Let's say I get an e-collar with NO ZAPPING and slowly introduce it to my dog (over the course of a few days) like this:
Thoughts? Experiences? I don't believe in correction-style training at all, and that is not my intention when using it.
- Take it out of the package and give her treats/praise when she sniffs it. End of session.
- Next 2-3 sessions, have it sit near us while we do basic commands like sit, lie down, etc, making it buzz/beep at the exact same time she gets a treat.
- For maybe 4-5 sessions, practice things she can do while lying down (shake, boop the snoot) while holding the collar against her (lightly at first, then gradually with more pressure), but not wearing it (I think having her lie down would make it easier for me to hold the thing on her side). Repeat the positive reinforcement w/ treats + buzz/beep at same time.
- Once she seems totally used to that, put the collar on and practice all the tricks she knows, with a buzz/beep + treat each time.
- Practice recall in the backyard, then more distracting environments like the park with a long leash. More treats.
- Eventually only use it for recall, so that she knows that a buzz/bee[ means coming to me will earn her a treat.
- Gradually reduce the frequency of treats once it seems like she's formed that positive association and does the behavior reliably.
Thoughts? Experiences? I don't believe in correction-style training at all, and that is not my intention when using it.