Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is my dog’s “working level”?
The lowest stimulation level the dog can clearly feel and respond to without stress, yelping, or avoidance. If you can see it, they can feel it. If they ignore it, it is too low. If they panic, you have gone too high. Simple.

2. Should I use the e-collar without a long line?
Not at the start. The long line is your insurance policy. It prevents rehearsal of ignoring the recall and keeps the session clean. Off-lead only comes in Week 4 once reliability exists.

3. Why do we press and hold the stim instead of tapping it?
Because this is pressure-release training. The stimulation turns off when the dog makes the correct decision and completes the recall. Tapping creates confusion. Holding creates clarity.

4. Will this make my dog scared of the e-collar or the recall command?
No, if you follow the steps correctly. The recall becomes the solution, not the problem. The reward at the end is what seals the association.

5. Can I skip weeks if my dog is doing well?
No. Progression is about understanding, not speed. Skipping steps creates gaps. Gaps create unreliable recall. Unreliable recall gets dogs into trouble.

6. How many recalls should I do per session?
As many as you can fit into 5 minutes while keeping the dog keen and successful. Stop before enthusiasm drops. Quantity never beats quality.

7. Can I use toys instead of food?
Yes, if the toy genuinely motivates your dog. If the dog drops interest after two reps, food is the better option. Be honest with yourself.

8. What if my dog already “knows” recall?
Then this course teaches them how to respond under pressure and distraction. Knowing a cue and obeying it are not the same thing.

9. Can I use tone or vibration instead of stimulation?
Not for this course. Tone and vibration are signals, not pressure. This system relies on clear pressure-on, pressure-off mechanics.

10. Is this safe to do multiple times per day?
Yes, provided sessions are short, calm, and at the correct working level. Overtraining comes from poor execution, not frequency.

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: My dog freezes or hesitates when I press the stim
Cause: The level is likely too high or the dog does not yet understand the exercise.
Fix: Lower the level, reduce distance, and go back to Week 1 mechanics. Build clarity before challenge.

Problem: My dog runs away instead of coming back
Cause: Too much freedom too soon or poor timing.
Fix: Go back to a long line. Press and hold stim with the recall, guide calmly, reward heavily at completion.

Problem: My dog ignores the recall completely
Cause: Lack of understanding or distraction too high.
Fix: Use the long line to guide the dog calmy or reduce environmental difficulty. Do not shout. Do not repeat the command.

Problem: My dog comes back slowly
Cause: The reward is not strong enough or timing is late.
Fix: Mark the moment the dog turns, not when they arrive. Upgrade the reward.

Problem: My dog vocalises or looks stressed
Cause: Poor fit, level too high, or sessions too long.
Fix: Check collar fit, lower the level, shorten sessions. Stress means learning has stopped.

Problem: My dog only recalls when wearing the e-collar
Cause: Handler dependency, not enough reinforcement history.
Fix: Continue rewarding heavily and vary context. Reliability comes from repetition, not removing the tool early.

Problem: My dog anticipates and recalls before the command
Cause: Too predictable setup.
Fix: Vary timing and environment. Only stimulate and reward after the recall cue.

Problem: My dog becomes less motivated over sessions
Cause: Too many reps, low-value rewards, or handler frustration.
Fix: End earlier, increase reward value, and reset your own attitude. Dogs read handlers brutally well.

Problem: My dog ignores me off-lead in Week 4
Cause: Progressed too fast.
Fix: Clip the lead back on. Pride has no place in training. Reliability is earned.

Final Reminder for Clients

This system works because it is fair, consistent, and clear.
Break the rules and it becomes unfair.
Rush the process and it becomes unreliable.
Follow it properly and you get a recall that works when it actually matters.

If in doubt, simplify, slow down, and make the right choice easy for the dog.