06/19/2025
The subject of prong and electric collar comes up all of the time. As a nationally certified positive reinforcement trainer, my goal is to always build a dog‘s confidence, show your dog that training is fun which turns into a love to train and learn, and in the end, earn their reward, whether it be food, verbal praise, or toy play. Over the last two weeks I have talked to 18 pet parents about previous training experiences, specifically using electric collars and prongs. When I went on to one of the websites of the “trainer” that was used. It was stated “My dog is fearful and nervous – how does the E-collar work for him? E-Collar training is the best training for dogs with these types of issues. Our E-Collar training system is designed to create more confident, relaxed, and comfortable dogs “ 🤔🤬. NO THAT IS NOT ACCURATE. It actually breaks your dog down and does not teach your dog a behavior and to learn how to work through the situation.
Specifically  Why E-Collars Can Be Harmful for Fearful Dogs:
Increase in Fear or Anxiety. A fearful dog may not understand why it’s being shocked or vibrated. This can amplify anxiety, especially if the fear is related to specific people, environments, or stimuli.
Creates Negative Associations:
If a fearful dog gets shocked when seeing or hearining what is triggering them your dog might start to associate those things with pain, making the fear worse.
Suppression, Not Treatment:
E-collars may stop a behavior (like barking or growling), but they don’t address the root emotional issue (fear). The dog may just shut down or redirect aggression elsewhere.
Breaks Trust:
Trust is critical with fearful dogs. E-collar use can erode trust between you and your dog, making it harder to build a positive bond.
Better Alternatives for Fearful Dogs?
Positive reinforcement training: Reward calm or confident behavior with treats, praise, or play.
Desensitization and counterconditioning: Gradually expose your dog to their fear trigger at a low level while associating it with something positive.
Bottom Line:
If your dog is fearful, focus on gentle, reward-based training and avoid aversive tools like E-collars. A calm and consistent approach works better long-term and keeps your dog emotionally and physically safe.
Unfortunately, dog training is not a regulated business and anyone can call themselves a trainer and not have the science based knowledge to actually teach. If you are a true positive reinforcement trainer, you are not using these type of training methods so if any trainer states that they are positive and uses these types of training methods run away.

You know, I am always honest with you and this is me being honest- Build your dog up and don’t break them down and work with trainers that actually are science based, but also with the experience to back it up. If you have questions, email me. [email protected] or If you are currently using one of these devices and want to learn how to transition away from them, let me know and we can set up a lesson.
