In this episode of Confessions of a Dog Trainer, I’m sharing the real story behind the book I didn’t plan on writing - and why e-collar training became the thing I couldn’t stop thinking about.

After posting a few videos on Facebook and getting flooded with negative comments, I almost stopped sharing about e-collars altogether. But instead of getting defensive, something shifted. I got curious.

This episode breaks down the biggest misconceptions I see about e-collar training - the ones that keep so many dog owners stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to trust.

If you’ve ever felt confused, hesitant, or judged for even considering an e-collar… this is for you.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why I started writing my next book (working title: The Truth About E-Collar Training)
• The impact of negative comments on social media - and how it shifted my perspective
• How curiosity changed the way I respond to criticism
• The real goal behind this book: helping owners feel less confused and more confident

• “It’s a shock collar” Why that label is misleading and doesn’t reflect how modern e-collars are actually used
• “It electrocutes dogs” What e-collars actually are (muscle stimulation, similar to a TENS unit) and how they work
• “It’s a shortcut or lazy training” Why e-collar training actually requires more intention, structure, and consistency - not less

• Why saying “the e-collar doesn’t cause discomfort” can actually do more harm than good
• The importance of honesty and nuance when talking about training tools

The 3 Biggest E-Collar Misconceptions:Bonus Misconception:

Show Notes:

Resources Mentioned:

My book

• Dear Owner (available on Amazon)
• E-Collar Starter Guide

• Reactive Dog Handbook (E-Collar Training for Reactive Dogs)
• Separation Anxiety Guide
• 30-minute coaching / reassurance calls