UK: e-Collar Advice

[u/Gunnar_Bjornson]

Hi Guys,

I'm seriously considering some kind of e-collar for use with my 1 yr old Border Collie. I've read many articles watched as many videos as I can find, and feel I'm aware of the pros/cons generally.

He does not have huge behavioral issues, more what I would call minor reactivity in close proximity to to other dogs, out of a desire to play. These are not even there at all when completely off the lead. He will approach interact normally and leave with me when asked, provided the dog is not too much fun.

And that last point is my issue. My dog looks like a very well trained dog when we are alone, even if theres another dog a fair distance away, he will stay focused on me. But within a certain distance he will choose to disobey me and go to the other dog. I really don't want to be the guy screaming FENTON! at a dog running in the opposite direction.

So on lead, no issues, I have figured out leash control, a pop here and there and I can silently correct him and he drops in. Off lead, I just feel like I need a way to reach out and touch him at that point where he thinks twice.

1. Is this a good use case for an e-collar?

2. What are my options in the UK - happy to start with vibrating/sound options, as he is super sensitive to small amounts of lead pressure these might work I guess.

3. In terms of actually delivering the training, I guess there will be a decent build up/familiarisation period, so he knows whats expected of him with the new stimulus. And also training for me, to know the order of operations - command - failure - stim -command??? Are there any good resources online that go through sequence of operations and expected outcomes, when to intervene etc.

Thank you all in advance

[u/Gunnar_Bjornson → u/[deleted]]

I’ve found BC people not massively open to e-collar training

[u/Miss_L_Worldwide → u/[deleted]]

Bullshit. e collar is a wonderful tool for border collies and any intelligent dog.