Don’t Blame The Tool, Blame The Person Who Abused It.
December 28, 2020
At iTK9, we make it mandatory for our clients to experience the sensation of an e-collar at low, medium, and high levels. This is not only an eye-opening experience but also serves as a powerful educational tool. Once they feel it for themselves, and we explain how we teach and use it with their dogs, clients are often shocked by the negative public perception and calls for banning this valuable tool.
Why the Controversy?
The controversy surrounding e-collars and prong collars is often driven by emotional reactions from those who are unfamiliar with the proper use of these tools. Many opponents lack the knowledge of how these collars can be used humanely to create positive outcomes. It's essential to recognize that every training tool can be misused—including food, harnesses, flat collars, martingales, leashes, crates, and slip leads. However, these tools are not vilified because people understand their benefits when used appropriately.
Understanding the Proper Use of Training Tools
There are right and wrong ways to use every tool in dog training. The e-collar and prong collar, when applied correctly, are no different than any other training device. In fact, these tools are incredibly effective when used with proper technique and a clear understanding of their role in behavior modification and communication with your dog.
Can Training Tools Be Abused? Absolutely.
But it's crucial to note that any training tool can be abused if not used responsibly. The difference lies in the knowledge and education behind their use. At iTK9, we believe in transparency and education. We explain to our clients the proper use of these collars, demonstrate the methods, and show them the positive results that can be achieved.
The Benefits of E-Collars and Prong Collars
When used correctly, e-collars and prong collars can be life-changing for dogs. These tools can help improve behavior, increase communication, and, in some cases, even save a dog's life. For example, e-collars are often used in situations where off-leash reliability is essential for a dog’s safety.
What many don’t realize is that banning these tools removes an important option for responsible dog owners and trainers. This is why it’s so important for us to continue educating owners about how these tools work and the real-world benefits they offer when used properly.
Education is Key: Changing the Narrative
If people were more informed about the proper, humane use of e-collars and prong collars, we would see a shift in the current narrative. At iTK9, we are committed to showing dog owners what’s possible when these tools are used correctly and responsibly. The results speak for themselves.
We will continue to educate and demonstrate the impact of proper training techniques with these tools, and we will not stop until the true potential and value of e-collars and prong collars are understood.