Frequently Asked Questions

What is an e-collar and how does it work?

An “e-collar” is a device with a stimulation mechanism (similar to a tens unit). The collar is controlled by a remote which allows you to maintain full control of your dog for up to a half of a mile! This allows for all of our Saratoga dog training clients to have freedom and saved their owners from worrying about their dog running off! It is not used as a punishment or a “shock” as many people assume, it is simply used as a training device for communicating with your pet. In the old days this type of collar was used as “shock collar” and many inexperienced dog owners used this device to  frighten their dog into listening. In the proven training method our dog trainers in Saratoga teach, your dog is never “shocked into submission” or abused. It is the equivalent of someone getting your attention by tapping on your shoulder, or setting your phone on vibrate so it will alert you when someone is calling. We teach your dog to tune in to the “taps” and that the “taps” mean, “I am trying to get your attention.” There is a reason that the top law enforcement agencies, military, and top federal agencies: patrol, detection, and search and rescue dogs are trained using e-collars!

Will the e-collar hurt my dog?

No. At your first session with one of our local dog trainers, we will put the e-collar in your palm so you can feel how mild the stimulation is. This way, you can truly understand that it will not hurt your dog! One common misconception is that the e-collar will burn their skin. This is false! We are your local dog trainers because we LOVE dogs and we would never do anything to harm them in any way! Furthermore; we would never do anything to a dog, that we would not do to ourselves!

Will my dog always have to wear the e-collar?

No. Typically, inside your home, you will notice your dog will quickly be listening to your every command  without even using any stimulation. However, we always recommend keeping the e-collar on your dog so they do not get in a habit of not listening when they are not wearing it. Mostly, the e-collar should always be worn if you are intending to be off leash. You never know what may get your dog’s attention, so, you still want to be able to maintain complete control of them. You can consider your remote a collar to be an invisible leash. It only takes one time for you dog to see something that really catches their attention and without the collar, you have no way to stop him/her.

Will my dog hate the e-collar?

No! Almost everyone is VERY surprised that they receive quite the OPPOSITE reaction from their dog. When you turn an e-collar on, it beeps. In a very short time, your dog will recognize this “beep” as their collar being turned on. Almost every dog upon hearing this beep, will coming running and sit down in front of you and wait for you to put it on them. Why? Because the dog knows the e-collar means that they are going outside (to run, play ball, be free, etc) AND they know they are going to do training! A bored dog is a destructive dog; a trained/exercised dog is a HAPPY dog. They look forward to their training sessions because it stimulates them and gives them something to do. Imagine being at work on a slow day, the day drags and you feel sluggish. When you are busy, it goes by fast and you are energized! Now imagine a dog with no friends, no Facebook, no television, and no internet. Their only REAL stimulation is the training you give them and their time outside to run, play, and bond with you!

Where are private sessions held?

Contact the OLK9 Certified Trainer in your area for the location of their training.

Generally, we do not like to train dogs inside of the house! Why? It is easy for dogs to listen when they are in their own home. It is a familiar environment, if your pet trains and is able to learn in an unfamiliar environment, with countless distractions, they setting themsleves up to listen to your commands anywhere!

How much time per day will this require?

The great thing about this training is that you don’t have to set a specific amount of time aside per day in order to train your dog! We will teach you how to incorporate this training into your daily routine. We do recommend getting in about an hour of practice time total per day that you do not meet with your Saratoga dog trainer!

How long will the program take?

Basic Obedience is generally done in FOUR lessons.
Lesson 1: “Come” and “Sit.” Off-Leash
Lesson 2: “Extended Sit” and “Down.” Extended sit meaning your dog will sit until you release it
Lesson 3: “Place” and “Extended Down.” Place meaning your dog will sit on a specific object you point to (chair, bench, etc)
Lesson 4: “Loose Leash Walking.” Meaning, your dog will walk right beside of you while on a leash.
If you are interested in advanced obedience after you and your dog has completed the basic obedience, additional lessons are available!

At what age can we start training?

Generally, we do not start e-collar training on a dog until it is at least 5 months old.

What if my puppy is not 5 months old?

Not a problem! We can still train your pup using the clicker/treat method! This will give your new pup a good foundation for basic obedience! Additionally, We can teach you how to house train your puppy. He/ she will learn how to let you know they need to go. So they don’t continue having accidents in the house.

What if i have a small dog?

That is fine! E-Collar training works on a dog of ANY SIZE, ANY SHAPE, and ANY AGE (above 5 months).

Do you offer a guarantee?

Yes! We are so confident in this system, that if you are not completely amazed and 100% satisfied in the first lesson, the lesson is free! No questions asked! We also offer a LIFETIME guarantee on our board and train program! Consider it an investment for the lifetime of your pet!

Will my dog benefit from this training?

Your dog will benefit tremendously! Most behavior problems (biting, chewing, jumping, etc) are based off of a lack of exercise, discipline, and out of boredom! With this training, your dog is receiving top-quality obedience training, which in turn, allows you to give your dog freedom to run around OFF-LEASH and play! So by doing this training your dog is not bored because it is learning and being stimulated, it is running freely off-leash so it is getting exercise, and it is getting obedience/discipline! Not only does all of this greatly benefit your dog, but it also benefits you and your family!