What does an e-stim mean to your dog?

When I talk to handlers about what their e-collar stim means to their dog. I get the most interesting looks. Then I ask, so when your dog does X (undesired behavior) what are you going to do? The handler usually states, "light it up" or something along those lines. But why, I mean, does the dog know what being "lit up" means? Again, usually more puzzling looks. Using the e-collar like an electric "no" is just as ineffective as saying "no" to a dog. What is more effective then, you may be thinking? Well, instead of "no" try having your dog do something it has been taught e.g. "off, down, leave it, sit, or even here/come". Basically, give the dog something to do, more importantly something the dog knows how to do, and does well. We use the e-collar for a silent recall, a non-punitive, low-level stim cue to recall. A cue that quickly becomes fun and rewarding to the dog, which they are more than happy to abide with. So, a "gentile tap" = recall and nothing else. This recall can be used to curb all manner of behavior to the extent that the dog gives its intent away when it does something that has been worked on, and automatically gives itself a recall. I'm not saying what we do is perfect, but our dogs know what a stim means, and that having a bulletproof recall can not only curb a range unwanted behavior, but also can save a dog's life

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