Let’s be honest—few tools in the dog world stir up as much fear, misinformation, and controversy as e-collars. And that’s a real shame… because when used properly, few tools are as effective or empowering for both dogs and their humans.

Let’s clear the air and tackle a few of the most common myths:
 

“E-collars electrocute dogs.”
Nope. Not even close. Modern e-collars use the same type of muscle stimulation as TENS units used in physical therapy. There’s no electricity running through your dog—just a mild, adjustable pulse. We always encourage owners to try it on their own hand first. The reaction is always the same: “That’s it?!”
 

“E-collar corrections are cruel and painful.”
A properly fitted and calibrated e-collar is no more painful than a light leash tug. Most dogs work at levels so low, they can barely feel it—just enough to get their attention. The goal isn’t pain. It’s communication.
 

“E-collars burn dogs.”
They don’t generate heat and cannot burn your dog. What people often mistake for burns are actually pressure sores—caused by the contact points sitting in one spot too long. That’s why we rotate collar placement every few hours and use alternative contact points for dogs with skin sensitivities.
 

“But I’ve seen the burns!”
What you saw were likely pressure sores or allergic reactions, not burns. Think of it like wearing tight glasses or resting your arm on a chair edge too long—it’s pressure, not fire. (Still skeptical? Try lighting a piece of toilet paper with an e-collar.)
 

“E-collars are outdated and dangerous.”
In the past, sure—some collars had very few levels and could be too harsh. But today’s high-quality collars offer 100+ levels of precision, letting us find each dog’s “working level”—usually just a mild tingle. Ironically, many “tougher” dogs work on lower levels than smaller, more sensitive ones.
 

“They’ll shock my dog if it gets wet!”
Modern e-collars are waterproof and were originally designed for hunting dogs. They’re made to get wet. And fun fact: water can actually dull the sensation—not amplify it.
 

“E-collars are just shortcuts for lazy trainers.”
If clarity and consistency are shortcuts, we’ll take it! E-collars allow us to clearly and calmly communicate with dogs, helping them progress faster and with less stress. It’s not about skipping work—it’s about making the work more effective.
 

“They should only be used as a last resort.”
Not at all. We use e-collars every day with dogs of all sizes, temperaments, and training levels—not just for “last resort” cases. For most owners, they become an invisible leash that offers freedom, safety, and peace of mind.
 

“Never use an e-collar on a nervous or fearful dog.”
Actually, these dogs often benefit most from e-collar training. With the right approach, we’ve seen fearful dogs gain confidence, clarity, and trust—because they finally understand what’s being asked of them in a way that feels safe and consistent.
 

“E-collars are easily abused.”
The sad truth is, any tool can be misused—yes, even a pillow or leash. But responsible owners don’t spend money on professional training equipment just to harm their dogs. Abuse stems from intent, not tools.

These are just a few of the myths we hear most often, but if you’ve got questions—ask away. We welcome honest, informed conversations.
 

At Lead Right, we’ve used just about every training tool out there—and time and again, we come back to e-collars.
Why? Because they work. For real dogs. In real situations. With real results.

And no, not just for extreme cases. We use them for recall, leash walking, off-leash freedom, stopping jumping, counter-surfing, chasing, barking—you name it.
 

We know there will always be critics. But we encourage you to learn for yourself. Strip away the drama, the fear-mongering, and the outdated assumptions.
 

Imagine walks without pulling or reactivity. Imagine a dog who actually listens the first time. Imagine giving your dog the freedom to run, play, and explore safely—while still having a way to communicate clearly with them.
 

That’s the power of the e-collar. And we’re proud to offer it to the dogs and owners we serve.