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E-Collar in Dog Training

Dog Training Elite West Michigan

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A dog owner with her pug who has received e-collar dog training in Grand Rapids, MI from Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite

E-Collar Dog Training in Grand Rapids, MI

Dog collars are useful for identifying your dog and providing information in case they ever get lost, and of course, they’re useful for attaching a leash to walk your dog. They can also be a fun way for your pooch to make a fashion statement.

Certain kinds of dog collars can be utilized for training purposes, such as head collars, electronic collars, and vibration collars. These are all humane electronic dog collar training choices.

Training collars are just another tool in the toolbox for helping dogs learn appropriate behaviors on their way to becoming loyal, lifelong companions. At Dog Training Elite, we use e-collar dog training in Grand Rapids, MI as part of our training programs.

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A group of dogs wearing safe, effective e-collars from Dog Training Elite West Michigan.

Dog Training Elite West Michigan

Shock Collars vs. Electronic Dog Collars

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As the name suggests, shock collars give a dog a “shock” via an electric current passing through metal contact points on the collar. The electrical signal can range from mild to painful. Shock collars are often used to try and teach a dog a certain behavior, such as barking or attacking other dogs, is inappropriate.

However, not all dogs will submit when they experience a shock, and it is impossible to predict how a dog will react. Some dogs may react aggressively, worsening the situation. Receiving a shock from their collar can produce an anxious reaction in dogs and potentially have long-term negative effects on a dog’s behavior.

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You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

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A dog with an e-collar receiving positive reinforcement.

The Role of Positive Reinforcement

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Research clearly shows that training through Positive Reinforcement schedules is the most effective in teaching positive behaviors that will last long-term. Other reinforcement schedules, like Positive or Negative Punishment, can result in immediate compliance but are not effective in the long run.

At Dog Training Elite, we use electronic dog collar training in tandem with positive reinforcement. The electronic collar we use is not a shock collar and does not harm the dog. Instead, it is a vibration collar that provides a sensation like the gentle tug of a leash. It is only used to get a dog’s attention and is never used for punishment.

A happy, well-trained dog who has an e-collar from Dog Training Elite West Michigan.

E-Collar Dog Training in Grand Rapids, MI

The Dog Training Elite Difference

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When you sign up to train your dog with Dog Training Elite West Michigan, our electronic dog collar training is part of the package.

The Dog Training Elite training theory is based on classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when an owner says "down," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it.

Our method uses commands and an electronic collar to teach dogs to respond immediately. This approach nurtures their natural obedience and strengthens the bond with their owner, creating a dog that truly wants to please rather than one trained through fear.

Ready to learn more? Contact Dog Training Elite today to schedule a free local training demonstration.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Michael Lewis
    Nov. 11, 2025
    Carrie is an amazing dog trainer. She has such a strong, calm command with the dogs and they respond to her right away. She trained our golden retriever puppy and helped refine our 4-year-old golden who had some long-standing house behavior problems. The difference has been incredible. She also gave us great recommendations for collars, leashes, grooming tools, and an overall training approach that really works. We’re so thankful for her help and can’t recommend her enough.
  • Elena
    Oct. 25, 2025
    I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite. All of my dog’s questions and concerns were answered in detail. I feel so much more confident with my dog and can’t wait to see how she continues to improve.
  • Araceli Warners
    Oct. 14, 2025
    We’ve had such a great experience working with Carrie at Dog Training Elite of West Michigan. The private, one-on-one lessons have been incredibly helpful in training our therapy pup, and Carrie’s calm, knowledgeable, and supportive approach has made all the difference. She truly cares and it shows in every session. We’re so grateful for her guidance and couldn’t recommend her more!
  • Jennifer Dykstra
    Sep. 17, 2025
    Carrie at Dog Training Elite West Michigan is great. She’s professional and a good listener. She explains everything and takes her time. I love that she comes to you to work with your dog in their environment! I highly recommend DTE!!
  • Natalie Claire
    Sep. 9, 2025
    I am working with Carie and she is THE BEST!!! I could never find a better dog trainer. I did so so much research to find the best trainer and i found Dog Training Elite and everything she says and teaches is amazing!!! They are very educated and know their stuff. I am so proud of who my dog has become and i can’t wait to continue my service dog journey with him, Carie and her business Dog Training Elite West Michigan!!! I could never recommend them enough they are so so so amazing and professional and everything they do is literally perfect i love them so much!!! If you are training a service dog or just need training CHOOSE THEM!! They are amazing lots of love to you Dog Training Elite!! 🩷
  • Kelly Barcheski
    Aug. 22, 2025
    Love Carrie and Dog Training Elite! So happy we went this route with our GSD. She’s very thorough and provides confidence to both the owner and the pup!
  • JB Jordan
    Jul. 18, 2025
    Carrie did an amazing job with our three rescue pit mix puppies. She guided us in how to properly execute the commands that result in happy obedient puppies. I highly recommend! This company earns every dollar you invest in your canine quadruped companions!
  • Rachel Smiertka
    Jul. 18, 2025
    Carrie is great and really knows her stuff. She started by helping us train some bad habits out of our Doberman. Then she helped us by picking out the perfect Golden and is now training him as a service dog for my daughter. Carrie is very patient, accommodating in scheduling and always available to answer questions.
  • Laurel Borchardt
    Jul. 9, 2025
    Carrie has been a god spend for us & our golden retriever, Sonny!! Our dog loves training with her & she is so knowledgeable, attentive, firm & loving! Our dog is so well behaved now& the biggest improvements we have seen are his listening & demeanor outside, on walks healing, and how quickly he listens to us with distractions around. We are so appreciative of these trainings& would recommend Carrie to anyone! We are finishing up or one on one sessions & looking forward to group classes soon!
  • Brad Fischer
    Jun. 25, 2025
    The best training we could have hoped for! Our dog has learned very quickly and can now be trusted off leash among other things. Would definitely recommend
  • Molly Ellis
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Carrie was terrific— good w us and great w our dogs We learned a lot and so did the dogs— we highly recommend her
  • Kayty Ihara
    May. 27, 2025
    We couldn’t be happier with the results we’ve seen from working with Carrie at Dog Training Elite. From the very first session, it was clear that Carrie is not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but also genuinely passionate about helping dogs and their owners succeed. She took the time to understand our dog (Boomer) unique personality and needs, and tailored the training accordingly. Her calm, confident, and engaging approach put both us and our dog at ease, and we saw real progress after just a few sessions. What we appreciated most was how she empowered us as owners to feel confident and in control, using clear, effective techniques that truly work. Thanks to Carrie, our dog is more focused, better behaved, and happier overall. We’re so grateful for the positive impact she’s had on our lives and are looking forward to our next few weeks of training. Highly recommend Carrie to anyone looking for high-quality, compassionate dog training!
  • Mary N
    May. 8, 2025
    Carrie has been great to work with It took some getting used to her approach but it works!I highly recommend Dog Training Elite West Michigan. Mary Nalbach
  • Elise VanDyken
    May. 6, 2025
    Carrie's expertise was so appreciated We needed to get our black lab that was adopted at age 3 to learn to heel on walks. Fantastic coaching!! Rocky will be great on a leash because of her.
  • Julie Schmuker
    Apr. 24, 2025
    Carrie has been absolutely amazing with my girls. We saw an immediate improvement in their focus and attitude after the first meeting. I never knew my girls were so smart and eager to learn. Thank you Carrie for helping us keep our little stubborn one. What you have taught us and them has truly transformed the way we all interact.
  • Ann-Marie Ellis
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Would HIGHLY recommend Dog Training Elite! We have worked with Carrie and are so impressed with her knowledge, professionalism, and care. She has been invaluable in teaching us how to best train our dog. She makes a point to understand our family and home so she can best help us to train our dog effectively. We have already seen such gains with our dog (that is only 6 months old). We are so grateful for Dog Training Elite.
  • amber deneen
    Apr. 15, 2025
    We have been working with Carrie for a few weeks now and are seeing some very positive results! The e-collar is an excellent tool to communicate with our dog and has helped us with some frustrations. Carrie is very knowledgeable and patient with us. In a positive way, she has brought to our attention things we were doing as owners that weren't so helpful. I have enjoyed the in home training session because I am able to learn the commands first hand. This type of personalized training has helped me gain more confidenc. I am looking forward to group training soon and learning more!
  • jodi morton
    Apr. 9, 2025
    We are so thankful for Carrie and her expertise! We contacted Carrie once we were at our wits end with our 6 month old puppy who had separation anxiety and aggression. She helped us feel more in control and she gave us tools to help our puppy (and us!) feel successful! Carrie is a life saver!
  • Heidi Maroney
    Mar. 23, 2025
    We trained with Carrie about 8 months ago. The website said she was good with training dogs with anxiety and aggression. This was why we hired her. We have 2 rescue dogs. Our youngest had a lot of anxiety and was acting aggressively. Challenge was she wasn't even a year old and we wanted to help train the fear and aggression out of her. Unfortunately, when they were tired they got into a fight. My husband put his hand in-between them and was bitten. This was NOT a normal thing and it has not happened again. As expensive as the training was, we couldn't complete the socialization group classes because she insisted we put a muzzle on her. We tried and the amount of anxiety, fear and aggression increased with the muzzle. So we couldn't go to the classes. We have been socializing her and she LOVES people now. She shows zero aggression and is no longer so fearful! The tools the trainer used were good and we are still using them. I am only doing this review so other dog parents dont try to use this company for anxiety and aggression training. What worked is a lot of love, using the buttons and keeping them from rough housing when playing. The buttons work however we now just have to show them we are about to button them for them to do exactly what we ask them to. They do seem to understand English! So in a lot of ways this training gave us some great tools. Socialization has happened on lots of walks and the vet. They sit before meeting anyone and are doing really well. Just keep in mind the suggestion for muzzles for aggressive dogs with anxiety. The pictures below are our dogs. The youngest one is the one thinking she is a cat!
  • Timothy Ellis
    Mar. 21, 2025
    Carrie has been amazing to work with, and we have seen incredible results with our Golden Retriever (Moose). We started working with Dog Training Elite West Michigan when Moose was a puppy. My wife is new to dog ownership and Carrie gave us tips and training that made even the puppy stage a blast. We are now training with the e-collar, and seeing incredible results. I'll be honest I was initially skeptical because I figured e-collar meant shock training. This is completely different, the e-collar serves more as gentle nudge to each command, not a shock for punishment. We all even tested the feeling of the e-collar as a family prior to using. I appreciate Carrie's professionalism, and highly recommend Dog Training Elite West Michigan.