E-collar Flashcards
What type of stimulation is delivered?
Explain
Why is this important?
Non- directional stimulation
- dog does not know where the correction is coming from
With a leash correction the stimulus is directional. They know it is the handler giving the correction
What are 4 main brand of e-collars?
Advantages/disadvantages?
Tri-tronics
- Heavy duty, durable, lasts a long time
- large remote can be inconvenient and not very subtle
Dogtra
- many more levels
- good for sensitive dogs and conditioning
- not as durable. Lasts 1 1/2 - 2 years
- stim a little more than a tap
- have to buy specific two dog models. Have to reset stim between each dog
Sport dog/ pet safe
- add extra collars as needed. Set stim level for each dog
- set up like a remote
- takes longer to set stimulation levels
Innotek
- not as advanced as other brands
- sharper stimulation
What are the different stimulations
Nick/momentary
- stim is short and only happens once
Continuous
- stimulation occurs for as long as you press the button
Automatic shut off after 8-12 seconds
Vibration
- collar vibrates for as long as you hold the button
What are the most common features of e-collars?
- stimulation levels
- tri-Tronics
- dogtra 0-120
- momentary vs continuous stim
- distance - 500ft - 2 miles
- size of transmitter/ receiver
- multi-dog models
- rechargeable
- waterproof/water resistant
What are the safety features?
Automatic shut-off after 8-12 seconds of continuous stim
Button guard to prevent accidental stimulation
- variable transmitter settings
- waterproof
Proper fitting
High up on neck
Uncomfortably tight
Light facing forward
Move receiver up and down to part hair and ensure prongs are in contact with skin
What year was the first remote collar made?
By who?
What was it used for?
Tri-tronics in 1960’s
- used by sport dog trainers
- only had one level
What is a collar smart dog?
Dog knows the stimulation is coming from the collar or handler.
Will only obey when the collar is on.
Why collar should be part of everyday life
What are 5 e-collar myths?
- electrocution
- burning dog’s neck
- remote collar is dangerous in water
- shock therapy
- makes all dogs aggressive
Rulers for wearing collar
Should not be worn for more than 12-14 hours.
Reposition collar every 6 hours
Moisture + pressure = pressure sores
E-collar must be initially paired with a leash. = give sense of direction.
Working level - high enough to feel but low enough to not set off panic.
Using collar without first conditioning won’t work. Dog will run in opposite direction and not understand purpose of stimulation.
E-collar enforces discipline
Unnatural for dogs - nothing like it in nature
Trainer must be neutral
Start at lowest working level. More distractions = higher working level
Internalizing - dog may show no initial reaction then suddenly have a large reaction
- dog feels stim but shows no signs.
Signs to look for:
- ears perking up
- head turn
- scratching at collar
- looking around
- yawns
- lays down
- sniff genitals
Escape conditioning
Low + continuous
- aversive to escape stimulus
- stim goes away when dog commits to command
Avoidance Conditioning
High + momentary
- once proficient with command
- higher level - nick
- dog disobeys command
Unconditioned
punishment
High Stim - bam!
- don’t need to teach dog it’s bad
- can’t realize correction came from handler
3 action introduction
Come to me
- “come”
Go away from me
“Place”
Stay in place
“Sit” or “down”
- dog learns how to turn stim off by obeying commands
- after introduction you are able to teach other behaviours