Fading Training Tools

On every first visit with a new client, we discuss potential training tools that can be used to help them reach desired goals. The most common training tool will be some form of collar. I have about 6 different training collars I use, and the choice for a dog and owner can come down to many factors. But one question I often hear is "how long will I need to use the collar". That's a good question, with some things that need consideration when offering an answer.

My most common response is to tell an owner - "you need a 3 month period of not needing the tool before fading it". Many dogs show prompt improvement over a few weeks, but 2-3 weeks of good behavior isn't enough to mean things will "stick". The "3 month rule of thumb" seems to work out pretty well for most owners, in my experience. If an owner fades a tool and finds a problem returning, then it's back to the tool for a while longer.

Owners must remember that it's not just 3 months - it's 3 months of not needing the tool! If you have a dog pulling on walks, and the walks are good with a particular training collar - great. But the goal is to be teaching a dog not to pull, vs using the collar/tool to simply manage pulling.

And there are further considerations. The longer a problem has been occurring, the longer it may take to turn things around and set a good/strong foundation. Younger dogs can also take longer to establish strong foundations. And many dogs have strong drives that can present additional challenges and take more time.

Tools will always be less necessary when obedience is moving forward. Are commands being developed to improve a dog's listening, focus, and reliability? How much time does an owner have to spend on training their dog? Has a dog been worked regularly around distractions and challenges? All of this is work, and there are no shortcuts.

A tool is just a tool, not a solution. The solution is an actual plan that helps a dog improve in many ways. Following through on that plan is what leads to less need for any tool. And plans rarely follow a strict calendar.

In the end, I would always prefer having a tool in place that's not needed, vs missing one that is. Don't rush things! Many working dogs (military, police, etc. who receive regular training) wear training collars throughout their careers. They're still great dogs!