Remote Electronic training collars?

[Jhetrick88]

Anyone used one of these before? Thoughts?

They seem to have several different settings depending on your dogs temperment.

[brunie's mom]

Nope..never used one.
How old is the dog? What is the problem? How much formal obedience training has the dog had??

Gina

[Mick Trainer]

There are many threads here that discuss e-collars. Do a search, you will find plenty of info.

In short they are an extremely effective training device as long as you have a decent understanding of how and why they work in regards to behavior modification. Some trainers use them as their main form of training apperatice. Others like myself use them more at the end of the training process and for particular behavior modification. They can if used incorrectly create some unwanted side effects and some degree of training along side an experienced user/trainer is very much recommended.

Most of the time however the training can be done without the use of such devices and for the reasons mentioned above many choose to stay away from them. Like all tools they are only as good as the person using them.

If you decide to go down this path do yourself and your dog a favour and get some training lessons from and experienced e-collar user. It will safe you a lot of time and potential problems.

Mick.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by Jhetrick88

Anyone used one of these before? Thoughts?

They seem to have several different settings depending on your dogs temperment.

I have one. Have used it a few times under supervision to learn how. It's collecting a lot of dust right now, and likely won't be pulled off the shelf for a while. I much prefer a hands on approach when working with my dogs, and would only use it if none of the other 'tricks' in my bag worked.

My thoughts on the matter?
While the use of these collars can afford you 100% off lead control, I think a training tool like this is best used in the hands of serious trainers who are grooming their dogs for competition and high points.

I would rather see the average pet owner spend time with a qualified trainer and learn the basics of behavior shaping, training, and relationship building.

This is only one tool of many that can be used in dog training. IMHO, it's much more important to learn about operant conditioning, various positive and negative reinforcements, basic canine behavior, and putting that knowledge to work in training one's dog.

As Mick said, if you choose to go this route, PLEASE make sure that you learn how to use this tool correctly and humanely, and under the supervision of a qualified trainer. Not all trainers are created equal.

[bailey03]

One thing to remember with electric training collars. Do not use one before they are a year old. They can make them mean from getting shocked if they are introduced when they are too young. The other thing is if you don't use it for a certain amount of time some models turn off and you have to turn it back on which makes it hard. We had the electric fence we wanted it to be put in right after we got the dog. When I called the company to install it they asked how old. They told me about the one year mark and how it could make them afraid to do stuff and change their temperment. The other thing is Rott's are not suppose to have stuff really tight around their necks. Those collars to get to the skin to work they need to be tight. After we got the electric fence where the spikes were actually made our Rotts hair fall out in that area. And it got infected and it wasn't fun, so just be really careful. We ended up putting a regular fence up and got rid of the elctric fence because of it.

Now remember every dog is different so yours may not act this way.

[Stubby]

Originally Posted by Jhetrick88

Anyone used one of these before? Thoughts?

They seem to have several different settings depending on your dogs temperment.

May I ask why you are considering one? or are you just asking about them?

[Xaramom]

I used this several years ago when my older dogs decided they couldn't hear me as joggers presented lovely chasing opportunities an acre away. One was a stubborn but loving German Shepard, the other a lab mix - very gentle. Both were over 3, the Shepard was closer to 8. It was urgent that they begin to listen right away, since the Shepard was quite large and a bully, but a total coward. He used to bark at incoming vehicles, then run behind the house and peek out to see if it had worked!

I borrowed the collar to convince the dogs that could still reach them. It's the timing that's tricky, and making sure that the dog is feeling it. The Shepard had no outward sign, but next day, he started to listen. The lab jumped straight up in the air with a yip of surprise and turned around and gave me the most reproachful look! but when I called her next time, she made a beeline for me. She somehow knew I did it! Echo, the Shepard, was oblivious. I started out on leash and waited for the break from a heel position. With the Shepard it was easy -- even with constant changes in direction, he needed constant watching to keep from forging or dropping behind, or developing several feet from my side. Of course, as soon as the leash was off, he headed for the nearest distraction - another dog -- and I must have hit the button 4 times with no result. When he got back, it was back on the leash where he behaved perfectly.

Shadow, the lab, needed only that one jolt. She then refused to leave my side for a week!

I think once a dog has discovered he can get far enough away from you to be out of your immediate punishment, it is difficult to convince him without extra help (long arms not withstanding!) Our other dog, Luke -a pit mix - (we live on a large farm, by the way) was convinced by the bee-bee gun to come, and to stop chasing the cats. It stings, reaches long ways, but he learned to wait till he heard the beebees sliding in the barrel before he would come. Then he ran to our sides and sat very pleased with himself. (Smart huh?)

Anyway, I feel timing is the most important part of using those collars and also the narrow line between learning and abuse. If you are late or early, or haven't given the command yet, you are just abusing the dog who can't figure out what you want or why he's being shocked.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by bailey03

One thing to remember with electric training collars. Do not use one before they are a year old. They can make them mean from getting shocked if they are introduced when they are too young. The other thing is if you don't use it for a certain amount of time some models turn off and you have to turn it back on which makes it hard. We had the electric fence we wanted it to be put in right after we got the dog. When I called the company to install it they asked how old. They told me about the one year mark and how it could make them afraid to do stuff and change their temperment. The other thing is Rott's are not suppose to have stuff really tight around their necks. Those collars to get to the skin to work they need to be tight. After we got the electric fence where the spikes were actually made our Rotts hair fall out in that area. And it got infected and it wasn't fun, so just be really careful. We ended up putting a regular fence up and got rid of the elctric fence because of it.

Now remember every dog is different so yours may not act this way.

Wow. I had no idea that a collar could change a dog's temperament! ??? !!!
Whoever told you that did not know what they were talking about.

That being said, if this training tool (remote training collar) is used improperly, it can certainly set up the dog and handler for failure and cause major set backs in the relationship. If one is going to use this device, one needs to learn first hand from a QUALIFIED trainer in training theory, timing, and the proper and humane use of the product - as with any other training tool.

Any collar should fit high on the neck, to prevent the dog from slipping out of it.

The invisible fences, well, that's another thread... suffice it to say, they don't impress me in the least.

In regards to the infection your dog suffered as a result of wearing the invisible fence collar - did you not take the collar off when the dog was inside your home or in his kennel? It sounds as though hygeine and due care have more to do with the infection than the collar itself. Dogs with particularly thick fur can be shaved down in the area where the prongs will be, or extenders can be put on the collar itself.