April 29, 2011

My dog does great with the ecollar outside, but inside she hides and acts strange. Why do you think she might be doing this? Any suggestions?

Full Question:
Hi Cindy,

I have begun my ecollar training after viewing the DVD several times. I have a 10 month old standard poodle. I am using a 20 ft long line during the training and feel comfortable with the stim level I am using on on her. During the outside training she responds appropriately, takes treats and toys during our 5/6 minute sessions. When we come in the house and I leave the collar on her she retreats to her bed, goes to sleep or hides in the shower and this goes on for hours she will not eat or go outside. When I take the collar off she is her old self again.

The other problem is using the ecollar in the house for training at the door, letting me out first, place, etc. She pays no attention to the command. Just runs as far as the drag line will take her. The only thing I can think of is that maybe she is not as 'hard' as I thought she was or either she is going through the beginning stages of understanding that I am the pack leader, not her and avoidance is the way she is showing her fear.

Any suggestions? I did look at the questions and answers on the page for ecollar questions but did not see anything like my issues. I have ordered a prong collar with quick release buckle and the dominant collar. Do you think I might have better response? I would really like to continue with the ecollar but do not want to damage my relationship with her if she continues her avoidance.

I love your website and visit everyday to read. Thanks for such good information and excellent products.

Diane
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
I would put the collar on her first thing in the morning and take it off at the end of the day. The collar should be meaningless to the dog, so if she’s behaving as you describe then you have brought her attention to wearing it.

My dogs get the collar on before we go outside in the AM and it comes off after supper. They don’t pay a bit of attention to it, other than to show their happiness when it goes on in the morning. To my dogs it’s merely a sign that our day has started.

Do not take the collar off in response to her going to her bed, etc… she doesn't call the shots, you do! Pack leaders don’t respond to that kind of behavior. You are in charge, remember that. Be firm and consistent. Don’t try to coax her or get her to eat. Ignore the behavior and act like nothing is different.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Rhodes

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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