E Collar Training For Beginners: Acclimation to Stim

Have you wondered how to get your dog acclimated to an e collar or how to use an e collar correctly? This video will show you how we acclimate a dog to e collar stim. We use the Dogtra 280c in this video which is a great collar! Here is a link if you want to check it out: amzn.to/49CKiS5
In this video, we will walk you through a step by step process on how to get your dog acclimated to the stimulation or stim function on the e collar. Many people acclimate dogs to an e collar by training on the recall or come command. We prefer to acclimate a dog to the e collar with the heel command and then use it for recall once the dog understands how the collar works.
The first thing to understand is that you should not teach with E collars. We use these collars to reinforce what dogs already know. So if your dog is untrained, make sure you are evaluating your training goals and make sure they get fully trained before using these collars. NEVER try and teach the command command with an e collar! An e collar is an off leash communication tool and should always be used to reinforce known commands.
Another thing to think about is operant conditioning and what quadrants you will be using when training with your e collar. Many trainers use the collar as a form of negative reinforcement. They have the collar on a low level and then use the stim function as they call the dog and release the stim function when the dog gets to them. This is negative reinforcement because a stimulus is taken away (the stim function) in order to reinforce a behavior (coming to you).
That is not what we are doing in this video. We use the collar as positive punishment if the dog doesn’t listen to the come command. We don’t use the stim function at all unless the dog doesn’t listen. If they don’t listen we then use a low level stim paired with the word “no” to break their focus off of whatever it was on and then call them again. When they listen we reward with praise and pets. One advantage of doing it this way is you proof the word “no” and it takes on a lot of meaning for the dog. This is one of the reasons our client’s dogs are able to listen in so many situations (even when the collar isn’t on). Many dogs become “collar wise” and only listen well when their e collar is on. We have found that training in our method decreases the number of dogs who become collar wise to effectively zero.
If the dog has been properly acclimated to the vibration function we often use it as a “pager” when calling the dog. It is important to acclimate them to the vibration properly because you need to teach them that coming to you when the collar vibrates is a good thing and they get a reward. Very quickly your dog will learn that the vibration is a fun/exciting thing. You can watch a video showing that process here • E Collar Training For ...
One of the most challenging portions of getting your dog acclimating to an e collar is fit. Some dogs who have short fur, this is a breeze. But for breeds who have a lot of fur, getting a good fit can be challenging. E collars need to sit snug, but you also need to be able to get your fingers underneath the collar. If you are having trouble getting a good fit, we recommend using e collar extension points. You can find our review of The Winged Ultra Comfort Pad here: • Dog Trainer Reviews: W... . Poor contact can lead to turning up the collar too high which can lead to over correcting your dog. Keep in mind, every dog is different and will be on different levels.
The best way to acclimate a dog to an e collar is using the heel command. Start with a very low number and pair the e collar corrections with your normal heel tugs. It is important to work slowly as there is no rush here. Remember that the stim is meant to grab your dog's attention when they are not listening. If your dog does not react to the current level, slowly turn the collar up. This stim should not freak the dog out, but you should see them notice the correction. Keep in mind this can take a few walks!
Once you find the working level for your dog you can then start to use the e collar for their come command. As we mentioned before, we do not teach on an e collar, we only reinforce what they know.
If you have any questions regarding E collars or any other training questions, please comment below!

[@DanaerysMOD]

Just got a new e collar today, and watched your video on starting with a heel command. My Springer Spaniel is 18 months old, and I could never take him on a walk without using a gentle leader. But if he ever got it off his nose or I didn't have it, he would wrench my shoulder every time! Using your video, he was walking almost perfectly within 30 minutes, and I never increased from a Lvl 1 vibration! By the end of the walk, he was heeling to a slight 1 finger leash pressure, and no correction! It was a beautiful walk! New subscriber! Thank you!

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

That is great to hear! Thanks for taking the time to drop a comment! Have fun with your pup and feel free to reach out with questions any time!

[@rongray4587]

I've watched four other trainers before I watch your video, and I can honestly say that I find your method of teaching the come command makes the most sense to me. I also appreciate very much that you didn't start with a dog that you already had practice with and made edits if things didn't go as expected. I don't believe in the tap,tap,tap,tap, method. And I don't want to use the ecollar forever. Just for a month or two should do it. I've always trained my dogs without an ecollar in the past. But I can see where this could be a very handy tool in training if used correctly. Thank you very much, I want to do this right, and your video makes the most sense to me.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Absolutely! We have used this method for years and it works well and is fun for the dog and owner when done right. Will you be using the vibration function as well? If so, I prefer to start with that. I'll link a video below. What's kinda crazy is that many dogs get scared by the vibration because they don't know its supposed to be a good thing. We use a lot of treats during the first session with vibration to ensure they know vibration=come not vibration=you are in trouble. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6nRc4BqbNibjKM

[@deborc2705]

I appreciated the video - showing the process without lots of editing.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

I'm glad it was helpful! We tried our best to cut out the boring repetitive parts of the process while still showing all the important parts. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

[@paulajensen3664]

Thank you for the simple, clear instructions from start to finish, going thru each step, each command, each number - also that you're getting her used to the collar and not expecting perfection right away- loved the imperfect clarity of this, as I'm just starting e-collar training and it's important for me to start right so it's not a bad experience.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Thanks for taking the time to drop a comment Paula! I am thrilled to hear that you are learning before diving right in. That will make things much easier and more fun for your pup!

[@mccallhunt3629]

Thanks for the great video! I love your attitude towards the pup. It's so nice to see training without ego.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Thanks for taking the time to drop such a nice comment! I hope the video helps and feel free to reach out with questions any time!

[@watchmoivies123]

OK, that was great advice. Thank you very much.

[@newearthlivingithaca]

Thank you! You are so clear in your instructions to us and Bambi. Demonstrating patience and care for the dog. Great video I’m grateful as I attempt to train two very strong and very affectionate pits that I inherited from a friend that passed away

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Thanks for watching Susan! Sorry to hear about your friend and feel free to reach out any time!

[@newearthlivingithaca]

Thanks I do have a question. When I take these two together to the dog park they sometimes gang up on another dog and it can get ugly When I take them separate especially the male he can get too aggressive about getting another dogs collar. And she will do this too When they play together they never hurt each other but they play full out and make sounds like someone is going to get killed These dogs are super sweet all other times they are great with cats and even baby chicks. They sit, stay, go away on command I think the young man that had them never took them to play with other dogs Should I not allow them to play so aggressively with each other ? Should I work with the collar to modify this behavior? I’m still learning about them as is obvious

[@newearthlivingithaca]

I am trying to find ways for them to get enough exercise

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Rough play isn't bad, but I would make sure you can stop them whenever you feel like it. You can practice calling them to you when they start playing really rough. Have them come to you and then hold a down stay for a minute or so. Then let them go and play again. When you can do this easily at home you will be able to start doing this at the park and getting them calm whenever they get too excited.

[@newearthlivingithaca]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining thanks ! I will do that! and come back here and let you know how that goes. After they do maybe 6 days of that and they do good you think I should try at the park? Always give them a treat when they come and start the long stay right?

[@pkjgood9193]

Thank you for your video. Helping me lot because I am new

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Absolutely! Have fun training your dog and feel free to reach out with any questions!

[@pkjgood9193]

Thanks for your doing this

[@robertmosblech9027]

Great video I am learning.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

That's great Robert! Feel free to reach out with questions any time!

[@nicolina8691]

Thank you so much for posting this video! I’m currently on day one with the e-collar and your video taught me how to properly start training my 1 year old husky/akita mix. I wanted to ask, my girl looks wildly similar to Bambi, what breed is she?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Bambi is a German Shepherd. Here hair is just really short which makes her look different than most. I'm glad you are getting started with your pup! Sounds like she is a mix of a couple cool breeds that love to run off leash. Please feel free to reach out with any questions as you get into it!

[@harryharris7663]

Excellent training vid, thanks.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Glad you enjoyed it Harry. Reach out with questions any time!

[@stephaniegenovese8522]

I am a little confused. Is the collar supposed to be negative reinforcement. Another trainer used the continuous button so the dog would learn to "turn it off" by doing the right thing. Is this just another way, or are both used for different purposes? I have a dog who will be very on-task most of the time but on random occasion, he will suddenly decide to do his own thing and tunes you out and bolts to run for fun. The risk is getting into traffic and hit by a car. So he cannot be trusted because it seems so random and unpredictable. I was hoping e-collar could solve this so he could be off-leash to have fun.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Great question! We don't believe in using an e collar as negative reinforcement. The idea of using the stim every time you call a dog just doesn't make a ton of sense to us. Instead, we train with the vibration and make that a positive thing. The vibration means come. Then we add the stim as positive punishment if needed when the dog doesn't listen. We dive into this distinction pretty deeply on our podcast if you are interested. It is called "Balanced Dog Training With Suburban K9" and is on Spotify and Apple for free. I hope this helps and feel free to reach out with any questions!

[@dmfrendzy2177]

these videos are awesome and kudos to the camera person!

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Glad you like the videos! Thanks for taking the time to drop a comment!

[@joelnguyen3875]

I want to get an E caller for my 2 dogs. Should I get an individual caller and remote, or should I do one remote for 2 callers?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

I would definitely get a Dogtra Arc. This is our top recommendation for our training clients. It comes with one collar and you can add an additional collar. Here is a review/demo of it as well as links to the collars. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqO2g6elqNisfqs Dogtra Arc: amzn.to/3penaIQ Dogtra Arc Second Collar: amzn.to/46hysg1

[@cheriaho99]

A trainer told me to hide the control and make the dog think the bad behavior is what made the buzz go off as in example your dog is digging in the back yard buzz collar without dog seeing or realizing it is coming from you.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Many trainers use the method you describe and it will certainly work, but it isn't our favorite method. The reason is that we like to proof the word "no". Through time your dog will really start to learn the word "no" and will care when you say it. Then you can simply tell them "no" in other situations without the collar on and they will actually stop. That being said, if you are only trying to fix one issue it doesn't matter all that much. Thanks for taking the time to drop a comment!

[@TeslaFan77]

This was great. Thanks

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@kevinerickson84]

Oh, that's a good girl! 🤘

[@ejune7744]

A few other videos I’ve seen say to train the dog using the stimulator with the command and then release the stimulation when they do the command. This video is contrary to that method. Can you explain the difference?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Great question! Low stim level training has become fairly popular, but it is not something we believe in. Training in that manner means the dog is receiving the stim even if they have done nothing wrong. If the stim is supposed to be a correction then it doesn't seem fair to do that. If the stim isn't a correction, what is it? If the dog blows off a command once they are trained would you use the stim level to stop them? If so, won't that be confusing when they are being good and you push the button to call them? This is a fairly quick answer that doesn't get into all the nuances, but we dive into this in a high level of detail on our podcast "Balanced Training with Suburban K9". It is on Spotify and Apple. Let us know if you have any follow up questions and thanks for starting this conversation!

[@jeffreytaylor6083]

They have one for 300 yards, which should be plenty of range. But the one you recommend has a much better range.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

If you are just using it in your yard then the 300 yard range should be be fine. If you plan on doing off leash hiking or something similar then I would go for a longer range unit.

[@krissymichele]

Do you happen to have any videos on a dog that pulls the whole time? Or could you please explain how this would look?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Hey Kristen! I would most likely stop a lot of the leash pulling before starting the e collar. Here is a video showing exactly how we do that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/epXIeaWZadV2o6M You could then introduce the e collar at the end of the session once your pup is in "training mode". Reach out with any questions!

[@krissymichele]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining thank you so much! I’m honestly getting to the point where I don’t want to take him anywhere, due to his pulling…and the fact that he’s about 50 pounds and very strong. Plus it’s just embarrassing to be out in public while having zero control of your dog. Anyways, thanks again! I’m glad I found you. As I like how simple and to the point you keep your videos.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Absolutely Kristen! If you watch the two videos and practice a few times a day you could fix 90% of your leash pulling within a week. If you like podcasts, we just did an episode on leash pulling which would be helpful for you. The trainers spend some time talking about all of their favorite tricks to stop leash pulling. Here is a link to our Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/0u4lIDhvmK17EBbp7VfXZ5

[@krissymichele]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining Omg I freaking love you and I’m subscribing right now! Thank you so much!! Seriously, I really appreciate you going out of your way to help me. If you offer online courses and I find myself needing more help, I’m 100% coming to you.

[@vishakhab-l6309]

what a beauty!

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Thanks!!!

[@jarrodhall7437]

Thank you for the video. I have 2 doodles that have been through a 2 week board and train for basic obedience and now I want to work with them myself on the e collar. I bought the Dogtra 1902s so I can use it for both. I have a question regarding the 1902s. It has the Stim (on the side) and the Vibrate (on the front). Would you use both buttons for any reason, or try to stick to one button for all your commands? Ex: Stim to "come", vibrate to "Place".

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Great question! We use the vibration as a pager and it means "come". We only use the stim if they don't listen. This is different than the low stim level training where you use the stim every time you call them. If you watch our intro to vibration video and then watch the acclimation to stim video after it will make more sense. Here is a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6nRc4BqbNibjKM

[@JamesMcGrath101]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining I think this touches on my question, but I want to be certain. So once I've acclimated my dog to the pager function for "come", I would then do as you did in this video to introduce the stim utilizing heel. Then the stim is multifunctional as a correction/focus grabber when needed if the dog doesn't respond to the pager for recall or other commands, like a heel, while on walks etc? Thank you!

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

@@JamesMcGrath101 It sounds you understand it well James! Just as an added detail, the reason we acclimate the dog to stim with the heel command is that it is easier to gauge their reaction to the collar and to ensure you don't end up using it at too high of a level. If you start the stim with a dog running around the yard you might need a much higher level to catch their attention the first time and this can result in too high of a a daily working level. Once the dog is acclimated to the stim you can use it for any command that your dog already understands well.

[@chrish0078]

Did I notice you have the prongs on the collar to the side of the neck? Is this the best location for it?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

We generally have the d ring where the leash attaches either straight up or on the side of the neck in between us and the dog. As long as the leash isn't wrapping around their neck the collar will generally work itself to the best position based upon your height and the dog's size.

[@watchmoivies123]

I noticed when she was loose in the yard with the doodle she seemed happy and outgoing and playing with the doodle but then after you corrected her a couple of times she didn’t seem to really wanna play anymore and she did stick at your side. Is that normal?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Great question! We watch dog body language carefully when training to make sure the session is going well. Towards the end she was much calmer and not as crazy trying to play, but still had happy body language. If your dog gets in "training mode" and follows you around it isn't an issue at all as long as they are not stressed out or unhappy. If they are stressed then you would definitely need to make the training easier and help them to have some success.

[@katherineflodstrom4496]

I sent my dog away for training with the e collar and she came back completely terrified. Is there a way to reintroduce her to the collar. I'm devastated and heart broken about it

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

I’m so sorry to hear that Katherine😔 You can definitely help her though! I would suggest watching our video on acclimation to vibration. Take it slow and use lots of treats the first couple sessions. Your goal won’t be to “train” her. Your goal will be to show her that the vibration is a good thing and means “come”. Then you can add the stim back in later the way we show in this video. Finding her working level is important so that you never over correct. Let us know what questions you have once you get started!

[@antoniosantonios913]

Don't send away ever. Be there

[@Dalton-bo3wb]

I was going to say, the first mistake was sending her away, think of it from her perspective, you abandoned her at this random place where they collar you with electricity while you're feeling lost and abandoned. Training should always be done by you or at the very least in your presence. My sister and I got 2 puppies from the same litter, brothers. I trained mine personally with a prong collar and positive reinforcement and she idk had him trained but then looked at it as "he's been trained but he still doesn't listen to me" when she refuses to spend time with him and work on his training, it's not a thing where you just ship your dog off and they come back trained and well behaved, you actually have to work with the trainers and learn too, dog training is 10% training the dog and 90% training the owner. I requires effort and time and patience. If you aren't willing to do all 3 of these then do the animal a favor and don't get it or it's going to end up being re-homed, sent to the pound or worse

[@leblancexplores]

So this is just a momentary stim or do you hold it a smidge until she gets on track?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Its about a very quick press of the button. Probably a third of a second. If that doesn't work a little longer is absolutely fine though.

[@sarahtenbensel2231]

Heeling may be calming, but it seems that the criteria for what is heel position seems vague. Does heel mean just no forging and just being on the left side? "Come" seems like a clearer behavior in terms of criteria for the dog.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Good question Sarah! We introduce the stim with the heel command because even with a very low level stim some dogs are surprised when they first feel it. Also, when they are off leash many dogs will ignore the stim at first (because it means nothing to them yet). This can lead to an owner setting the stim level higher than it needs to be. We aren't proofing or advancing the heel command with the stim, we are just trying to establish the lowest working level the dog can feel. It is not a correction and doesn't have any real meaning at first. If they handle it well we immediately move to the come command. Thanks for taking the time to drop a comment!

[@sarahtenbensel2231]

Thanks for the thoughtful response. Would introducing the stim without any command at all be counterproductive? With my last dog I had him out in yard just chilling and me inside, out of sight and watching out a window. I did lowest stim until I saw a very faint turn of ear and turn it down as I thought it was too high and did not want that. When I added "come", dog on line and no distractions. SO there was no command or asking the dog to do anything and he did not associate the stim with my presence. He did not develop any "superstitious" behaviors either. Just trying to think about how to do it with my new dog. She is in the "getting used to wearing the collar" mode at the moment and not 100% on what the "heel" command even means, but she does understand "come". @@SuburbanK9DogTraining

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

If your dog has a fairly stable temperament then doing as you suggest and introducing with no command would work fine! As you mentioned, just take it slow and keep a close eye on the dog. We actually like to have the dog associate the collar with us because it helps proof the word “no” much better and then chance of them become collar wise is about zero. Our newest podcast episode on Spotify/Apple Podcasts dives a lot deeper into that thought. I love that you are putting so much thought into your training!

[@vikta6]

What if you’ve never used the heal command with your dog before. And your dog is 8. And stubborn. We’ve used come but works when he wants to listen.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Hey Victor! I would consider doing some work on the heel command. It goes quickly and really helps teach a dog to be calm and respectful. Don't worry about the age, we train older dogs all the time. I would watch this video on heel and then practice it for three or four days. After that you should be ready to pair the e collar with heel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/epXIeaWZadV2o6M

[@megang4595]

If in a high stimulus environment the dog scratches their neck and “fights” at the correction, is that just too high?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Couple questions. What collar, what level is it at and what breed/age of dog?

[@SydneyLivingston-do2fl]

Does this work the same way for using the vibrating option? how do you implement a sound or vibration warning before the stimulation?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Great question Sydney! We actually acclimate to vibration very differently! Here is a link to a video showing that process. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6nRc4BqbNibjKM

[@jeffreytaylor6083]

Can you recommend a decent collar. Our Beagle just won't stop digging. We want to try a shock collar to try and get him to stop.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

I would recommend the 280c. Here is a link: amzn.to/3J0Pa9C It’s a great collar and the price is pretty reasonable.

[@jeffreytaylor6083]

@SuburbanK9DogTraining what is your opinion on the sport dog brand?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

@@jeffreytaylor6083 Sportdog is a great brand! They work well and tend to last a long time.

[@jeffreytaylor6083]

@SuburbanK9DogTraining We were at Petsmart and they carry them. Thought I'd ask a pro. Will be purchasing one this weekend. Hoping for good results. Love your videos and appreciate your help.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Make sure to check its stated range and then I would recommend cutting the range in half. If you are looking at a 1/2 mile or 3/4 mile collar then you should be fine in any reasonable situation. If the collar distance is expressed in yards I would just do some math to make sure it will be reliable for you.

[@jacksharkey2010]

Great vid, although I think your dog is calm and laid back GOOD FOR YOU! Our 18 month Shepard is a DEISEL. I wish I had a dog like yours. This one is like an explosive. a hand grenade, she pulls/tugs/ripps/ runs/ bolts/ NO CONTROL. I need vid that shows how to deal with THIS mess of a Shepard. Shock power 10,000 DC AMPS wouldn't phase THIS dog. Go for a walk with our dog she'll rip your arm out of the socket is another dog is within a thousand yards or a car goes by. Well, luck of the draw. Struck out choosing THIS one. Wanna trade? I'll pay you!

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

😁 We always start with mastering loose leash walking before we move to off leash training. It really helps calm the dog down and get them ready to learn. Here is a video that should be helpful! kzbin.info/www/bejne/epXIeaWZadV2o6M

[@Ben-uo5ui]

hahahahaha!!!😂

[@teslah2997]

sounds like my 1 y/o Aussie!

[@bettyalford1364]

That dog doesn't need it

[@TheRzoo]

Your command for heel is “heel,heel, heel”?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Do you prefer a different word?

[@langies]

I agree, one heel should suffice. Also feel like the use of the word when the dog out of heel position isn’t helping association

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

@@langies In this video we are not working on heel. We are just using heel as a way to introduce the e collar. We repeat the word often to give the dog a chance to listen (return to heel) and then use the stim if they don't. As you saw from the video we take a long time to acclimate the dog to make sure we don't rush it and scare them.

[@joannebiggs5029]

This is a scam! An ESA does NOT entitle you to bring your animal everywhere! Only Service Animals have that privilege. It's good for housing and SOME airlines. Not malls and stores that aren't already dog friendly.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

I’m confused by this comment. Did you watch a different video?

[@joannebiggs5029]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining Oh, sorry! Yes, I was watching another vid. Don't understand how it posted to your video. My bad!

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

That makes sense! We definitely see a lot of ESA scams where people are told they can treat them basically like service dogs. Did you see a video where someone was selling fake paperwork to people?

[@joannebiggs5029]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining thinking back, I believe it was an ad that popped up during your video. For some reason I thought I could comment on it. 😂 Need more coffee!

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

😂 I wish we could control what ads are shown on our videos. There are some strange ads out there!

[@beastmode3266]

You have no idea what your doing. Before you even do any of that you need to make sure she feels the e collar by testing it before leave the house

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

No. That is a terrible plan. Why would you put in on the dog in the house and simply push the button?