There are many reasons to e-collar train your dog.
Some people may be hesitant to use this type of training because they think it is cruel or inhumane. However, nothing could be further from the truth!
When used correctly, e-collar training can provide a variety of benefits for both you and your dog. In this blog post, we will discuss five of the top reasons to e-collar train your dog.
1 – Off Leash Enrichment
One of the great benefits of e-collar training is that it allows you to have your dog off-leash in a safe and controlled manner.
This type of training provides your dog with the opportunity to explore and sniff things that they would not be able to if they were on a leash!
Off-leash dogs run, walk, circle, speed up, slow down, zig-zag, climb on things, go under things, play in the water, play chase with other dogs, and bounce through fields.
This kind of enrichment simply does not happen for dogs who are kept on a long leash. As a matter of fact, allowing a dog to move naturally like that, while on a long leash, is dangerous!
Being off-leash allows them to get much-needed freedom of movement, which can greatly benefit their mental and orthopedic health, too.
When working with training your dog to be off-leash, we recommend using a long line (30-50 feet) in addition to the e-collar, but only at first.
The long line is for your dog’s safety and will give you peace of mind while they are exploring and learning how to respond to their collar.
Only take your dog fully off leash when you are confident in their training, and when you are in a safe area where it is legal to allow your dog to be free of restraint.
2 – Reduce Stress & Anxiety
Modern E-Collar training is fun and positive! It should not be associated with punishment or negativity in any way.
You can use the e-collar to help give your dog a positive association with the things they may find scary or overwhelming. Because they are able to move freely in an E-Collar and aren’t trapped by a leash, many dogs who are fearful and reactive naturally become calmer and more confident!
When we reduce stress, anxiety, and reactivity by giving our dogs choice and freedom, we are also helping to improve their immune system and overall health.
Stress is one of the proven factors in bloat risk; so it’s important that we use positive, fun training methods that reduce anxiety! Modern e-collar training is FUN and positive!
E-Collar training should always be conducted in a positive manner, with the goal of helping your dog feel happy, confident, and safe.
If you have a dog who is fearful or anxious, we recommend working with a professional trainer who can help you create a positive training environment.
A key reason to E-Collar train your dog is the simple fact that, unlike harnesses, collars, head collars, or leashes, the E-Collar does not put any physical restraints on the dog’s body.
This is important for two reasons: first because it allows the dog to move freely without any risk of injury; and second, because pulling and lunging simply cannot happen in an E-Collar.
The gentle stimulation from a modern remote training device (e collar) replaces leash pressure. It works just like a cell phone; when your cell phone rings, you answer it. Your dog will learn to ‘answer their phone’.
Because there is no physical pressure or restraint, many timid and reactive dogs become more balanced and well-rounded!
Large and giant breed dogs are plagued with a number of orthopedic health conditions that can make traditional training tools such as ‘no-pull harnesses’ and head collars dangerous.
E-Collar training is a great way to provide your dog with the freedom they need and crave, while still keeping them safe and under your control.
Never again will your large or giant breed dog drag you down the street, and hurt themselves (or you) in the process!
There are many different types of e-collars on the market, so it’s important to do your research and find one that is right for you and your dog.
One of the most important benefits of E-Collar training is the safety it provides for both you and your dog.
An e-collar can be used as a ‘virtual fence’, preventing your dog from running into traffic, chasing wildlife, or getting lost.
A dog that jumps the fence, runs out of the door, or is running around uncontrollably off-leash with nothing on is a liability to itself and to others.
When you choose to e-collar train your dog, you are choosing safety for your pet!
An e-collar-trained dog is amazing reliable off-leash, which gives you peace of mind knowing that your dog will come back to you when called, no matter what.
The added safety an e-collar provides is one of the main reasons we recommend remote collar training for all dogs!
5 – Responsible Dog Ownership
Being a responsible dog owner means making sure your dog is well-behaved and under control at all times.
An e-collar can help you do just that!
E-Collar training provides you with a positive, gentle, modern way to keep your dog safe and under control in any situation, whether you’re out on a hike, at the beach, or even just in your own yard.
By training your dog to be responsive to you off-leash, you reduce the need for physical restraint and increase the chances that you have a calm, friendly canine citizen who can be with you anywhere you go.
Other Reasons to E-Collar Train
Here are just some additional benefits:
Simple way to communicate accurately and quickly from a distance
No more tangled up long leashes
Gentle & positive training method
Pulling, lunging and leash reactivity become a thing of the past
You may never have to worry again about about a door left open, broken fence or your dog running away
Go hiking, explore the beach, visit a friend or hang out in your front yard with no worries at all
Incredible solution for deaf dogs that will give them freedom!
Do you have questions about modern e-collar training?
We are happy to answer any questions you have, give you more reasons to e-collar train, and help you get started on the path to responsible dog ownership!
E-Collar Technologies has a wide variety of e-collars and training resources to fit your needs. Visit our shop to see more!
It can be stressful to find and choose the best dog trainer for your Great Dane or giant breed dog!
Training is so important, especially with these big dogs. An untrained, under-socialized giant dog may be destructive and can be a danger to you and to the people around you. Good training starts on day one and never stops; all big dogs should be taught that pulling, lunging, jumping and running away are never acceptable.
The confusing part, however, is that there are many schools of thought when it comes to how to train dogs and teach them these important skills.
When it comes to training your Great Dane, you want to be sure that you find and choose the right dog trainer to help you. You want somebody who is thoughtful, educated, up-to-date, humane and driven by real behavior science!
We are here today with some GREAT info, including our honest take on different training methods, tools and more.
Dog Training Methodologies
Many trainers use methods that are unfair to dogs, ineffective, frustrating, or punitive.
It doesn’t matter if they label themselves ‘positive’, ‘balanced’, or ‘natural’, you’re going to run into people who are not operating as ethically or humanely as they should.
The primary core training methods run a spectrum and include:
Force Free / Purely Positive
Balanced
Natural / Dominance / Alpha
Compulsion / Koehler / Old School
Here are a few tips on how to find and choose a humane dog trainer for your Great Dane!
A merle Great Dane puppy being trained
Force-Free & Purely Positive Dog Training
Positive reinforcement and ‘force-free’ dog training seek to utilize treats, praise, and play without corrections to teach all behaviors. This sounds amazing and has its merits, however, this method is also highly restrictive for many dogs.
In ‘positive-only’ dog training, the use of corrections and most tools is prohibited, leaving dog owners with only one other choice when it comes to reducing unwanted behaviors.
Restrictions to freedom, movement, and autonomy that often last a lifetime are key principles in this method.
With all unwanted behaviors, you either have to either correct them or manage them. Management is a form of punishment that can be needlessly restrictive, confusing, and inhumane for some dogs.
REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:
In force-free/positive training, if a dog jumps a fence, positive reinforcement (to increase the value of staying in the yard) will be paired with a loss of freedom (to decrease the chance of recurrence). A long leash may be used, and no corrections are allowed. The fence may also be made more secure.
To put it simply, ‘Force-free’ trainers will only use management and physical restraint, often ongoing, to address unwanted or dangerous behaviors.
Positive reinforcement itself is wonderful and backed by science; you should always use positive reinforcement to teach new behaviors such as leave it, wait, heel, sit, down, and come.
When it comes to addressing behaviors such as lunging, barking, running away, or jumping the fence however, you can see how the method of ‘positive-only’ may fall short and can even be dangerous.
Many extreme force-free and positive-only trainers will adhere to self-made guidelines and refuse to make humane, common sense accommodations for certain dogs.
Examples include:
Refusing to use a gentle, modern E-Collar on a deaf dog for recall
Requiring a harness on all dogs, even a 3-legged dog whose body doesn’t fit naturally in one
Not allowing the use of bitter apple spray to deter a dog from chewing itself
Putting fence jumpers on a restrictive long leash for life instead of considering a wireless fence or E-Collar system
Keeping cat-chasers, tire-chasers, jumpers, humpers, barkers, runners, rough players, and chicken killers isolated from freedom, family life, socialization, and the yard to avoid having to use corrections
Will prescribe behavioral euthanasia before allowing you to seek a second opinion from a balanced dog trainer
Force-Free and Purely Positive red flags
Run from any force-free or positive trainer who shows any of the following red flags:
Claims to be ‘science based’ (this is an unregulated marketing term, often contradictory in this context as it is scientifically impossible to ONLY use ‘positive reinforcement’)
Spends a lot of time bashing other trainers, tools, and techniques (MAJOR red flag!)
Encourages you to always take a long-haul ‘positive-only’ approach, even if doing so seems to be extremely restrictive, confusing, and frustrating to you and your dog
Won’t allow you to use any kind of correction, corrective action or appropriate tool, even if the dog is doing something dangerous, damaging, rude, or destructive to himself, to you or to others
Encourages you to ignore professional veterinary advice when it comes to things such as nutrition, wound care and medications
Relies heavily on front-clip harnesses or head collars (often while still claiming to be ‘force-free’ and ‘science based’)
Blindly promotes the idea that all ‘balanced’ training, prong collars, flat collars, and modern E-Collars are ‘aversive’ and ‘abusive’
Are unable to make a notable, reliable, lifelong, positive difference in dogs who have difficult unwanted, dangerous or rude behaviors, especially when the end recommendation is to add additional restrictive management or seek behavioral euthanasia
The dogs they train are over-excitable, unable to ever be off-leash, anxious/frustrated, and/or have to be managed to prevent jumping, leash reactivity, chasing or otherwise
If you want to work with a force-free or positive dog trainer, ask lots of questions! There are some amazing positive trainers out there, but you must do your research and avoid the extreme version of this training method.
Balanced Dog Training
Balanced training means to use positive reinforcement, corrections and management as needed. Balanced training is positive reinforcement training with more options.
REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:
In balanced training, if a dog jumps a fence, positive reinforcement (to increase the value of staying in the yard) will be paired with a correction (to decrease the value of jumping out of the yard) or wireless fence system. The fence may also be made more secure.
Hence the word ‘balance’.
Like positive-only training, balanced training runs a spectrum from trainers who are mostly positive but utilize spare corrections as needed, to trainers who rely heavily on strict boundaries, routine, structure and corrections.
This makes it that much more difficult to find an ethical trainer! Ideally, you want to stick with balanced trainers who fall clearly on the ‘positive’ side of things.
Properly used prong collars and modern E-Collars are NOT abuse. Do not fall for inflammatory marketing from people who don’t know how to use those tools correctly.
Balanced dog trainers are more likely to choose prong collars and E-Collars, though they may also use head collars at times. The best balanced trainers use a training method that relies heavily on positive reinforcement, and will utilize modern E-Collars to release dogs from constant physical restraint.
We recommend modern balanced training for all dogs. All large and giant breed dogs should ideally be trained to at least CGC level (Canine Good Citizen) and have excellent off-leash obedience skills using a modern E-Collar.
Large and giant breed dogs are prone to orthopedic issues. The Modern E-Collar is the only training tool available that unlike a harness or flat collar can cause absolutely no physical damage to your dog’s physical structure, gait, neck or trachea.
Run from any balanced dog trainer who shows these red flags:
Wants to put an E-Collar or Prong collar on your dog so they can use harsh punitive ‘yank and crank’ training methods
Uses any training technique that clearly makes your dog fearful, scared, or distressed
Tells you to dominant, intimidate, alpha roll, pin, scold, kick, or roughly handle your dog
Spends more time saying NO than saying YES
Forces your dog into extended down-stay position and may use a shock collar at aversive levels to force compliance
Uses penny cans or bags of chains to scare or startle your dog
Floods dogs by deliberately exposing them to triggers
Quotes Cesar Milan or Jeff Gellman
Is constantly tugging, pulling and snapping a slip lead around your dogs neck
Doesn’t use treats and/or claims that treats are ‘bribery’
Tells you that all bad behavior and reactivity is the result of defiance, dominance or stubbornness
Encourages you to ignore veterinary advice related to nutrition
The dogs they train appear shut down, fearful, short-tempered, or nervous
We recommend searching the IACP certified trainer database to find a safe, humane and professional qualified balanced E-Collar trainer for your Great Dane or giant breed dog.
Natural/Dominance/Alpha Dog Training
Alpha dog training (often called ‘Natural’ or ‘Dominance’) is an outdated training method that has very little scientific backing to it.
This training method was made popular by Cesar Milan, and involves a lot of hovering, intimidations, corrections and forward body language.
REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:
In alpha training, if a dog jumps a fence, the dog will be harshly corrected at the fence line with neck jabs and leash pops. Additionally, steps will be taken to ‘lower the dog’s status’ through other forms of intimidation and force.
‘Be the Boss’, ‘Be the Alpha’, and ‘Be the Pack Leader’ are common phrases, based on incorrect observations that were made of a captive wolf pack.
Trainers who subscribe to this method generally believe that treats and positive reinforcement are forms of bribery that should be used sparingly, and that a well trained obedient dog is always in a state of ‘calm submission’. For many dogs, ‘calm submission’ is actually a form of behavior suppression, fear and anxiety.
Additionally, they believe that behavior problems are easily solved by putting the dog into a lower pack position, and may teach you to use ‘woo’ training techniques such as:
Walking through doors before your dog
Keeping your dogs eye level below yours
Eating food first, in front of your dog before serving your dog his food
Pretending to eat your dogs food
Biting your dogs ear or neck
Neck jabs (‘Alpha dog corrections’)
Alpha theory is considered laughable in the science of modern dog behavior.
Alpha Dog Training Red Flags
Run from any ‘alpha’, ‘natural’ or ‘dominance’ dog trainer who:
Says that aggression is the result of a lack of leadership
Tells you to stick your hands in your dogs food bowl to show them that you are ‘the boss’
Uses intimidation to make your dog appear ‘calm and submissive’
Tells you to choke, jab, neck jab, scruff, shake, hit, kick or roughly handle your dog or puppy
Shows you how to use an ‘alpha roll’ to pin your dog down until they give up
Uses physical pressure and force to keep your dog in a sit, down or stay
Says ‘PSSHhhhhTTTTT’
Uses a lot of leash pops, scolding and harsh corrections
Uses flooding techniques until your dog ‘gives up’ and is no longer ‘dominant’
Shows ‘quick fix’ videos
Tells you to ignore the advice of your veterinarian
Dog training techniques that rely on outdated notions of being the “alpha” and use confusing, punitive tactics may harm your bond with your dog.
Compulsion / Koehler / Old School Dog Training
Finally, this method of dog training goes back to the days where a lot of compulsion and force was used.
REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:
In compulsion training, if a dog jumps a fence, the dog will be harshly corrected at the fence line, and the use of a livestock hot wire may be prescribed. The dog may also then be put on a leash or chain (not unlike we see in ‘force-free’ training).
A compulsion dog trainer will teach ‘sit’ by pushing down on the dog’s rear end until they submit by sitting. They will teach ‘heel’ by using pressure into a slip lead to force the dog by their side.
Forced compliance is the name of the game with this method. The use of slip leads and choke chains are common. You are most likely to happen upon Koehler method trainers in the hunting dog community or when seeking the help of trainers that have ’30 years of experience’.
Compulsion Trainer Red Flags
Tells you that they can fix all behavior problems quickly
Uses a slip lead or chain to pop, pull, tug, and move your dog around
May keep a sharp tack in one hand and use it to pinch the ear when forcing compliance
Doesn’t want you to talk to your dog or show affection
Encourages the use of physical handling and manipulation
Implies that modern dog training and ‘positive reinforcement’ is a scam
Has dogs that appear robotically obedient and that may lack enthusiasm and spark
How to find a trainer for your Great Dane
We highly recommend hiring a modern balanced dog trainer who uses a lot of positive reinforcement.
This type of trainer will use management to avoid needless punishment, but they’re not afraid to use appropriate corrections when necessary. Balanced dog training avoids the extremes, which can be harmful and frustrating to your pet.
A qualified balanced trainer will also show you how to humanely and properly use a modern E-Collar for off-leash training, which is the necessary to protect your dogs orthopedic health.
We recommend searching the IACP database for a humane, positive balanced trainer in your area.
Here are some questions to ask potential trainers:
What happens when my dog does something right?
When my dog does something wrong, what do you do?
Can you tell me about the tools you often recommend, how they work and why you use them?
Are you able to share legitimate references with me?
What are your goals for the dogs you train?
Do you offer CGC testing, scent work, Snake Avoidance, Fitpaws or any other enrichment classes?
Great Dane training should be fun!
When it comes to finding a trainer for your Great Dane, be sure to do your research.
There are a lot of trainers and franchise training companies out there who claim to be experts, but not all of them will be a good fit for you and your dog.
If you have questions about balanced dog training, E-Collars, prong collars, or more we are here for you!
Pet parents, of course, LOVE the word ‘gentle’. I mean- who wouldn’t? As a Great Dane owner, I’m always looking for new ways to train my dogs, and that’s what brought about this review of the Gentle Lead Head Harness.
Everyday walks are supposed to be fun and humane! Dog owners are supposed to be kind, ethical and patient. Every training tool is supposed to be safe, effective and gentle.
It’s no wonder that the Gentle Leader head harness is so popular; we can see from a quick search on social media that it is very effective at stopping dogs from pulling.
Is a Gentle Leader Head Harness Actually Gentle?
But there’s one giant elephant in the room that no one likes to talk about…
I don’t believe that a Gentle Leader is gentle…at ALL.
I purchased a Gentle Leader Headcollar to see what all the hype was about. Many Great Dane owners swear that it immediately transformed their pulling, lunging, wild dog into one they could easily and safely walk.
That’s when I found the mess that Gentle Leader is hiding behind their ‘gentle’ marketing scheme.
Follow along as I prepare my 3-year-old Great Dane, Banks, for her walk with the Gentle Leader Head Collar. I’ll explain EVERYTHING…
I chose to purchase the Petsafe brand Gentle Leader Head Collar because it is extremely popular with over 50,000 reviews on Amazon and almost a complete 5 star rating.
It stated that it came with a training dvd, but mine did not. My order only had the Petsafe Gentle Leader – no training DVD
🙁 womp womp.
Myth: The Gentle Leader Head Collar Will Solve All of Your Problems
Red flag.
You will not and should not be given any promises of a ‘new dog’ after using ANY tool. The Gentle Leader is marketed as a fast, gentle way to transform your pet.
The Petsafe brand itself states that you will be able to fix poor leash manners and discourage excessive jumping or lunging.
Petsafe brand also states that there is “NO MORE COUGHING AND CHOKING: A padded neoprene nose loop puts pressure on the back of the neck instead of your dog’s throat, which prevents choking and gagging”.
The directions say to, “use the adjustable nose loop and quick-snap neck strap to properly fit the head collar on your furry friend in minutes.”
Well, let’s get started.
I’ve never been one to believe in training dogs in ‘minutes’, but miracles are miracles, right? And who isn’t down for an easy leashed walk with their canine companion.
Following the Gentle Leader Head Collar Directions
I am no no scientist, but I nearly needed to be one in order to follow the directions that Gentle Leader provided. Nonetheless, I was VERY determined to follow them step by step in order to make sure I really used this head halter correctly.
Let’s dive in.
Step 1: Put the Head Collar around the neck
My very well mannered, 3 year old Great Dane stared at me as I read through the first steps:
Position the neck strap as high up on the dog’s neck as possible. Neck strap must be so snug only one finger can fit under it, and it cannot rotate around the neck. (Per Petsafe brand directions found above).
We were able to successfully accomplish steps 2 and 3 on my pup’s neck.
I tried placing gentle pressure underneath the collar to make sure one finger could fit through. We were good, besides the fact that I couldn’t believe it was correct that the collar sits high on her trachea like this.
Next, Petsafe brand recommends that you remove what you’ve just done so that you can condition your dog to the nose loop.
Conditioning dogs to their training tools is VERY important, and the nose loop is aversive to most dogs.
Keep the nose loop open while luring your dog through it by ‘offering a treat’. You will want to ‘be ready with tasty treats’ for this part.
Step 3: Use Treats To Lure the Dog
Honest truth, your dog will HATE this thing.
Most dogs probably don’t want something putting pressure and removing full range of their mouth, nose, breathing and face- that’s just my thoughts anyways.
Nonetheless, we survived stages 4 and 5 of the Petsafe brand directions. We survived the nose loop fitting and we managed to get it around my dog’s neck and dog’s nose. (Not, I will say, without concern for the amount of intense pressure on my dog’s nose).
It is VERY common for dogs to paw, whine, fight, roll, and rub trying to get a head collar off of their face. That’s a sign that this tool is NOT as ‘gentle’ as the company wants you to believe.
Step 4 – Adjust the Straps for Proper Fit
Steps 3 and 4 of the Petsafe brand directions directed me to make sure that the strap was high and tight on my dog’s head, and tight enough that it does not fall off of the dog’s head, but not too tight that it can’t be pulled slightly down the nose of my dog. (Call Customer Care Center for our short nosed dogs or furry friends).
As shown, I gave it a good gentle tug against my dog’s desire and we were still up to par with the fitting
instructions.
So far so good. 5 stars on the thorough instructions thus far- apart from the fact that my dog was coughing and could barely open her mouth.
Step 5: Make sure that the Petsafe forms a “V”
Next, you want to make sure your tool is actually on correct, since you may have missed a step somewhere along the way.
When properly fitted, Gentle Leaders should resemble a ‘V’ from the side, and the center bar will rest ‘just above’ the tracheal area. (Brand’s words not mine).
Taking a look at my dog- I think we have the V mastered.
I can ALREADY tell we’re going to have greater control now that I can slash her delicate throat with this durable nylon whenever I want!
We were ready to embark on our first walk. I was really impressed with my dog’s focus.
Or maybe it was just that she couldn’t breathe. Either way, she was being super quiet, and that’s all that mattered.
Is Gagging and Coughing Normal with a Head Harness?
Before we left, I made sure to read the big, bold ‘CAUTION’ at the bottom of the Petsafe Gentle Leader Head Collar Directions.
Incase you can’t read it, here’s what it says: “Follow instructions carefully when fitting and using on bulldogs and other breeds with genetically limited airways or flat noses. It is typical for these dogs to frequently experience breathing difficulties when exercising or under stress because of their physically limited airways. If their breathing difficulties increase when wearing the headcollar, immediately discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.”
Video Fitting of the Gentle Leader Head Collar on a Great Dane
Incase you’re like me, and have an attention span of 0, here’s a video from start to finish of me fitting the Gentle Leader onto my girl.
Attach the Leash to the Gentle Leader
The Gentle leader is not like traditional collars. Unlike traditional collars that you typically find the leash attached behind your dog’s head, the Gentle Leader requires you to attach the collar underneath the dog’s neck.
Of course, I wasn’t at all worried about making sure the Gentle Leader didn’t paralyze my dog… I just, you know, have always been interested in the nerves my dog carries in her head… Regular, everyday research here people.
DOG FACE ANATOMY
This image shows where the dog’s nerves are located, including (orange) the Trigeminal Nerve and (yellow) the Facial Nerve. The “trigeminal nerve is the part of the nervous system responsible for sending pain, touch and temperature sensations from your face to your brain”.
Hmm… It seems like, it feels like, no… it couldn’t be that the Gentle Leader Head Collars is smashing directly over the two main nerves in my dog’s face… No way- the company itself says they are GENTLE!!!!
KEEP IGNORING THE RISK AND KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE
Eyes on the prize, people. Remember the goal. Basic obedience is WAY more important than your dog having function of its face.
Do not fret- putting pressure of this astronomical weight MIGHT damage their Trigeminal Nerve, BUT, it really will make SUCH A DIFFERENCE when your dog pulls.
Finally: Take Your Dog for a Walk
Next, you guessed it, begin to take your dog for an easy walk. Using the front clip harness and Petsafe GENTLE Leader, venture out to see your new dog in action.
Off we went!
My Dog Banks
A little bit of background- since you probably don’t care.
My dog is just a really good girl, always carries a loose leash and makes for an easy walk.
She never demonstrates ‘unwanted behaviors’. But I can relate to the frustrations that other dog owners feel when choosing a tool like this. Untrained Great Danes are big, strong dogs that can be dangerous!
Walk Your Dog Like Normal in a Head Collar
Next, just walk your dog like normal while they wear the gentle leader headcollar.
I encourage you to take a video while your dog walks, turns, and moves in the easy walk harness.
Taking a video will help you notice what happens when the nose loop ‘redirects’ your dog as they turn or move or when they see a rabbit and take off or when you drop your phone and yank that leash on accident.
So yeah, your dog won’t pull on leash with the gentle leader harness.
Because THEY CAN’T. Because they are trapped. As the quick snap buckles choke your dog, the Gentle leader ‘gently’ moves to trap their face, making it physically impossible for them to NOT behave.
I believe that your dog deserves better than the Gentle Leader.
TAKE NOTICE OF WHEN YOUR DOG MOVES / PULLS OR TURNS
If they pull forward, the nose loop ‘redirects’ them.
Every single ‘redirect’, is attached to your dog’s head, which is attached to your dog’s neck, which not only is attached to your dog’s face but rather plastered onto their facial nervous system.
Out for a nice walk?
You see a friend and pull your arm upward to wave hello- nerve pain.
You forgot your phone and turn suddenly to go inside unbeknown to your dog- neck / spinal issues.
Your dog sees other dogs up ahead and gets excited and begins to pull on leash- major no no buddy- you know better than that- here’s some chronic face pain due to damage on your Facial Nerve.
ANSWER THIS QUESTION
Do you want your dog to listen to you because you want a dog who has a great life, is happy and healthy and a functioning citizen of society?
Or, do you want your dog to listen to you simply so that you can prove that your daily walks are easy, manageable, and you’re the boss?
The Gentle Leader is a Control Device, not a Gentle Device
The Gentle Leader Headcollar is not gentle.
Actually, in my opinion, it’s one of the most dangerous tools on the market for dogs.
It is not gentle on your dog’s neck, their spine, their trachea, their throat, or their face.
The Gentle Leader Headcollar is a control statement.
A way to show the world that you are in charge and your dog will do as you say- no matter what.
Video of My Dog Walk With the Gentle Leader
The Gentle Leader Head Collar is Dangerous
The Gentle Leader is a marketing scam.
How foolish of pet parents to think that they can correct excessive barking safely by sewing their dog’s mouths shut.
How dangerous of pet parents to think their is an easy fix to leash pulling- all at their dog’s muscular skeletal and nervous system’s disadvantage.
The Gentle Leader Head Collar is Lazy
Not only is the Gentle Leader absolutely dangerous and dog’s hate it- but it’s SO LAZY.
You are telling your dog “Do as I say or else”.
You are not teaching your dog anything about how to behave on a leash, you are not creating a relationship with mutual respect, and you are not showing your dog that walks can be fun.
A dog in a head collar cannot comfortably move, sniff, or explore like they can in a harness, collar, or off-leash.
Active Dogs Deserve Daily Walks and Freedom of Movement
Your dog should be allowed to stop and smell the roses.
Your dog should stop and sniff the neighbor dog’s pee from earlier.
Dog’s live their entire lives enclosed in the house. They don’t go to work and they don’t have social lives the same way that humans do.
Allowing dogs the freedom to safely explore on their leashed walks is a gift for both parents and dog.
Restricting their every single movement down to the flinch by garnishing their face is a strip of their complete freedom- one that I will not ever stand for with my own dogs.
The Gentle Leader is One of the Most Aversive Tools I’ve Seen
Overall, it was fascinating for me, as an avid e collar user, to test out a tool that I consistently see positive trainers rave about.
The Gentle Leader is spoken so highly about in the world of positive training.
But, would you rather have a tool that communicates with your dog (whether aversive or not!) WITH or WITHOUT potentially PERMANENTLY damaging their entire structure, muscles, nerves, or worse.
The Gentle Leader is Not Appropriate for Many Dogs
It is SO tight that it DEFINITELY restricts air flow- my dog was coughing the second she got it removed
It is a ‘control’ tool- pet parents can yank when their dog is not listening and ‘snap’ them into better behavior
It is being advertised to prevent other unwanted behaviors such as barking- which implies it DOES NOT allow dog’s to open their mouths to achieve a full pant/bark
The immense pressure on the face can irreversible damage
Dogs hate them!
There are better options out there that don’t damage your dog’s face, neck, or spine.
I would not recommend the Gentle Leader to anyone. The only thing gentle about this tool, is the name: Gentle Leader.
But – do they work? And even more-so- what the heck are they?
THE FOUNDATIONS: WHAT IS A DOG E COLLAR?
An e collar is a training tool for dogs. But more importantly, it is a way for dog owners to communicate the rules and ‘norms’ of life with their pet, set strong boundaries, and help them to be successful in life.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHOCK COLLAR AND AN E COLLAR?
Most people think that e collar use is the same thing as shock collars.
This is simply NOT true. E collar training is VERY different than training with shock collars.
Shock collars are known to create painful skin burns, cause extreme harm to the neck / skin, and can actually CAUSE negative behavior. Shock collars are made with the intention to punish a dog for bad behavior – and are NOT an effective way to train your pet.
Additionally, one of the main difference between shock collars and e collars is on the inside. On the inside of a shock collar is a shock unit- when you push the button on the remote control your dog will get shocked. The shock collar can be VERY unreliable- sometimes it will shock and sometimes it will not. A ‘cheap’ shock collar from Amazon or something of the like is known to create pressure sores and thus, negative associations with your dog.
Do not get sucked into thinking that a shock collar is the training tool that you should use to perfect your dog’s behavior. It will simply cause harm, pain and unnecessary behaviors or new behavioral issues over time.
ARE ELECTRIC COLLARS CRUEL?
If you are using a shock collar to train dogs, it can be considered cruel. Using a shock collar on your dog for any form of behavior modification can create confusion.
However, e collars work entirely different than a shock collar, and therefore the training sessions associated with these collars are also very different. In result- your dog will FEEL very different physically, emotionally, and their behavior will be very different when working with this effective training tool.
Not all collars for dogs are the same. E collars work with positive reinforcement AND negative reinforcement (YES- negative reinforcement IS a good thing- ALL dogs need correction in order to correct behavior when training).
So- when deciding if remote training collars are cruel- you need to know the difference between all the different types of collars for dogs. Bark collars, shock collar, or stimulation collars for dogs.
Choose a stimulation collar! We call these e-collars. This is the most ethical form of training collar for your pup and is NOT cruel.
WHAT IS ON THE INSIDE OF AN E COLLAR?
On the inside of ethical, modern e collars is what makes them an effective training tool.
What BETTER item to use on your dog’s neck than electronic collars with electronic stimulation that not only helps with their training but provides healthy muscular benefits as well?
WHAT DOES THE ‘E’ IN ‘E COLLAR’ MEAN?
The ‘e’ in e collar means ‘electronic’.
But what does that mean?
It means that there is a small stimulation box on the inside of the collar that sends out a electric charge to two metal contact points on either side of your dog’s neck. The electric charge is not harmful- and actually feels similar to a ‘tingle’ or ‘buzz’ that you might feel if you were to touch your tongue to a battery.
The charge is not harmful, and is actually very low level. The level of stimulation can be increased or decreased depending on what training stage your dog is in, as well as their individual personality and needs.
Any collar that does not include Electrical Muscle Stimulation is considered a ‘shock collar’, and should be treaded easily. Stim will train your dog what is right and wrong and allow them to understand your communication whereas shock collars will condition your dogs to the idea that you are going to harm them and cause pain when they are not responding correctly.
WHAT DOES AN E COLLAR DO FOR DOGS?
An e collar is used by dog owners or a professional dog trainer to help dogs succeed in ALL aspects of life.
Because e collars are ‘communication’ devices, rather than ‘corrective’ devices, they are used not to control your pet, but to help as your dog learns right from wrong.
Additionally, e collars teach dogs how to be safe, avoid dangerous situations while off leash, and gain strong recall.
E collars can also be used for maintaining positive obedience skills like walking on a leash, not jumping on people, avoiding counter surfing, and being able to gain the freedom to live their best lives while also being safe and healthy.
WHAT DOES AN E COLLAR FEEL LIKE?
E collars, unlike shock collars, DO NOT hurt or cause pain.
The level of stimulation can be increased or decreased- but should always start at the lowest setting.
The electronic e collar that we highly recommend has a ‘momentary’ and a ‘continuous’ setting.
The momentary is a quick stimulation that’s purpose is to get your dog’s attention or remind them of a certain behavior. It is similar to what you might feel if you were to briefly have your hand fall asleep, for 1 second.
The continuous stim is where the owner has control over the electronic collar with the remote, and can dial the volume of the e collar up and down, depending on the dogs behavior.
For example: if you are wanting your pup to recall while off leash from 100 yards away, you can begin to dial up on the continuous stim. As your dog returns to you, you will begin to dial down. This is a strategy that I like to call the ‘hot and cold’ game.
Either way, when using e collars with stim inside of them, the e collar feels like a slight buzzing- and does not hurt.
Most dog owners will try the collar on themselves before trying it on their dog to train.
DO E COLLARS TRAUMATIZE DOGS?
E collars and e collar training does NOT traumatize dogs.
E collars provide a way for dog owners to have clear communication with their dogs- and help them learn how to be safe and make good decisions.
Without e collars, many dogs would never be able to experience all the joys that life has to offer- like being off leash hiking in the woods, running and playing on the beach, or even just being able to have a safe walk around the neighborhood.
E collars provide dogs with a way to have freedom- while also keeping them safe.
However, having said that, using a low quality collar with your dog will put you at risk for contact burns, random harsh shock, and in turn: unexplainable behaviors.
HOW DO YOU USE AN E COLLAR?
E collars are meant to communicate with your dog.
First and foremost, before you begin dog training with e collars on any behavior, your dog should know the basic verbal commands.
For example, if you are wanting to train your dog to associate the use of ecollars in their dog training to the ‘sit’ command, they should ALREADY be able to perform the sit command.
If you are hoping to strengthen your dog’s leash skills- they should already have a foundation of training on leash skills in which you maintain control over your dog on leash.
WHERE DO I START WITH USING AN E COLLAR?
The first place to start using e collars on your dog is with their name.
After you have done this a few times, you will then want to begin using the e collar.
Start with the lowest level of stimulation and work your way up as needed.
I like to start on the lowest level and then increase the level if my dog is not responding.
Once you find the lowest level of the collar that works for your dog you are ready to begin training them to associate their name with the collar.
TEACH YOUR DOG TO ASSOCIATE THEIR NAME WITH THE COLLARS
Next, you will want to put the collar on your dog.
You will then want to say your dog’s name in a happy voice and immediately follow it with a treat.
Repeat this process several times until your dog is responding consistently.
Now you are ready to begin adding in the stimulation with the e collar.
Start with the lowest level of stimulation.
Remember to always start with verbal praise first and then follow it with a treat as well as a ‘marker word’. A marker word means that you are telling your dog that they have done something correct.
I like to use the word ‘yes’ as my marker word.
So, when I say my dog’s name and they look at me I would then say ‘yes’ and immediately follow it with a treat.
Once your dog is responding consistently, you can begin to add one extra step with your wireless remote.
Say your dogs name
Wait for them to look at you
Press the stim button
Simultaneously provide a treat (positive reinforcement) as well as a marker word ‘YES’!
SHOULD YOU TRAIN YOUR DOG WITH AN E COLLAR?
In short, we LOVE seeing healthy training of dogs using an e collar! Feel free to check out our guide below:
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
If you feel uncomfortable getting started, get some help from a professional trainer who can help you get started. With proper techniques, using an e collar can significantly help most dogs thrive and be confident members of society.
You might be shocked to see me suggest using an e collar on a puppy.
However, I’ve got some news for dog owners: Great Dane puppies don’t stay little for long.
One day, you’ve got this new puppy who is snuggly and sweet… but if you blink for just 1 second and open your eyes: you’ve got a puppy the size of an adult dog.
Let me explain. I’ve got some reasons why I believe that incorporating an electronic, stim collar into your training sessions with yes- even young puppies– will benefit both you and your dog.
WHEN SHOULD YOU USE AN E COLLAR WITH PUPPY TRAINING?
One of the most common questions new dog owners ask is when to start using a stim collar during puppy training.
The answer, of course, depends on a variety of factors, including the methods of which you plan to use the collar, the collar you buy itself, and temperament of your dog.
However, there are a few general guidelines that can help you decide when it’s time to introduce a stim collar into your pup’s training regimen.
First, you’ll need to use stim conditioning with your dog, which means teaching them that the collar is not a punishment.
Collar conditioning protocols will help the Great Dane owner equip the Great Dane with the ability to understand the training method as a form of communication and not as a punishment for undesired behaviors.
WHAT IS A SHOCK COLLAR AND IS IT THE SAME AS A STIM COLLAR?
A shock collar is a device that is worn around the neck of a Great Dane and delivers an electric shock to the dog when it is triggered by a remote control.
Shock collar training is NOT the same as using an ethical training collar.
Shock collars are controversial, and their use is banned in some countries.
Supporters of shock collars argue that they are a safe and effective way to train dogs, while opponents argue that they are cruel and can cause behavior problems.
LET ME REPEAT: WE THINK THEY ARE VERY DANGEROUS!
The use of shock collars is regulated in some countries, and only approved collars may be used. In the United States, there are no federal laws governing the use of shock collars, but some states have laws that restrict their use.
We stand by the belief that you should never use a puppy shock collar to prevent puppies from certain behaviors.
ARE SHOCK COLLARS SAFE?
Modern shock collars and shock training is NOT safe. Shock training requires the use of a shock collar that delivers an electrostatic shock to eliminate unwanted behaviors. With each shock administered, you are telling your dog that you are in control and will/can physically harm them if they are misbehaving.
Shock collar training is NOT a safe method of training- and shock collars are known to frequently cause painful burns. Great Dane owners should not use a shock collar or puppy shock collar to get a dog’s attention.
TEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD USE AN ETHICAL TRAINING COLLAR WITH YOUR DOGS
Now that we have talked about the reasons NOT to use a shock collar, let’s jump into the many reasons why you should start collar training with your puppy.
ONE: OUT OF ALL TRAINING METHODS, AN E COLLAR TRAINING DEVICE IS SAFEST
When it comes to training methods, there’s a lot of debate over which one is the best. Some people swear by using a positive only approach, deeming the use of stimulation collars as cruel or abusive.
But when it comes to safety, health and the LEAST ABUSIVE METHOD, there’s really only one winner: a collar with stimulation: NOT a dog shock collar.
When pet parents think of tools that are ‘painful’ they often think of prong collars, electric collars, and choke collars.
What Great Dane parents do NOT realize is that the most aversive and dangerous items of all often look the least harmful. Harnesses, flat collars, gentle leaders, and
It is important to note that electronic stim collars are much less aversive than other tools such as choke chains or prong collars. Matter of fact, Great Danes actually LOVE them!
Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!) Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!)
TWO: THERE IS NO ‘APPROPRIATE AGE’ FOR A SAFE TRAINING COLLAR
Your Great Dane has a small window of opportunity where their learning curve is huge and they are growing fast and learning quickly. This window is called puppyhood!
You should seize this as a learning opportunity for you and your dog!
There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer on what age you should begin using a dog collar on your dog.
However: it is crucial that your dog learn the basic command INDEPENDENT of the collar, before incorporating the collar into the regiment. If your dog responds to the ‘sit’ command, you can begin including the collar into their ‘sit’ routine.
THREE: E COLLAR TRAINING IS THE SAME AS REWARD BASED TRAINING
‘But using an electric collar on my dog removes the process of positive reinforcement…”
No… no it does not.
Using e collar conditioning with your dog is one of the most positive training methods you can use!
The e collar is a remote training tool that can be used to deliver positive or negative reinforcement. It is simply a device that helps you to more effectively communicate with your dog.
Like all training tools, the e collar should be used in conjunction with positive reinforcement such as treats, toys, and praise. Matter of fact- get ready to load up on treats! Here’s our favs:
Most of all, your Great Dane is RELYING on you to communicate with them to help them navigate what is right and what is wrong.
FOUR: BUT…PUPPIES NEED BOTH POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT AND NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT
Every single dog and puppy needs boundaries.
Positive only training is NOT going to work! You will create a dog who consistently relies on the use of treats, rewards, and other incentives in order to do what they should just do as a citizen of this world: the right thing.
In life, humans and dogs alike need to know right from wrong. There should be positive praise and communication and reward when we do the right thing. And likewise, there should be negative reinforcement for unwanted behavior. This method of combined positive training as well as providing explanation for wrongs is called balanced training.
All of these behaviors can be prevented with proper boundary training and proper collar training.
An e collar can provide a safe and effective way to protect your dog from engaging in unsafe behavior.
The single most important part about dog training is helping your dog learn to avoid negative or unsafe actions. After all, it is YOUR job to keep them safe.
SIX: SET UP YOUR DOG FOR POSITIVE ADVENTURES WHILE THEY ARE LITTLE
When you first get a dog, you imagine your life with them being full of wild adventures.
You want to visit lakes.
You want to go on long hikes.
You want to take them camping with you.
But the reality is that most dogs are NOT ready for those things when they are a small, still learning, puppy.
They need time to learn how to be a dog and how to behave in different situations.
Work to set up your dog for off leash adventures right from the start. Eliminate their desire to participate in negative or unsafe behavior by communicating with them from puppyhood.
The adventures will be worth it.
SEVEN: PREPARE YOUR PUPPY FOR EMOTIONAL STRESS OF LIFE
One day you’re on a walk and everything seems fine, and then suddenly your puppy starts barking.
You have NO idea why your dog begins this unwanted behavior, and you have NO idea how to stop it.
What you don’t realize is the HUNDREDS of stressors that are bombarding your dog during every single walk, every single moment.
The squirrel.
The cat.
The car that drives by.
All of these things can be stressful for your pup, and can cause them to behave in ways that are unwanted.
E collar training can help your dog to learn how to cope with the emotional stress of life. By using positive communication between yourself and your dog, you can help your dog to learn how to cope in a busy and stressful life.
EIGHT: PREVENT AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR BEFORE IT BEGINS
A confident dog is a happy dog.
An anxious dog is a stressed dog.
A stressed dog is a dog that is more likely to lash out in aggression.
E collar training can help your puppy to become a confident and happy dog.
Aggressive behaviors typically stem from fear. Your dog’s temperament is NOT (typically) normally aggressive.
Helping your Great Dane overcome fear will help them remain even-keeled, confident, calm, and composed throughout their lives.
If you, as their dog owner, begin consistently implementing collar communication with your dogs while they are little sponges, you can help mold their temperaments into healthy, strong dogs.
NINE: STIMULATE YOUR DOG’S MENTAL ENDURANCE WITH MORE THAN BASIC CONCEPTS
It is very important that your dog knows basic manners.
Most Great Dane owners will have practice sessions with their pups on things like sit, down, stay, come, etc.
BUT- it is just as important to keep your dog’s mind active and challenged with more than the basics.
Stim collar training can provide a way for you to challenge your dog mentally, while also providing physical activity.
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
HOW DOES USING A STIMULATION COLLAR PROVIDE MORE FREEDOM?
Using an e collar during activities such as activities, adventures, hikes, camping, and even just everyday life, will help you and your dogs find the most freedom possible.
Hunting dogs are often trained on electronic stim collars, as many find huge success working to train hunting dogs with the powerful form of communication.
Sports dogs can also benefit from training with a stim collar.
Off leash adventures will be much more enjoyable and safe for both you and your dog if they have a good foundation in recall.
Hiking on pet friendly trails will become more exciting as your Great Dane is able to sniff/smell like they are biologically designed to do.
Eliminate stress while camping/adventuring as you can be relieved and stress free knowing that your Great Dane is not going to run away.
TEN: THERE ARE HEALTH REASONS FOR USING A STIMULATION COLLAR
Believe it or not, stimulation devices are the single healthiest form of training for our pets (in my opinion).
You may be shocked to hear that some popular forms of training are actually very dangerous.
The use of a dog shock collar: Shock collars can cause contact burns, irregular communication, and skin issues.
Harnesses: Harnesses are proven to create joint issues, spinal problems, and soft tissue damage.
Gentle leader: The ‘gentle’ leader is not so gentle after all. Known for pulling your dog’s neck in the direction that you want it to walk, the gentle leader is also known for causing soft tissue damage, neck injuries, and tracheal collapse.
Anti Bark Collars: Use with discretion. Many anti bark collars actually deliver a very high level of stimulation that can cause your dog to be in pain.
Flat Collars: Even flat collars can be harmful if your pet is not trained in loose leash training.
USING A PUPPY E COLLAR: IN CONCLUSION
Your Great Dane deserves your best.
It is your job to provide them with safety, socialization, life skills and training.
An e collar is an amazing tool that, when used correctly, can provide your dog with everything they need and more.
Don’t be afraid to give it a try with a Great Dane of many ages!
Electronic collar training, often referred to as “e-collar” training, is a modern method used to train dogs. Unfortunately, it is riddled with myths and misconceptions that can cloud the understanding of this tool’s actual purpose and effectiveness. In this article, we will debunk some of the common E-collar training myths and shed light on the responsible and humane use of electronic collars in dog training.
It’s essential to separate fact from fiction to make informed decisions about this training technique!
What is an E-Collar?
An electronic collar, commonly known as an e-collar or shock collar, is a device designed for dog training and behavior modification. It consists of a collar that fits around a dog’s neck and a handheld remote control.
The primary function of an e-collar is to deliver electronic stimulation. This tactile sensation is a powerful way to communicate with a dog from afar, and it doesn’t have to be painful or unfair.
While the term “shock collar” may sound harsh, it’s important to note that modern e-collars have evolved significantly and offer adjustable levels of stimulation, allowing trainers to use them in a more humane and controlled manner. These devices are not meant to harm or punish the dog but rather to provide clear and consistent communication during training sessions.
When used responsibly, e-collars can be effective tools for teaching dogs to obey commands, prevent certain behaviors, and enhance their overall safety and well-being. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that e-collar training should always be carried out by knowledgeable and experienced trainers who prioritize the dog’s comfort and safety.
Think of it as a wireless leash, but without the physical restraint of a flat collar or harness that can be dangerous or damaging to you or your Great Dane. Today we are going to share 6 E-Collar Training myths that you MUST know about!
Modern Day E-Collars vs. Shock Collars
Many people are confused about the difference between a shock collar and an E-Collar. The difference is HUGE!
A shock collar will deliver a sharp zapping sensation that is meant to be aversive and painful. They are often inexpensive and may lack reliability.
Many people who resort to shock training are at their “wit’s end” with their pet’s behavior, and looking to get their attention with a beep, vibrate, or shock. Negative body language (cowering, running away, yelping, avoidance) is often seen!
E-Collars are different. Also known as “remote electric training collars”, they use electricity to stimulate the muscle. The sensation from a modern E-Collar is a touch sensation that is not meant to be aversive or painful
At low levels, where most pets are responsive, the sensation is imperceptible to humans. At higher levels, it can feel like tiny ants crawling around or a twitch or tickle, not a shock. At the highest levels, it is uncomfortable, but not sharp.
E-Collars offer a versatile, humane, gentle tactile communication that dogs respond to with enthusiasm and positivity!
The exchange of occasional, low-level muscle stimulation, that the dog knows how to turn off, is such an incredible, elegant, and simple trade-off for having absolutely NO leash pressure, no restrictions to movement, and the ability to run, jump, zoom, circle, sniff and explore naturally.
Why are dog E-Collars controversial?
E-Collars are controversial because people don’t understand them.
‘Positive only’ and ‘Force-free’ trainers use a lot of poorly done studies and emotional marketing to promote the idea that electronic training collars are abusive, no matter what.
They believe that shock collar training and e-collar training are the same things (they aren’t!) and that both tools are used deliberately and unfairly to hurt, scare, punish and confuse dogs.
The truth is that incorrect use of poor shock devices can and do cause pain and behavioral problems. No legitimate, ethical and professional dog trainer will recommend a shock collar, especially not to harshly punish aggression and reactivity.
The studies and case studies that people often cite in reference to electric training collars and similar tools (such as prongs) are typically based on harsh or punitive training and other incorrect use scenarios.
E-Collars are very different than shock collars. Many balanced trainers use and recommend high-quality E-Collars for off-leash reliability. The controversial part is that people just don’t know or understand the difference between correct use and abuse.
E-Collars are a communication tool that provides clarity and guidance, not confusion. Using this training tool correctly is all about providing information.
The end goal of proper e-collar training is to give your pet more autonomy, choice, and enrichment, without relying on physical restraint or harsh corrections.
Despite the controversy surrounding remote collar training, the truth is that dogs correctly and thoughtfully taught with this method are confident, balanced, obedient, and have more freedom and autonomy than others can only dream of.
We believe that reward-based training paired with thoughtfully balanced techniques (including e-collars and prong collars) can keep thousands (if not millions) of bored, ‘stubborn’ dogs out of shelters, too.
Myth #1: E-Collars make your dog afraid of you
We highly recommend watching Larry Krohn e collar training videos on his Youtube channel. He has an insane library of content where you can see videos of pets being trained with E-collars who are confident, friendly, and not afraid of Larry Krohn at all.
One mistake many pet owners make when training their dogs with a shock collar is that they rely on it as a punishment tool. Many feel guilty about that so they begin waving the remote as a threat, hoping to stop an act before resorting to zap corrections.
With the aforementioned approach, the pet quickly learns that the remote means they are in trouble. They don’t often know why, only that they should run away. This can make it appear that a remote collar-wearing dog is afraid of its owner!
What’s worse is that teaching an animal to fear the remote and the collar means teaching them run away from the owner, rather than to recall, check-in, and engage.
Correct modern e-collar training relies on both parties involved having mutual respect for each other, and that includes a recall (coming when called) foundation that is rock solid. The remote tool becomes a cell phone, not a big stick that you beat your dog with.
The remote tool and the collar should not be used as threats or for punitive punishments, and if you watch videos of animals being thoughtfully and correctly E-Collar trained you will see positive body language, mutual respect, and enthusiasm.
Train your companion with communication, not fear.
Myth #2: E-Collars burn dog’s necks
While a cheap shock collar can cause damage to the neck, it is impossible for an E-Collar to burn skin. This is another wild myth often promoted by people who have never even felt the stimulation from an E-Collar themselves.
We are a science-based blog, so let’s dig into this!
Cheap shock training devices from Amazon can malfunction, run hot, and shock your dog at the wrong time. Those collars can absolutely cause damage.
An E-Collar from a reputable, high-quality company such as Educator Technologies will cost $175 or more to purchase, and with good reason. Reliability and modern tech are huge when it comes to training ethically and humanely with any kind of remote collar.
The technology that uses electric currents for muscle stimulation (from an E-Collar) is more advanced than the technology required to deliver a sharp static zap (from a cheap shock device).
It’s the difference between buying an old used Samsung s3 and buying an iPhone 13, only this is used to train your dog (not flip through Tik Tok).
Because the electric output of modern electronic collars is less than .01amp at the highest level, it is impossible for this training tool to burn a dog’s skin.
Remember, this modern version uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscle, not cause pain.
Incorrect use of ANY remote collar, however, CAN lead to pressure sores. The contact points are made of metal and can be an irritant when they aren’t rotated and kept clean. This is not unlike a poorly fit harness or head collar, which can cause rubbing and sores too.
User error is a problem resolved only by education and dedication (hence the reason we are here)!
To eliminate the chance of irritation and pressure sores, the collar must be fit correctly (snug, preferably with a bungee collar), the contact points must be kept clean, and the collar must be rotated or removed every few hours.
Electric training collars should never be worn overnight or unsupervised. For pets with sensitive skin, contact points made of different materials are available to try.
This is true of shock devices, for which the only purpose is to punish, scare, and correct.
A properly used E-Collar on the other hand can provide guidance that will improve your relationship and provide your pet with enrichment and opportunities that only a well-behaved dog can have.
With E-Collar training, it’s important that your pup understands what the stimulation sensation means. Through a fun training process using basic obedience commands and conditioning, your dog learns how to respond to and be in control of the sensation.
The dog becomes a willing and active participant in the training.
This pressure becomes a communication, not a punishment, and the pup knows that it means good things to them. Training starts with a good foundation and lots of fun, not harsh punishment or ‘trigger happy’ corrections.
The application of E-Collar pressure is no more “inhumane” than the pressure from a leash and harness; the only difference is that there is no longer a reliance on physical restraint and thus, no damage to the neck, head, or shoulders. The pressure is ‘virtual’, in other words!
Your pet will be able to make choices and move freely, all in exchange for communication from their ‘wireless device’. With this method, the dog dictates every move, free of restraint and you can communicate using a language they understand.
A dog on a long line does not behave the same way as a dog off-leash using a modern wireless tool.
A dog on a long line cannot zoom, spin circles, safely play or climb on, around, or under trees.
Sniffing is great and awesome for dogs, calming, and extremely beneficial for helping them settle and lower their heart rates, but that should not be the only goal! The proper use of modern tools can offer both the “sniffari” and much-needed off-leash enrichment.
The proper fit of a comfortable E-Collar bungee strap: snug with two fingers of room.
The long line should be a backup, when required to satisfy leash laws. When possible, however, it should not be the only way that your Dane gets all of its enrichment and ‘free movement’.
A Dane getting tangled up in a long line is dangerous to you and to themselves.
The E-Collar training method is extremely effective, and those being trained correctly on modern, high-quality remote collars show positive body language and excitement. They can easily be redirected away from incorrect activities, too.
Can an E-collar be used at aversive levels to punish or correct a dog? Absolutely.
But there is a huge difference between punitive corrections and thoughtfully balancing ‘yes and no’ with rewards and the occasional use of an E-Collar correction.
A harlequin Great Dane wearing a remote electric wireless collar and enjoying a creek!
Myth #4: E-Collar training is not ‘science-based’
Well, where do we start! Buckle up, this is a big one.
Many ‘positive-only’ trainers claim to be ‘science-based’. This statement they use in their marketing comes from studies that have shown how positive reinforcement, aka “R+” (the quadrant, not the training method) is the most humane and effective technique for training new behaviors.
We LOVE using R+ to instill tricks, obedience, and confidence!
Positive reinforcement is not the same thing as ‘positive-only’ training, however.
One is a key piece of operant conditioning and a huge part of any good training program. The latter (positive-only or force-free training) is a training method.
The training method of ‘positive-only’ uses a lot of R+ to reward behaviors.
So does balanced training, actually.
The best trainers use a lot of R+ in their techniques, no matter where they fall on the positive to balanced spectrum (and yes, there is a spectrum! No wonder dog training is so confusing to people).
R+ is not some magical or exclusive gem that only “science-based positive trainers” use and live by. All good trainers use positive reinforcement whether they market themselves as ‘force-free’ or ‘balanced’.
Catch our drift, yet? ‘Science-based’ has been diluted to a marketing term in this case, and as a truly science-based blog, that makes us uncomfortable!
To better understand how canine learning science works, and why ‘balanced’ training is not abusive or inhumane as some people may have led you to believe, here is a little lesson for you!
There are four quadrants of operant conditioning, and people (including ‘professionals’) misunderstand them often. We get it, these can be confusing. BUT, in the interest of science, we’re going to dig in!
Here they are in layman’s terms!
Dictionary, for the purpose of understanding the four quadrants of operant conditioning in dog training:
POSITIVE = To add something NEGATIVE = To take something away REINFORCEMENT = To increase a behavior PUNISHMENT = To reduce a behavior
Positive Reinforcement (R+) = The dog gets a treat for sitting
Positive Punishment (P+) = The dog is hit in the face for barking
Negative Reinforcement (R-) = A barrier is removed when the dog waits calmly to go outside
Negative Punishment (P-) = Freedom is removed so the dog can’t run away
R+ should always be used to reward and encourage the repetition of all new skills!
This includes the obedience commands sit, down, wait, leave it, come, heel and place.
However, all dogs, even “good” ones, do things they shouldn’t do.
That includes pulling, barking, lunging, bolting out the door, chasing cats, stealing food, jumping the fence, and running away.
As a Great Dane owner, you have likely experienced some of this!
Many of these things are unsafe and even life-threatening, however, they are all normal dog behaviors!
The first step to combat this is, of course, using R+ to train the dog on what they should be doing instead. You cannot combat shenanigans unless you are willing to teach the dog with rewards, fun, praise and play what it should know!
Pulling: teach heel with high-value treats Stealing: teach “leave-it” with a toy and some kibble Door Dashing: teach the dog to turn away from open doors
Despite this training, however, many dogs will still unsafely bolt out a door, jump on somebody, pull on the lead after a squirrel, or blow off a recall…no matter how many treats you offer.
You know, because…DOGS are DOGS and they are going to do doggie things!
Did we mention this other scientific tidbit? For many dogs, chasing a squirrel or experiencing the freedom offered by door dashing is infinitely MORE rewarding than any treat you can offer.
This leaves all dog lovers, even those who believe ONLY using ‘R+’, with two options to fix the problem:
a. Negative Punishment: Remove choice, freedom, and access to things as a means to decrease something the dog does or is doing. This is essentially “management” to prevent behaviors and may need to be implemented for the life of the dog.
AND / OR
b. Positive Punishment: Add a correction (NO!) so the dog understands they cannot do something. A correction could be anything from a simple ‘ah ah’ to flat out hitting the dog in the face.
Not all corrections have to be painful or abusive. If the bank give you a $35 fine (bummer!) for bouncing a check, they’ve used positive punishment. It didn’t hurt you, but it will make you think twice about forgetting to balance your checkbook again!
Punishment abounds in dog training whether people admit it or not. Here are some examples:
Keeping a dog on a tether in a fenced yard because they escape (negative punishment)
Putting a dog behind a gate because they jump on guests (negative punishment)
A no-pull harness pulls the dog to the side if they lunge forward (positive punishment)
Science-based fact: even ‘positive only’ and ‘force free’ people use punishment in their training. This includes the use of training tools that punish and reduce behaviors, despite their promotion that ‘all punishment is abusive‘. ?
Another interesting science-based fact: modern E-Collar use relies primarily on negative reinforcement to reward and strengthen behaviors. Yay science!
Good, thoughtful balanced E-Collar trainers rarely use their E-Collar for corrections (“positive punishment“). If they do, it’s most often as communication to immediately stop a dangerous or unsafe behavior in dogs that know what they should be doing instead.
Unlike traditional punishment, this is one correction that a properly conditioned and trained dog knows how to respond to and control!
There is nothing wrong with thoughtfully implemented corrections, including behavior management.
Run from any “professional” trainer who tells you that all “balanced” professionals abuse, hurt and punish animals all day. This is misguided, uneducated, and inflammatory language.
Run further if a professional will claim to “never use punishment, corrections, or ‘negative reinforcement’ of any kind“. That is a clear sign that they don’t actually understand science or how tools and techniques, including the tools that they use, actually work.
Run just as far if the details they share indicate that you should shock, choke, kick, alpha-roll or hit to treat your dog’s reactivity. Remember, extremes are bad news!
Dogs have no clue why they are always on a long leash or never get to go on walks.
Isolation, physical restraint, and restrictions are sometimes necessary, but they are not actually clear or fair communication when you really search and start to think about it.
Strict behavioral management in the name of ‘errorless learning’ is the basis of ‘force-free’ training programs. Training dogs is so much more complicated than just ‘R+’, as you can see.
The marketing of “force-free” dog training and its overwhelming reliance on management to avoid corrections can be just as inhumane and unfair to a dog as harsh and punitive shock punishments.
It’s time we talk about that, folks!!!!
Good trainers will recognize that it requires skill to thoughtfully manage dog behavior, and will make the most ethical and humane choice for a dog between management and fair corrections.
In other words, while behavior management is an important piece of the training puzzle, there are times when it’s more humane, ethical, and fair to use a correction (and communicate, fully) than it is to rely on confinement and restrictions.
For example, just because a dolphin in captivity can be taught using ‘R+ only’, it doesn’t mean that keeping the dolphin in strict captivity is fair.
A captive marine animal cannot exhibit natural behaviors such as hunting and freely swimming long distances. These are behaviors for which “R+” on its own would be wildly ineffective in reducing.
These natural behaviors don’t have to be reduced because the animal is too confined to do them in the first place. It’s easy to avoid mistakes that happen with natural behavior when you don’t have the opportunity to act naturally in the first place.
Millions of dogs are living the life of the captive dolphin because so many owners and dog professionals market the misguided idea that you should just further manage (restrict) your dog instead of correcting and communicating with them. It’s devastating.
We are seeing an entirely new decade of methodology that believes pets must be babied and spoiled and never told ‘NO’.
Many of these dogs are not going on walks, cannot be safely off-leash, have to be in a crate when guests come over, are not trusted around an open front door, have to be gated away from the kitchen and definitely do not get to go on so much as a picnic with their owner.
We are seeing endemic levels of frustration-based anxiety and reactivity that have never been seen before in pet dogs.
We think there is a problem here, and what’s ironic is that it takes behavior science (yes, science!) to fix it. When we are working with our dogs, it’s important to give them the information they need to make the right decisions. That means saying a LOT of ‘YES’ and also being ok with saying ‘NO’!
Thoughtfully balanced training and e-collar use are, you guessed it, based on science. You can, in fact, say NO and hold your pet accountable without hurting, scaring, or abusing them.
Myth #5: E-Collar training will make your dog aggressive
This goes with our science-based training information above.
Aggression typically has roots in the following things: genetics, hormones, habit, poor socialization, past experiences, frustration, and fear.
You can cause frustration and fear in a dog by alpha rolling them. You can also cause it by shocking or punishing your dog for reacting, especially without addressing the underlying root cause. You can even cause aggressive reactivity with poor leash handling, even if the dog is in a ‘harness’ and being fed piles of treats.
Incorrect training of all types can cause aggression, modern positive E-Collar methods does not.
Myth #6: E-Collars are for lazy people
Balanced training using an E-Collar requires more time, more diligence, more educated ownership, and more attention to detail than people seem to be aware of.
There is no such thing as a good, fair, humane, or truly effective training program that is “quick and easy”.
Taking a dog off-leash, understanding dog interactions, training the dog what the language of their E-Collar means, using lots of praise, play, rewards, treats, freedom and toys, and giving a dog enrichment, opportunities, and experiences that most dogs never experience?
We think that is far from lazy. Don’t fall for the negative marketing!
Why should I use an E-Collar?
We believe that all Great Danes should be E-Collar trained because it’s the most humane way to remove the reliance on physical restraints (including head collars, harnesses, and collars) that can cause harm, frustration, injury, and damage.
Giant breed dogs are strong and powerful; if you are relying solely on your ability to physically overpower and restrain your dog with some kind of physical device such as a collar or harness, you are setting both you and your dog up for failure.
Off-leash freedom is just one benefit; having an amazing relationship with your dog and being able to control your giant anywhere at any time, even on a flat collar alone, are key reasons to choose modern, positive balanced low-stim E-Collar training.
When your dog understands what is expected of them, and what they can and cannot do, you’ll be giving them a precious gift that will help them thrive.
You can train your dog to walk politely on a leash using an E-Collar or a humane Herm Sprenger prong collar. Leash walking can be a tough skill to work on when your Dane can overpower you without even trying!
These tools will give you a gentle and effective way to communicate so that actual living and enjoying every moment of life can begin.
How long does it take to train with an E-Collar?
It depends on how good of a trainer you are, and how much of a foundation you’ve already installed using positive training techniques.
A dog that has 60% recall can be safely off-leash with 100% recall in their E-Collar within weeks, following the positive conditioning process.
A dog that is wild, frustrated, lunging, destructive, shut down, anxious, and even aggressive will require more time. We recommend working with a highly qualified positive-balanced trainer to address the root cause of these behaviors.
How do you train with an E-Collar?
When you teach your dog with an E-Collar, you start by using positive R+ training to teach basic commands such as sit, down, leave it, place and COME!
Then you find your dog’s “working-level”. This is the lowest level of stimulation that they respond to.
Most dogs are responsive and enthusiastic to learn on a Mini-Educator at between a level 3 and 7. Humans typically cannot even feel the same sensation until the remote has been dialed up to a level 12 or even 20.
They always report surprise that the stimulation, once they do feel it, is both nearly imperceptible and non-aversive!
This response is paired with treats, so the dog learns that when they feel that, good things happen.
Through a process of conditioning from that point forward, the dog learns to control when the stimulation is on or off and learns that they can turn it off themselves.
By using the continuous button instead of the tap button, the stimulation can then be applied as a constant sensation paired with a command such as ‘come’, and then immediately removed when the dog begins to recall.
This is also known as ‘negative reinforcement’ and is a very simple and rewarding ‘pressure on, pressure off’ communication that mirrors leash pressure, just without the leash.
This allows you to communicate with your dog by ‘touching’ them, which can be insanely helpful for deaf dogs, dogs with ‘selective hearing’ or when you are in noisy environments such as the beach.
Higher levels are used in higher-distraction environments, just like your friend might have to speak louder to communicate with you in a noisy bar vs. when you are at home. Higher levels aren’t necessarily more aversive!
The stimulation from a modern E-Collar replaces prong, head halter, long line and harness pressure so that you and your pet can enjoy safe movement free of restraint.
Does this gentle simulation annoy the dog? Sure. That’s one reason it works. Just like your ringing cell phone makes you pick it up and answer. The timer on your oven makes you get up and take the cookies out. Your pants getting too tight makes you undo the button. All of these activities are first annoying and second, inherently rewarding!
Pressure does not have to hurt or be painful to be effective at changing your behavior.
Is Larry Krohn a good dog trainer?
Larry Krohn is our recommendation for learning about positive E-Collar dog training.
You can watch some of our favorite videos from his YouTube channel below! YouTube is a great resource for both good and bad methods, so here are some trainer channels that we do and don’t recommend as well.
NO: Jeff Gellman (too much compulsion and flooding) Cesar Milan (outdated intimidation ‘dominance’ method) Most franchise-based trainer companies (unreliable, tend to be heavily punishment-based)
What kind of E-Collar does Larry Krohn use?
Larry Krohn uses and recommends the same collars that we do, by Educator technologies! You can purchase them from us below, with free U.S. Shipping and email support during training.
When it comes to using an e collar on your dog, there is a right and wrong way to do it.
Do you feel like giving up using e collars to train your dog? Is it just not working. Well, we have one last thing for you to try before you call it quits with your training.
Pet owners who gear up to use a training collar often find themselves frustrated, stating that their training goals aren’t going as planned.
Improper placement of the e collar is one of the BIGGEST problems with your dogs training. A proper fit on your dog’s neck should be the FIRST STEP in e collar training.
You seem to think ‘I have no idea if this thing is working’ often
If you notice any of these problems- you might have missed an important e collar detail: proper contact and a snug fit.
HOW DO I MAKE SURE THAT THE COLLAR FITS MY DOG?
The way that e collar dog training works is from the communication between the remote and the points that rest on your Great Dane’s skin.
When you push the button on the remote, you should rely on your dog’s collar to send stimulation to their skin, alerting them that you are attempting to communicate with them.
If these contacts do not fit snugly on your dog’s neck, they will not send proper stimulation, or any at all for that matter.
Even if just one of the contact points touches your dog’s neck, but not both, your dog will receive NO sign or indication from the collar.
Therefore, if you do not make sure that the collar is extremely snug on your dog, making contact with its skin and not just it’s hair, it will feel ABSOLUTELY NOTHING at all.
CONTACT POINTS ON YOUR GREAT DANE’S SKIN
Contact points are the two metal pieces that come in touch with your Great Dane’s skin when you are using the e collar.
They should fit snug on your dog’s neck, right behind their ears.
You will want to make sure that these contact points have direct contact with your Great Dane’s skin and not just their fur.
If they do not have direct and physical touch to the skin, your dog will not feel the stimulation and it will be as if you never even pushed the button on the remote.
MY DOG IS YELPING WHEN WEARING ITS COLLAR
If you notice that your Great Dane is yelping when wearing the e collar, you should question the position in which you have the collar.
If your dog leans downward, for example, it creates space between the collar and the neck. But when it leans back up right, the position of the collar is altered.
Therefore, when using a level, let’s say 20, your dog will not feel the stim at all while leaning downward, but will be taken completely off guard when leaning upward.
The yelping is probably a result of incorrect position of the collar: a complete surprise at the sudden sensation upon finally feeling the point.
MY DOG HAS PRESSURE SORES UNDERNEATH ITS FUR / ON ITS NECK
If you notice your dog has developed pressure sores, it is likely from the e collar being too loose on their neck or you are wearing the wrong points.
PROPERLY FIT E COLLARS WILL NOT CREATE IRRITATION
As we stated before, the points must have direct contact with the skin and feel almost uncomfortably (to you) tight in order for proper stimulation to be felt.
A loose fit will cause the metal pieces to slide around on your dog’s neck. If the collar constantly rubs through your dog’s coat and hair- it can cause extreme skin irritation.
Work to tighten your collar strap until you can just fit two fingers underneath of the collar strap and the neck.
The collar should feel very tight and have no ‘wiggle room’.
ARE YOU USING THE RIGHT LENGTH OF CONTACT POINT?
There are different lengths of points which should be chosen wisely for good contact on skin.
For example: Short-haired dogs will need the shortest points so that the metal has direct contact with their skin.
On the other hand, long-haired dogs will need longer metal pieces to make sure the stim is not being lost in all of the fur.
Great Danes have very short / thin hair, and therefore usually the point that works best for them is the ¼ inch.
The next size up would be the ½ inch and so on. The longest point is usually no longer than one inch in length and would be for a pet with long hair, whereas the shortest contact points are 1/4 inch.
Comfort Pads
Comfort pads can be the answer to a lot of problems. Comfort pads are small, rubber discs that go in-between the points and your Great Dane’s body.
This provides a buffer between the metal piece and your dog’s body. It also helps with making sure the contact points do not get lost in all of the fur (as we discussed before).
If you have a pup with very sensitive skin, a short coat, or you are just trying to avoid any irritation, comfort pads may be the way to go.
WHERE DOES THE E COLLAR GO ON MY DOGS NECK?
The e collar should be positioned with the strap snug around your dog’s head, right behind their ears.
You will want to make sure that the contact points have direct contact with your dog’s skin and not just their fur.
If they do not have direct contact, your Great Dane will not feel the stimulation and it will be as if you never even pushed the button on the remote.
The best place to keep the collar is on it’s head, right behind one of the ears. If the collar hangs in the front of the neck, skin can become easily irritated.
SHOULD MY GREAT DANE WEAR THE COLLAR ALL THE TIME?
The answer to this question is usually no. You should only put the e collar on your Great Dane when you are actively training them or if they are in a situation where they may need a communication (i.e. if they are about to run into the street) or you’d like them to recall.
You should remove the collar every few hours to ensure that your dog’s skin does not become irritated.
It is also a good idea to remove the collar when your dog is eating or drinking so that they do not get food or water on the contact points (which can cause irritation) and so that they can have full range of their body.
THE FINAL STEP
After you have double-checked that the contact points are properly fitted that the strap is snug but not too tight, and that you are using the correct length of contact point- it’s time to put the e collar on your dog and start training!
Check out our guide for more detail on how to begin working with an e collar!
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
My road to the e collar was definitely not clear cut: I had absolutely no idea how to use an e collar. Heck, I didn’t even know what an e collar was.
What I did know was that I had two Great Dane puppies who were 8 weeks old. They were supposed to be sweet, charming, and adorable. But instead, all they were doing was ripping up my carpet, eating my bedroom walls, peeing EVERYWHERE, and destroying my house.
Meet Banks and Roo:
Yes- I ripped out my carpet within a few months and opted for Pergo (Thanks Home Depot!)
To say I had a bad day was an understatement.
These puppies were quickly turning into horses. What the heck was I going to do with them when they were in complete control over me- and not the other way around.
First, my sweet female Great Dane, named Banks, decided to eat my carpet.
She thought it was fun.
‘Other dogs don’t do this’, I thought. Dog training is supposed to be about sitting, laying, basic things- everyday life. Not how to stop eating carpet!
I was horrified.
My Immediate and Irrational Use of a Shock Collar
In my horror, I immediately did what many, many dog owners do.
I resorted to Amazon.
‘Training collar’, ‘Electronic Collars’, ‘Shock Collar‘- I begin frantically tapping faster than my fingers could even type.
Before I could barely throw away the bubble wrap, the collar was on the dog’s neck.
‘Zap!’ I thought as I begin tapping and pushed the button.
The dogs looked at me with a hurt and betrayed look in their eyes. They had no idea what they did wrong, but they knew mommy was mad. And that’s all that mattered to them.
Banksy curled under my legs, even though I wanted her to sit. Roo ran upstairs, even though in my mind he was going to lay down.
Where was their perfect behavior?
Learning that Shock Collars are NOT It
I started to sweat. My dog was stressing. I was stressing.
My dog was not giving me any behavior or indication that they were about to listen… WHY! WHY. What is it going to take to get these dogs to drop the undesirable behavior and actually start to listen?
The Reality Sinks In
As my dog sat and stared at me, I stop tapping the handheld remote.
This animal in front of me has absolutely NO idea what I’m saying- I think.
How do I speak ‘dog’? Frantic panic sets in. I looked down at the shock collar. Well, I know electric shock collars are NOT working. Positive reinforcement, by itself, is NOT working. I’m losing control, and it’s happening fast.
With this feeling of losing control of my dogs behavior…. I start to search for answers.
In my search- I realized that the shock collar didn’t work because it wasn’t paired with anything else.
I didn’t know how to use the collar, when to use it, or what it was for.
To them, the shock collar was just a terrible sensation on their neck with absolutely NO meaning. My dog’s sensitivity was more important to me than anything else.
I had to find a better training program, and I had to do it quickly!
Discovering The E Collar Training Process
Back to the drawing board, I needed to find something my dogs would actually respond to.
I had to get creative.
The answer?
Although it took months to find, I found what works best for me and my dogs: combination of an e collar and positive reinforcement.
This is called balanced training, and you can find many professional dog training companies or an individual trainer who are willing to help you through balanced training for your dog.
I began to research e collar training and discovered that the remote training collar (shock collar) that I had purchased was VERY different than an e collar.
I had ZERO idea that there was a difference- but the difference in collars was MONUMENTAL.
It all started to make sense, and I knew it was right for both my dogs and for me.
What is an Electronic Collar?
An e collar is a remote training collar that does NOT use shock.
Additionally, unlike the use of a shock collar, trainers who use an e collar encourage you to use the collar CORRECTLY.
I noticed an immediate shift in training discussions around e collar dog training vs. shock collar dog training.
More on that soon, but first: WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT SO DIFFERENT?
WHAT IS INSIDE OF AN E COLLAR?
The e collar has a receiver and a transmitter.
The receiver is the portion of the e collar that goes on your dog’s neck, and the transmitter is the handheld device that you, the owner or trainer, will use.
Some e collars have one button while others may have multiple buttons for different stimulation types (we’ll get to that in a bit).
THE RECEIVER
The receiver has two main parts: the prongs and the contact points.
THE PRONGS
The prongs are what touch your dog’s skin and deliver the stimulation. The contact points are what make contact with your dog’s skin.
There are three different types of e collar prongs on these training collars: short, medium, and long.
SHORT PRONGS: These are best for dogs with short coats because they make direct contact with the skin.
MEDIUM PRONGS: These are best for dogs with medium-length coats because they still make direct contact with the skin but are not as likely to irritate.
LONG PRONGS: These are best for dogs with long coats because they make indirect contact from the contact points with the skin and are less likely to irritate.
ELECTRIC STIMULATION: Most importantly, the receiver delivers the electric stimulation to your dog. Stimulation is NOT the same as shock, which was in the original collars I had bought for my dogs.
The stimulation is a very low-level electrical impulse that feels similar to a static shock that you would feel if you touched something and then touched someone else.
The sensation is not painful, but it is noticeable.
A VARIETY OF LEVELS IN YOUR DOG COLLAR (1-100)
Some e collars have multiple levels of stimulation while others only have one. (You should look for remote training collars that offer 100 levels of stimulation). The level in which one dog might feel the stimulation differs from dog to dog. One dog might feel the stimulation at a level 4, whereas another dog might feel the stimulation at a level 20. This is called the working level of a dog and is one reason why it is important that your collar offers so many varying levels.
The level of stimulation that you use is dependent on your dog’s size, age, and sensitivity.
THE TRANSMITTER OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE HANDHELD REMOTE
The transmitter is the handheld device that you will use to deliver the electric stimulation to your dog.
As I mentioned before, some transmitters have one button while others may have multiple.
The e collar technology device has a different amount of buttons, depending on which unit you purchase.
Typically- your e collar device will have a stimulation button, a noise / beep button, and a ‘vibrate’ button.
YOUR COLLAR HAS A STIMULATION BUTTON
The stimulation button is, by far, the most talked about button by owners and ethical trainers in dog training.
Stimulation (e stim) is the same exact unit found in a ‘tens’ machine at the chiropractor. In other words, it’s actually HEALTHY for your dogs neck!
Why not receive some healthy boosts to your neck WHILE training? It all made sense to me.
YOUR COLLAR HAS A VIBRATE BUTTON
The vibrate button on the transmitter is used to deliver a ‘warning’ to your dog before any stimulation is even delivered.
Hypothetically, dog owners believe that the vibrate is a feature that you can “train your dog without ever having to use the stimulation”, somewhat of a ‘warning’.
I, however, have found the vibration MUCH more aversive to getting my dog’s attention than typical stim e collar use.
Every dog’s behaviors are different, and while some dogs might thrive with the use of the vibrate feature in different situations, the vibrate causes unnecessary stress to my own dogs.
YOUR COLLAR HAS A BEEP / NOSE BUTTON
The beep / noise button on the transmitter is used to deliver a ‘warning’ to your dog before any stimulation is even delivered.
Additionally, the beep can be used to target a specific behavior in your dog. For example, if your dog understands that the beep means you want them to demonstrate the behavior of ‘sit’, then you can use the beep as a marker for that specific behavior.
The beep is also used in e collar training to ‘mark’ a desired behavior. For example, if your dog is running towards you and you want him to stop, you can press the button on the transmitter which will emit a beeping noise, prompting them to sit.
All in all, the buttons mean what YOU want them to mean.
Each behavior of your dog can be depicted with any button: as long as you have given your dog clear instructions and communication as to WHAT that sensation or noise actually means.
If you’d like the beep to mean sit, then train your dog that the beep means sit.
If you want the vibration to mean ‘watch me’, then train your dog that the vibration means ‘watch me’.
The beauty of these devices is that they are versatile and can be used for a variety of different behaviors.
It is simply up to you, as the owner and trainer, to be clear in your communication with your dog surrounding that particular behavior.
E COLLAR FITTING & PLACEMENT
When you are beginning dog training with e collars, one important step that many dog owners forget, is how to fit the collar on your dog.
Trainers will point out that this is one of the MOST important parts of using these collars.
HOW SHOULD PROPERLY FITTED E COLLARS FIT ON MY DOG’S NECK?
The answer is VERY tight!
Uncomfortably tight- in your eyes!
Your dog has hair, and A LOT of it! Remember all of that shedding? YEAH…
That’s a lot of hair.
All that hair can actually act as an insulator between the probes on the collar and your dog’s skin, making the electric stimulation much less effective.
A properly fitted e collar should be so tight that you cannot fit more than ONE FINGER underneath it. That’s it! Just one finger.
You want the probes on the e collar to be touching your dog’s skin at all times in order for the electric current to flow properly.
If you can fit more than one finger under the strap, it is too loose and needs to be adjusted.
You can also use something called comfort pads, underneath the prongs, which helps keep the collar snug and in place.
WHERE SHOULD MY DOGS COLLAR BE PLACED AROUND THEIR NECK?
A professional trainer skilled in using e collars will tell you to place the e collars directly behind your dogs ear, tightly enough that you can only fit one finger in between the strap and your dog’s neck at any point.
We’ve all seen those dogs who have the large, dangling e collar straps- and that is NOT how it should be!
Tight and snug right on the neck of your dog, behind one ear or the other of your dog- is the best place for canine stimulation to happen and where you will find the most success with getting your dog to respond.
HIRING A PROFESSIONAL TRAINER WHO WORKS WITH E COLLARS
Hiring a trainer who has experience using a remote collar, prides themselves in positive reinforcement and is eager to help you work with your dog on correcting behaviors as well as rewarding behaviors is DEFINITELY nothing to be ashamed of.
You want to be able to trust the person you are working with, and if that means finding someone who is experienced and passionate about helping dog owners- then do it!
The best part about finding great trainers in your area, is that they will not only be able to show you how to use the equipment but can also help you troubleshoot any issues you may have along the way.
A good trainer will be able to teach you how to properly fit the collar on your dog, how to effectively use the buttons on the transmitter and can give you tips and tricks for different behaviors that you may want to work on with your dog.
Remote training collars / e collars are a great tool for dog owners- when used correctly. And furthermore, training your dog with the eyes of other people, trainers included, is ALWAYS a positive.
Remember to be clear in your communication with your dog, take the time to find a trainer who can help you if needed and make sure that the collar is fitted snugly and behind your dogs ears!
WHERE TO START USING A REMOTE COLLAR AT HOME?
If you are confident that you’d like to begin using a training collar to work on getting your dog e collar trained, first of all CONGRATULATIONS!
There are some exciting things ahead for both you and your dogs.
STEP 1: WORK WITH YOUR DOG ON BASIC COMMANDS
You absolutely need to train your dogs basic commands before beginning working to get them trained on e collars.
This was one of the major mistakes that I made- and a huge pain point for me and my dogs.
Impulse control- waiting at doors/thresholds, not jumping up on people
Potty training (any animal should be potty trained before beginning higher level commands or being asked to have the ability to learn training with training collars)
Their name- Teaching your dog their name is an ABSOLUTE MUST.
You need to be able to have a clear understanding and communication with your dog before you begin using any type of electronic collar.
STEP 2: FIND YOUR DOG’S WORKING LEVEL
A ‘working level’ is the level of stimulation that your dog will respond to without hesitation.
The goal is NOT to get your dog to yelp or cry out in pain, the goal is to find a level where your dog takes notice and responds accordingly.
This may take some time and you may have to experiment with different levels before you find what works best for your dog.
A good tip is to start at a lower level than you think- it is always easier to go up in levels of stimulation than it is to come back down.
Typically, a normal canine working level is below a level 10.
Begin tapping on the stim button, at a level 1. If you notice that your dog moves any part of it’s neck / shoulder or looks in your direction- STOP TAPPING- you have found its working level.
If you do not notice any sense of them feeling it, do the same thing on level 2. Continue to increase in level until you’ve seen any indication that your pet feels the stim. That is when you have found the working level.
If at ANY time you feel like your dog is in pain- stop all training and lower the stim immediately. E collar training is NOT supposed to cause pain!
STEP 3: INTRODUCE YOUR DOG TO THE E COLLARS BY USING THEIR NAME
Like mentioned, your dog MUST have the ability to know their name.
If they do not respond to their name, back up- and begin working with them to target behavior of gaining eye contact when you say their name.
Otherwise, get ready to teach your dog what the e collar MEANS by using their ability to know and respond to their name.
First, you will want to put the e collar on your dog.
I like to do this while they are eating their kibble or a treat so that they make an association with the collar being put on = good things happening.
Once the e collar is on, you will take a few steps away from your dog and say their name in a happy voice.
When they look at you, immediately press the button on the transmitter (at their working level- the lowest possible level) so that they feel static stimulation on their neck.
Do this a few times until your dog begins to turn their head towards you when you say their name.
This routine training period should be repeated daily for about a week- as your canine buddy learns to associate their name with the e collar stim and also- best of all- with YOUR EYES.
STEP 2: BEGIN WORKING ON A LONG LEASH / LEAD WITH YOUR DOG
Using a long lead to teach your canine positive learned behaviors with a leash and electronic training collars is a huge skill.
Using a long lead, find a safe area like your backyard (away from other dogs).
Attach the long lead to your dogs e collar- making sure that there is plenty of room for your dog to walk around on the lead.
You should be able to feel the leash moving with your dog as they move.
I like to use a six-foot lead for this so that I have some room to work, but you can start with whatever length / distance you find most comfortable.
PLAYING THE ‘HOT AND COLD’ GAME
Begin holding down the continuous stim (at their working level and at the same time, call your dogs name from a distance and say ‘come’.
If your dog follows this command and immediately comes towards you, start dropping the stim level lower (going ‘colder’).
If they do NOT follow this command, begin to slowly increase the stim (going ‘hotter’) until your dog begins lowering the distance between you and them.
As soon as their body moves CLOSER in distance towards you (an act that they are beginning to follow the ‘come’ command, you should say ‘YES’ and begin lowering (colder).
Continue this pattern until your dog is coming towards you quickly, at which point you can start to decrease the length of the leash.
I like to do this training in baby steps- so if my dog is on a six-foot lead, I will lower it down to a five-foot lead and work with them there for a few days before going down to a four-foot lead, and so forth.
The goal is for your dog to be able to respond quickly on a verbal command with little to no stim needed (from you).
This will take some time and patience, but it is SO worth it in the end!
LEASH TRAINING YOUR DOG USING TRAINING COLLARS
The great thing about using e collars for leash training is that you can get your dog used to the feel of the collar around their neck as well as begin working on getting them used to wearing a leash- all while staying in the safety and comfort of your own home!
Start by putting the e collar on your dog and attaching the leash or long slip lead. This period of training works best with a long leash- here are a few of my favorites:
I like to do this while they are eating their kibble or a treat so that they make an association with the collar being put on = good things happening.
Once the e collar is on and the leash is attached, you will begin training them to walk on leash with their learned behaviors of the e collar.
Allow your Great Dane to have a loose leash- leash tension is a sign of your pet pulling, and will want to tackle that with training.
Target behavior of walking calmly next to your side by continuing to play the ‘hot and cold’ game with your dog. As your pup walks next to you, if they begin to walk in front of you, dial up/hot, as they walk back into stride next to you, dial down/cold.
This form of communication in training will let your dog know that they are doing what you want them to do- without having to use any physical corrections.
Remember, the goal is for your dog to be able to walk on a loose leash by your side with little to no stim needed from you!
STEP 3: DEVELOP A FOOD REWARD SYSTEM
Balanced training means to not only use corrections but also to reward your dog when they are doing what you want them to do.
I like to keep things simple and use kibble for rewards during training sessions, but not ALL the time. Using kibble as your ONLY means of reward has the POSSIBILITY of your dog beginning to rely on the yummy item, rather than falling back onto their obedience training.
When using treats, a bag can be a sweet way to maintain control over the leash and dog, while also keeping something yummy around your waist.
That does NOT mean that you should only reward your dog sometimes!
Rewards come in MANY different forms such as :
Treats
Kibble
Praise
Verbal commands followed by an energetic hug or excited ‘good job’
An excited pet
Simply taking a break to rest, sit and lather attention on your pup
You can (and should) use a combination of ALL these forms of rewards during your dog’s training! This will help to keep things fun and interesting for both you AND your pup!
Remember, the goal is to find what motivates YOUR dog, mix things up with every command / reward, and to make training fun!
THE PROCESS TAKES PATIENCE AND PERSISTENCE
I’ve come a LONG way in my training process with my pups.
I had to really search for what worked best for us, and that took time, patience and consistency.
But it was SO worth it in the end!
I hope this guide has helped you to learn a little bit more about e collars and how to use them during your dog’s training journey! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to check out our e collar training guide! I love hearing from you all!
Happy Training! 🙂
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
When I first got my Great Danes (yes- 2 Great Dane puppies at ONCE- WHAT was I thinking?) I was SO excited to start finding dog trainers, learn different methods and ‘quickly’ have the most perfectly trained dog.
Boy, was I wrong! Getting dogs trained is not an overnight venture.
Dogs need balance in their lives, just like people do. Too much discipline and your dog will become resentful and disobedient. Too little and they will take advantage of you and become unmanageable. That’s why it’s important to follow a balanced dog training program that will keep your Great Dane happy, obedient, and well-adjusted.
Anyways, what’s more is as I worked with my Great Danes, I realized that not only does my dog take time to learn, but SO DID I. I realized I had no idea what training methods really fit my style and even what a well behaved dog SHOULD look like.
That is when I began my journey of finding the training method that worked best for my dogs and our mission: solving problem behaviors and building trust while at the same time building a bond between them and me.
FIRST, LETS DEFINE BALANCED TRAINING
What is balanced training?
Balanced training is a dog training method that uses both negative (-) reinforcement and positive (+) reinforcement training.
In short: This type of training looks at the whole picture- not just one side.
For example, if your dog is jumping on you when you come home from work, you could say “no” and put your knee up to block their jump (negative), or you could ignore the jump and instead, wait for your dog to sit and then give them a treat (positive). Some of our favorite treats here:
You could also do a combination of both- say “no” and push their butt down to help stop jumping, and proceed to give them a treat once their butt hits the ground.
This method is called balanced because you are using BOTH negative AND positive reinforcement training- not just one.
MY FIRST AND LAST EXPERIENCE WITH PHYSICAL CORRECTION
Raising a dog is hard. Raising a puppy can be even harder. Ever heard of the puppy blues? There’s an actual WORD for the depression that one might feel with the sheer amount of work and fatigue a new dog can cause them.
When my puppy came home, I had an entire training plan, I knew what I wanted my dog’s behavior to look like, I had watched the clicker training videos on youtube, and I had done my research.
But what I didn’t factor in was how TIRED I would be.
I quickly learned that no amount of research or videos could have prepared me for the real thing.
TRAINING DOGS REQUIRES YOU TO RESORT ON HABIT, NOT ‘PLANS’
In those first few weeks, I made a lot of mistakes. But- to be fair, she did too…
One being the time she RAN and I mean RAN out the front door when she saw our nice neighbor and their new baby walking past with a stroller.
I gasped, I panicked, I turned into the worlds WORST dog trainer.
I started running after her- screaming “NO! NOOOO!” as if that would somehow stop a speeding bullet.
And what did my puppy do? She thought it was a game and RAN FASTER. So there I was- running down the street like a maniac, screaming at the top of my lungs- embarrassing myself and my poor puppy.
When I finally caught up to her, I was so out of breath and angry that I grabbed her by the scruff of the neck, shoved her in the house, and slammed the door.
I was relying on plans, rather than having built strong habits to fall back on in the midst of a frustrating moment.
DOGS NEED CLEAR COMMUNICATION AND CONSISTENCY
My lesson books told me I was a force free trainer, but my HABIT told me I was a big meanie who used leash jerks, terrible body language, and even ‘mean verbal tone’ to my dog.
She was SO confused!
And I was devastated. How could I have been SO mean and strayed so far from the way I wanted to treat unwanted behavior?
I knew I wanted and needed to be better for my dog. I also knew she would be acting out again- and probably soon- so I needed to know exactly how to act when she did.
PURELY POSITIVE TRAINING WAS JUST NOT RIGHT FOR ME
That night I sat with my dog, thinking about the immense leash pressure (sigh) and the lack of effective communication I had granted my dog when she made a mistake.
That is when it hit me- no amount of “science based” verbal praise was going to get her back to me when all 45 lbs of her puppy energy was running off towards something WAY more exciting than myself- should it be a baby carriage, other dogs, or a squirrel.
‘What in the heck am I supposed to do when I can’t control my dog? And how can I get to a place that my dog understands me?’
MY ROAD TO FINDING BALANCED TRAINING
Que the mad google research for dog trainers. We’ve all been there.
The midnight quest to solving life’s problems, one search at a time.
‘Balanced Trainers’, ‘Balanced Dog Trainers Near Me’, the results started flooding in.
I finally found an article that talked about the importance of BOTH positive and negative reinforcement in training.
It made SO much sense!
How could I have been so naive to think that one or the other would be enough?
Dogs are living, breathing creatures with feelings, just like us. They need both- just like we do.
Finding a trainer who could show me how to properly use both positive AND negative reinforcement was my next task.
I was sold on the satisfying and bonding behavior modification that could be accomplished by positive punishment (the addition of an unpleasant consequence) and positive reinforcement (the addition of a pleasant consequence).
I was intrigued by the concept of completing training exercises with both positive motivation for successful new behaviors, and discipline for any unwanted animal behavior (negative punishment).
Yup- I bought the cute planner at Target, I memorized the four quadrants, and I knew that this was the route for me.
WHAT ARE THE FOUR QUADRANTS?
The four quadrants of operant conditioning are:
Positive reinforcement
Negative reinforcement
Positive punishment
Negative punishment
I’ll go more in depth with each one below!
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT (+R)
This is when you offer the dog a reward for completing a desired behavior.
The reward can be a treat, toy, a clicker or verbal praise. The most important part is that the dog finds the reward valuable.
Some dogs will work for food, while others prefer to play with a toy or receive petting and scratches.
You’ll need to experiment to see what type of reinforcement works best for your dog.
When used BY ITSELF, reward based techniques can actually be ineffective and put your dog at a huge disadvantage, in my opinion.
NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT (-R)
This is when you remove an unpleasant condition after the dog completes a desired behavior.
For example, if your dog doesn’t like to be restrained on a leash, you can immediately release him from the restraint (leash, collar, or harness) as soon as he sits calmly.
The dog learns that the desired behavior (sitting calmly) will result in the removal of the unpleasant condition (being restrained), so he is more likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
POSITIVE PUNISHMENT (+P)
This is when you add an unpleasant consequence after the dog completes an undesired behavior.
For example, if your dog jumps on you when you come home from work, you can immediately turn your back and ignore him until he calms down.
With +P, dogs learn that the undesired behavior (jumping on you) will result in the addition of an unpleasant condition (being ignored), so he is less likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
NEGATIVE PUNISHMENT (-P)
This is when you remove a pleasant condition after the dog completes an undesired behavior.
For example, if your dog jumps on you when you come home from work, you can immediately put him in his crate or kennel.
With -P, dogs learn that the undesired behavior (jumping on you) will result in the removal of a pleasant condition (being out of his crate), so he is less likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
WHICH ONE SHOULD I USE?
The thing is, you’re going to use ALL four sections of the operant conditioning quadrant when you are a balanced trainer.
Balanced training requires dog owners to be well versed in each section so that they can make the best decisions for their individual dog’s needs.
I’ll admit, at first I was a little discouraged. It felt like a lot to learn and keep track of! But I’m telling you, it is SO worth it.
Not only will your dog be a better dog, but overall, you will notice a change in yourself.
You’ll be more patient, more consistent, and better equipped to handle any dog training challenge that comes your way.
So how do you beging working on balanced training? Check out the steps below!
IDENTIFY NONNEGOTIABLE BEHAVIOR ISSUES AND DEVELOP HABITS
Every Great Dane is going to have their vice.
My pups have shown me it all.
Leash pulling, eating things, counter surfing, destroying furniture, separation anxiety, the list goes on.
The first step is identifying which behaviors are nonnegotiable for you and your family.
For example, if you live in an apartment and can’t have a dog that barks excessively, then barking would be a nonnegotiable behavior for you.
Canine behavior is complex. Living in a dog world, especially when you are new to training dogs, is NOT easy. Behavioral issues are GOING to pop up. That, I can assure you.
Grab your Target planner and decide on your house rules. You’re going to need them.
LOOK UP BALANCED TRAINERS IN YOUR AREA
Finding dog trainers is never easy. Every human has their own training methods, even amidst balanced dog training methods.
But, choosing the wrong dog trainer who uses the wrong training methods can be a lethal decision.
RUN FROM ANY TRAINING ENVIRONMENT THAT USES ‘ALPHA’ TECHNIQUES
I’m sure you’ve seen the movies. The dog trainer comes to the house, roughs up the dog a bit, and then everything is fixed!
The dog magically becomes this well-behaved, obedient creature that follows every command to a T.
If you want a happy and healthy dog, find another trainer.
Balanced dog training is NOT being an ‘alpha‘, being dominant, performing knee-chokes, or any of that other cruel baloney.
MY TRAINER USES PHYSICAL CORRECTIONS IN THEIR TRAINING METHODS
There is a place for balanced trainers who know how to correctly use force-free techniques in the dog training industry and RIGHTLY SO!
Physical corrections, when used appropriately, should never actually physically hurt your dog.
A physical correction is meant to startle or surprise your dog so that they can break their focus on the undesired behavior and refocus on you.
For example, if my dog is about to bolt out the door, I might give him a quick leash pop so that he knows to pay attention to me instead of bolting out (ultimately potentially saving its life from running away or entering a dangerous road).
E COLLARS AND BALANCED TRAINING METHODS
Another example of a correction used ethically during training is the use of an e collar. E collars, when used ethically and appropriately, are one of the most humane and effective dog training tools on the market.
E collars can be used for a variety of things, such as recall training, boundary training, and more.
If you are interested in learning more about e collar training, I suggest checking out some of my other blog posts or contacting a local balanced trainer in your area.
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
WHAT IS POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT?
Now that we’ve talked about corrections, let’s move on to positive reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement is defined as any reinforcer that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
In other words, when your dog does something you like, you ‘reinforce’ that behavior by giving them something they find reinforcing in return.
The most common form of positive reinforcement is food.
Other forms of positive reinforcement include verbal praise, petting, and play.
Chippin’ Cricket Treats are known for being a powerful food topper for digestion- and dogs LOVE them!
WHEN SHOULD I USE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT?
Positive reinforcement should be used frequently to shape and mold desired behaviors.
If you find a trainer who ONLY uses positive reinforcement, it is our belief that you will not accomplish what you so desire.
Many dog owners spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on a positive trainer, only to find their dog relying on dozens of treats to perform simple requests.
When used in correspondence with humane corrective and communicative tools, positive reinforcement is absolutely a necessity for every dog.
TOOLS TO CHOOSE FROM TO TRAIN A BALANCED DOG
PRONG COLLAR
A prong collar is a type of collar that has metal prongs that point inwards, towards the dog’s neck.
Prong collars should be fitted by experienced trainers who know how to correctly fit and use them.
When fitted correctly, prong collars will not even pop a balloon!
When fitted incorrectly and used to train dogs, a prong collar can cause serious injury.
E COLLAR
An e collar, also known as an electronic collar or remote training collar, is a type of collar that delivers a low level electrical stimulation to the dog wearing it.
E-collars are most commonly used for recall training and boundary training, but can be used for a variety of other things as well.
E-collar training is one of the most ethical forms of training for dogs and allows owners to communicate effectively with their dogs.
A slip lead is a primary example of applying something negative when dogs demonstrate negative behavior. The slip lead around their neck will tighten and become uncomfortable when they pull, which will teach them not to pull on the leash.
Shock collars and dog training should not be associated in the same sentence.
Cheap shock devices off of amazon are inhumane and will cause your dog more harm than good such as contact burns, sporadic and confusing shocks, and a lack of communication or understanding of why they are being shocked in the first place.
There is a huge difference between a shock collar and a stim (e collar).
IS USING TOOLS ON DOGS CRUEL OR MEAN?
Absolutely not! I found that once I began my research based training, filled with both treats and communication, my Great Danes finally UNDERSTOOD what I was asking them to do.
They can play, run, spend time with other animals, live like they are meant to. They can be off leash and on leash, in the house and out of the house, with children and without children.
They are finally able to be a part of this world in a way that didn’t involve stress or punishment, but instead pure understanding.
Dog training is not about being mean or forceful, it’s about showing your dog what you want them to do and then using body language and physical touch to help get them there!
Dogs are not born knowing how to “sit” or “stay”, we teach them these things through patience, love, and most importantly- communication.
GETTING STARTED ON YOUR DOG TRAINING JOURNEY
It wasn’t long ago that I was frantically doing the google searches, looking for absolutely anything that could help my dog.
I had tried everything from traditional obedience classes to hiring a personal trainer, and while both of those things helped in their own way, I still wasn’t getting the results I wanted.
I felt like I was stuck in this never-ending cycle of my dog doing something wrong, me getting frustrated, and then both of us giving up.
I knew there had to be a better way, and that’s when I found balanced dog training.
If you are on your journey to finding a better way of training dogs, I recommend seeing if balanced work is right for you!
Thinking about getting a Great Dane? Here’s how to find a reputable breeder.
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
When it comes to choosing the best collars for Great Danes, we’ve got you covered! There are many different types of dog collars available for puppies or adults on the market today, from traditional buckle dog collars to harnesses, electric collars, and beyond.
So, which one should you choose?
Do you have a puppy? Does your dog pull? Do you have problems with running away, fence-jumping, lunging, or escaping? We’re sharing tons of information, and more, below.
Should a Great Dane Wear a Collar or a Harness?
A very small but notable study was done showing that harnesses, even the type that is meant to be ‘non-obstructive’ nearly always change the way that a dog moves and walks. This is something that has been theorized for many years.
More studies are needed but as owners of giant breed dogs, we should all take note!
While harnesses have their place, we believe that in general off-leash obedience and wide, flat collars are much better than harnesses for Great Dane’s orthopedic health and for Great Dane owners.
Collars are safer, less restrictive, and more humane overall for most dogs, especially when paired with positive training that will ultimately give you full voice control of your dog.
For more information on each type of harness that you might choose for a Great Dane, check the table of contents.
A Pet Safe ‘Easy-Walk’ harness is not recommended: note the restrictive strap across the chest.
Ruffwear Webmaster Harness for Great Danes
In a ‘less-obstructive’ harness such as the Ruffwear Webmaster or Front Range, your dog will have a lot of leverage to pull you around. If you must use a harness for your Great Dane dog, this can be a good option for dogs that don’t pull or lunge.
It’s also very helpful for dogs that may need a little assistance (it has a handle on the back), for example!
With Great Danes, you should be relying on voice control, training, and obedience, not your physical ability to hold your dog back.
If your Great Dane dog pulls, lunges, reacts or is less than obedient, harnesses will be dangerous for you and for others around you!
The Ruffwear Front Range Harness, a less obstructive and more comfortable harness option for dogs that do not pull.
If you must use a harness (some dogs with Wobblers or orthopedic disease that require mobility support and/or that cannot be off-leash, for example) then we recommend the less obstructive Ruffwear harnesses mentioned above.
The Y-front construction of the Webmaster or Front Range or Webmaster harness is less obstructive to movement than harnesses that are made to deter pulling behavior, and the Ruffwear harnesses are well-built! Plus they have a handle on the back if you need to support your Dane for any reason.
This choice for a regular dog collar is up to your budget and aesthetic needs! There are many options available including collars made of leather, rope, nylon, and Biothane.
A leather collar will be beautiful and there are many custom options available. We love a leather collar on a Great Dane! They look nice and last forever.
A personalized collar with leather stamping or embossing, for example, is an awesome way to make sure your dog has identification without the constant jingling of tags.
This type of ‘basic’ collar is great for everyday use, but still rugged enough to hold up to a Dane:
Some Great Dane dog owners love the look and rugged construction of a tactical dog collar! These are usually wide, heavy, and made with sturdy hardware that is less likely to break if your dog were to lunge or pull.
Many of them have handles, too and they typically come in camouflage colors such as taupe and green. We love and recommend this type of wide, heavy collar for large, full-grown adult Great Danes.
We don’t recommend leaving collars on dogs unattended, especially if your Great Dane tries to escape their crate, destroy things, get into stuff or play rough with your other house dogs.
Many Great Dane dogs have been hurt or killed by collars that were worn unattended.
If you are worried about your Great Dane running away without a dog collar unattended, we recommend off-leash training, obedience training, a remote electric training collar (more on this below), management, and a microchip!
What size collar does a Great Dane puppy need?
Great Dane puppies do best with small or medium-sized inexpensive nylon dog collars.
Blueberry Pet Collars on Amazon has a massive range of regular collar patterns and colors to choose from. An adjustable Great Dane collar with a range of several inches will last the longest as your puppy experiences explosive growth.
Measure your Great Dane’s neck; most puppies fit into a size small or medium to start.
Keep in mind that your Great Dane puppy is going to grow FAST and you’ll be needing to replace this soon enough, so save your money at this point!
You’ll need your cash reserved for food, supplements, vet care, and regular training collars for your adult Great Dane!
Never leave your Great Dane puppy unattended in a dog collar, training collar, or martingale collar of any type.
They can become trapped, chew it off and try to swallow it or get tangled up while attempting to escape or while playing with other dogs in the house.
The best dog collars for Great Dane Puppies
We recommend choosing a flat collar OR ergonomic harness for your puppy.
Do not introduce any kind of prong-style collars, head collars, ‘no-pull’ harnesses or otherwise until your puppy has a good positive basic obedience foundation and lots of socialization.
If your Great Dane puppy dog pulls, go back to basics! Leash training is 99% YES. Instead of punishing your Great Dane puppy for pulling, teach your puppy what you want them to do instead.
How to leash train a Great Dane Puppy
Use treats praise and fun games to reward your puppy for looking at you, walking next to you, and staying by your side around obstacles.
These are easy to teach in boring places. As your leash training progresses, you might even work with a trainer to build on those skills around distractions such as other dogs.
Use positive socialization methods and a longer leash to explore the world around you and encourage calm behavior.
What are the Best Dog Collars for Great Danes that Pull?
Many Great Danes learn quickly that they are bigger, stronger, and faster than you. They have a massive neck size, powerful chests, and shoulders and can really throw their weight around!
We tend to accidentally encourage these dangerous behaviors by using a tense leash and getting frustrated or chasing and scolding our dogs.
A Great Dane that pulls is a dangerous dog, even if they are friendly! For those dogs, a basic dog collar with a cheap leash attachment is unlikely to be enough.
In the next section, we will cover the best Great Dane collars, the best shock collars, and the ideal dog training collars for Great Danes, so that you can make an informed and humane decision for your gentle giant!
Are no-pull harnesses good for Danes that pull?
No-pull harnesses, also known as ‘Front Clip’ or ‘Easy-Walk’ harnesses are often seen as a positive and friendly alternative for dogs that pull, however, they are not good for Great Danes.
These harnesses punish and attempt to reduce the pulling behavior by restricting natural movement and adding pressure to the chest, ribs, front, armpits, and shoulders.
Many dogs will pull through this pressure anyways because the environment is still more rewarding than the damage they are doing to themselves.
These are also easy to escape and will do little to deter pulling caused by fear, overstimulation, frustration, excitement or anxiety.
An Easy-Walk harness, similar to the 2 Hounds ‘Freedom No-Pull’. Notice the strap straight across the front of the chest.
A front clip or ‘no-pull’ harness may or may not temper pulling behavior, but it will nearly always alter your dog’s natural gait and ability to freely and comfortably extend the front limbs.
Types of Harnesses you should not use with a Great Dane Dog
We never recommend the use of any kind of ‘no-pull’, front clip, or T-Strap harness for Great Danes!
Why are no-pull harnesses bad for Great Danes?
When worn, they keep your dog from moving naturally and don’t allow the front limbs to extend comfortably or fully, even when your Great Dane is not pulling!
Somehow, these have been marketed as ‘positive’, ‘humane’ and ‘force-free’ however they are definitely not. Even if a harness like this is fit correctly, used with a double leash system or marketed as ‘gentle’, it’s still working by restricting movement.
Great Danes are giant breed dogs with sensitive orthopedic needs. They need to be able to move naturally without having their shoulders restricted. At the same time, you as the owner needs to know that your Great Dane cannot and will not pull you down!
If you regularly have your Great Dane wearing an Easy-Walk, Balance, Freedom, or a similar ‘no-pull’ harness, we recommend switching to a good training collar instead (more information below).
Many dog parents who want to do the right thing for their dogs are surprised by this information, and that’s understandable!
A ‘Freedom’ no-pull harness.
Is a Martingale Collar Good for Great Danes?
A martingale collar is our top choice for walking Danes that don’t pull or lunge!
Martingale collars are escape-proof and the wide fabric version will be gentle and non-obstructive on a Great Dane’s neck.
Martingale collar pro tip: the collar should be made snug enough that if your dog were to pull into the collar or try to back out, the two D-rings would not touch.
Martingale collars should never be worn when your dog isn’t on a walk or being actively supervised.
Do Martingale Collars Hurt Dogs?
Martingale collars are wonderful in that they are not meant to be harsh or punishing, and they are incredibly difficult for a dog’s head to slip out of.
Newly adopted dogs and dogs that are a flight risk should ALWAYS be in a martingale collar or on a slip lead!
They also come in a range of stylish collar options from floral to superheroes, in soft fabrics and wide widths that make them ideal for walking your Great Dane.
A proper martingale collar for a Great Dane dog will be wide, flat, and made of nylon or fabric.
A Great Dane puppy in a wide, flat Martingale collar from Magnolia Mutts
Ruffwear Chain Reaction Martingale Dog Collar
Some models, such as the Ruffwear Chain Reaction dog collar have a metal chainlink paired with nylon that allows you to quickly zip the chain. The noise is an audible correction that will get your dog’s attention.
The chain reaction option is good for dogs that only gently pull occasionally or need a little reminder to focus at times, but will not be good or safe for dogs that pull wildly.
Those dogs need to be in a Herm Sprenger prong collar (more on this below).
Martingale collars are different than choke collars: choke collars have nothing stopping them from becoming extremely tight and restrictive. Martingale collars are ‘limited slip’ and will stop becoming tighter at a certain point.
Martingale collars are not meant not hurt your dog, but as with any training collar, if your dog is lunging, pulling, and acting as a freight train you should seek professional help.
A dog in that state of mind is a danger to you and to itself.
Like the no-pull harness, head collars (also known as ‘Gentle Leaders’ and ‘Halti’ collars) are promoted as a ‘positive’ and ‘humane’ alternative to prong collars for Great Dane dogs.
They are somewhat effective at reducing or eliminating pulling in Great Danes because they are so aversive and punishing!
The solid majority of Great Danes require an adjustment period when introduced to head collars. They are uncomfortable to wear.
The reality is that many dogs just don’t like them, even after weeks of positive conditioning!
A Great Dane wearing a Gentle Leader from Amazon
If your Great Dane pulls or lunges in a Gentle Leader (or similar), their head will be forced to the side.
This is fairly effective at deterring pulling and lunging, however, we believe it’s not ideal for their sanity OR their orthopedic health.
Dog lovers everywhere should take note of this before using or recommending this tool.
Gentle Leaders and similar devices are especially problematic for Great Danes that do tend to lunge, pull, react, or are prone to wobblers (which has a genetic link and by the moment of diagnosis, the damage has been done).
Many times, lunging and pulling will also mean that the skin on their face will be rubbed or pushed up into their eyeballs. A dog’s face has thousands of sensitive nerve endings.
Many Great Danes will paw, whine, lay down or frantically try and remove a head collar from their face. This is a strong indication that head collars are an aversive tool.
Head collars are an inappropriate tool for most Great Danes, despite their popularity and widespread use.
We only advocate for head collars when they are being used thoughtfully, with lots of positive conditioning on dogs with good structure and no genetic link to Wobblers disease…that also don’t pull, lunge or react wildly to begin with.
They can be an appropriate and subtle communication tool for people who are relying on their highly trained Great Dane for service work and public access, or who because of age or stature cannot physically manipulate a prong collar and fully physically control a Great Dane otherwise.
There is a time and a place for them, but as the go-to dog collar for Great Dane training? We believe it’s time to flip the script on this one, and give our Great Danes a much more elegant and humane option. (Read on, friends!).
Can You Use a Prong Collar on a Great Dane?
Prong collars are actually one of the most humane, effective and ethical tools to use if you have a Great Dane that lunges or pulls you around.
We hear you, prong collars look like torture devices and you’ve heard some negative propaganda!
However, unlike a nylon harness or Halti Gentle Leader collar, a properly used prong collar relies on a simple YES and NO communication, not physical restraint.
Prong collars provide a clear pressure-based sensation that when paired with positive reinforcement is incredibly effective, gentle and humane at stopping pulling and lunging.
Your Great Dane will then redirect their focus back on you!
A prong collar is meant to fit snugly on your dog’s neck, high and tight if possible. Loose, poorly fit and poorly made prong collars ARE aversive, so make sure you do it right.
A properly used prong collar will not pop a balloon! They work by causing even pressure around your dog’s neck; this pressure is annoying to your dog but NOT painful and not damaging.
We we only recommend HERM SPRENGER prong collars for dog training, which have blunt ends and construction that protects the trachea and creates pressure, not stabbing.
Cheap prong collars are not made the same and may harm, confuse or frustrate your Great Dane.
Is it cruel to use a prong collar on a dog?
It’s a myth that prong collars are ‘inhumane and rely on pain, stabbing and harsh corrections’.
(We will show you how to introduce a prong collar to a Great Dane in the tutorial below).
A poorly fit prong collar on a brindle Dane with cropped ears – this should be higher and snug so as not to rub, pinch or poke.
A prong collar is not cruel, but would you like to know what may be?
-Never feeling like you can take your dog places with you because they pull too much on a leash (frustrating to you AND your dog).
-Having your dog become increasingly more frustrated, anxious, bored and under-socialized because you cannot control them in a harness (and people told you that a prong was abuse, so as above you don’t take your dog places).
-Letting your dog jerk themselves around on a collar, harness or head collar because you don’t have a clear, concise way to communicate both YES and NO to your dog.
-Being at your wits end with your dog, unsure what to do, hesitant to consider a prong collar because somebody misled you into believing that it was inhumane and should never be used.
We believe the Herm Sprenger prong collar is one of the best, simplest and most humane Great Dane collars available, however you must learn how to use it correctly!
If your Dane is rubbing their face raw in a head collar and you still think that it’s the more humane choice vs. a prong, read on to learn how the prong collar is actually a very positive tool!
How to use a prong collar on a Great Dane
Start off-leash in a boring room. Use treats and praise to reward your dog for standing at your left side and looking at you.
Take a step (lure your dog to step with you if needed) and then reward your dog. YES! Treat. Gradually add steps between rewards. Once you can walk 10 steps and have your dog stay by your side for the reward, add the ‘heel’ command.
Begin walking more than ten steps. Add in turns and obstacles. Keep it positive and fun!
Fit your Herm Sprenger prong to your dog (High and tight, snug and ideally with a second leash clipped to a backup collar. Add a good leather or nylon leash and hold it loosely in your hand. Do not add tension! Practice walking around in your boring room with the obstacles and turns, and continue to reward your dog. This ongoing practice will give you voice control, which is much more effective and safe than physical restraint.
Next, allow your dog to sniff around or walk away, or take a step back from your dog until there is tension in the leash. When you feel that tension, plant your feet on the ground (don’t move towards your dog) and continue to apply a little gentle ongoing tension from the leash.
As soon as your dog gives into the pressure and comes towards you, the pressure will release automatically; your dog is in charge of releasing this tension, not you!
You can mark this moment with a YES and reward your dog! Your dog should not yelp, cower, scream or act fearful. Remember, a properly used high quality prong uses pressure, not stabbing.
Practice step 5 several times in your boring room and then try it outside in low-distraction environments as well! Your dog should learn very quickly that when they feel gentle pressure from the prong, they can make it stop by releasing the tension on the leash and coming to you for guidance. Notice that you are NOT jerking your dog around, popping the collar, allowing your dog to pull wildly, stringing your dog by the neck or being harsh!
Practice the HEEL position with your dog as above, and continue using ‘pressure and release’ randomly to remind your dog to walk next to you, look at you, or re-engage when distracted. Fade out treats and rely mostly on praise. Remember, KEEP THE LEASH LOOSE! Never add tension unless you are deliberately communicating to your dog. When you do add tension, imagine the tension being so gentle; there is no need to yank or pull back. Gradually increase the distance of your walks and the distraction factor of the environment. Always teach your dog from kindergarten to college: do not expect PHD level obedience at Home Depot out of a dog that is used to pulling wildly and having their way! Work up to that over time.
When your dog fully understands how their collar works, you can also add quick short ‘pops’ of the prong collar if your dog is not paying attention to you. A quick pop should result in your dog looking at you, at which point you can mark with a YES and a treat! Always reward the behavior that you want.
With prong collar training the goal is to be as gentle as possible. If you are yanking your dog around, feel like the leash is always tight, have tense hands or are having to constantly correct your dog with ‘pops’, you haven’t set your dog up to understand their collar or how to respond to it. Go back to step one.
If your dog is ‘leash reactive’ and acts like a fool on a leash, the prong collar will not be a quick fix. As with any tool (including harnesses) you can make this behavior worse if you are relying on the tool only as a ‘punishment’ or physical restraint device. Make sure to use lots of positive reinforcement and set your dog up for success by maximizing the distance between your dog and things that set them off. You can gradually close this gap as your Great Dane becomes more comfortable with their prong collar and relationship with you.
Bark collars are an automated device meant to deter or stop nuisance barking. They use sound, noxious smells (such as citronella), shock or uncomfortable levels of muscle stimulation to reduce barking.
Some offer multiple training modes, but in general a bark collar is meant to be a fairly basic, easy to use automated tool.
Bark collars have their place, but it’s important to remember that if your dog barks there is often a reason. Boredom, anxiety, frustration and habit are common causes that should be addressed before using any kind of bark collar!
A training shock collar will be inexpensive and offer three training modes: beep, vibrate and a few levels of aversive shocks. The shock is meant to punish and reduce behavior.
We do not recommend the use of inexpensive shock collar devices on Great Danes or other large breed dogs!
The other two training modes (vibrate and beep) are more gentle than the sharp static zap of the shock collar, so many people rely on those modes when training their Great Dane dog.
Remote dog training collars (also known as ‘E-Collars’ or ‘Educator Collars’), on the other hand, are not they same. Far away from a traditional old-school shock collar, they are an excellent choice for Great Danes.
Educator Remote Collars work differently than shock and rely on a wildly effective positive training and conditioning process.
Are E-Collars Good for Great Danes?
Many people who do not understand these more modern devices will tell you that all electric training collars all use aversive shock and that you will harm and abuse your dog by using one.
Many people are uneducated about modern remote collar tools and have never used them or felt the stimulation from a proper one themselves, so take negative opinions with a grain of salt!
(We will elaborate more on this below!)
Do shock collars work on Great Danes?
Of course, shock is very good at deterring behavior. That’s why it works; it’s easy to wave a remote at a dog and scare them away from repeating a behavior.
When you have a giant breed dog, obedience is extremely important for their safety and yours!
A more appropriate choice than a shock collar is to use an Educator Remote dog collar properly to teach your Great Dane dog to come enthusiastically towards you, not run away.
This is very helpful when you want them to stop doing something they shouldn’t be doing, or run to you when something dangerous could harm them.
This is why we advocate for the proper use of modern E-Collars (proactive training), not shock collars (reactive training).
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
How do E-Collars work?
A modern electronic training collar uses low levels of gentle muscle stimulation that will feel like a touch sensation, not harsh shock or aversive vibration. Following some quick, fun training exercises dogs learn to respond to this stimulation.
The best part about a modern electric stimulation collar is that it relies on communication, not physical restraint! This is the best and most humane thing for our dogs.
E-Collar trained dogs:
Come when called, reliably
Will happily walk away from something when asked
Can be taught to walk off-leash or in a loose leash position
Are under voice control, not physical restraint, which is much safer and better for their orthopedic health
Are kept safe: a dog that has excellent recall and off-leash obedience is not running away, bolting out of the door or jumping over fences
Have more enrichment: an off-leash trained dog will always have better access to natural physical and mental activities such as swimming, running up and down hills, zooming around, climbing, playing and circling than an on-leash, long-leashed or yard-only dog.
Cannot damage their gait, neck or shoulders as they can in choke collars, flat collars, harnesses and head collars.
Training your dog with an E-Collar means FREEDOM.
Other dog collars cannot offer any of what we listed above. The modern E-Collar is an elegant, gentle and effective tool.
Many people have told us that our positive E-Collar training method, paired with an Educator collar changed their lives!
We are hearing from Great Dane dog owners who are quickly seeing more freedom, more fun, less frustration, less anxiety and a better relationship between them and their dog.
If you are looking for the best training collar for a Great Dane, we believe that Educator Collars and the positive remote collar training method is key.
The Easy Educator and the Mini-Educator are the best training collars for Great Danes and large breed dogs. They are rugged, waterproof, have a fantastic battery life, and offer 100 levels of stimulation that at low levels cannot be felt by humans.
If you are looking for the best shock collar for your Great Dane, start looking for remote Educator collars instead. We promise it will be worth the extra investment and a little time spent on dog training!
Choose this option if you want more features and have a slightly bigger budget for choosing the best remote single or multi dog system for your Great Dane.
Biothane Bungee Educator Collar
All Educator receivers (the part that your dog wears) should be paired with a bungee collar made of Biothane. The bungee makes it comfortable for your Great Dane to wear the electric dog collar and ensures a good fit!
A collar like this will NOT have a leash attachment, as its meant to be worn on its own.
As above, we believe the Herm Sprenger Prong collar is the most effective, humane and gentle option for Great Dane dogs that pull, lunge and struggle to focus. A properly used prong is one of the safest and most gentle Great Dane collars you can choose! Work with your dog using positive reinforcement and plan to fade this one out over time.
Magnolia Mutts Custom Fabric Martingale Collar
We love Magnolia Mutts because she donates a large portion of her income each month to Great Dane rescues! She makes beautiful Martingale dog collars for Great Danes that are fashionable and well-made.
We believe that a Magnolia Mutts martingale collar is one of the best Great Dane collars available for dogs that have been trained to not pull or lunge on a leash.
A slip lead works by fitting snugly on your dog’s neck and making it so that there is no way for them to escape. Slip leads are a MUST have for dogs that will escape a dog collar or harness. They are also so helpful for quick trips!
Lastly, we recommend keeping slip leads in your car and around the house; you never know when you might need one.
Blueberry Pets Everyday Collar
Blueberry Pets on Amazon has lots of choices in dog collars for your Great Dane. We like this option if you are looking for a good inexpensive and basic regular collar to hold dog tags or wear around the house.
This is a good collar choice for puppies! Choose an inexpensive, adjustable collar that will fit your Great Dane’s neck size as they grow, and that has a leash attachment for those early socialization experiences and leash training exercises.
Blueberry Pets offers different collars to catch the eye of many different dog parents.
Stylish Leather Collar
A leather collar is a rugged, beautiful dog collar for your Great Dane!
The great thing about a leather collar is that it is bound to last. They are tough and tend to wear well with age. Choose this for dogs that don’t pull, when you want something more rugged and more stylish than a basic nylon collar!
The Ruffwear Chain Reaction is a dog training collar for dog owners that need a little extra control than they get from a martingale or basic flat collar.
It’s a mid-option between martingale and prong dog collars that will help your Great Dane dog understand that they need to focus on you.
When you are looking for the perfect collar for your Great Dane dog, we hope to have been helpful.
We have covered everything from the best collar material, the best dog collar for puppies, how to choose a waterproof dog training collar, the best Great Dane collars for adult dogs that pull, and shock collar training (including information about the best shock collar options for your pet).
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
