hunting dog e-collars

[hansol]

Hey guys,

All these dog threads have really opened my eyes to how many dog owners we have here. As such I was looking for a few opinions.

I'm looking at getting an e-collar for my dog as a training aid. I'm just wondering if any of you guys here have experience with them, and what your thoughts are on how they work.

Cheers -Cameron

 

[A-zone]

Over the last ten years or so Radio Systems (Pet Safe) has become the dominant brand for electronic dog training products in North America. They produce an excellent series of training products (including pet containment systems, bark control and remote training devices) as well as offering superb customer support and warranty.

They also have a series specifically for hunting dogs that gets sold under the "Sport Dog" label. In our experience (we've dealt with this line for over ten years) they don't simply rest on their laurels. Rather, they keep improving and innovating while consistently providing excellent value and no-nonsense customer support.

 

[sjemac]

Worth their weight in gold if used properly. Properly means proper conditioning to the collar and never using it angry. If you get one with the warning tones you will find that after the first few times, you will rarely have to use the juice.

 

[Crashman]

Only use the collar to re-enforce a command the dog already knows and understands. If he doesn't understand "sit" or "come", it isn't fair to him to give him the juice. The warning beep is a good idea too, once he recognizes the beep, you won't need the juice.

 

[Cinch]

I would also reiterate what sjemac and Crashman pointed out, proper use of an e-collar requires training by both dog and handler to be used fairly and effectively. They are not a magic pill, an e-collar is a training aid no different then a healing stick or bumper. Having said that I can't image running my dogs without an e-collar.

 

[DBeato]

I picked up a Sportdog unit last spring for my Brittany. I will check the model number, it also has the remote beeper for location and for her pointing. It is a great unit, I'd recommend Sportdog.

 

[sherlockbonez]

I have a dogtra? something or another. I usually only have to have it on for my dog to know its working time. I rarely have use it.

 

[daniellybbert]

E collars are awesome. I use one on my dogs all the time. They work great for training a forced retrieve. I use mine for other things than hunting but they are a good deal.
I have a dogtra and I think they are the best. Inotek is next.

 

[Griffoneur]

Get yourself trained before training your dog. e-collars are a great tool but if improperly used, they will ruin an otherwise good dog. Once ruined, the dog is useless for hunting.

 

[canadian hunter312]

i have a sportdog brand collar and it sure made my stubborn lab smarten up quickly. it was like a night and day difference after i started using the collar. now all it takes is the warning beeper to get her to listen.

one very important thing you must do is put the collar on the dog for a little bit each day for a few weeks without zapping. if you zap the dog the first time he wears it he will quickly learn that he only needs to listen when the collar is on. if you go a few weeks without using it he wont be able to associate the collar with pain.

these things can REALLY hurt so its best to start off low power and then gradually raise the juice until you get a response from the dog. with my wimpy lab it only takes level 2...this model goes up to 8. on #8 it makes my whole leg hurt

the only time ive used anything higher than level 2 is when she was making a beeline for the road to see some kids walking by on the other side of the street. level 6 stopped her in her tracks and now its like theres in invisible barrier on the sidewalk that she only crosses when leashed. i feel that one thing right there is easily worth the $200 i spent on this thing.

 

[Varmit]

I have two Goldens and a Sportdog 1850 upland hunter which is a good unit. I only use it for disipline. ie: if the dog breaks and won't stop or come when ordered or if he chases deer or other trash.

If you listen to the manufactures of these units they want you to use it for basiic training (come, stay sit) and even when the dog is obeying. they are trainers now that don't agree with this and only use it as i stated above.

look up uplandjournal

 

[LOC]

I use one for my GSP as well - the sportdog upland 1850 /w locator. Great units! and sportdog has an amazing warrenty / customer service should you ever need it.

Like everyone else has said, make sure you know how to use it, and use as little 'juice' as is needed to get the dogs attention. The sportdog ones used to (maybe still do?) come with a decent training DVD and booklet.

G'luck!