[L's Mom]

Anyone heard of this? I was talking to the guy working at the Holistic Pet food store, and he swears by this training... It's with an E Collar, which he says he has tried on his bare neck on the highest level himself... no pain, just gets your attention...

www.SitMeansSit.com is the website... sounds kinda interesting so long as it's not mean? I thought I might stop in at one of the classes...

You pay for 3 private sessions plus the collars ( this is NOT CHEAP), and then you get life time group training sessions... there is a class I could go to once a week, at a local vets office...

I thought someone had a thread about using e-collars... I couldn't find it...

Any thoughts?

 

[Guest]

Here is the link to some posts. I have tried the collar and it feels like a subtle vibration, like a TENS unit, not painful at all, more attention getting/annoying, and a lot less than the shock from an Invisible Fence.
http://labradoodle-dogs.net/forums/view ... llar#37789

 

[L's Mom]

WOW! Thank you for that!

It sounds pretty cool to me! I don't have any major behavioral issues ( other than knowing that they are TOO CUTE)... well, I wouldn't mind putting a final end to the cat chasing... but I like the idea of learning things that would allow me to give my dogs more freedom in a safe way... perfect recall, sit, down stay from any distance, etc...they are still pretty darn young... but I thought I could use this when they got older, for more advanced training type of stuff!

Again, thanks for all the great info!

 

[Linn]

It's really interesting that you should bring this up... I was just talking to a trainer on Saturday who uses the E collar, and I am seriously considering it. I didn't like the idea at first, but it seems like if you learn to use it correctly, it can be a really positive tool. Davy spends a lot of time off leash at my neighborhood park, which is huge but not fully fenced in. I would like the added security of an electronic collar just in case he ever gets spooked or starts chasing a squirrel and runs too far.

 

[sandy]

Zapping Nicky is not something I ever plan to do! I much prefer teaching him with kindness, not pain. I want him to do things to please me, not because I'd punish him for not obeying.

I never spanked my kids and don't see an E-collar as a "positive tool" to use with my dog.

 

[Linn]

I know what you mean Sandy! I felt the same way until I talked to this trainer, and found out that his training method is based almost completely on positive reinforcement. The collar is much different that a spanking (which I would never do either). It's more of a gentle reminder, something to get your dog's attention and make him realize how important it is to listen to your words.

I see this guy (the trainer) at the park almost every day, and his dogs (a coonhound, a mastiff, and a chihuaha) wear e collars but I have never seen him have to use the zap. However, I do see that all 3 dogs have perfect recall, seem incredibly happy, and pay great attention to their owner.

What I like about this training (so far) is that it seems to teach 100% listening behavior. Until now, I've used treats and the "reward good, ignore bad" method. Davy knows lots of commands, but he often chooses to ignore them when he's playing or has something (such as a dead squirrel, found chicken wing, etc) that I want to take out of his mouth. I'm thinking that the collar will help him understand that I mean business. Mainly, I'm thinking that it will help me keep him safe. And from what I've heard, you don't even really have to use the collar that much, after the initial few sessions. It's kind of like emergency backup. I also really like the idea of not having to carry around treats or a clicker all the time.

All that being said, even I have not decided it I will definitely go the e collar route. However, I think I will schedule an initial session with this trainer (the first time is without the dog) to learn more. I will keep you all posted!

 

[L's Mom]

Yes Linn, please do keep us posted.

I totally agree with not wanting to use scare tactics or agression in teaching... from the way this sound, the collar is to be used as an extension of your voice... not to punish, but to remind...

I was thinking of using this method of teaching, when my babies got a bit older, to bring the training to the "next level". My puppies are great, and mind pretty darn well... I feel like we are responsible for keeping our dogs safe and successful in our world, and if that is my duty, I want to make sure that they will understand what I want, when I want it... so that I can infact keep them safe at ALL times. So if this method works, I think it's great! I will have to make some time to drop in some of the classes, to see for myself, but I figured I would get you guys input as well!

 

[bob]

I have my golden on an e-collar. works great. I'm thinking of using it for the Doodle also.