10/14/2026
I spent over 12 years as a “positive trainer”, and for most of that time I strongly believed e-collars were cruel.
Despite doing a bunch of qualifications, I’d never been taught how they were used. I’d never even held one. I imagined the sensation was like touching a livestock fence. Very painful!
For years I thought e-collar training was simply electrocuting a dog when they didn’t do what you asked. It’s not hard to see why someone would find that horrendous, or even advocate for banning them.
Eventually, I got the chance to try one myself.
I put it against my skin and hesitated for what felt like forever before finally pressing the button…
My first thought? “Is that it?”
Since then, I’ve watched dozens of people have exactly the same reaction.
I started learning how experienced trainers actually used them, and discovered something far more sophisticated and nuanced than simply lighting dogs up for non-compliance.
I don’t want to lie to you. The higher levels aren’t nice. They’re not supposed to be. They can be used to interrupt dangerous behaviour, like a dog running towards traffic or chasing livestock.
But many dogs will never need anything close to those levels.
In my experience, the most aversive part of training is extremely short-lived, sometimes just a handful of repetitions. And the potential payoff? Years of off-lead freedom.
That’s an incredible return on investment.
We already subject dogs to unpleasant experiences for their long-term welfare. Nail cutting, grooming, vaccinations, veterinary restraint, etc.
I might be “disowned” by the positive training community now, but I was once a respected member of it. I was invited to speak at conferences, deliver workshops and appear on podcasts.
I’m very familiar with both sides of this conversation.
And I’ve seen with my own eyes an enormous difference in training outcomes, and the resulting welfare benefits, that responsible e-collar training can provide.
Does that mean you should buy one and figure it out yourself? Absolutely not.
You need guidance from a knowledgeable professional. But when used responsibly, they can be a serious game-changer.
