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Steven Lung

Shake, roll-over, and play-dead may impress dinner guests, but will not help you take them on hikes, nice walks, and share in public spaces without adding stress to you when pulling on-leash, running away, or risking their own safety.

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Shake, roll-over, and play-dead may impress dinner guests, but will not help you take them on hikes, nice walks, and share in public spaces without adding stress to you when pulling on-leash, running away, or risking their own safety.

Our dogs get more freedom when we know they will behave. Now they get to chase rabbits and sprint down streams while going outdoors. They will come when called and behave for their safety. In return, our relationships with them improve. There is less friction. They gain confidence as they know what to do instead of wondering what you are trying to communicate. In return, we get to experience more of their unconditional love and silliness at more times and in more places.

Discipline Equals Freedom - Jocko Willink

A true statement from this Navy Seal. It also applies to dogs, to enjoy more life doing dog things. Not limited to a backyard. Not limited to a shelter. Not limited to a leash. We believe dogs want to please us. Clear communication of expectations and properly reinforced behaviors for everyday life is where the 5 Functional Behaviors come in. When our dogs clearly understand these, it is all you need.

The 5 Functional Behaviors you will learn reliably

  • Functional Recall

  • Functional Walking

  • Functional Patience

  • Functional Restrain

  • Functional Leave It

4-Step Functional Framework

1. Learn all skills with no use of an e-collar. 5 minutes, twice per day

2. Overlap treats with an e-collar at levels they can barely feel. Levels YOU can barely feel.

3. Passive association. Repetition. They learn how the e-collar works & when it turns on/off while being motivated by treats and your praise.

4. Increase their freedom slowly as we confirm their understanding of e-collar sensations and fade-out treats.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Step-by-step training progressions across 5 key behavior using positive reinforcement only
  • Understand how to gradually incorporate the e-collar with a positive relationship
  • Reinforce and overlap behaviors with both positive reinforcement and e-collar
  • Fade out threats and have an off-leash dog enjoy life as a....dog!

Syllabus

Introductions
Course Welcome
Training Expectations

Required tools:

  1. Clicker

  2. Light Dog Leash

  3. Regular Flat Collar

  4. Herm Sprenger Prong Collar (and extra links if needed). 2.25 size for ALL dogs.

  5. Long line/leash (15ft or 30ft)

  6. Educator E-Collar [no longer offered on my website]

    1. ET-300 Model for Single Dog

    2. ET-302 Model for Two Dogs, with one remote

    3. Educator Think Hair Contact Points - Optional

  7. Treats (moist ideally)

  8. Platform bed

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Emphasizes practical skills like recall, walking, patience, restrain, and leave it, which are essential for responsible dog ownership and safe public interactions
Begins with positive reinforcement techniques using a clicker to establish foundational behaviors before introducing the e-collar, which promotes a positive relationship with the dog
Provides a structured, step-by-step approach to introducing and using the e-collar, starting with minimal stimulation and gradually increasing freedom as the dog understands the cues
Requires specific tools, including an Educator E-Collar (ET-300 or ET-302 model), which may represent an additional cost and barrier to entry for some dog owners
Requires a Herm Sprenger prong collar, which some dog owners may find controversial or aversive, and its use should be approached with caution and proper guidance
Uses the Educator E-Collar, and while the course may teach responsible usage, some dog owners and trainers may object to the use of e-collars in general

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Reviews summary

Practical e-collar dog training techniques

According to learners, this course provides a practical and effective approach to dog training, particularly focusing on integrating an E-collar positively. Many students found the methods, which start with positive reinforcement before introducing the E-collar, to be clear and easy to follow, helping their dogs achieve reliable recall and improved leash walking. Some appreciate the emphasis on finding the dog's 'working level' for minimal stimulation. While the course covers functional behaviors effectively, some reviewers note the course material feels somewhat dated or could benefit from updates.
Requires specific tools like a prong collar.
"Be aware you'll need to purchase specific collars like the Herm Sprenger prong collar."
"The syllabus lists required tools that aren't just the e-collar."
"Mention of needing the specific Educator E-Collar model was helpful for preparation."
Teaches using the E-collar gently and correctly.
"I was hesitant about the e-collar, but the course showed how to use it humanely and effectively."
"Loved how they started with positive reinforcement first, building a strong foundation."
"The emphasis on low levels and passive association really changed my perspective on e-collars."
"It helped me understand how to communicate clearly with my dog using minimal stimulation."
The course structure makes complex techniques understandable.
"The step-by-step progressions made it easy to implement the training with my dog."
"Instructions on finding the 'working level' were crucial and very clear."
"Videos and explanations were straightforward and easy to follow, even for a beginner."
"The course lays out a very logical framework for introducing the e-collar."
Students report significant improvements in dog behavior.
"Using this course, I finally achieved reliable recall with my dog off-leash."
"The structured approach to training, starting without the collar and adding it later, was highly effective."
"My dog's leash manners have improved dramatically since applying these techniques."
"I feel much more confident taking my dog out after going through this training."
Some material or production quality feels outdated.
"While the methods are sound, the video quality and presentation feel a bit old."
"Some references or information feel like they could use an update."
"I think the course material could benefit from being refreshed to feel more current."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Dog Training E-Collar with these activities:
Review 'The Power of Positive Dog Training'
Reinforce the importance of positive reinforcement before introducing the e-collar.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters about clicker training and positive reinforcement.
  • Identify key principles and techniques discussed in the book.
  • Reflect on how these principles align with the initial stages of the course.
Practice Clicker Training Fundamentals
Solidify your clicker training skills to prepare for the course's initial positive reinforcement phase.
Show steps
  • Review the basics of clicker training: timing, marking behavior, and rewarding.
  • Practice charging the clicker with your dog.
  • Work on shaping simple behaviors using the clicker.
Daily Recall Practice
Improve your dog's recall response using positive reinforcement before introducing the e-collar.
Show steps
  • Practice recall in a low-distraction environment.
  • Use high-value treats and enthusiastic praise as rewards.
  • Gradually increase the distance and distractions during recall practice.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Document Your Training Progress
Track your dog's progress and identify areas for improvement throughout the course.
Show steps
  • Create a training journal or use a digital document.
  • Record each training session, including exercises, rewards, and challenges.
  • Take videos of your training sessions to analyze your technique and your dog's response.
Practice with a Training Buddy
Gain experience and feedback by practicing with another dog and handler.
Show steps
  • Find a friend or fellow dog owner who is also interested in e-collar training.
  • Schedule regular practice sessions together.
  • Take turns observing and providing feedback to each other.
Review 'E-Collar Training for the 21st Century'
Deepen your understanding of e-collar training principles and techniques.
Show steps
  • Read the book, paying close attention to the sections on low-level stimulation and communication.
  • Compare the techniques described in the book with those taught in the course.
  • Identify any areas where you need further clarification or practice.
Watch Advanced E-Collar Training Videos
Expand your knowledge by watching videos from experienced e-collar trainers.
Show steps
  • Search for videos on YouTube or other platforms featuring reputable e-collar trainers.
  • Focus on videos that demonstrate advanced techniques and address common challenges.
  • Take notes on any new insights or strategies you learn from the videos.

Career center

Learners who complete Dog Training E-Collar will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Dog Trainer
As a dog trainer, you will help owners and their dogs develop better relationships. This course may be useful through its detailed focus on functional behaviors like recall, walking, patience, restraint, and 'leave it' commands. These are essential aspects of general obedience training. A dog trainer will need to be an expert in communication and reinforcement techniques, and this course emphasizes clear communication and the gradual introduction of an e-collar, while also teaching positive reinforcement. A trainer may find the four-step framework, which includes introducing skills without the e-collar, then overlapping with it, and finally fading out treats while maintaining effective communication, to be very helpful.
Canine Behaviorist
A canine behaviorist works to understand and modify dog behaviors. This course may be useful as it addresses functional behaviors and teaches how to reliably implement them using positive reinforcement. The course's four-step functional framework, which begins with learning skills without an e-collar, and then gradually introducing it, will be helpful for a behaviorist. A crucial part of this role is developing effective communication and positive relationships with dogs, and this course emphasizes this. It will help a canine behaviorist to understand how to approach training with a positive approach while also employing e-collar techniques.
Service Dog Trainer
Service dog trainers help dogs develop the skills needed to assist people with disabilities. This course may be helpful due to its focus on functional behaviors such as recall, walking, patience, and restraint. Service dogs need a high degree of reliability in these areas. A service dog trainer will need to learn different approaches with a variety of dogs, and this course may help teach how to gradually incorporate tools like an e-collar in a positive way, and how to fade out treats while maintaining strong results. The four-step framework will be useful in training these highly specialized dogs. It emphasizes positive reinforcement which will be very helpful for a service dog trainer.
Working Dog Handler
Working dog handlers train dogs for specific tasks such as detection, search and rescue, or police work. This course may be useful due to its focus on functional behaviors, as working dogs, similar to service dogs, require a high degree of reliability. The course teaches how to implement these behaviors using positive reinforcement, initially without e-collars. The gradual introduction of the e-collar and the emphasis on clear communication will be helpful for handlers. The four-step functional framework, which also includes how to fade out treats, will help a working dog handler improve the dogs' compliance with their handlers.
Animal Assisted Therapist
An animal assisted therapist works with animals to provide therapy for a variety of patients. This course may be useful for these therapists as it provides guidance in working with dogs. The course’s focus on clear communication and positive reinforcement may help a therapist improve their skills when working with dogs in a therapeutic setting. The detailed attention to basic behaviors, such as ‘leave it’ and ‘patience’ may also be useful. This course may provide an animal-assisted therapist methods for working with a dog to achieve reliable results, which can be very helpful for therapy.
Animal Shelter Manager
An animal shelter manager oversees the daily operations of a shelter, which may include dog training programs. This course may be useful for a manager to understand dog training methodologies. The course provides crucial insight into functional behaviors, such as recall, walking, and patience, which is very helpful for any staff who manage the well-being of dogs. The emphasis on positive reinforcement and the gradual introduction of e-collars while maintaining a positive relationship with dogs may be useful for the staff at a shelter. It is always beneficial to understand the methods and logic used by staff to improve the lives of the dogs in a shelter.
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in caring for animals. While not directly involved in training, understanding dog behavior is still important. This course may be useful, as it teaches functional behaviors that can help the technician better handle dogs and keep them calm during examinations. The techniques used to reliably achieve recall and other behaviors may also be useful for technicians who may come across untrained dogs. The course offers useful information about positive reinforcement and the gradual introduction of tools like e-collars, which may prove useful when working with dogs in a veterinary setting. As dogs can be stressed by a visit to the vet, this training will help a vet tech keep them calm.
Dog Groomer
Dog groomers provide care and hygiene services for dogs. While grooming is the main focus, an understanding of basic obedience can make the job easier. This course may be useful because it provides insight into how dogs learn via positive reinforcement. Its focus on functional behaviors like 'leave it' and 'patience' may also be helpful when dealing with dogs that are not used to grooming. The course’s focus on clear communication and techniques may help dog groomers manage dogs more effectively while working with them.
Animal Control Officer
An animal control officer enforces animal-related laws. While not a trainer, understanding dog behavior and training techniques is useful. This course may be helpful by providing insight into positive reinforcement, and methods of reliably implanting basic behaviors. The techniques of clear communication and the introduction of an e-collar may be useful for an officer when dealing with a variety of dogs. An animal control officer would be likely to encounter both well-behaved and poorly-behaved dogs, and this course may give insights into how these dogs think and behave.
Dog Walking Business Owner
A dog walking business owner manages and operates a business that provides dog walking services. While owners may not walk the dogs themselves, an understanding of dog behavior is very helpful to ensure employees do a good job. This course may be useful, as it teaches about functional behaviors, like recall, walking, and leave it. The approach of using positive reinforcement and gradual introduction of e-collars may be helpful for an owner to understand the importance of training. The four-step framework of this course gives an owner the tools to make sure employees are trained in dog handling to ensure they can lead a group of dogs safely and effectively.
Pet Sitter
A pet sitter cares for pets in their owner's absence, and knowledge of dog behavior is extremely helpful. This course may be useful, as it will teach a pet sitter about functional behaviors like recall, walking, and leave it. The course emphasizes how to reliably implement these behaviors using positive reinforcement, which is very helpful for a pet sitter who wants to build a strong and trusting relationship with the dogs they care for. The course's focus on clear communication may also help the pet sitter know how to better understand and provide for the dogs' needs. This may help a pet sitter to keep dogs safe and happy when their owners are away.
Pet Store Owner
A pet store owner manages a retail business selling pet-related products. While an understanding of dog behavior may not be essential, it can be helpful. This course may be useful as it provides insight into dog behaviors, and might enable the owner to better recommend products to customers. It can also help an owner understand the importance of positive reinforcement and clear communication when interacting with customers who are looking for training advice. This may help a pet store owner to better understand their products and their customers' needs.
Zoologist
Zoologists study animal behavior and biology. While not specifically focused on dogs, the principles of behavior modification can be useful in other fields of study as well. This course may be useful as it introduces methods for modifying behaviors via positive reinforcement and the controlled use of an e-collar. The course’s approach may be useful for a zoologist who is studying how animals adapt to their environments and how they respond to training. A zoologist may be interested in how dogs learn specific behaviors, and this course offers a look at that process.
Wildlife Rehabilitator
A wildlife rehabilitator cares for injured and orphaned wild animals with the goal of returning them to the wild. This role requires a deep understanding of animal behavior and care. While this course is focused on dogs, it may be helpful as it introduces methodologies for teaching behaviors with positive reinforcement. The course may also be useful by teaching methods of clear communication and how to introduce new stimuli and tools. While the wildlife in this field are not dogs, a rehabilitator would benefit from this introduction to general concepts of behavior modification.
Equine Trainer
An equine trainer specializes in working with horses, teaching them new behaviors and skills. While this course focuses on dogs, it may be helpful due to the shared principles of behavior modification. The understanding of positive reinforcement and the gradual introduction of new stimuli can be useful for an equine trainer. This course's focus on communication and how to approach training with various tools may help an equine trainer broaden their skill set. The four-step functional framework can help them understand how to break down complicated behaviors into manageable steps.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Dog Training E-Collar.
Provides a modern perspective on e-collar training, emphasizing low-level stimulation and clear communication. It covers various techniques for introducing and using the e-collar effectively. Reading this book will give you a deeper understanding of the principles behind e-collar training and help you avoid common pitfalls. This book useful reference for understanding the nuances of e-collar application.
Provides a comprehensive overview of positive reinforcement techniques, which are foundational to the initial stages of this e-collar training course. It emphasizes building a strong relationship with your dog through trust and clear communication. Understanding these principles will help you effectively transition to e-collar training while maintaining a positive and cooperative dynamic. This book valuable resource for understanding the underlying philosophy of reward-based training.

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