Modern E-Collars Aren’t Shock Collars — Here’s the Truth

Written By Arron Blaine

I get the looks. I hear the comments. I see the judgment.

When people notice the collar, their reactions fall into one of three groups.

Some don’t even clock it. I could tell them it’s a GPS tracker and they’d nod, none the wiser.

Others are curious — they’ve heard about e-collars, maybe even considered them, but they’re not sure what to believe.

And then there are the ones who do know what it is… or at least think they do.

They say things like:

“Oh, so you shock your dog?”

“Isn’t that a bit extreme?”

“I thought those were banned?”

And here’s the thing — I don’t get angry.

Because I used to think that too.

What People Think E-Collars Are

Most people imagine some outdated, high-voltage tool that zaps a dog into obedience. They picture fear, yelping, and control.

And honestly? That kind of tool did exist — decades ago. And unfortunately, some people still use them that way.

But that’s not how I train, and that’s not what a modern e-collar is.

What They Actually Are

Today’s e-collars are nothing like what people assume.

The level I use with my dogs is so low that I’ve put it on myself — and I could barely feel it. It’s not a jolt. It’s not pain. It’s like a tap on the shoulder from a distance. A way to say, “Hey, I’m still here,” when instinct is louder than my voice.

And that’s the key:

The e-collar isn’t about dominance. It’s about communication.

It’s not a punishment. It’s a prompt.

It’s not about controlling a dog. It’s about building a bridge when voice and treats fall short.

It doesn’t replace trust. It reinforces it.

What It Did for Me and My Huskies

I have two high-energy Huskies. Anyone who’s walked one will understand — they don’t just follow a scent, they vanish into it.

Before I learned how to use the e-collar properly, every walk felt like a gamble.

Would they stay close?

Would a deer send them over the next hill?

Would I be left shouting their names and hoping?

I was exhausted. Embarrassed. And I hated that I was starting to resent walks — the one thing we all used to love.

Learning to use the e-collar the right way changed all of that.

I didn’t just teach my dogs a new skill — I gave them back their freedom.

And they gave me back my peace.

Why the Myth Persists

A big part of the problem is language.

People hear “e-collar” and immediately think “shock collar.” The media rarely helps. And even among dog trainers, there’s still so much debate and division.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

  • Most people who criticise e-collars have never used one properly

  • Most people who do use them ethically don’t shout about it — they’re too busy living better lives with their dogs

  • And the dogs? They don’t care about the politics. They care that they’re being understood

So Let’s Be Clear:

The e-collar, when used fairly, calmly, and correctly:

  • Does not hurt the dog

  • Does not replace positive reinforcement

  • Does not punish

  • Does not create fear

  • Does create communication that holds up under pressure

  • Does build reliability in high-drive, prey-driven dogs

  • Does allow for real, safe off-lead freedom

It’s not a shortcut.

It’s not a crutch.

It’s a tool — and like any tool, it depends on the hands that use it.

Still Unsure? I Get It.

That’s why I offer a free 15-minute consultation — no pressure, no push, just a real conversation about your dog and whether this approach might be right for you.

Whether you’re here to ask questions, vent frustrations, or finally say, “I need help,” you’re welcome.

Because I’ve been the one dreading walks.

I’ve been the one gritting my teeth every time the lead tightened.

And I’ve also been the one who found a better way — and now spends every day helping others do the same.

Let’s talk.

→ Book your free 15-minute consult

Unleashed Instincts | Lead-Free, Not Lawless

Arron Blaine