Ipetguides.com Reviews

Based on looking at the website, Ipetguides.com also heavily featuring “Dogs Academy” appears to be a platform primarily dedicated to dog training guides and product reviews, particularly focusing on the use of E-collars.

The site positions itself as a comprehensive resource for dog owners, offering courses like “The E-collar Mastery Course” and various buyer’s guides for pet gadgets.

While it emphasizes achieving obedience and a strong bond with pets, the prominent promotion of E-collars shock collars as a primary training method warrants a closer look, especially from an ethical standpoint.

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IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

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Ipetguides.com Review & First Look

Ipetguides.com, operating significantly under the “Dogs Academy” brand, presents itself as an authority in dog training, particularly through the lens of E-collar usage.

The site highlights a “Dogs Academy Pulse & Positive: E-Collar Operant Conditioning Unleashed” course, boasting 15 years of experience from “Expert Dog Trainer Rodriguez Carter,” a former police K9 handler.

The initial impression is that of a professional and experienced platform, aiming to provide solutions for common dog behavioral issues.

However, the immediate emphasis on E-collars raises questions about the overall training philosophy and the potential impact on animal welfare.

The Focus on E-Collars

The landing page prominently features “The E-collar Mastery Course,” positioning it as “The Best E-Collar Course on the Market.” This suggests a strong bias towards this particular training tool, which is often a point of contention among animal behaviorists. Auricalchemy.com.au Reviews

• Course Content: The course promises to teach owners how to select appropriate E-collars, gain proficiency in their application, pair them with operant conditioning, and train dogs for obedience.
• Target Audience: It’s marketed for both seasoned trainers and novice dog owners with canine companions over 4 months of age, regardless of breed.
• Promised Results: The site claims the course can help teach commands like “Sit,” “Down,” “Stay,” “On and Off-Leash Healing,” “Reliable Recall,” and “Impulse Control Training,” leading to a “happy, relaxed, and calm dog.”

Initial User Experience

The website is well-structured and visually appealing, with clear calls to action for purchasing the E-collar course.

Testimonials are prominently displayed, aiming to build trust and credibility.

• Ease of Navigation: The site’s navigation is straightforward, with clear links to “Home,” “About Us,” “Contact Us,” “Blog,” and “Sitemap.”
• Information Accessibility: Key information about the E-collar course, its benefits, and the trainer’s background is readily available on the homepage.
• Pricing Transparency: The pricing for the E-collar course $27, down from $47 is clearly stated as a one-time payment with lifetime access and a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Ipetguides.com Cons

While Ipetguides.com presents a polished front, the heavy reliance on E-collar training methods presents significant drawbacks that ethical dog trainers and animal welfare advocates often highlight.

The emphasis on corrective tools over purely positive reinforcement can have negative long-term effects on a dog’s behavior and well-being.

Ethical Concerns with E-Collar Training

The use of E-collars, also known as shock collars, is a controversial topic in the dog training community. Paintwithnumbers.com.au Reviews

While the site claims “NO FEAR TECHNIQUES,” the very nature of an E-collar involves delivering an aversive stimulus, which can be perceived as punishment by the dog.

• Potential for Fear and Anxiety: Even low-level stimulations can cause discomfort, fear, or anxiety in sensitive dogs. This can lead to a breakdown in trust between the dog and owner.
• Suppression of Behavior, Not Resolution: E-collars often suppress unwanted behaviors through pain or discomfort rather than addressing the underlying cause. A dog might stop barking when shocked, but the reason for barking e.g., anxiety, boredom remains unaddressed.
• Risk of Misuse: Improper use of E-collars can lead to significant physical and psychological harm. Novice owners, especially, might struggle with correct timing and intensity, leading to accidental overcorrection or associating the pain with unrelated stimuli.
• Negative Association: Dogs may associate the E-collar stimulation with other cues in the environment, leading to generalized fear or aggression towards people, other dogs, or specific situations. For example, a dog corrected for pulling on a leash might develop a negative association with walks.
• Alternatives Ignored: The prominence of E-collars overshadows the discussion of effective, positive reinforcement-based training methods that build a dog’s confidence and willingness to cooperate through rewards and clear communication, rather than aversion.

Limited Scope of Training Philosophy

Despite mentioning “operant conditioning,” the overwhelming focus on E-collars suggests a narrow approach to dog training.

A truly comprehensive training philosophy would prioritize positive reinforcement, force-free methods, and understanding canine behavior.

• Lack of Emphasis on Positive Reinforcement: While “operant conditioning” is mentioned, the site doesn’t adequately highlight the benefits and techniques of purely positive reinforcement methods like clicker training, lure-reward, or shaping, which are widely accepted as humane and effective.
• Potential for Quick Fixes over Foundation: The promise of teaching commands “in just 2 minutes” might appeal to owners seeking quick solutions but could potentially bypass the foundational understanding and relationship-building crucial for long-term behavioral success.
• Neglect of Underlying Behavioral Issues: Many problematic dog behaviors stem from stress, lack of enrichment, or unfulfilled needs. A reliance on corrective tools might mask these issues rather than encourage owners to delve into their root causes.

Product Review Methodology Concerns

While Ipetguides.com states it conducts anonymous product purchases and rigorous testing, the inherent bias towards tools like shock collars in their “Buyer’s Guide” section, such as “Dog Shock Collars View Buyer’s Guide,” raises questions about objectivity.

• Conflict of Interest: If the primary offering is an E-collar training course, the reviews of E-collars might be skewed to support their own training philosophy and product promotion.
• Limited “Recommended List”: The site mentions many products missing their “recommended list” due to poor quality or customer service. While this sounds rigorous, without detailed reasoning or a comprehensive comparison against non-aversive tools, it’s hard to gauge the true objectivity.
• Lack of Third-Party Validation: While testimonials are present, external, unbiased expert validation of their testing process and results would enhance credibility, especially concerning controversial training equipment.

Ipetguides.com Alternatives

For dog owners seeking effective, humane, and sustainable training solutions, there are numerous alternatives to E-collar-focused methods. Zeroweb.gr Reviews

These alternatives prioritize building a positive relationship with your dog, understanding their natural behaviors, and utilizing communication and rewards to shape desirable actions.

Positive Reinforcement Training

This is the gold standard for ethical dog training, focusing on rewarding desired behaviors to increase their likelihood of occurring again.

It creates a happy, confident, and eager-to-learn dog.

• Methods:
  • Lure-Reward Training: Using a treat to guide a dog into a position e.g., holding a treat over their head to encourage a “sit”.
  • Shaping: Rewarding successive approximations of a desired behavior until the full behavior is achieved.
  • Clicker Training: Using a clicker as a precise marker for desired behavior, followed immediately by a reward.
• Benefits:
  • Builds Trust: Fosters a strong, positive bond between dog and owner based on mutual respect and understanding, not fear.
  • Encourages Learning: Makes training enjoyable and motivating for the dog, leading to faster and more reliable learning.
  • Addresses Root Causes: Often involves identifying and addressing the underlying reasons for unwanted behaviors, rather than just suppressing them.
  • Safe and Humane: No risk of physical discomfort, pain, or psychological trauma.

Force-Free Training Organizations & Resources

Numerous reputable organizations and certified professionals advocate for and practice force-free training methods.

Seeking guidance from these sources ensures humane and effective training. Dfiveit.com Reviews

• Certified Professional Dog Trainers CPDT-KA/KPA-CTP: Look for trainers certified by organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers CCPDT or Karen Pryor Academy KPA. These certifications require rigorous testing and adherence to ethical guidelines.
• Association of Professional Dog Trainers APDT: A global organization dedicated to advancing dog training education and promoting humane training methods. Their website can help you find qualified trainers.
• Pet Professional Guild PPG: An organization committed to force-free, pain-free, and fear-free training and pet care.
• Online Courses and Books: Many reputable trainers offer online courses or published books that teach positive reinforcement techniques without the need for aversive tools.
  • Example Platforms: Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, Kikopup YouTube, Jean Donaldson’s The Culture Clash.

Enrichment and Management Strategies

Often, problematic behaviors stem from a dog’s unmet needs or environmental factors.

Addressing these can significantly improve behavior without direct training or corrective tools.

• Mental Stimulation: Provide puzzle toys, scent work, and training games to keep your dog’s mind engaged. A mentally tired dog is often a well-behaved dog.
• Physical Exercise: Ensure your dog receives adequate physical activity tailored to their breed and energy level. This can reduce destructive behaviors, hyperactivity, and anxiety.
• Environmental Management: Prevent unwanted behaviors by managing the environment. For example, using baby gates to block access to certain areas, crating during unsupervised times, or using long lines for recall practice in safe, open spaces.
• Veterinary Behaviorists: For complex or severe behavioral issues, consult a veterinary behaviorist DACVB. These are veterinarians with specialized training in animal behavior, who can diagnose and treat behavioral problems, often in conjunction with a certified force-free trainer.

By opting for these alternatives, dog owners can foster a truly harmonious and loving relationship with their pets, built on understanding, trust, and positive reinforcement, rather than fear or intimidation.

How to Cancel ipetguides.com Subscription

Based on the information available on the Ipetguides.com website, the “E-collar Mastery Course” is advertised as a “One-time Payment” with “Lifetime Access.” This implies that there isn’t a recurring subscription to cancel in the traditional sense.

However, if a user wished to request a refund or dispute a charge, they would need to leverage the stated “14-Day Money Back Guarantee.” Absolute-aromas.in Reviews

Requesting a Refund via the Money-Back Guarantee

The website explicitly states, “You’re protected with 14-Day Money Back Guarantee” and “TRY THE COURSE RISK-FREE WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED 14-DAY INSTANT MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE.”

• Timeline: The guarantee is valid for 14 days from the date of purchase. It’s crucial to initiate the refund process within this window.
• Contact Method: The most direct way to request a refund would be to contact Ipetguides.com/Dogs Academy via their stated contact information.
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone Number: +1 5877977526
• Information to Provide: When contacting them, be prepared to provide:
  • Your name
  • The email address used for the purchase
  • Date of purchase
  • Transaction ID or order number if provided upon purchase
  • A clear request for a refund, referencing the 14-day money-back guarantee.

Understanding “One-Time Payment” vs. Subscription

It’s important for consumers to differentiate between a “one-time payment” product and a recurring “subscription.”

• One-Time Payment: You pay once for perpetual access to the product or service. There are no future payments.
• Subscription: You pay a recurring fee e.g., monthly, annually to maintain access. If you stop paying, access is typically revoked.
• Ipetguides.com’s Model: For “The E-collar Mastery Course,” their model is a one-time payment. Therefore, there’s no ongoing “subscription” to cancel. Any action would be related to leveraging the refund policy within the stipulated timeframe if the product doesn’t meet expectations or if the user changes their mind.

What if the Guarantee Period has Passed?

If more than 14 days have passed since the purchase, it is highly unlikely that Ipetguides.com will honor a refund request based on their advertised policy.

• No Obligation: The company is not obligated to provide a refund outside of the stated guarantee period.
• Alternative Solutions: In such cases, the primary option would be to make the most of the “lifetime access” to the course content. If there are technical issues preventing access, those would be grounds for contacting customer support, but not necessarily a refund.

For clarity and to ensure consumer rights are protected, always review the terms and conditions of any purchase thoroughly, especially regarding refunds and cancellations.

Ipetguides.com Pricing

Ipetguides.com, specifically through its “Dogs Academy” brand, primarily highlights one main product for direct purchase: “The E-collar Mastery Course.” The pricing structure for this course is straightforward, positioned as a discounted one-time payment. Madsmile.co.uk Reviews

“The E-collar Mastery Course” Pricing

The website prominently displays the pricing for its flagship E-collar training program.

• Current Advertised Price: $27
• Original Price Strikethrough: $47
• Payment Model: One-time payment
• Access: Lifetime access to the course content
• Guarantee: Protected with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

What the Price Includes

For the $27 one-time fee, purchasers are said to receive:

• Access to “The E-collar Mastery Course.”
• Instruction from Rodriquez Carter, described as an “Expert Dog Trainer” and former Police K9 Handler.
• Content covering E-collar selection, application, pairing with operant conditioning, and training various commands.
• “Personalized Support With a Comment Section For Each Video.”
• “Real-Life Training Scenarios with Dogs of All Ages and Breeds.”
• The claim of “PROVEN E-collar and Operant Conditioning Training NO FEAR TECHNIQUES.”

Value Proposition and Considerations

The advertised price of $27 for lifetime access positions the course as an affordable option for dog owners interested in E-collar training.

• Affordability: Compared to in-person dog training sessions which can range from $50-$200+ per hour, or comprehensive online programs that might cost hundreds, $27 is a very low entry point.
• Lifetime Access: This is a significant perk, allowing users to revisit the content whenever needed without additional costs.
• Money-Back Guarantee: The 14-day guarantee reduces the perceived risk for potential buyers, allowing them to preview the content.

Other “Products” or Content on Ipetguides.com

While the E-collar course is the main paid offering, Ipetguides.com also functions as a content hub with various free resources:

• Blog Posts: Articles on dog health, breeds, and training topics e.g., “Dog Seizures When to Put Down,” “What Should I Do if My Dog Ate a Stick of Butter?”.
• Buyer’s Guides: Reviews and comparisons of pet gadgets e.g., “Dog GPS Trackers,” “Dog Shock Collars,” “Halo 2+ Smart Collar Review”. These guides likely include affiliate links, indicating another revenue stream for the site beyond direct course sales.
• “50+ Courses Reviewed,” “130+ Pet Gadgets Reviewed,” “300+ Guides Published”: These statistics suggest a breadth of content, much of which appears to be freely accessible informative articles and reviews, indirectly promoting other products through affiliate marketing.

In summary, the primary direct pricing on Ipetguides.com revolves around “The E-collar Mastery Course” at a fixed, one-time fee of $27. Ferryalesbrewery.co.uk Reviews

Ipetguides.com vs. Other Dog Training Platforms

When evaluating Ipetguides.com Dogs Academy against other dog training platforms, the key differentiator is its overt and primary focus on E-collar training.

Many other reputable platforms either explicitly avoid E-collars or present them as a very last resort, emphasizing positive, force-free methods.

Ipetguides.com Dogs Academy

• Primary Method: Strong emphasis on E-collar shock collar training, albeit framed as “operant conditioning” and “no fear techniques.”
• Trainer Background: Features Rodriguez Carter, a former police K9 handler and protection dog trainer, which might appeal to those seeking discipline-focused training.
• Cost: Very affordable one-time payment of $27 for lifetime access to the E-collar course.
• Content Type: Online video course specific to E-collar usage, supplemented by blog articles and product reviews including “Dog Shock Collars Buyer’s Guide”.
• Pros from their perspective: Quick results, guaranteed recall, “no fear” claimed, one-time affordable price.
• Cons from an ethical/behavioral science perspective: Potential for misuse, risk of fear/anxiety, reliance on aversive tools, limited scope of positive reinforcement methods, controversial within mainstream dog training.

SpiritDog Training

• Overview: Ipetguides.com actually reviews SpiritDog Training, giving it a favorable mention. SpiritDog is known for its wide range of online courses focusing on positive reinforcement.
• Primary Method: Exclusively positive reinforcement, force-free training. They do not advocate for or teach the use of E-collars, prong collars, or choke chains.
• Trainer Background: Certified trainers who emphasize building a bond and understanding dog behavior.
• Cost: Offers various course bundles, subscriptions, and individual courses. Often more expensive than Ipetguides.com’s single course, but covers a broader spectrum of training.
• Content Type: Extensive online video courses, webinars, and downloadable resources covering obedience, puppy training, behavior modification, tricks, and dog sports.
• Pros: Humane, builds strong relationships, addresses root causes of behavior, wide variety of topics, suitable for all dogs.
• Cons: Requires consistency and patience, may not offer “quick fixes” for severe issues though effective in the long run.

Kikopup Emily Larlham

• Overview: A highly respected YouTube channel and online platform run by Emily Larlham, a renowned positive reinforcement trainer.
• Primary Method: 100% positive reinforcement, reward-based training. Focuses on clear communication, classical and operant conditioning without force.
• Trainer Background: Emily Larlham is a professional animal trainer known for her innovative and humane methods.
• Cost: Free content on YouTube, paid online courses often available.
• Content Type: Hundreds of free YouTube videos demonstrating precise training techniques for everything from basic obedience to complex tricks and behavior modification.
• Pros: Extremely detailed, clear visual demonstrations, humane, builds confidence, excellent for visual learners.
• Cons: Can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume of content. requires self-discipline to follow through.

Online Courses from Reputable Dog Training Academies e.g., Fenzi Dog Sports Academy

• Overview: Platforms like Fenzi Dog Sports Academy offer highly specialized and in-depth online courses taught by world-class instructors.
• Primary Method: Exclusively positive reinforcement and modern, ethical training techniques.
• Trainer Background: Instructors are often top-tier professionals in their respective fields obedience, agility, nose work, behavior.
• Cost: Typically more expensive, ranging from $65 to $260+ per course, reflecting the depth of content and instructor expertise. Often structured in sessions.
• Content Type: Structured multi-week courses with lectures, videos, forums, and often personalized feedback options. Covers a vast array of topics from basic obedience to advanced sports and behavior modification.
• Pros: Deep dives into specific topics, expert instruction, often includes direct feedback opportunities, highly effective for serious learners.
• Cons: Higher cost, more time commitment, specialized nature might be overwhelming for complete beginners looking for general guidance.

In essence, while Ipetguides.com offers a budget-friendly and E-collar-centric approach, the vast majority of mainstream, ethical dog training resources lean heavily towards positive reinforcement, prioritizing the dog’s well-being and a cooperative learning environment over methods that could induce fear or pain.

Dog owners should carefully consider their training philosophy and ethical stance before choosing a platform.

Ipetguides.com Data and Statistics

While Ipetguides.com itself doesn’t provide granular data on its user base, course completion rates, or the direct success metrics of its E-collar training methods, it does offer some general statistics about its content production and review processes, aiming to build credibility. Londonboatparty.co.uk Reviews

Stated Content Production Metrics

The website presents the following figures under the “Dogs Academy So Far” section:

• 50+ Courses Reviewed: This indicates their breadth in evaluating various dog training programs or instructional content available on the market.
• 130+ Pet Gadgets Reviewed: This highlights their extensive engagement in reviewing physical products for pets, ranging from GPS trackers to crates and, notably, shock collars.
• 300+ Guides Published: This number points to a substantial library of informative articles and how-to guides related to dog ownership, health, and training.

Product Review Process Insights

The site details its review methodology, which they claim leads to honest and unbiased evaluations.

• Anonymous Product Ordering: They state, “All the product purchases are done ANONYMOUSLY,” to assess genuine customer service, responsiveness, and shipping. This is a commendable practice for objectivity.
• Direct Comparisons: “We’re in a position to put each and every product through their paces and compare them against their competition,” suggesting a comparative testing approach.
• Scoring System: They mention a “scoring system” that “makes our reviews distinct and actually separates the product from one another and takes the guesswork away from the customers.” However, the specifics of this scoring system e.g., criteria, weighting are not detailed on the homepage.
• Extensive Testing: “Most of our time goes into the testing process… all the products are tested on our own dogs for countless hours to make sure every info we write is correct and not based on just marketing bias.” This implies hands-on, practical testing.
• Affiliate Disclaimer: The site transparently states that it’s an active member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, indicating that they may earn commissions from purchases made through their links. This is standard for many review sites but is important context for their “unbiased” claims.

Course Success Anecdotes Testimonials

While not statistical data, the website includes testimonials from individuals who claim to have achieved positive results with Dogs Academy’s training:

• “DogsAcademy training transformed my unruly Labrador into a well-behaved companion.” – Davis
• “This course’s positive approach worked miracles for my shy beagle.” – Emily Robinson
• “Joining Dogs Academy was the best decision for my dog, Rocky. This course teaches you to understand and train your dog effectively. Rocky is now well mannered, and our bond is stronger than ever!” – Sarah Langley
• “As a first-time dog owner, DogsAcademy dog training was a lifesaver… perfect for beginners.” – Lisa Kimball
• “Awesome strategies used… helped my German shepherd, Sasha improve dramatically.” – Michael

Important Note: These testimonials are anecdotal and, while positive, do not represent scientifically verifiable data on overall success rates or efficacy across a large population of users. They are designed to persuade potential customers. Mytreepod.com Reviews

In summary, while Ipetguides.com provides some statistics on its content volume and asserts a rigorous review process, it lacks hard data on the effectiveness of its core E-collar training method or the average outcomes for its course participants.

Consumers rely on the platform’s stated commitment to anonymous testing and extensive review processes, along with the provided testimonials.

How to Cancel ipetguides.com Free Trial

Based on the information provided on the Ipetguides.com homepage, there is no mention of a “free trial” for “The E-collar Mastery Course” or any other service.

The course is explicitly advertised as a “One-time Payment” of $27 with “Lifetime Access,” backed by a “14-Day Money Back Guarantee.” This means users purchase the course directly, rather than signing up for a trial period that would automatically convert to a paid subscription.

No Indication of a Free Trial

• Direct Purchase Model: The primary offering, “The E-collar Mastery Course,” is presented as an immediate purchase. The calls to action are “GET THE E-COLLAR MASTERY COURSE NOW” or “GET STARTED TODAY FOR $27!”
• No Trial Period Mentioned: Unlike many subscription services that offer a 7-day or 30-day free trial, Ipetguides.com’s sales copy does not include any language about a trial period.
• Money-Back Guarantee as “Risk-Free”: Instead of a free trial, the website uses the “14-Day Money Back Guarantee” as its “risk-free” proposition. This allows users to buy the course and, if unsatisfied within 14 days, request a full refund. This functions similarly to a trial, but requires an upfront payment.

What to Do If You’ve Purchased and Want a Refund Within 14 Days

Since there’s no free trial to cancel, any action related to discontinuing access or getting money back would fall under the refund policy. Logoconcave.com Reviews

• Utilize the 14-Day Money-Back Guarantee: If you have purchased the course and are within the 14-day window from the purchase date, you are eligible for a refund.
• Contact Information: To request a refund, reach out to Dogs Academy/Ipetguides.com using the following contact details provided on their site:
• Required Information: Be prepared to provide details of your purchase, such as your name, email, date of purchase, and any order confirmation number you received. Clearly state that you are requesting a refund under the 14-day money-back guarantee.

Key Distinction: Trial vs. Guarantee

It’s crucial for consumers to understand the difference between a free trial and a money-back guarantee:

• Free Trial: Typically means no upfront payment is required, or a nominal fee is charged, and access is granted for a limited time. If not canceled, it often converts to a paid subscription.
• Money-Back Guarantee: Requires an upfront payment. If the customer is dissatisfied within a specified period, they can request a full refund of their payment.

In the case of Ipetguides.com, the model is clearly the latter, a money-back guarantee rather than a free trial. Therefore, there is no “free trial” to cancel.

Ipetguides.com Alternatives to Discourage

While Ipetguides.com focuses on dog training and pet care, its prominent promotion and teaching of E-collar shock collar use aligns with training philosophies that rely on aversion and discomfort.

From an ethical standpoint rooted in compassion and animal welfare, methods that inflict pain or fear are highly discouraged.

Instead of discussing these, it’s vital to highlight the universally accepted, humane alternatives that foster a positive relationship between humans and their canine companions. Soffio.pk Reviews

Discouraged: Aversive Training Tools E-collars, Prong Collars, Choke Chains

These tools, while promising “quick fixes,” rely on delivering unpleasant stimuli to suppress unwanted behaviors.

• E-collars Shock Collars: Deliver an electric shock, vibration, or sound. Even low levels can cause discomfort, fear, and anxiety.
• Prong Collars: Have metal prongs that pinch the dog’s neck when tension is applied, designed to create discomfort or pain.
• Choke Chains: Metal chains that tighten around the dog’s neck, restricting airflow and causing choking sensations.
• Why Discouraged:
  • Pain and Fear: Directly inflict pain or create a fear response, potentially damaging the dog’s emotional well-being.
  • Relationship Damage: Can erode the dog’s trust in their owner, associating the owner with painful or unpleasant experiences.
  • Behavioral Side Effects: May lead to increased aggression, fear-based reactivity, or learned helplessness. Dogs might suppress behavior in the presence of the tool but not truly learn.
  • Lack of Learning: Teaches the dog what not to do, but not what to do, leading to frustration and confusion.
  • Inhumane: The use of pain or intimidation as a primary training method is widely considered inhumane by leading veterinary and animal behavior organizations e.g., American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior – AVSAB, Pet Professional Guild – PPG.

Better Alternatives Promote These Instead

Instead of relying on aversive tools, the following humane and effective alternatives are strongly encouraged:

1. Positive Reinforcement Training

• Core Principle: Reward desired behaviors to increase their likelihood. This includes using treats, praise, toys, or access to preferred activities.
• Examples:
  • Lure-Reward: Guiding a dog into a “sit” position with a treat, then rewarding them.
  • Clicker Training: Using a clicker as a precise marker for desired behavior, immediately followed by a reward. This helps the dog understand exactly what action earned the reward.
  • Shaping: Rewarding small steps towards a desired behavior until the full behavior is achieved.
• Benefits: Builds trust, enhances communication, makes training enjoyable for the dog, fosters a strong bond, and leads to long-lasting behavioral changes based on cooperation and understanding.

2. Environmental Management and Prevention

• Core Principle: Modify the environment to prevent unwanted behaviors from occurring in the first place.
  • Leash Management: Using a comfortable harness like a front-clip harness instead of a choke or prong collar to prevent pulling without pain.
  • Crating: Safely containing a puppy or dog when unsupervised to prevent destructive chewing or accidents.
  • Gates/Barriers: Using baby gates to restrict access to certain areas of the house.
  • Secure Fencing: Ensuring a secure yard to prevent escape, rather than relying on an invisible fence with shocks.
• Benefits: Reduces opportunities for undesirable behaviors, simplifies the learning process, and ensures safety for the dog and others.

3. Enrichment and Exercise

• Core Principle: Meet your dog’s physical and mental needs to prevent boredom, anxiety, and related behavioral issues.
  • Puzzle Toys: Food-dispensing toys that challenge the dog mentally.
  • Scent Work: Engaging a dog’s natural sniffing abilities through games or structured scent detection.
  • Adequate Exercise: Providing breed-appropriate physical activity daily to burn off excess energy.
  • Socialization: Safely exposing puppies and adult dogs to various sights, sounds, people, and other well-behaved dogs in a positive manner.
• Benefits: Prevents destructive behaviors born from boredom, reduces anxiety, promotes a calm demeanor, and enhances overall quality of life.

4. Professional Guidance from Certified Force-Free Trainers

• Core Principle: Seek help from qualified professionals who adhere to ethical, humane training standards.
• How to Find Them: Look for certifications like CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed, KPA-CTP Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, or seek trainers affiliated with organizations like the Pet Professional Guild PPG or the Association of Professional Dog Trainers APDT.
• Benefits: Ensures you receive guidance based on scientific understanding of canine behavior and learning, leading to effective and humane results.

By choosing these positive, force-free alternatives, dog owners can build a harmonious and lasting relationship with their pets, fostering well-adjusted, confident, and happy companions without resorting to methods that cause pain or fear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ipetguides.com?

Ipetguides.com, also known as Dogs Academy, is an online platform that provides dog training guides, product reviews, and an online course primarily focused on E-collar shock collar training.

What is “The E-collar Mastery Course” offered by Dogs Academy?

“The E-collar Mastery Course” is an online video program from Dogs Academy led by trainer Rodriguez Carter, designed to teach dog owners how to use E-collars for obedience training, including commands like sit, stay, recall, and impulse control. Iconheatingservices.co.uk Reviews

Who is Rodriquez Carter?

Rodriquez Carter is presented as the Head Dog Trainer at Dogs Academy, with a background as a Federal Police Officer, United States Marine Corps Veteran, and retired Army National Guard Military Police Officer, with 15 years of experience in training various dogs, including protection and police K9s.

What is the price of “The E-collar Mastery Course”?

The course is currently advertised at a one-time payment of $27, down from an original price of $47.

Is there a recurring subscription for Ipetguides.com courses?

No, “The E-collar Mastery Course” is a one-time payment for lifetime access, not a recurring subscription.

Does Ipetguides.com offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes, Ipetguides.com offers a 14-day money-back guarantee for “The E-collar Mastery Course,” allowing users to try the course risk-free.

How do I request a refund for “The E-collar Mastery Course”?

You can request a refund within 14 days of purchase by contacting Dogs Academy via email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 5877977526. Herrebox.dk Reviews

Does Ipetguides.com use “fear techniques” in its training?

The website claims its E-collar training uses “NO FEAR TECHNIQUES,” but the nature of E-collars involves delivering aversive stimuli, which many experts argue can induce fear or anxiety.

What types of dog training content does Ipetguides.com provide beyond the E-collar course?

Ipetguides.com publishes numerous blog posts on dog health, breeds, and general training topics, as well as buyer’s guides reviewing various pet gadgets like GPS trackers and dog crates.

Are the product reviews on Ipetguides.com unbiased?

Ipetguides.com states it conducts anonymous product purchases and rigorous, hands-on testing to ensure unbiased reviews.

However, they also disclose participation in affiliate programs, meaning they may earn commissions from product links.

What kind of “pet gadgets” does Ipetguides.com review?

They review a variety of pet gadgets, including Dog GPS Trackers, Dog GPS Fences, Dog Crates, Dog Shock Collars, and smart collars like the Halo 2+ Smart Collar. Kingsbridgechocolate.com Reviews

How many courses and gadgets has Dogs Academy reviewed?

The website states that Dogs Academy has reviewed over 50 courses and more than 130 pet gadgets.

How many guides has Dogs Academy published?

Dogs Academy claims to have published over 300 guides related to pet ownership and training.

What are the main criticisms of E-collar training?

Main criticisms include the potential for causing fear, anxiety, and pain. damaging the dog-owner bond.

Suppressing behavior without addressing root causes. and the risk of misuse by inexperienced owners.

What are some humane alternatives to E-collar training?

Humane alternatives include positive reinforcement training using rewards, environmental management, providing adequate mental and physical enrichment, and seeking guidance from certified force-free dog trainers. Atomicpop.co.uk Reviews

Does Ipetguides.com review other dog training platforms?

Yes, the website mentions reviewing other platforms, such as SpiritDog Training, in its buyer’s guides.

Can I get personalized support with “The E-collar Mastery Course”?

Yes, the course description mentions “Personalized Support With a Comment Section For Each Video.”

Is Ipetguides.com suitable for first-time dog owners?

While the site features testimonials from first-time owners, the focus on E-collars might not be ideal for beginners who could benefit more from positive reinforcement methods that build a foundational bond without the risk of aversive tools.

What is the mailing address for Dogs Academy/Ipetguides.com?

Their mailing address is 1709 W 4th St Madera, CA 93637.

What is the goal of Dogs Academy according to their website?

Their stated goal is to help pet/dog owners train their dogs to be well-disciplined pets without spending hundreds of dollars on “Gimmick professional dog training.”