Modern E-collars fulfill the same basic purpose, delivering a pulse of electrical stimulation to your dog in response to a press of a button on a remote. They make it possible to communicate with your dog while training and bring their attention back to you in a dangerous situation.

But E-collars on the market today offer many additional features that enable a safer, more nuanced, and more comfortable training experience for you and your dog. These are some of the leading features to consider when selecting an E-collar.

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An E-collar, or an electric collar, can be a fantastic tool in your training regimen with your dog. When used correctly, the gentle shock provided by an E-collar is a communication tool. It provides correction for your dog that is harder to ignore than a verbal command and works across space if a leash correction is impossible.

But having the right E-collar is as important to your training routine as knowing how to use it. Purchasing the first collar you find online is not advised as many cheap collars are unnecessarily strong or do not have the safety features you need to maintain control over your dog. If you are considering working with a trainer who uses an E-collar or starting on our E-collar training program in our book The Art of Training Your Dog, these are some of our preferred collar brands.

Our Favorite E-Collar Brands

An E-collar works by linking a remote to a box on your dog’s collar via radio waves. When you press the remote button, the radio waves deliver an electric pulse. The variety of E-collars on the market offer a range of stimulation strengths, the radio range, and other features.

Some of the reliable brands that we have trained with ourselves and know to provide high quality and top features are:

• E-Collar Technologies: The ET-300 Mini Educator is a top choice for many trainers. It has a half mile range, built-in light, and a number of programmable features. The similar ME-300 Micro Educator is ideal for smaller dogs five pounds and up.
• Dogtra - Dogtra offers the 280C Basic Electronic Training Collar with an impressive 127 levels of stimulation and a half mile range. Both the collar and remote are waterproof and the remote is comfortable and user friendly for trainers. Similarly, the IQ Mini has many of the same features but with a smaller collar and remote for tinier breeds.
• Garmin - Garmin offers the Delta Sport XC with a three-quarter mile range, programmability up to three dogs, 36 levels of stimulation, and a built in bark suppression collar.
• Sportdog - The FieldTrainer 425X has 21 levels of stimulation and tone and vibration options on top of the standard electrical stimulation. It works up to 500 yards.
• DogWatch - the BigLeash S-15 E-collar has a half mile range and LED lights included so that you can see your dog at night.
• PetSafe - This brand offers the 600 Yard Remote Trainer which is great for training sessions where your dog will not be far from you since it covers approximately ⅓ of a mile. It can be used with one or two dogs.

 While many first time and more experienced trainers choose E-collars off this list, it is by no means all inclusive and you can find high quality dog collars for many other brands as well. The important factors to keep in mind when purchasing a dog collar is to make sure it has a range of stimulation methods that are going to be soft enough to communicate with your dog but not harm them, and that there are safety features built in for the best experience for you and your dog.

If you'd like to learn more about dog training with an eCollar, Marc Goldberg literally wrote the book on the subject, and provides both in person training in Chicago and remote training for clients around the world. Learn more by contacting Marc, today.

There are many reasons to bring a second dog home. Having another puppy in the house can be exciting and filled with dog cuddles. Dogs are social animals too, so your dog can benefit from having another dog to play with. But a second dog is also a commitment, so there are several factors to think about before you begin searching for your second dog.

Before we get started, there are a few reasons that are never good reasons to get a second dog for your family. These include if as a companion for a dog that has separation anxiety or to help socialize a dog that dislikes other dogs. If your current dog has either of these problems, work on solving the issues first with a trainer or you risk making the problem worse. And as with any pet, make sure everyone in your family is ready for a new dog.

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Dog’s have a reputation for having good night vision. After all, the wolves they are descended from do most of their hunting at night, so it would make sense that our pet dogs have some ability to see in the dark as well.

In fact, dogs can probably see 5 times better than we can at night. This is possible due to several biological features, and can provide interesting insight into how your dog sees the world around her.

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Training is an important activity for you to do with your dog. The act of training itself is a great way for you and your dog to interact and bond. It also establishes you as the leader in your home and someone your dog can trust. Training is also a necessity to keep your dog safe, whether you need to prevent her from running out into traffic or lunging for a toxic piece of chocolate on the ground.

With dog training, you can go very in depth. You can train your dog to run agility courses, or to open the fridge for you. But before you start training any advanced commands, or even if you only ever want to train the basics, these seven commands are the ones your dog needs to know and follow as reliably as possible for both safety and a peaceful household.

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In terms of unwanted dog behaviors, humping is one of those that tend to be the most embarrassing for human owners. Whether your dog is mounting other dogs at the park or humping visitors’ legs when they come to the house, having your dog display this behavior can leave you feeling embarrassed and awkward.

The good news is that humping is a very common dog behavior, and you are not the only dog owner who has had to deal with it. It is also often a fixable behavior. By taking a bit of time to understand why your dog is engaging in humping and choosing the right steps to train them out of it, you can often control humping or eliminate the behavior altogether. 

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As dog owners, many of us like to take our pets everywhere. This includes our favorite restaurants where our pets can be our dining companions. The experience can also be enjoyable for the dogs with new sights, smells, and maybe extra attention.

In order to dine out with your dog while still maintaining that enjoyable experience for you and other restaurant patrons, there are a few tips you can use to keep the experience stress free and make sure your dog is well behaved.

Tips for Patio Dining with a Dog

• Start Small - Like anything new you do with your dog, starting small is the best way to begin. Go during a time the restaurant won't be very busy and stay for one drink or an appetizer. This keeps your dog from getting overwhelmed before you build up to full-on meals.
• Check the Restaurant Is Dog Friendly - Many patios do accept dogs, but it is best to check before heading out. Some will only allow service dogs on the patio, some may have certain days or times where dogs are allowed. Check their website, social media, or call ahead to confirm your dog as welcome.
• Keep Your Dog Leashed - Anytime you're in public, keep your dog on a leash and close to your table to avoid tripping others or having your dog get into anything she should not.
• Bring Your Own Bowl - Even if a restaurant has a communal water bowl out, it is best to provide your dog water in a personal bowl. Shared water bowls can often contain bacteria or different germs you do not want your dog to come in to contact with
• Feed Your Dog Before You Go - A restaurant will have lots of good smells to a dog’s sensitive nose. If your dog has a full stomach before you head out, she is less likely to be tempted and distracted by all those smells.

Whenever you dine out, whether it is your first time or your dog is a seasoned dining companion, know when it is time to leave. The smells, people, and movement on a restaurant patio can sometimes be overwhelming and your dog may not have the patience. If your dog starts to get agitated and you cannot calm her down after a few minutes, ask the waiter to pack up your food. This prevents the experience from being a negative one and you can always try again on another day.

No matter how much you love your dog, you cannot spend every minute of the day with her. Work, school, errands, and socialization will take you out of the house and your dog will have to spend a few hours by herself. Even when you are home, chores and family time can keep you from spending time with your pup.

But when you want your dog to be as happy and healthy as possible, making sure they get enough time with you is essential. Learn about how much together time your dog needs, how to tell if she is getting enough, and how much might be too much.

Understanding Quality Time with Your Dog

As a general rule, veterinarians and trainers recommend around 2 hours per day of one-on-one time with you and your dog. Some of these activities that count as quality time with your dog include:

• Feeding Time
• Bathroom Breaks
• Walks
• Play Time
• Training
• Cuddling

Just remember that time spent should be quality time. You want to choose activities that you know your dog enjoys, and ones that involve the both of you. Engaging in a game of fetch together for 10 minutes is far more valuable to your dog than sitting in the same room together while you are working for an hour.

It is also important to remember that 2 hours is only an estimate. There is no single right answer for the number of minutes you should spend each day with your pup. The number will depend on the breed, temperament, age, and health.

You can often tell if your dog requires more time with you if she appears bored and uninterested, starts showing symptoms of anxiety, or becomes destructive while you are away. These are indicators that your dog is trying to get your attention. Adding an extra walk or playtime, or looking into daycare or a daily walk in the middle of the day can help your dog get more of the socialization she needs.

Training Your Dog to Spend Time Alone

On the flip side, it is possible to spend too much time with your dog. As people return to work after Covid-19 restrictions, this is a particular concern. Dogs who have spent hours a day with you may experience separation anxiety when they are faced with alone time.

If you do have to change the amount of time your dog spends alone, be sure to start slowly and work up to the necessary amount of time. For dogs that will be alone for more than 6 to 8 hours, make a plan for a dog walker to take them out some time while you are gone.

When you are out and about and see a cute dog, your first instinct might be to pet him. We get it. Dogs are cute and cuddly. But there are many reasons not to rush in and pet the dog. He may be in training, uncomfortable around strangers, or have a medical issue you are not aware of. The dog and his owner may be in a hurry or may not be in the mood for chatting.

Even if the dog is happy to receive pets, you will also want to use the right technique to keep him comfortable. This may be different from the way you interact with your own dogs, but using this approach - and teaching your children to do the same - can help protect you from dog bites, misunderstandings, and uncomfortable experiences.

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Whether you've just brought home a puppy, a rescue dog, or you're ready to start training a beloved family pet, there is no better time to get started with dog training. Young dogs, old dogs, and all breeds capable of learning new tricks or changing unwanted behaviors as long as you have the right training approach.

When done right, training is beneficial for both you and your dog. In addition to creating a well behaved dog and avoiding unwanted behaviors, training makes you seem like a confident leader to your dog, giving him confidence and security. It provides mental stimulation, and helps the two of you learn to work together, increasing the bond you have with your pup.

What You Need to Start Training

Although there will be some challenges along the way, going into training with a plan and the right tools can help you and your four legged friends succeed. Patience and a positive attitude are key as you get started with training. There is bound to be some frustration on both your part and that of your dog and training will take time. Some dogs are anxious to please and learn very quickly, but others may need frequent reminders.

The good news is that as you get started and master the basics, later training will become easier as both you and your dog improve your communication. To get started, make sure you have:

• Resources - Most dog owners are not experts in training, but expert advice is readily available. If you want to handle training on your own, find books or online resources to guide you. Just as if you were choosing an in person trainer, you will want to take some time to research and read feedback to be sure you are using resources from a reliable trainer.
• Training Tools - What you use to train your dog will vary based on your preferences and those of your dog. A leash and collar are necessities to help guide your dog. You'll also need a type of reward that you know your dog enjoys such as treats or toys. Some trainers will also opt to use a clicker or E-collar to help reinforce behavior.
• Goals - You also need to know what you want to accomplish with your dog. You may want them to know the basics like sit, stay, and heel. You may want to train out an undesirable behavior like barking or getting in the trash. Or you may want to try advanced skills and tricks. Whichever you choose, it's best to start small and proceed at a pace that is comfortable for you and your dog.

If your goal is to train out problems like aggression where there is a risk to people or other animals, or you simply want a little extra help in getting started, working with a professional trainer is the best way to help correct your dog's behavior and build a strong foundation for all future training.

While breeds like huskies are known for their “talkative” natures, most dogs are not particularly chatty. They may bark when they are excited or defensive, and they may whine when they are upset or want something. Otherwise, your dog probably does not vocalize their thoughts often.

But this does not mean that your dog is not talking to you. Dogs speak with their body language, and nowhere is this more obvious than their tails. It is also more complicated than a wagging tail means happy and a tail between the legs means sad. Your dog can actually tell you all kinds of things with her tail as long as you know how to interpret her language.

How to Decode a Dog’s Tail

There are two aspects of the tail wag that you can translate. The first is tail position and the second is wagging speed, or lack of movement. Other body language, such as posture and ear position, can also give you extra clues on what your dog is thinking or feeling in the moment.

Let’s start with position. Here are some common tail positions and what they mean:

• Tail Up - A tail pointing up indicates that your dog is excited and alert. If there is wagging involved, she is probably happy. If the tail is still and ears are pricked, your dog is watching and might be getting ready for confrontation or chase. The raised tail releases more scent from the anal glands, announcing their presence.
• Tail Out - Many dogs will hold their tail out or slightly down as their neutral position. Straight out is usually a sign of curiosity and exploration.
• Tail Down - Depending on the downward angle, this can be anything from neutral to submissive. A relaxed downward angle is neutral, and the dog is either bored or relaxed. As the tail moves between the legs, the dog is perceiving a threat and trying to avoid it. The lowered tail blocks scent from the anal glands, making her less obvious to other dogs.

The tail moving between positions is also indicative. Moving from a neutral position to a raised tail is often a precursor to aggression while moving from neutral to down is a sign of submission.

Whether or not the tail is wagging is also a sign of your dog’s thoughts. Fast movement indicates excitement. Broad wags show happiness, while more narrow wags are for agitation. Slow wags or no wags mean your dog is more neutral about a situation, but not unhappy.

Another important sign is when your dog goes from wagging her tail to standing still. This is often a sign that she noticed a threat and is attempting to avoid it without seeming aggressive, such as when a person approaches her with unwanted pets.

“Listening” to your dog by knowing and responding to her tail ways is one of the best ways to increase the positive communication between your dog and. It lets you anticipate unwanted reactions and behaviors, as well as advocate for your dog when she is in situations where she is uncomfortable. And it also offers confirmation that your dog is happy to be around you, which is always a welcome reminder.

It’s hard not to smile at your dog when she comes running to you, tail wagging. But can your dog tell by your smile that you are happy to see her? Or for that matter, can she tell that your frown means you are upset after she eats one of your shoes?

Scientists have been studying dog behavior and recent research reveals that dogs do have some ability to understand our expressions, but relying on expressions alone may not be the best way to communicate with your pup. Here is how dogs respond to our expressions and what that means for your training.

Studies Regarding Dogs and Facial Expressions

Researchers have long done studies where they measure dogs’ brain activity when shown pictures of humans with different facial expressions. By using an MRI machine and studying behavioral cues, scientists have seen that a dog responds differently depending on whether the dog is looking at a happy face or an angry one. Dogs also show recognition of their owner’s faces over other faces.

Much of this is likely a result of training, rather than a completely innate understanding of what we convey with our expressions. Think about how your dog experiences your facial expressions while she is a puppy:

• You often smile before you give your dog treats, pets, or attention.
• You look upset before you deliver a reprimand or correction.

A recent study from last year supports this idea. In the study, researchers looked at brain activity in dogs when they looked at a face and the back of a person’s head. The result? The activity was the same. The dogs knew they were looking at a head, but a face with an expression was not any more exciting to them than the back of the head.

One of the reasons for this is that dogs communicate with each other using their entire body. The way they hold themselves, their tails, their ears, their teeth, and their tongues all convey their thoughts while people rely in large part on our facial expressions. Dogs learn to recognize our facial expressions, but are not naturally attuned to it.

The fact that dogs learn how to read our expressions shows how adaptable they are to living alongside people. They even change their own behavior. Pet dogs will display more intense expressions when they know a person is present as opposed to when they are only with other dogs.

Building communication skills between you and your dog is an essential part of training, and it is something that you will both learn over time. Helping your dog understand your forms of communication, such as expressions and eye contact, is another skill you want to focus on training, rewarding, and correct, as with all other behaviors.