Characteristics of electronic training collars for dogs.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Technology
• Electrical Engineering
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• A wide variety of electronic dog training collars (e-collars) are available in the UK.
• Purchasers lack accessible information to compare the critical electrical characteristics of these devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the electrical characteristics of 13 e-collar models.
• To develop a method for ranking the strength of electrical stimuli delivered by e-collars.
• To test e-collars under realistic conditions by measuring canine neck electrical impedance.

Main Methods:

• Measured electrical impedance of canine necks under wet (10 kΩ) and dry (640 kΩ) conditions.
• Tested 13 e-collar models, examining stimulus energy, peak voltage, pulse count, and duration.
• Developed a stimulus strength ranking indicator based on measured electrical characteristics.

Main Results:

• Significant variations were found in stimulus energy (3.3–287 mJ) and peak voltage (100–6000 V) across e-collar models.
• Peak voltage output was dependent on load impedance, ranging from 100V at 5 kΩ to 6000V at 500 kΩ.
• The developed ranking system revealed a broad spectrum of stimulus strengths and differing relationships between momentary and continuous stimuli among models.

Conclusions:

• There is a substantial and previously unquantified range in electrical stimulus strengths among commercially available e-collars.
• The developed ranking indicator provides a valuable tool for consumers to compare e-collar electrical output.
• Understanding these electrical variations is crucial for informed purchasing decisions and potentially for animal welfare considerations.