An electronic disabling device (200) includes first and second electrodes (E1, E2) for contact with a target animal or person. The device disables the target by providing a current through the electrodes and consequently through the target. To assure suitable current flow, the device imposes across the electrodes a relatively high voltage for a relatively short time to ionize an air gap that may exist due to electrode placement. After a short time period, a lower voltage is used to sustain disabling current flow through the electrodes.