E-Collar Training

Train your dog off-leash with confidence using a modern, humane electronic collar.

E-collar training uses low-level stimulation to create a clear, consistent line of communication between you and your dog. When introduced properly, it allows dogs to enjoy off-leash freedom while remaining reliable in real-world environments.

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Who This Training Is For

• Dogs 6 months and older
   

• Dogs that already understand basic obedience commands
   

• Handlers who want off-leash reliability and clear communication

 

Important: The e-collar does not teach commands. It only makes known commands reliable and consistent, especially off-leash or in distracting environments.​

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Not Sure Where to Start?

If your dog has a strong understanding of the minimum required commands, you can start with our initial 75–90 minute e-collar private lesson:

 

Required Commands:

• Sit
   

• Down
   

• Heel (walking on your side)
   

• Go Sniff / Send Out
   

• Recall

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• Place
   

If your dog does not know all of these commands, please schedule a Basic Obedience Private Lesson before beginning e-collar training. This ensures your dog is ready for off-leash reliability and can safely benefit from e-collar instruction.

 

The First Lesson We Will Cover:
 

• Determine the correct stimulation level for your dog
   

• Teach your dog what the e-collar is/ where is it coming from
   

• Teach handlers how to use it safely and effectively

 

• Create a training plan 
   

Next Steps:

​​After the first lesson you can continue with private lessons for personalized training and/or Join our 5-week e-collar group class to proof skills in real-world distractions.
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Private vs Group Classes

 

Private Lessons

• Individualized instruction for your dog and handler team
   

• Tailored coaching

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Group Classes

• Designed for dogs who have completed at least one e-collar private lesson
   

• Focus on real-world obedience, distance, duration, and distraction proofing​​​

 

What Is an E-Collar?

• Not a shock collar
   

• A wireless collar worn by your dog, operated by the handler using a remote
   

What Does It Feel Like?

• Modern e-collars deliver blunt, low-level stimulation similar to a TENS unit used in massage or physical therapy
   

• All handlers test the collar on their own hand before using it on the dog. Most say: “That’s it?”

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Why Use an E-Collar?

• Provides clear communication at a distance
   

• Allows off-leash freedom with control
   

• Strengthens recall and obedience under distractions
   

• Offers fair, consistent off-leash corrections
   

When used properly, e-collars create clarity. not fear.

 

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What Collar Should I Buy?

We recommend:

• Garmin Sport Collars
   

• Mini Educators
   

• SportDOG
   

• Dogtra
   

Avoid cheaper collars. they are often unreliable and overstimulating. You should not be able to feel the first few levels of stim. 

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Why A Setup Lesson Is So Important

• The e-collar is not a magic wand
   

• Pushing buttons without teaching the dog what stimulation means can cause confusion, unfair corrections, and unreliable behavior
   

• At Willow Creek Dog Training, we teach the right way to use the e-collar as a communication tool, not punishment

 

How Many Lessons Will I Need?

If you choose to only do private lessons:

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• Minimum: 3 lessons for foundation
   

• Recommended: 6 lessons for full off-leash reliability
   

There are three main phases of e-collar training; proper progression ensures confident, reliable off-leash behavior.

 

Common Myths About E-Collars

• Myth: E-collars are cruel.
  Truth: Modern e-collars are safe, humane communication tools.
   

• Myth: Only aggressive dogs need them.
  Truth: They enhance clarity and reliability for any dog.
   

• Myth: E-collars replace training.
  Truth: They do not teach commands, only make known commands reliable.
   

• Myth: They are “shock collars.”
  Truth: Today’s e-collars use safe, low-level stimulation.
   

• Myth: You can just push buttons and the dog will obey.
  Truth: Step-by-step teaching is required; random stimulation confuses dogs.
   

 

Ready to Start Training?

Book Your Private Lesson: 65–90 minutes to set your dog(s) up for off-leash success.

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Willow Creek Dog Training’s Location:                                           

One on one e-collar training in a safe controlled environment for you and your dog(s) to learn.

8493 Dawsonville HWY, Dawsonville

 

One Dog:

First Lesson 65-85 mins: $100

2 Lessons: $180

5 Lessons: $425

(additional lessons: 60 mins)

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Two Dog:

First Lesson 75-90mins: $130

2 Lessons: $240

5 Lessons: $575

(additional lessons: 65- 75 mins)

 

Please Contact for In-Home Training or Additional Dogs.