Mexico - Page 2

I re watched this video and I notice a remote dangling down  on the :31 portion of the video. I hope this isn't what I'm thinking about.

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What is it that bothers you about it Brit?  It's not an unusual or inhumane method.  The "box" is positioned on the back, held in place by the strap.  Actually what it feels like is a when you flick your index finger using your thumb.  It's a strong tap.  It can be used for faster sits, downs, recalls, things like that. 

Who cares if the flank strap used in training is a remote e-collar? Sometimes the e-collar is used on the flank to a faster down or sit when heeling or out of motion.

Grow up, Brittany. Just because you haven't seen certain training methods does make them wrong.

In the right hands, an e-collar is a valuable training tool and does not hurt. I've used them on my own dogs.

At other times, a flank strap (non e-collar) is used for training and reinforcing the stand out of motion.

Who cares if the flank strap used in training is a remote e-collar? Sometimes the e-collar is used on the flank to a faster down or sit when heeling or out of motion.

Grow up, Brittany. Just because you haven't seen certain training methods does make them wrong.

In the right hands, an e-collar is a valuable training tool and does not hurt. I've used them on my own dogs.

At other times, a flank strap (non e-collar) is used for training and reinforcing the stand out of motion.

Weezie, just because you think a certain training method isn't wrong and have personally used it on your own dogs, doesn't make it right. I'd be curious to know exactly how you have verified that E-collars don't hurt. Have you wrapped one around your own scrawny neck? If so, can I watch the video?

I don't plan on ever growing up.

triodegirl, yes, I have tested an e-collar on my neck and in the sensitive bend of my arm (where blood is taken). Why don't you try it, too? To me, it feels like a slight tickle/tingle set on a level of 18 out of 100 possible levels of stimulation.

The fact is that nearly all top schutzhund competitors use e-collars for fine-tuning their dogs. Even trainers such as Dildei, Flinks, Plumb, etc. have used e-collars in their training. Because I have seen many of Ivan's students use e-collars, I suspect that he does, too. E-collars are regularly used on hunting and retriever breeds (for which the e-collar was originally developed). People who train with e-collars combine this training with the use of clickers and food/toy rewards.

There is no wrong or right to any method of dog training so long as the method is fair and understood by the dog. There are no gray areas with proper e-collar training--the dog sees reinforcement in black and white terms--which is one hell off a lot more humane than "nagging" reinforcement with a fur-saver or pinch collar.

A training method is only as good as the person doing the training.

Triodegirl:  I would never use any devise on my dog that I didn't try on myself first.   They really do feel similar to what you feel when you "flick" an index finger or like a firm to hard tap.  Of course you can set them higher or lower, depending on the dog and other factors.  Unfortunately, they can be misused, like any other piece of equipment.  People who are using them for the first time should always seek the assistance of someone who is knowledgeable in the correct use before ever using them.

What happens when the e-collar is set to maximum, or nearly maximum? In a case I was told about several months ago the dog turned on the trainer and bit a hole through his hand. The trainer then retaliated by hitting the dog over the head with some kind of hammer. Is that proper use of an e-collar? How many "trainers" know how to properly use an e-collar? I wasn't there to witness the event, but was told about it afterwards as this was the dog that was suppose to be "perfect" for me.

triodegirl, that's a "trainer" issue, not an equipment issue.  A regular chain "training" collar can cause major throat damage if not used correctly also.   When an e-collar is used correctly to proof a dog they are a good tool.