Occasionally, dog owners who are considering my training program ask if I can train their dog using their preferred training tools instead of mine. The short answer is no. The longer answer explains why I use the tools I do, and why I won’t switch to something else to accommodate my clients. It’s not because I don’t respect my clients’ right to decide what’s best for their dog—I certainly do!—it’s that I’m committed to using the tools and methods that I’ve found to be most successful. If those differ from your preferences, that’s okay, but that means I’m not the trainer for you. Let’s dive into the tools and methods I use and why.
Why I use prong collars and e-collars
I use prong collars and e-collars because they allow for clear and consistent communication between dog and handler. Utilizing a method called pressure and release, I can use these tools to gently but clearly explain to dogs that their job is to follow me and my job is to lead. Most family dogs struggle with this concept. They love their people and their people love them, but they’re missing that all-important understanding that the humans are the decision-makers! Family dogs benefit tremendously just from this understanding alone (even small dogs!).
These tools also allow me to explain to a dog which behaviors are not acceptable. It is relatively easy to teach dogs what we do want them to do. Rewards like food, treats, praise, affection and toys make it pretty clear which behaviors we want to see more of. But rewards alone do not give a dog clarity on what behaviors we don’t want to see again, much less the behaviors that are strictly off limits. The prong collar and the e-collar are fabulous tools for gentle, low-level communication, but that’s not all they can do. They can also be used to correct a dog—tell a dog “no” in a way the dog understands. The versatility in these tools—especially the e-collar— is unmatched.
Finally, I use the prong collar and e-collar because they’re the easiest tools for dog owners to learn. Dog owners are not dog trainers and while most are curious about dog behavior, most aren’t looking to become professional dog trainers. It is unfair to saddle them with a tool that has a steep learning curve. For example, it’s possible to do a collar pop correction on a chain collar, but it’s difficult. It requires the right timing, angles and technique. It is not the easiest thing to learn! The prong collar is far easier. There are still things the owner has to learn in order to use it effectively, but its design makes it much clearer for the dog even as the handler is still learning the proper technique. The e-collar is even easier. There are definitely nuances to learn, but pushing a button is about as easy as it gets—no dog wrangling required. Simply put: dogs and owners struggle less when using the prong collar and e-collar.
Why I won’t use other tools
Well, first and foremost, I do use other tools when it’s in the dog’s best interest. I am committed to using the tools, techniques and methods that produce results for my clients while being fair, humane and clear to the dogs. If and when I discover that a certain tool would be better for a particular dog, I’m happy to switch. Here’s a good example: Sometimes dogs do better on the Transitional Lead (a slip lead/head halter combo) than the prong collar. I have no problems using the Transitional Lead when that’s what’s best for the dog!
What I won’t do is put aside what’s best for the dog in favor of the owner’s preferences. All owners mean well, but some don’t realize that the harness or cheap vibrate-only e-collar (for example) is not actually best for the dog. I prioritize tools that allow me to communicate clearly and consistently with dogs because what dogs need most from us is guidance. It’s hard to guide a dog to better behavior when you’re not communicating clearly. So while I respect each dog owner’s right to decide which tools they will and won’t use on their dog, I can only accommodate requests that are truly in the dog’s best interest.
