Last Updated/Info Checked on August 6, 2023 by Linda Michaels

E-collars are very versatile in their use. They can be used to inculcate positive behaviors and eliminate unwanted habits like barking, biting, etc. Also, they are very helpful in training dogs for competitions.

As with many other electrical devices, a shock collar can stop working or not work at all. If this happens there are some common reasons for it that you can fix. So today, I’ll be discussing that with you.

Common Reasons for Shock Collars Not Working and Troubleshooting Guide

Some common reasons for E-collars not working are:

Low/Empty Battery

This minor issue is surprisingly common(more than you can imagine) and often leads to the misconception of a malfunctioning shock collar.

When you purchase a new collar from the market, they don’t come with a fully charged battery. Many first-time users forget to charge them, which can give the impression that something is wrong with the remote or the collar.

If you encounter any issues with the collar not functioning, your first troubleshooting step should be to ensure that both the collar and the remote are adequately charged. 

Try charging them fully and then check if the collar starts working. It’s always a good idea to address the charging aspect before moving on to other troubleshooting steps as it is simple and saves you from the inconvenience of other troubleshooting steps.

Remember that the remote and the collar have separate batteries and need to be charged individually.

You may also like to read: Why Is My Dog Not Phased by a Training Collar?

The Collar Is Loosely Fit

To work properly, a shock collar needs to be snugly fixed on the dog’s neck. Its prongs should go through the fur and the contact points should be touching the skin. This was so that the stimulation could reach the dog’s body.

It is a common mistake on the part of Newbee collar users who simply put the collar onto the dog’s neck and wait for a miracle to happen without fixing the contact points.

So if your collar is not working and you have checked the batteries, the next step is to place the collar in its ideal position. The collar should be resting high on the neck, while the strap should be right behind the ears.

Now check if the prongs are long enough and that the contact points are in contact with the dog’s skin. If the prongs are short then you would need to opt for longer prongs so that they can reach through the dog’s fur.

Also, some people choose to trim the dog’s hair where the collar would be fitted. I’d suggest using longer prongs first and if still it doesn’t work only then should you opt for trimming.

Also Read: Shock Collar Not Working on German Shepherd

Weaker Stimulation Level

If you find that your dog is not responding to the shock collar despite it appearing to work, it may be necessary to increase the stimulation level. It is likely that at a certain level, your dog will feel the stimulation and respond appropriately.

This is because different breeds respond to correction differently based on their inherent resilience. Also, within a breed, some dogs may be stronger and more stubborn than others so they will require a stronger level of stimulation.

However, it’s important to proceed with caution. Before increasing the stimulation level, it is recommended to test it on yourself first. Wrap the collar around your arm and gradually increase the stimulation level.

If you cannot tolerate a particular level of stimulation, it is likely to be too intense for your dog as well.

By testing it on yourself, you can ensure that you are using a level of stimulation that is both effective and humane for your dog’s training. Always prioritize your dog’s well-being over training and adjust the stimulation level accordingly.

The Collar Is Defective

If everything mentioned before fails to work then the chances of your collar being defective are very high.

In such cases, you would need to contact your supplier and lodge a formal complaint regarding the malfunctioning of the device.

Most well-known brands offer a replacement warranty and would change your collar with a new one. That’s why I always recommend my readers buy their collars from trusted brands only to save their time and effort.

Related: Shock Collar Not Working on Husky

What Is Interference And How Does It Affect An E-Collar?

Electrical interference, or electromagnetic interference (EMI) is the phenomenon where electrical signals from another nearby source disrupt the functioning of an electronic device. This can lead to a device malfunction.

This electrical interference can sometimes affect shock collars when they’re near a source of electromagnetic radiation like power lines or other electronic devices.

To reduce electrical interference in dog shock collars, manufacturers often employ measures and you should be aware of such sources of interference and avoid them when possible so that your device doesn’t malfunction.

How Can I Train My Dog Effectively?

Now I will explain basic behavioral concepts that you can apply to make your dog more compliant and obedient.

Positive Reinforcement

In the positive reinforcement technique, dogs are rewarded for following commands. This allows them to associate the desired behavior with a positive outcome, reinforcing their tendency to repeat it.

How I use this behavioral method is that I give my dogs treats as a reward for following my orders or when they behave gently.

I generally use food items, but the reward could be anything they like, be it some food or a sport or just taking them out can be a reward for extroverted dogs.

Over time, with consistent reinforcement, the desired behavior becomes ingrained in the dog’s behavior. So eventually, even if you stop providing rewards, the dog will continue to perform the task.

FAQs

Here is what people ask about shock collar not working.

Final Thougths on Dog Shock Collar Stopped Working

Several reasons can lead to a malfunctioning shock collar. Major issues include having a low battery, a loose fit, inadequate stimulation, electrical interference, and a defective collar.