An electronic collar for a dog is a necessary and useful thing. And for this statement to be true, you need to choose the right device, and also be able to use it. This review will help you navigate the variety of American models and make a conscious, reasoned choice in favor of a specific product.
Electronics penetrates into all spheres of human life and activity. Pets have not been left out of the progress either. Electronic devices for dogs are still less common than mobile phones, but this is a temporary phenomenon.
Every day, thousands of people around the world decide to buy an e-collar for dog training, hunting or for everyday use.
Of course, like any other innovation, such products have both ardent fans and ardent opponents.
Some argue that an electronic collar is an indispensable device for training a dog and monitoring its behavior; the latter prove: only a complete sadist can purchase this device. As usually happens in such disputes, the truth is somewhere halfway between two extremes. An electric shock collar for dogs as such is just a tool, and the consequences of its use are the result of human work.
On the one hand, incorrect use of the device is a direct road to the neuroses of your beloved dog with all the ensuing consequences. But you must admit that gross mistakes when training using classical methods can also turn a normal dog into an uncontrollable evil beast.
On the other hand, the same tool, yes, it is the shock collar in the hands of a trained trainer that can work wonders. Individually selected levels of impact on the animal in combination with a systematic approach provide excellent results for various types of training: from basic domestic training to training for work in special forces.
Features of Dogtra electronic collars
Among the world leaders in the production of electronics for dogs is the American company Dogtra, which produces the most complete line of electronic collars for all possible purposes. They are designed to stop unwanted barking of a pet, train dogs of any breed and size, for canine hunting, control the behavior of an animal during a walk and other situations where a close relationship between a person and a dog is required.
Dogtra shock collars are a real opportunity to correct your dog’s behavior without entering into a visible conflict with your pet. The idea that a shock collar is nothing more than an instrument of torture with a big red button that you just press and the dog will begin to convulse was partly due to imperfect adjustment of the first models, partly due to the abuse of maximum shocks. Lack of information and lack of special training have led to the fact that electronic collars have been used almost exclusively for the harsh correction of animal behavior. Of course, the possibility of quick and timely punishment can be very important. But using such a perfect device solely for punitive purposes is about the same as cracking nuts with a microscope.
Modern Dogtra electronic collars are equipped with a system for very fine adjustment of the discharge power. For training and reminders, the weakest shocks are used; to correct unwanted behavior in everyday life, stronger impacts will be required. A maximum power discharge is a last resort, resorted to only in exceptional cases. Different models provide 100-127 power levels. The range and step of adjustment are designed in such a way that for each animal it is possible to select effects from barely perceptible unpleasant to downright painful.
The Dogtra line of electronic collars includes training, hunting, and professional models, which differ in their range of functions and technical characteristics.
Email collar: advantages and disadvantages
When, due to the nature of my work, I began to communicate a lot with dog owners, I came to a very unexpected conclusion for myself: many of them not only have no idea about the reasons for certain actions of their pets, but do not even want to have this idea .
Bad experience trying to control your pet
For their own inability to keep their shaggy friend within the bounds of decency and obedience, they tend to blame anyone but themselves. As a result, it is, of course, innocent dogs who end up in the extreme. After the final breakdown in their relationship, the owners come up with the “brilliant” idea of buying an electronic collar and using it not as a training tool, but as a remote electric baton to discourage the pet’s craving for mischief and natural cheerfulness.
Experience in using different models of electronic collars
Next, I will give the main advantages and disadvantages of electronic collars, based on my own experience of using a variety of models of electronic collars. My goal is not to convince the reader that electronic collars are good or bad for our little brothers and sisters, and I will try to talk about these devices as objectively and impartially as possible.
The main advantages of an electronic collar for training
In most cases, there is no difficulty in using such a device - the principles of its operation and training methods are easy to understand and apply.
The main advantages of using electric collars for training:
- The dog's immediate reaction to given commands;
- Fast results. Training with the help of these devices greatly simplifies the learning process for both the trainer and the dog and takes much less time;
- Ease of use. The advent of electronic collars has made training possible even over long distances. At the same time, the cost of these devices is affordable and allows you to avoid the cost of a professional dog handler, training with whom, moreover, will take considerable time.
E-collars can be effective where conventional training methods fail and are a much better tool for disciplining a dog than a whip, collar or stick. The dog quickly understands who exactly is the “leader of the pack”, becomes controllable and easily returns to the owner without fear of being punished.
Ways to use an e-collar
Training with this device can be consistent, without the use of bribes in the form of various treats, which may not always be available. An electronic collar ensures that your dog is completely cured of “temporary deafness” and will always hear your signals. If the dog really has hearing problems, then vibration and adjustable levels will help dialogue with the owner. An electronic collar can help stop a dog barking while on a chain or in a car.
- This device will put an end to dogs chasing cats and vehicles.
- The dog can be easily controlled by people with limited physical abilities such as disabled people, children, women, etc.
- Lastly, an e-collar can help reduce your dog's tendency to be aggressive towards you or your family members.
The relationship between the trainer and the dog improves significantly, due to the fact that now the punishment does not come from the person, but is a consequence of “heavenly punishment.”
About the disadvantages of electronic collars
The disadvantages of electronic collars are a continuation of their advantages, namely:
- They can cause fear and anxiety.
- Excessive high-intensity electrical stimulation can cause physiological stress responses in dogs, such as defecation and urination.
- When a dog is out of control, an e-collar is only partially effective, especially in cases of aggression or with certain types of dogs.
- In rare cases, moisture getting inside the receiver could theoretically result in overexposure to the dog before the receiver fails.
Studies abroad have shown that high impacts, even when the device is used correctly, create anxiety and stress for dogs, which can sometimes persist long after training has been completed. Also, unskilled, excessive and unreasonable use of an electronic collar can cause behavioral reactions associated with fear in dogs, such as yapping, aggression, lethargy, running away, hiding, unnatural postures and trembling.
Afterword for those who want to try an electric collar in action
So, when I have to listen to complaints from my customers about the terrible behavior of their pets, I want to remind them of a simple truth: there are no bad dogs - there are bad, or rather... uh-uh... somewhat not smart (let's say) owners.
So, if you really have a higher IQ than your pet, then it will not be difficult for you to use an electronic collar to convey to his understanding your ideas about how exactly a shaggy friend should behave in public places (and not only in them!).
Do no harm
If you have decided to get yourself a dog for the first time, but you have no desire to understand it, then you should not complicate life for yourself and others with the presence of an ill-mannered and poorly managed dog. If you are afraid of the dark, thieves or hooligans and decide to buy yourself a guard dog, but at the same time you are not able to become an authoritative “pack leader” for it - take pity on yourself, your loved ones, neighbors and just passers-by, do not do it. If you have a dog, but don’t have time for walks, games and training, then it’s better to give the dog into good hands, and in return buy yourself, for example, a goldfish - it certainly won’t bite anyone.
I sincerely hope that among those reading these lines there are such people in the majority. Moreover, if you already have the skill of controlling a dog using a leash and a simple collar, an electronic collar will make training a dog much easier, saving you a lot of nerve cells, time and money that you were going to spend on a dog handler.
Dogtra shock collars are different:
- By range. Depending on the purpose of the model, it is 365 m, 800 m, 1.2 km, 1.6 km;
- According to the dimensions of the receiver (receiver). On models with a range of less than a kilometer, receivers weighing 154 g (6x4x3 cm) are installed; sports “long-range” models are equipped with more powerful and massive receivers weighing 224 g (8x4x3 cm);
- By battery type. The products are equipped with nickel-metal hydride and lithium-polymer batteries. Full charging time for Ni-MH batteries is 14 hours, Li-Polymer batteries are 2 hours. The battery status is displayed on a three-level LED indicator. The receiver and transmitter are charged from the network.
Based on the level of action, the entire line is divided into two groups. Regardless of the discharge power range, it is possible to adjust the impact level directly during use.
Most models of Dogtra shock collars reproduce three types of signals: impulse, continuous discharge, vibration stimulation. With a pulse effect (“Nick”), your dog will feel something like a prick. “Constant” - prolonged exposure lasting about 12 seconds. If you continue to hold the button, stimulation is automatically interrupted.
For training very sensitive or nervous animals, a vibration stimulation mode without a shock (“Pager”) is provided. The same type of stimulation in everyday use is quite sufficient for calm, well-trained dogs to remind and correct behavior. All electronics of the collars are waterproof (IP class 7), except for the remote control of some models, which are protected at the water resistance level (IP class 6). Water resistance means the possibility of briefly immersing the device in water (a dog swims and dives, the remote control accidentally fell into a puddle), water resistance means protection from splashes and moisture condensation inside the device.
The design of the remote control is designed taking into account ergonomic requirements; the buttons are easy to press without looking at the device, and you can adjust the discharge power without taking off your gloves. The exposure level is shown on the backlit display.
Collar selection criteria
You should select a product according to the following criteria:
- Range;
- Dust and water resistance;
- Battery stability;
- Possibility of customization;
- Mode selection (vibration, sound, light signal, electric charge);
- Convenient remote control.
These criteria meet the parameters of the most convenient device with a long service life. The cost of such a product in Russia ranges from 2-6 thousand, depending on the specific model.
Before using the product, it is worth studying the training lessons using an electric dog collar.
Hunting collars
Dogtra hunting electronic collars are equipped with a signaling device - a beeper. In different models, the latter have two or three modes: search for a dog, “Stand only”, “Stand/Movement”. The range of action of the signaling devices of all models is the same and is approximately 400 m. For well-trained dogs and fundamental opponents of the use of electric shock in hunting, we can recommend the Dogtra Beeper StB-Hawk H or Dogtra Beeper StB-Hawk L. Dogtra beeper collars are intended only for delivering sound a signal that corrects the animal’s behavior. Due to limited functionality, they are the lightest of the entire Dogtra line. The devices do an excellent job as sound beacons, but are completely unsuitable for training a pet and monitoring its behavior in everyday situations.
Products from the Dogtra 2500T&B and Dogtra SureStim Plus T&B series are intended for training and hunting. Models of both series are equipped with beepers and provide the possibility of stimulating the dog. They are identical in terms of beeper range (400 m), but differ in the functionality of beepers and receivers.
The 2500T&B series includes a modification with the ability to expand the system to two receivers. These models are equipped with the most multifunctional beepers among the entire Dogtra line - three operating modes are provided for signaling devices. The transmitter range is up to 1.5 km (depending on the terrain). Two types of stimulation are implemented: pulsed and continuous. The 2500T&B electronic collars are suitable for both hunting and dog training. The limited functionality of the receiver makes this series unsuitable for working with very impressionable animals that, in principle, do not accept any physical influence.
The most advanced shock collars are SureStim Plus. The line includes products adapted for training and hunting. The beeper of the hunting model can operate only in two modes, signaling either the stance and movement of the dog, or only the stance. The range is 800 m. However, this series implements all three possible types of stimulation, including vibration stimulation.
All hunting models have variations with the ability to expand the system to two receivers. In principle, each of them can be used both as two collars and as a collar with two receivers. However, the Dogtra line of electric collars includes the SureStim H Plus Double and SureStim M Plus Double models, which are initially equipped with two receivers. They are used for particularly subtle training, where not only the impact as such matters, but also its direction.
The fundamental difference between SureStim Plus series products and all other models is the feedback mode that confirms the signal. Pressing any button is accompanied by vibration.
Why choose e-collars over other methods?
If we consider methods of adjusting and training a dog, then everything comes down to two factors - money and time. You can take a training course, but it will take several months. Moreover, individual lessons are quite expensive, but in group lessons you will need to start from the very basics. If the dog already knows basic commands, then this will mean that for a month and a half he will have to simply walk and listen to what is already in the four-legged knowledge stock.
The second option is to give your dog to a dog handler for permanent residence for a month. During this period, he teaches her everything necessary, and also corrects the animal’s unwanted behavior in accordance with the owner’s requirements. It costs about 40 thousand on average, but the effectiveness is not always 100%. For the most part, four-legged friends learn the rules and try to behave correctly.
Those who do not have such means and capabilities pay attention to more accessible means. As practice has shown, clickers and sound devices produce results with varying degrees of success. For especially obstinate pets, the only way out is training with an electric collar.
Professional shock collars
The following models belong to the professional class: 1210 NCP (2300NCP), 3500NCP Super-X, EDGE. All sport models are equipped with lithium-polymer, fast-charging batteries and do not have beepers. Range is: 1.2 km for 1210 NCP (2300NCP), 1.6 km for EDGE and 3500NCP Super-X. In addition to three types of dog stimulation and a wide range of discharge power, sports models provide two options for adjusting the level of stimulation: step-by-step and smooth.
The EDGE model provides the ability to expand the system up to 4 receivers; the 3500NCP Super-X model has the ability to extend the electrodes.
The large range and wide capabilities of professional devices automatically mean that they are massive and high in cost.
Electronic collars "Dogtra" for dogs of small and medium breeds
Models 620NCP (280 NCP), 600M (300M), Dogtra iQ Remote Trainer are designed for small and medium-sized animals. The range of stimulation power is determined from low to medium levels. Dogtra electronic collars for small dogs are not equipped with beepers and do not provide for the possibility of expanding the system. Their capabilities are quite enough to stop your dog from trying to eat some crap from the trash can or chase cats. If you have several animals or are an avid hunter, it makes sense to buy the Dogtra SureStim M Plus electric collar. This model is the only one in its class that provides a maximum range of discharge power and is ideal for any purpose, with the exception of some types of professional sports training.
The remaining models are good for correcting the behavior of well-mannered or very calm dogs. The subtlety is that the sensitivity of a particular animal has nothing to do with breed or weight. It can be assumed that it partly depends on the type of temperament and structural features of the skin, but it is much easier and faster to determine its threshold experimentally. A poorly trained dog with a high sensitivity threshold and very keen on barking at the next cat may simply not feel the average level of stimulation. This is quite natural. Remember how much attention you yourself pay to a mosquito bite, being extremely focused on something very interesting or important.
Shock collars for small dogs are equipped with nickel-metal hydride batteries that do not have a quick charge feature. The range of devices in this class is 800 m, excluding the Dogtra iQ Remote Trainer model, the range of which is determined to be 365-400 m. This is the smallest model in the Dogtra line, designed for miniature dogs.
Myth 1. Electric collars torture your dog.
This is a fundamentally wrong opinion. Your task is to choose the minimum level of impact at which the dog will only feel discomfort. Much depends on the manufacturer. I advise you not to buy cheap collars of dubious manufacture. This will not only cost you more, but can actually harm your dog. Buy radio frequency collars only from companies that have proven themselves to be super reliable. Reviews about Dogtra and NU'AXES electric collars are only the most positive. In addition, it is desirable that the electric collar remote control has as many levels of influence as possible. This will help you most accurately select the level that suits your dog specifically.
How to choose an electronic collar for a dog
The first question that arises when choosing an electric collar for your pet is the purpose of the purchase. Then the weight of the animals and their number are taken into account. If your perfectly trained English Cocker Spaniel has never been and will never go hunting, the capabilities of the iQ Remote Trainer or 620NCP (280 NCP) model will be enough for him. The situation changes dramatically if you have two cocker spaniels or you do not intend to turn the hunter into an interior decoration. In these cases, the best choice would be Dogtra SureStim M Plus, a multifunctional model for small and medium breed dogs. We mentioned individual sensitivity and good manners a little higher. If you are not sure that you will guess the sensitivity threshold, it is better to play it safe and buy the same electric collar “Dogtra” SureStim M Plus with a wide power range and ideal for training.
A similar approach is used when choosing a collar for a large dog. SureStim Plus models, with their extreme functionality and ease of use, are the most versatile in every class of electronic collars, excluding professional ones.
What you need to know about shock collars
Even children know what technology is in the hands of a savage. Digital technology can also be studied using the anti-scientific method, but only in cases where such experiments only threaten to hit the wallet. This does not apply to shock collars. Improper use of electric shock will not lead to anything good. You risk hopelessly ruining the dog and your trusting relationship with it. Before you start training your dog, even before you buy an electric collar , you should also undergo training.
Experts unanimously say that no literature can replace face-to-face training. If the use of electrical stimulation is suggested by a trainer, do not hesitate to ask him in as much detail as possible about where he received his training, what experience he has, and what technique he uses. Even if this doesn’t mean anything to you now, it’s easier to check information now than it was 10-15 years ago. In addition to the information itself, what matters is his willingness to answer and demonstrate results, the content of the answer and even his facial expression, if you like. Don’t be lazy, ask and check, clarify - you are going to entrust this person with a being who selflessly trusts you and loves you selflessly.
Of course, if the trainer has not trained anywhere and has not trained any dogs yet, this is not your trainer. Even if everything is smooth, listen to your heart. Still tormented by vague doubts? Then it is better to look for another trainer or insist that your pet be worked the old fashioned way.
Vasin Alexey
