A headline that claims an e-collar can help a dog go from anxious and aggressive to happy and content may seem hard to believe for some.
But for those in the know, it is a common occurrence.
I suspect the bigger question about using the e-collar to work with dog’s like Marley is why does it work so well? Science is going to have to jump in and provide more research but it is my opinion that using a low-level tapping rhythm to bring a dog back into focus when highly agitated or distracted works similar to tapping (EFT) techniques that many humans use to recalibrate their own nervous systems.
My speculation is that using a cadence with the e-collar taps that falls into sync with the natural timing of nerve impulses helps to calm the dog. Just like patting a crying, over stimulated baby on the back. The tapping, when done in a rhythmic way works in conjunction with the nervous system bringing the heart rate and breathing pattern back into a calmer state.
Don’t get me wrong it is not magic and not just anybody should grab an e-collar and strap it on a nervous dog and start using it…BUT with direction and understanding of how this works, it honestly doesn’t take a rocket scientist to get these kind of results. (contrary to what many people would like you to believe)
It also take a paradigm shift and the ability to see an e-collar as something other than a tool that is strapped on the dog’s neck and used to SHOCK when bad behavior is exhibited. That paradigm shift is something Eileen learned when she studied here at TMD and I can’t say I am more proud of her and all the students who have gained a better understanding of what this tool can help achieve.
The more educated we become, the more we can work to ensure happy success stories like Marley. It just doesn’t get better than dog’s being rehabilitated and being able to stay happily in their homes.
Marley was the perfect pup. He was smart, sweet and beautiful. He was the easiest dog to potty train. But as he approached the year and a half mark, his behavior was developing into a problem. He was always a little leery of strangers, but now he was beginning to show aggression. He began charging the front door when someone would visit, barking out the front windows at anything or anyone passing by and running the fence barking at all of our neighbors. When we did have company over, he was fine until the company was about to leave. Twice he attempted a bite when a guest hugged me goodbye. We were not happy with Marley. It was very frustrating for my husband, my daughter and myself.
Eileen introduced us to the e-collar. She worked with Marley and both my husband and me. We established a whole new set of rules for Marley and our family. The whole family became involved in showing Marley what was expected of him. Eileen instructed us to use a place command with Marley. We used this when anyone came to visit, leave and also at dinner time. The e-collar made our communication with Marley possible. He caught on quickly and seemed more content.
Eileen worked extensively with Marley and strangers. We incorporated a reward system with guests. Once our company was in our home, Marley was released from his place. The company was given a small treat bowl and was requested to give Marley a treat reward once he did something for them. It was comical to see what he would offer. It might be a paw and if that didn’t work he would do his dead dog, roll over routine. His behavior with company did a 180 all in thanks to the e-collar training pared with positive reinforcement.
We love Marley. He is now a happy, relaxed member of our family. Since our training with Eileen we noticed Marley sleeps on his back. He would NEVER do that before. I am convinced he feels secure and happy with his new life. The e-collar provided a way to communicate with Marley. Our daughter, Lauren, who was never really fond of dogs, especially Marley, has also done a 180. At bedtime, it is our evening ritual to read a story. Lauren now requests Marley get up on her bed so she can read to him. Marley waits for permission to be invited up and once he is on the bed, he lays perfectly still listening to Lauren read.
Thanks to Eileen and her knowledge working with all of us using the remote collar, Marley is a wonderful dog.
Ann, Tim and Lauren
Robin, I think you’re really onto something here about the taps. I recently saw an inspiring and amazing video clip of Carly Fleischmann who has autism http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34xoYwLNpvw . She couldn’t speak until one day she started typing words on a computer. Everyone had incorrectly assumed that she was mentally unable to communicate. She explained the reason why she would hit her head on the floor or hit her head with her hands (like tapping) was not to cause pain but to counter act all the over stimulation she was receiving from the outside world. She said she had to hit herself to prevent her body from feeling like exploding. So the hitting was helpful and relieving pain.
The taps from a “just right setting” on a remote collar gives the dog a lot of information as to the correct choice to make. It’s a great communication tool and I have used it with many fearful and aggressive dogs. When used properly, it does not cause aggression problems to worsen but gives the dog an excellent opportunity to make better choices and relax rather than continue to be reactive.
Thanks for sharing this Michael. I think there is a lot to be explored with these concepts. We are just scratching the surface….there is so much yet to be learned. I hope to write more on the topic in future posts. I always appreciate your open mind, sharing and willingness to explore new concepts.
COST OF E-COLLAR, DVD ON HOW TO USE AND ANTTHING ELES YOU THINK I NEED. THANK YOU
You can find my dvd’s at http://www.thatsmydogstore.com/ There will also be information about our online support site. Also, if you look at our graduate
page there may be someone in your area who can assist with some help and private lessons.