My life experience has been that, “People are usually ‘down’ on what they’re not up on.” Most people are uninformed on the technology and advances made with electronic remote collars. Everybody wants the best for their pets and wants to find the fastest and easiest way to train their dogs. Many folks hesitate to try a remote collar because they worry that it might be a harsh method for training. We are happy to report that just the opposite is true! A remote dog training collar is a gentle method, in many cases more gentle than tugging on a leash to get your dog’s attention.During my training sessions I always have dog owners feel the ’stimulation’ from the collar so they can be comfortable with the sensation their dog is feeling. Modern technology has evolved these collars so that all dogs from tiny Teacup Yorkies to Great Danes can wear the collar with comfort. Most people view electronic collars as a last resort for very problematic dogs. This is no longer the case.Some of the advantages of a remote collar are:

1. You can have control of your dog at any distance on or off a leash.
2. Obedience is learned very quickly without harming the dog or changing his personality.
3. You and your dog will become much more happier because your dog will better understand what you are asking from him.
4. Off-leash training becomes feasible from the first day.
5. The collars work through windows, walls and doors with a ½ mile range and even in water.

I have yet to see a behavioral problem that can’t be solved by good training with the remote collar. However, I have seen people that do not know how to use them. In terms of mistakes that can be made in dog training, a remote collar is no different than a leash. Just as buying a leash, choke chain or treats does not give you a trained dog, neither will just buying a remote collar. A professional dog trainer is a must no matter what method you choose. A good dog obedience trainer can show you how to effectively communicate with your dog bringing about the results that you want.

Years ago the original electronic collars only had extremely high ‘shock’ levels with no adjustability as they were used to stop hunting dogs from chasing undesirable game.
However, the dog training collars have come a long way since then. Modern technology has evolved in this field, just like it has with computers, cell phones, and other electronic conveniences. I find electronic collars to be the safest, most effective, and most humane way to stop unwanted behavior, and to motivate wanted behavior from dogs. Dogs have been, and always will be, trained in a variety of ways. If you have an older dog an electronic collar is still a great method bringing about the changes you want to see from your dog.

The collar is used to enhance your ability to communicate clearly and effectively with your dog. The collar is no different than a leash, just more versatile. The joys and freedoms that a remote collar brings to your dog make life much easier. It is a huge relief to be able to let Fido run around in the park and know that you can call him back at any time. Seeing your dog mingle with company without being a nuisance or jumping on people is a reward for all of the work that goes into training. You can enjoy taking bike rides with him, not waking the neighbors up with his incessant barking - let your dog enjoy the freedoms that a remote collar can bring him.

With remote collar training there’s no need for yelling, raising your voice, and fighting or yanking on the dog. I know that my method will eliminate such levels of frustration from your relationship with your dog. You only have two jobs: praising him and helping the dog to learn. When you see the amazing results you will have finally found out where the remote collar is different than the leash! 

Adapted from, Electronic Collar? By Fred Hassen and Brian Mowry