The Top 5 Ways We Use an E-Collar
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In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—lays out the five core ways she uses the e-collar: as a low-level communication tool, to secure compliance around distractions, to add real accountability to finished obedience, to stop unwanted behaviors fast, and to lower arousal/interrupt fixation so dogs can relax and learn. She also explains how timing, level, and clear markers (“No”) make all the difference.
Episode Highlights (Top 5 Uses)
- Low-level “language” (pressure-release): Install a silent, wireless cue so the dog learns to shut off gentle stem by moving with you—then apply it to sit, down, place, heel, recall.
- Distraction-proof compliance: As the world gets “louder,” raise intensity so the dog can perceive the cue; use the cold-to-hot hold-and-raise protocol to find the right level without spooking.
- Real accountability for obedience: After teaching and proofing, treat non-compliance like an unwanted behavior so finished cues become non-optional—no lifetime “nagging.”
- Stopping unwanted behaviors fast: Mark “No” during (or just before) the behavior and follow with a meaningful, high-enough correction so jumping, trash-raiding, and nonstop barking end.
- Arousal & fixation control: Low-to-moderate taps to break staring, settle on place/crate, and install a relaxed “double-down” (chin to floor) so dogs can exist calmly with triggers.
Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
- 00:30 – Who we are: Diamond K9 (Biddeford, ME); off-leash obedience, behavior work, puppies.
- 01:24 – Why honest info is hard to find online; mission of the podcast.
- 02:21 – Why the e-collar matters: reliability/accountability when there’s no leash—your safety net.
- 03:22 – Myths: it isn’t only “high shock”; accountability still matters.
- 06:05 – Finding the dog’s perception level: ear flicks, glances—true low levels.
- 06:50 – “Let’s go” pressure-release reps: dog hits the end of the leash, feels stem, turns back to you.
- 07:48 – Language appears: dog chooses you without leash help.
- 08:37 – Apply low-level work to sit/down/place/heel; dog learns to shut off pressure in each context.
- 09:22 – Exception: starting with kennel corrections is fine; it won’t “ruin” foundation.
- 11:01 – Most nuisance behaviors (≈99%) can be stopped quickly with proper corrections.
- 11:52 – Kati’s first e-collar story (≈8 months old): starting with corrections on a difficult pup.
- 12:45 – #1 Use: low-level language for clear, remote guidance.
- 13:37 – Remote influence anywhere in the yard/room—no shouting.
- 14:27 – #2 Use: distraction-proofing; raise level as the world gets “louder.”
- 16:52 – “Cold-to-hot”: hold the button and gently raise until the dog prioritizes you, then release.
- 18:53 – “Phishing” taps vs. moving into the tracing phase (expectations).
- 19:40 – #3 Use: real accountability—graduating from influence to standards.
- 21:57 – Why staying in the “middle” = permanent nagging with the button.
- 24:31 – #4 Use: punishment for unwanted behavior; timing your “No” matters.
- 26:37 – Jumping example: mark the wind-up or the act—not after.
- 27:30 – High means high for elimination; too-low risks desensitizing and long-term nagging.
- 33:14 – If you went too low: you’re building tolerance; be decisive and fair.
- 34:58 – If spooked: re-expose neutrally; associations can be rebuilt.
- 36:35 – Keep a leash early so you can guide—don’t let the dog check out to the crate.
- 38:36 – #5 Use: arousal control—taps to settle in crate/place and break fixation.
- 40:10 – Teaching the “double-down” (chin to floor) for a calm state of mind.
- 41:31 – Case: breaking fixation on kids/cats with low-moderate taps, rehearsing calm around triggers.
- 42:45 – Gear/course notes: Mini/Micro Educator (E-Collar Technologies) for true low-level nuance; “10 Days to a Great Place” starter course.