Not all E-collars are equal. Each have a unique purpose geared
to your dogs individual needs. As you probably have noticed, there are contrasting differences between stimulation level and control from one e-collar to the next. “Stimulation” is the modern word for “getting your dog’s attention”. Some collar systems range from only 1 to 6 levels, while others range up to 127 different levels. This doesn’t mean that one collar is significantly stronger than the other. It simply means that some training collars can be more precise than others, allowing you to fine tune the stim level to your dog’s temperament. Too low of a level may only get you mean looks while the next level up may cause him to yelp, cower, or break. Having a more appropriate stim level will allow you and your dog to quickly make the correction and then get back to work.
Stimulation also comes in different forms. Continuous stimulation is just that, it works as long as you hold the button down, although most transmitters have a safety time out feature. Continuous stimulation allows you to control the time and duration of a correction. Momentary stimulation is usually just a quick half second nick. This works well as a quick attention getter or reminder. Some collar receivers offer vibrate and tone features in addition to stimulation. In some cases, this may be all that is necessary once your dog has been conditioned to their e-collar.
Stimulation level and control is not the only consideration when making your training collar selection. Other factors such as range, expandability, and ease of use are also equally important, however, careful planning is this area can provide for a much more enjoyable experience in the field. |
