The Unshocking Truth About Remote Training Collars Pt. 2 of 3

If the TENS unit is too low, it cannot be felt; if it is too high, it is uncomfortable. The correct level is different for every patient, and this also true for a dog. It is a professional trainer’s job to determine the lowest level necessary for each dog. The trainer teaches the dog the “language” of the collar. In other words, what does the vibration mean. The dog learns to look to his owner for direction whenever he feels the light tapping vibration. Professional trainers utilize the collar as a prompt to cue the dog at the lowest level necessary to simply get their attention. It is similar to a tap on the shoulder, which cues a person to turn around and get information. The intensity of this tap can change according to the distraction level of the person being tapped. Have you ever watched a young mother chatting with her friends while her toddler is pulling on her shirtsleeve? Of course, the mother isn’t ignoring her child, she is just oblivious until the child yanks hard enough to get her mother’s attention!” The same is true for the remote training collar.

A professional trainer determines your dog’s lowest level with minor distractions, but when high level distractions are present – such as a deer running past or a ball flying by – then a higher level may be necessary to get the dog’s attention. The vibration of the collar is the same as saying “pay attention, I am about to tell you something important” much like the tap on the shoulder that precludes the information given. The professional trainer teaches the dog that the vibration means pay attention, find the boss, a direction is coming. The correct level is the level at which the dog can recognize that he is receiving a signal from the training device and it is at that level that we have the dog’s attention.
Randall Lockwood, vice president for research and educational outreach for The Humane Society of the United States says, “new technology employed by responsible manufacturers has led to products that are being used safely and effectively to preserve the safety and well-being of many dogs and strengthen the bond with their human companions.

Owners are trained to deliver the appropriate signal at the instant they want their dog’s attention. This eliminates the time delay common with a leash and collar. The remote training collar provides consistency since it is used at all times and in all situations. Moreover, a remote training collar allows the owner to maintain gentle, effective control even at a distance when the dog is off-leash, reminding him that he is part of a team.
Additionally, the remote training collar is an effective tool for people with disabilities, especially in public environments with high levels of distractions.Sean Hayes, engineering manager for Tritronics, a leading manufacturer of remote dog training equipment, asserts “the remote training collar is much easier, safer, more consistent and provides less distraction to the dog. The dog is receiving the same stimulation every time. Compared to other training devices like a choke collar, which should be used properly, the remote collar allows perfect timing, and is more humane and effective.”