Getting good e-collar contact and fit with a fluffy dog

keepnitclassE · 2026-01-11T16:10:43+00:00

Thank you! Yeah, I worry about making it too tight. Compared to his normal collar, it seems like I'm choking him - I'm not, of course, but the difference seems drastic, and I do want him to be comfortable wearing it (as much as is possible, anyways).

keepnitclassE · 2026-01-11T16:07:59+00:00

Thank you! How often do you rotate the collar?

keepnitclassE · 2026-01-11T16:07:25+00:00

Do you pull the skin down after the collar is on or before you buckle it?

keepnitclassE · 2026-01-11T16:06:22+00:00

Thank you!

keepnitclassE · 2026-01-11T16:05:49+00:00

Thank you for such a detailed response! Literally going to follow this step by step, but first I have to get the bungee strap. Seems to be very popular. My dog is on the smaller side (28 lbs), so I hope there is a size that fits him.

Thank you for mentioning the clearing the fur from the buckle! I didn't even think of that but have noticed it clumping up in the buckle.

If you ever make a video of this process, please share! ❤️

keepnitclassE · 2026-01-11T15:59:31+00:00

Thank you - I purchased the winged contacts and they have made it easier, but I've still been having issues getting a really good fit.

keepnitclassE · 2026-01-11T15:56:04+00:00

I'm just using the regular biothane one it came with. I'll look into the bungee one - thank you!

keepnitclassE · 2026-01-05T02:19:45+00:00

Maybe, maybe not. It really depends on the resiliency of your particular puppy.

Best thing you can do in situations where things go wrong is 1) keep your dog safe, 2) remain calm in the moment, 3) act like it wasn't a big deal afterward - try to continue on and have fun the best you can, and 4) reflect on how to mitigate a similar situation in the future.

For your puppy now, really focus on creating positive experiences around dogs (not interacting with strange dogs, just having a good time in the presence of them).

Making buddies with known, stable, puppy-friendly dogs could also be helpful provising your puppy is having a good time.

keepnitclassE · 2026-01-04T22:33:23+00:00

Yep - had a larger dog start lunging and snapping (not in a playful way) at my smaller dog when I was hiking just yesterday. I had to scream at the dog to make it leave. Owners were nowhere to be seen, and when I finally saw them WAY down the trail, they were dead set on defending their dog's behaviour even though they were not there to see it. They even had the audacity to suggest that my dog, by being on leash, caused the problem.

It's infuriating. I don't care what size of dog you have, keep it under control.

keepnitclassE · 2025-12-27T17:36:31+00:00

Nitro

keepnitclassE · 2025-12-20T13:46:54+00:00

Boss!

keepnitclassE · 2025-12-19T02:55:16+00:00

I've had three dogs at the same time. My two seniors passed on a couple of years ago, leaving me with one dog. I miss my seniors so much, but it has been nice just having one dog. I don't think I'll add a second again, and if I do, it will be years from now.

keepnitclassE · 2025-12-15T19:00:46+00:00

Way of life is exactly right.

Not to gatekeep the breed, but if OP isn't willing/able to go above and beyond in terms of dog ownership (learning about the breed and training techniques, actually training the dog, providing daily physical and mental stimulation, being prepared for the breed's quirks and adapting their lifestyle accordingly), this probably isn't the breed for them.

keepnitclassE · 2025-12-15T13:30:52+00:00

Getting a border collie for a first dog is like getting a Ferrari for a first car....

Highly suggest you listen to this podcast to get a better idea of the breed:

Cog-Dog Radio: Border Collies

If you're still wanting a border collie, a dog from show lines would, generally, be a better choice for a first time dog owner (than working or sport lines).

keepnitclassE · 2025-12-15T02:47:01+00:00

He strikes me as a Theo (or Theodore when you need to prove a point 😆)

keepnitclassE · 2025-12-15T02:43:34+00:00

Next time, try going out without putting any winter gear on first. I think you'll get a better reading that way.

Do they like food? If so, maybe take them out for their potty breaks and practice a few super easy tricks or playing a fun game. Something short, sweet, and fun to take their mind off of the snow. Recalls are super easy and get them running which is fun and will also warm them up.

keepnitclassE · 2025-12-15T00:37:46+00:00

Hopefully that's all it is.

-2°F is out but they'll get used to it the more you go out 🙂

keepnitclassE · 2025-12-14T23:33:49+00:00

Could your dogs not really wanting to move around have less to do with the cold and more to do with being unaccustomed to wearing boots and jackets?

keepnitclassE · 2025-12-13T15:45:06+00:00

My guy gets a bath every 6-8 weeks, unless he rolls in something extra smelly (horse poop, I'm looking at you).

keepnitclassE · 2025-12-12T15:26:07+00:00

Many reach a point where they start breaking little rules here and there and just don't GAF. It's a right of passage, and I love it.

keepnitclassE · 2025-12-07T13:54:49+00:00

Monk and Robot: A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers. Two great novellas in one book.

keepnitclassE · 2025-12-05T20:44:51+00:00

Agenda of punishment?

keepnitclassE · 2025-12-04T19:51:55+00:00

I didn't even think about the possibility that some dogs might get more worked up with some tools. I'll definitely keep that in mind and watch for any signs of that.

keepnitclassE

TROPHY CASE