Control comes from connection—not a collar..

Todd Agnew
26 minutes ago
2 min read

"If your gun dog only listens when the e-collar is on… you don’t have control — you have a crutch."

It’s a hard truth for many hunters and field trial handlers: the e-collar is a tool, not the relationship. Relying on it as your only connection to your dog will cost you birds, frustrate your hunting buddies, and ultimately rob you of the joy that comes from hunting with a truly trained partner.

Gun Dog Training: More Than Just Pushing a Button

If you find yourself constantly reaching for the e-collar remote every time your dog ignores a command, it’s time to take a step back and rethink your approach to training. An e-collar can be a valuable tool in the right hands, but it should never replace the connection, trust, and understanding you build with your dog.

When your gun dog only responds because of the e-collar, it means your foundation is missing. True control comes from a dog who understands your commands, respects your leadership, and trusts you enough to work for you—whether or not you’re carrying that remote.

Imagine this: you’re in the grouse woods or upland fields, and birds flush unexpectedly. You need your dog to be steady, obedient and reliable without hesitation. If you’re forced to yell or repeatedly press that button, you’re creating chaos. The noise and confusion will send birds flying long before you or your hunting partners can get into position.

Hunting should be about teamwork, not tension. Your hunting buddies want a dog that’s responsive, and easy to work with—not one that needs constant correction. Believe me, the more you have to yell, the fewer birds you’ll see.

The solution? Train early, train often, and don’t wait until the week before hunting season or a field trial to fix problems. If you’re unsure where to start, seek out a professional trainer who can help lay the foundation you and your dog need for success.

The real magic happens when you and your dog work together as a team—reading each other, anticipating each other’s moves, and enjoying the hunt together. That’s when the memories are made.