceable, rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries are more dependable and longer lasting than the older varieties that were previously on the market, and in many cases, can provide anywhere from 70 to 120 hours of service during normal usage conditions.

What kind of warrantees do electric dog collars offer?

We provide a 60-Day money back guarantee on our e-collar systems, and all of our electronic dog training collars offer a minimum of a one year /limited life manufacturer warranty as well. Educator collars are the only manufacturer that produces their collars right here in the USA, and they offer the best warranty of all, with 2-years (including batteries) and a limited life after.