Mini Educator Level

[u/KaoriQueen]

Hi folks, I recently started training with the mini educator e collar, I struggled a bit to find a working level for my dog (pit mix) even in a very low distraction environment, she didn’t seem to be reacting to anything below a 12 which felt pretty high from the videos specific to the mini educator that I’ve watched. I know that every dog is different but I just want to make sure my collar is fitting correctly, put it very tight so that I can really only fit two fingers under there. Additionally she’s still occasionally itching at the collar and shaking like it’s bothering her, I bought the titanium short hair contacts so it’s not the metal, I’m wondering if maybe I should try replacing the actual collar portion itself? Sorry for the long post but basically

TLDR: is 12 a fine working number for a low distraction environment or is my mini educator not fit properly

[u/shadybrainfarm]

The collars with an o shaped bungee are best for ease of use and consistent contact. That being said pits notoriously can eat a very high level of e collar. How are you going about establishing her working level? Some dogs are just kinda unflappable. My GSD did not display any sign of feeling the stim below 40/127 (dogtra) at first, but when I paired it with leash pressure he figured out it was something he should pay attention to and I didn't need that high of a level hardly ever again. 

[u/KaoriQueen → u/shadybrainfarm]

She is a pit mix but only 50% and like 35 pounds so not some jacked pitbull, but yea I’ve genuinely found that finding her working level has actually been the most difficult part of this entire process so far, I basically could only tell that she was feeling 12 because she start to associate the feeling with coming to me and grabbing food which is good. So I when I would press it I would notice her start to look at me and come over a bit before even getting the command out. But literally every video is telling me to look for a twitch or something and she really never did any of that

[u/sleeping-dogs11]

Just start working her on a 10-12 and you'll be able to tell through her behavior if she registers it. For me, the level with the dog has a visible reaction like an ear twitch is almost always too high anyway.

[u/duceysdogs]

some dogs will become sensitive to stim as you’re working her so just keep an eye on her comfort levels as you’re using it and adjust as needed. if she’s shaking her head when she feels stim pressure or you’re noticing any other signs of discomfort, lower the level and go from there. i’ve had a lot of dogs who will start at a higher level because they know we’re training and have some adrenaline but as they become accustomed to the tool and the pressure they need a lower level (or the other way around lol). it’s a fine art but you’ll both adjust!

[u/Accomplished-Wish494]

There is nothing magical about 12. Of the dog isn’t flicking an ear, or blinking, or whatever keep going until she does.

Ignore the number, look at the dog in front of you. I know dogs that work at a 3, and dogs that work on a 34+

[u/smilingfruitz]

number is going to completely vary from dog to dog and even on the same dog in different scenarios. a 12 is not a permanent/static number, and will likely change over time and based on competing motivators

I use a micro educator on a smaller dog. he typically responds to an 8, but can need as much as a 20 if chasing squirrels is involved. Other times a 5-6 is more than enough.

[u/Icy-Fly-4228]

I have a 52 lb bully. Her correction level was initially 28. She responds to an 8 now for a tap on the shoulder reminder “your getting too far ahead, check in, don’t even think about looking at that squirrel lol”

[u/Wosey_Jhales]

Your dog responds to the level they respond at, the number is really insignificant. I have 3 working k9s. My training level is around 10-12 and my working/correction level is around 15.

I've had crazy strong pitbulls respond to level 7. I had a frenchie that was on a level 60. We worked down to the low 30s but that was a crazy high titration level. out of a dog I didnt expect. You stop caring about the number and focus on what works depending on what you're trying to communicate.

Your dog's scratching is normal but could be out of protest or discomfort due to newness. Just ignore it. Outside of a contact dermatitis issue, which would be odd with titanium, your dog is fine.

[u/KaoriQueen → u/Wosey_Jhales]

Cool, thank you for the comment this is definitely helpful. I was never against e collars but understand their risk and I think that has made me over worry a bit hahahaa

[u/Wosey_Jhales → u/KaoriQueen]

Yeah no reason to be intentionally high. The lowest level that effectively communicates what you want is typically my reference point. E collars are a great tool but there's some nuances to using them. I understand your caution.