electronic training collars ?

[Zad]

Anyone ever use those remote control collars. The ones that give a little shock when the dog is misbehaving? Do they really work any feedback would be great Thanks

[TrinityRun]

Try this. Dobbs Training Center - E collars Part 1 and 2

[laurlitt]

Electronic collars (e-collars) can be an excellent training tool, but only if used correctly. I don't think it should be taken lightly or overused. Also, I don't think (in most cases) that a young puppy (up to about a year) should be trained w/ one...

Just my 2 cents.

[TrinityRun]

I'll add they shouldn't be used as a shortcut in training (which happens too often, IMO). It's a collar that requires you learn to use it under an experienced person. No one should just go out and buy one and start using it.

[Skip]

even on an adult..I would not consider it unless ALL other methods have been exhausted (and there are probably dozens of other methods...i.e. --> learning from books...learning from the net..learning from experienced trainers/behaviorists. Even after all those, I would still never use it unless I had a very knowledgable trainer show me how it should properly be used.

[Judi W]

Zad, exactly what kind of "misbehavior" are you concerned about?

[Muckdogs]

Originally posted by Skip
even on an adult..I would not consider it unless ALL other methods have been exhausted (and there are probably dozens of other methods...i.e. --> learning from books...learning from the net..learning from experienced trainers/behaviorists. Even after all those, I would still never use it unless I had a very knowledgable trainer show me how it should properly be used.

you shouldn't limit yourself like this. Many excellent trainers that have produced excellent dogs utilize this tool as a first line training technique, in conjunction with other methods.

[Mattweiser]

Originally posted by Muckdogs


you shouldn't limit yourself like this. Many excellent trainers that have produced excellent dogs utilize this tool as a first line training technique, in conjunction with other methods.

everything Muckdogs said, plus... there is a factor of e-collars that cannot be duplicated with any other training technique, the handler/owner can remove theirself both physically, and emotionaly from the correction...

now, having said that, I must say that the most important aspect of a remote collar is the understanding of behavior modification and timing in the correction.... for this.. you MUST enlist the help of a skilled, trained, and knowledgeable dog trainer... not one that says he has experience with e-collars, but one that can prove his knowledge and use of them.....

[Mattweiser]

Zad,

where are you located?? I could help you find a good trainer in your area

[Skip]

Originally posted by Muckdogs


you shouldn't limit yourself like this. Many excellent trainers that have produced excellent dogs utilize this tool as a first line training technique, in conjunction with other methods.

So far it hasn't been a limitation at all. When it is, I'll consider it.
We all tackle issues differently. My training is going great so far.

[Ramon]

They can definitely be effective if used properly. Some dogs are very hard, even too hard for the prong, and a good e-collar is a good alternative to something like a sharpened prong which would be more dangerous for the dog. It's not to be taken lightly. Used incorrectly, it could ruin your dog. I use one for obedience training, but I'm very careful to use it sparingly.
If you're using it strictly to curb misbehaviors, like getting up on the counters or getting into the garbage, that's actually one of the better uses for it. Just remember to use only as little juice as needed, and timing is very important.

[Judi W]

First Zad needs to identify his dog, age, training if any, his own training experience and what misbehavior he is hoping to correct. Training obstacles need to be identified before planning the corrections so one knows exactly what one is correcting and what would be the most effective and fair to the dog.

It can be too tempting for a novice to simply push that button. Actually I did watch an excellent trainer who became a bit too enamored when he first started working with the ecollar and went several steps too far and it showed on the training field not to be recovered. So, not a shortcut especially for the novice regardless of its proponents. Analysis, evaluation, and education first for both the dog and handler.

[Skip]

Originally posted by Judi W
First Zad needs to identify his dog, age, training if any, his own training experience and what misbehavior he is hoping to correct. Training obstacles need to be identified before planning the corrections so one knows exactly what one is correcting and what would be the most effective and fair to the dog.

It can be too tempting for a novice to simply push that button. Actually I did watch an excellent trainer who became a bit too enamored when he first started working with the ecollar and went several steps too far and it showed on the training field not to be recovered. So, not a shortcut especially for the novice regardless of its proponents. Analysis, evaluation, and education first for both the dog and handler.

Great answer Judy.

[Mattweiser]

Zad,

If you prefer, feel free to PM to discuss this further ;)

[lblax]

i use e-collars but in my opinion they are good to break habits like garbage rumaging and to to re inforce already learned obediance. the problem i have with them is a novice trying to teach his dog with them