Collar Conditioning

EWSIV · Post by **EWSIV** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 11:05 am

In retriever training, you condition a dog to the e-collar by reinforcing a known command (usually 'here'). This teaches you the dogs stimulation threshold and teaches the dog that compliance will turn off the pressure.

Collar conditioning to here would be a bad idea for a young pointing dog in my opinion.

How do you collar condition a pointing dog?

My goal is to be able to use light stimulation to reinforce the 'here' and 'no' commands when the dog is out of range.

Would you just nick and repeat the command until you found the the level at which your dog complies?

Will Schwarzlose

birdshot · Post by **birdshot** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 11:52 am

will, i used kennel when introducing the e-collar. i had read, not to use "here", because you did not want the dog to come to you when getting a shock. after kennel, used "turn", and finally, "come". i never have used the collar for whoa. i used a check cord for whoa. i was not sure how to use the collar for whoa, so i reverted to what i was comfortable with. some day i will sign up for a smith course and get this e collar figured out.

Buckeye_V · Post by **Buckeye_V** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 3:07 pm

The methodology you describe is used in Perfect Start. I think it's OK as long as you have:
1. Taught the dog on a check cord what the command is and you know it understands.
2. You overlay the check cord with the e-collar
3. You have the dog in sight when you first start to use it. to reinforce.

My dog shows no signs of being affected in regards to range and drive, etc.

Casper · Post by **Casper** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 2:44 am

a quote from Rick Smith

What you cant teach (enforce) at 6 feet you cant teach (enforce) at __ feet (insert distance)

take small steps, the dog will show confusion initialy but will soon learn to turn off stimulation by complying

Maverick · Post by **Maverick** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 9:38 am

I love the Smith method of training but the best DVD I have seen to date on proper use of the e-collar and how to overlay commands is the George Hickox DVD or tapes.
He goes over the proper way to over lay commands and shows you many times how he does it.

Mav...

nitrex · Post by **nitrex** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 9:11 pm

I agree with Maverick. Hickox does a great job of teaching ecollar conditioning. The DVDs are worth the small investment!

Nitrex