Collar Question

[Walleye Wegs]

What age can/should I start with an e-collar? I also am looking for a Tri Tronics classic 70s. Thanks
WW

[irvingdog]

"Wegs"

I may be able to help you. P.M. me.
[email protected]

[setterguy]

There is no diffinitive age that you should start using an e collar. The right time to start using a collar is when you know your dog knows the commands that you are trying to control. As soon as you are sure that the dog understands what it is supposed to do, then and only then should you start to use negative reinforcement for disobeying. If you use the collar and the dog doesn't know why the electricity is being applied you will have an unsure, tenative dog out in the field, and that is exactly what you don't want....ecollars can be an invaluable tool for not only training but for saftey purposes as well. Just like any form of negative reinforcement if it is used too frequently with too much force, you will end up doing more harm than good. A collar should never be used as a short cut in training, but only to fine tune the things a dog already knows.

[GRfisher]

I have a Brittany, she is about a young old and is always really hyper. How should i go about training her without using the collar. Everytime i try to take her out i have to have the collar on her.

She knows the commands, but just loves running around way to much to listen to them, without the help of the Beeper on the collar, and sometimes a little shock.

Any suggestions?

GRfisher

[WALLEYENUTZ]

Use a long lead rope. when she gets into a place you do not want her, pull her in with the rope while saying your "here" or "come" command. eventually she will figure it out. I had the same problem. It takes a while to unlearn the "collar smart" dog.

hope that helps

[jlm]

I am not an expert in training dogs but I do know a few things. First off, I would recommend starting all training with the e-collar if you plan to use it in the future. Do not get your dog into the advanced stages (by using other means such as lip pinch or ear over the collar) of training and then introduce them to an e-collar. Either use it or don't...just stick to what you start with. Second thing, get a variable intensity collar so you can use as little juice as possible. You don't want to scare or hurt the dog, just make it uncomfortable. Third thing is that an e-collar should never be used as a method of punishment. It should be utilized as a means of avoidance rather than punishment. People can really damage a dogs ability if the collar is overused as a means of punishment. This is difficult if not impossible to repair. The fourth thing is that you MUST show a dog the correct behavior so he know he has an option when he makes a mistake. If you do not, he will be confused and make the same mistake over and over. Sorry for rambling on. Good luck!

[WALLEYENUTZ]

I'm not a professional either but I would have to disagree with jlm. I think once you reach the point you want to introduce the collar, than use only the collar for correction. Maybe that is what jlm is trying to say.
The collar is a correction tool not to be confused with a training device. Train you dog first then correct the behavior with the collar. the dog most know the command or commands before you use the collar. maybe I'm stating the obvious.

[This message has been edited by WALLEYENUTZ (edited 05-21-2004).]

[jlm]

You are correct Walleye, the dog should know the command and appropriate behavior prior to correction, I guess I assumed that was a given. They are also to be used for avoidance training such as a forced retrieve etc. Anyway, good luck!