Shock collar or no collar

[terryn]

Which is better to train a dog with? I'm new to this and want some advice.

[chance]

Lots of dogs are trained without using an ecollar. Takes a higher degree of skill and patience on the part of the trainer.

[cheeko]

Lots of dogs are trained without using an ecollar. Takes a higher degree of skill and patience on the part of the trainer.

Takes alot of skill also with the ecollar also. Timing and how to use one correctly

[greencaps]

Teach skills first, reinforce things the dog knows with the ecollar

[CF]

Unless you truly know how to use a collar I wouldn't use one...if you can work with someone like a pro that knows how/when/what/why to use a collar then learn to use one and use one...

just my 2 cents...

[EvanG]

Unless you truly know how to use a collar I wouldn't use one...if you can work with someone like a pro that knows how/when/what/why to use a collar then learn to use one and use one...

just my 2 cents...

That's very good advice. You live in a great time to become a retriever trainer, and to learn about e-collars. The information is widely available. There are several solid programs. Pick one that matches your learning style, and stick with it.

EvanG(link)

[deadbird05]

Terry, This is Chase Williams. I would recommend Evan's basic DVD set to get you on the right track. I got started by reading his books and they were very helpful. Get all the basics down and then I can show you the proper way to use the shock collar to reinforce the training. It probably would not be a bad idea for someone to supervise you in your first force fetch if you decide to go that way. I should have some time to train next year. It may get very frustrating for you and the dog at times and thats usually when you lose patience or you push the dog too much in one session. Just hang in there. There is nothing like the bond you create when you train your own dog the proper way.

[terryn]

Thanks for all the advice. Chase I will get some of them.