Collar Smart

[Casper]

Is it common for any dog that has had e-collar training become collar smart. One that knows it can get away with somethings that it wouldnt even think about when they have their collar on. Or they will ignore common commands such as here, whoa, STW&S, sit, etc.

Is there a way of changing this type of behavior. I would think that leaving the collar on all day would be the best bet but I would think that a dog with a collar on for 12 hrs a day for a few weeks might cause some irritation on the neck.

[markj]

I use an ecollar to re inforce what I have taught them at home in my small field using a check cord etc. I use treats at times to re inforce "good" behaviour. I have a radio fence from pet smart for their "boundary" and leave these collars on them 24/7 with no ill effects but they are loose on them not tight. This fence system uses noise, vibration and shock to keep them in. Train them right and they never "test" their boundaries again.

It is very easy to "over do it" with a e collar so I try to use the noise stimulation first to get their attention. This works in most situations.

Train them to whoa, come, sit, fetch and you just about have it.

[Kevin]

I have wondered the same thing myself. I have heard people say that it is possible to have a dog not become collar wise, but don't no if I believe them. Dogs are alot smarter than we give them credit for sometimes. I agree that you have to leave the collar on everytime you train, otherwise you give the dog a chance to make a comparison. Also try to avoid giving a command that might be blown off when the collar is not on. I try to make physical corrections whenever I can even with the collar on, don't know if this make a difference or not.

Even if the dog becomes collarwise I still think you will see an improvement in obedience when the collar is not worn.

[Ayres]

What I do is to put the collar on before we go do anything, whether it be training or whatever. If I use it to enforce already trained commands, then I use it. Lots of times I don't use it though. However, because it's on all the time my dog has become less collar-wise than he used to be when I put it on strictly for yard work.

Going over and over your training will make the commands routine too, and the dog will eventually comply without ever thinking about a corrective stimulation.

[PAHunter]

If it becomes a big problem try a dummy collar.

[Higgins]

I believe becoming collar smart is something we train them to be. If the collar goes on the dog anytime we may give them a command, they don't become collar smart. It happens when we give them a command and don't have the collar on them to enforce the command if they refuse. If the dog is in the yard without the collar and you say come, his refusal cannot be corrected. Now he begins to understand the difference between having the collar on and being without it.

Just my opinion.

Brad Higgins
www.higginsgundogs.com

[TAK]

What I do is to put the collar on before we go do anything, whether it be training or whatever. If I use it to enforce already trained commands, then I use it. Lots of times I don't use it though. However, because it's on all the time my dog has become less collar-wise than he used to be when I put it on strictly for yard work.

Going over and over your training will make the commands routine too, and the dog will eventually comply without ever thinking about a corrective stimulation.

Perfectly said!

[TAK]

Is it common for any dog that has had e-collar training become collar smart. One that knows it can get away with somethings that it wouldnt even think about when they have their collar on. Or they will ignore common commands such as here, whoa, STW&S, sit, etc.

Is there a way of changing this type of behavior. I would think that leaving the collar on all day would be the best bet but I would think that a dog with a collar on for 12 hrs a day for a few weeks might cause some irritation on the neck.

Take Ayres advise! Very sound! When the time comes you can not have the collar on (trials) then they never know it was off!