When Can You Stop Using a Prong Collar or E-Collar on Your Dog?
Or should we be asking why would we want to stop using tools that work?
It’s common for dog owners to ask, “When can I stop using a prong collar or e-collar?” when they’re getting into obedience training. The simple answer?
Maybe never—and that’s okay. Let me explain.
Why Owners Ask When to Stop Using Training Tools
When we start training, we teach the owner how to properly use a prong collar and an e-collar. Very quickly, they realize how much easier training is when the right tools are used correctly.
As the dog improves with training, the tools may be needed less often. For example, the prong collar might go on for a walk, but the handler rarely has to use it anymore.
That’s completely normal. But here’s the thing: what happens when something unpredictable happens—like a rabbit darts across your path? Is your dog going to calmly ignore it or give chase?
Training Tools Are Like Safety Equipment
We don’t carry tools because we expect problems. We carry them because we want to be prepared.
Think about it: why do we keep a fire extinguisher in our home if we never light open flames? Because life happens, and we’d rather be safe than sorry.
Using a prong collar every time you leash your dog is no different. You don’t expect a fire, but you want to be ready in case one starts.
When Can You Stop Using a Prong Collar or E-Collar?
When people ask specifically about when they can stop using an e-collar, my answer is simple:
When your dog has perfect recall
What Perfect Recall Really Means
Very few dogs have perfect recall.
Perfect recall means if your dog is off-leash and sees a rabbit run, and you call them—they stop on a dime and come back every time. No hesitation. No “maybe.”
If you can honestly say that’s your dog, then you might not need the e-collar anymore. But if your dog “sometimes” comes back, or listens 80% of the time... that’s not perfect recall. And that means the e-collar is still a vital tool.
It’s not about having a “good” or “bad” dog. It’s about how much consistent training you’ve invested.
Even Professional Dogs Use Training Tools
Law Enforcement Dogs Train Constantly
Let’s talk about law enforcement dogs. These dogs are incredibly well-trained—but here’s the kicker:
They train constantly.
Handlers often spend 6–8 weeks in full-time (40 hours/week) training sessions just to build the foundation. After that, they still train with their dog daily or weekly—forever.
And even those dogs often wear e-collars. Why? Because perfect recall takes continuous work, and even top-tier working dogs aren’t perfect.
Now compare that to the average pet owner. Most aren’t putting in nearly enough hours to reach or maintain that level.
It’s Not About Good vs. Bad Dogs—It’s About Safety
We get it. You want your dog to behave without needing tools. In a perfect world, your dog wouldn’t need a leash or collar and would stick to you like glue.
But here in reality? Most dogs—and most owners—aren’t operating in that world.
Using tools like prong collars and e-collars is not a failure. It’s a decision to prioritize safety, both for your dog and for the people and dogs around you.
Struggling With Behavior Problems? We Can Help.
If you're dealing with issues like:
• Jumping on people
• Pulling on leash
• Excessive barking
• Lunging at other dogs or people
• Ignoring recall
• Whining or anxiety
• Resource guarding
• Destructive behaviors
• Reactivity or aggression
These problems all stem from a weak obedience foundation. The good news? That’s exactly what we help people fix.
If you’re in Olathe, Overland Park, Lenexa, Shawnee, Gardner, Spring Hill, or Kansas City, we can help you build a stronger relationship and better control with your dog.
👉 Fill out our contact form at https://wwwkcdogtraining.com or call us at 913-708-3260 to schedule a free consultation.
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