Frequently Asked Questions

What is an E-Collar?

An "E-Collar" is a dog collar with a stimulation mechanism built in, controlled by a small remote the handler holds. The remote allows you to maintain full control of your dog from a distance, giving your dog freedom to explore while keeping you in communication with them.

The E-Collar delivers a low-level electrical stimulation — often compared to a gentle tap or nick — rather than the harsh correction older or lower-quality collars were known for. When E-Collars first came into use in the 1960s, early versions were used to train hunting dogs, and unfortunately were also misused by some inexperienced owners trying to scare their dog into submission. With our precision techniques, your dog is never trained through fear or force.

We use the E-Collar to get your dog's attention and keep it focused on listening to commands. Think of it like someone tapping you on the shoulder to get your attention, or your phone set to vibrate so you notice a call. We teach your dog that the "tap" simply means, "please pay attention to me." Using our proven techniques, your dog learns to respond to commands quickly and consistently, because they know exactly what's expected of them.

Is E-Collar training right for my dog?

E-Collar training works well for the vast majority of dogs, regardless of breed. It's most commonly used for medium to large breed dogs, since they tend to be more powerful and harder to control when distracted by other dogs, people, or animals.

We do not accept dogs that are people or dog-aggressive into our program. If your dog is simply reactive to other dogs or people, our training will help build the confidence and obedience your dog needs to stay calm, giving you full control regardless of distractions. If there is any uncertainty about training your dog with an E-Collar we suggest booking a private consultation so we can evaluate your dog together, and make an educated decision about your dog's chance of success with our training system.

Is E-Collar training OK for small dogs?

Yes — We have successfully trained lots of small breed dogs. Our precision E-Collar training works for any sized dog. For smaller breeds, we use a micro-trainer, which is smaller in size and power than our standard unit. We custom fit small dog E-Collars with the most suitable contact points and accessories.

What age should my dog be for E-Collar training?

Your dog should be at least 6 months of age before starting E-Collar training. By 6 months your dog should be crate trained, potty trained and have at least a general understanding of basic commands like Come, Sit and Down. This is a great time to start E-Collar training. At 6 months dogs are receptive, eager to learn and generally speaking do not have a long list of bad behaviours that need to be corrected.

Some large breed dogs may be suitable for E-Collar training at a younger age. Please reach out and discuss this with our Head Trainer.

Will my dog always have to wear an E-Collar?

No. With practice and consistency, your dog will start obeying your commands inside your home without the E-Collar on.

We recommend always putting the E-Collar on your dog before heading outside to guarantee full control regardless of distractions. You can never be sure what might catch your dog's attention, so it's like having an invisible, long-distance leash on your dog whenever it's on.

As you continue using the E-Collar alongside clear commands, markers, and rewards, you'll find that very little — if any — stimulation is needed for your dog to respond.

Wearing the E-Collar outside is a bit like wearing a seatbelt: most of the time it's not needed, but the one time something unexpected happens, it's what prevents a serious problem.

Will the E-Collar hurt my dog?

Not when it's used correctly. Like any training tool — including choke chains, harnesses, and prong collars — an E-Collar can cause harm if it's misused. Used properly, it won't hurt your dog.

During our first meeting, we'll let you feel how mild the stimulation is — in many cases, owners can't even feel it at the level we'll use to train their dog.

We match the correct e-collar contact points to your dog's fur type, build, and sensitivity so that only the lowest level of stimulation that your dog can feel is used. The collar is fitted so the contact points stay in place without causing friction. We use hypoallergenic contact points for dogs with sensitive skin.

The stimulation level we use is nowhere near a taser or any kind of painful shock — it's a brief, mild sensation designed to get attention, not cause discomfort. We're dog trainers because we care deeply about dogs, and safety is central to everything we do.

Where do private lessons take place?

We hold all lessons at our 6000 sq/ft indoor training center and large outdoor training field just outside Guelph in the Puslinch/Cambridge area. As lessons progress and your dog learns its commands, we add a wide variety of distractions to challenge your dog and proof its commands while distracted.

How much time should I spend training my dog?

2 Week Board & Train Program:

On completion, your dog is trained for off-leash obedience. You are now handling your dog with the commands it knows and has proven it can obey consistently. You are now just reinforcing those commands through calm, clear, consistent leadership. Every walk, outing, and adventure is an opportunity to reinforce your dog's known commands. Don't lower your expectations and your dog will respond accordingly.

1 Week Board & Train Program:

On completion, your dog is trained for loose-leash obedience and will respond to your commands quickly and with confidence. Your dog will have worked off-leash in our training center and will be very close to full off-leash obedience. We will provide expert guidance to help you work with your dog to get to that next level.

Hybrid Training Program:

You will build on your dog's success and increase challenges until your dog can perform all of their commands consistently, in any environment.

1-on-1 Training Program:

We recommend working with your dog a minimum of 1 hour per day and being consistent with obedience expectations at all times. The more focussed training time you commit to your dog the faster you will see results. A consistent training schedule is best as dog's love a schedule. You will have a set of realistic goals to reach each week and we will build on that success while slowly adding distractions to the training. By the end of the 4-week program you should expect your dog to be off-leash obedient.

Will my dog hate wearing the E-Collar?

No — dog owners are often surprised by the opposite reaction. Dogs typically adjust to wearing the E-Collar quickly, and it has no more effect on them day-to-day than a regular collar.

Many dogs learn to associate the collar with going outside, playing, and training — so much so that they'll often come running when they see it.

A bored dog can become a destructive dog; a trained and exercised dog is generally a happier, more content one. Training sessions give your dog mental stimulation and something to look forward to, much like how staying busy makes your own day go by faster.

Some dogs may be less enthusiastic about the E-Collar simply because it means paying attention and following commands — not because it causes them discomfort. With consistent, proper use, most dogs adjust well and many come to enjoy their training time.

When your dog is fully E-Collar trained you will enjoy more quality time with your dog and, when appropriate, you both get to benefit from the off-leash freedom that comes with an well trained dog.

Is E-Collar training legal in Ontario?

Yes. E-Collars are legal to use in Ontario. Quebec is currently the only Canadian province with a ban on their use, and there is no federal ban in Canada. As with any training tool, we always recommend using an E-Collar correctly and under proper guidance — which is exactly what our programs are built around.

Does E-Collar training mean my dog can run loose anywere?

No. Off-leash training builds your dog's reliability and recall — it doesn't change your local leash laws. Most Ontario municipalities, including Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, and Hamilton, Toronto and the GTA require dogs to be leashed in public spaces except in designated off-leash areas.

What off-leash training gives you is confidence and control in those designated areas, and a genuine safety net — if a leash ever breaks, a gate is left open, or your dog slips out of a collar, a well-trained dog will still come back to you. Always check your own municipality's bylaws for designated off-leash areas near you.