Did I make any mistakes in using the e-collar for too many different issues on day 1?

Hi Ed and Cindy,

I have a question I haven't seen addressed on your website (even though it may very well be there) concerning what to expect from my dog after beginning e-collar corrections.

I have a 9 mo old yellow labrador that we purchased at 8 wks of age. He is a really great dog and very smart. I started training basic commands as soon as we got him and he really likes training sessions. He took one obedience class for distractions. (I wish I had spent that $200.00 on my first order from Leerburg.com instead) He was crate trained from day 1 and loves his crate. He is not food, toy, animal or people aggressive in any way.

However, I do have a few behavioral issues with him:

1. Pulls on leash somewhat


2. Does not always come when called if distracted


3. Plays keep away with items such as socks and tries to chew them. Can be kind of bratty at times.


4. Biggest Problem IMO he will not allow my husband and me to relax in a sitting position such as on the couch or patio. He bugs us with hard nipping, barking, front feet up on sofa or constantly rubs his wet slimy toys on us. At no other time does he do any of these thing unless we are relaxed in a sitting position. Wants all attention on him. It is exhausting.

I purchased most of your DVDs and the rest of the proper training equipment such as prong collar, e-collar Dogtra 1900, leashes, long lines, toys, treats etc. I have watched the DVDs on Training with the Electric Collar twice and the obedience and pack structure DVDs once so far. I have conditioned my dog for 2 weeks to wear the e-collar. I began using the prong collar a week ago and he walks very well on the leash now. If he pulls a little I say SLOW and he obeys. Can't believe I lived this long without the prong collar. I also tried to break his other habits with the prong and a drag leash in the house but he is a hard dog so it took a lot of effort for me to get his attention but he was beginning to get the message especially with the sofa behavior. He is 70 lbs and I am very short.

Ok so yesterday the 2 weeks were up so I reluctantly decided to try the e-collar. I say reluctantly because I am so afraid of making a mistake and ruining his (most of the time) great temperament. First thing I used it for was when he jumped up on sofa and started barking and nipping. His training level was 30. I gave him the OFF command then nicked him. At first seemed a little surprised but decided to go for it again and again I corrected him. He hasn't done it since.

He didn't seem traumatized or stressed but kind of standoffish afterwards. But he would come to me and play with toys. Then a few hours later I tried the e-collar again when he got a mouthful of napkins I dropped and ran with them. I gave him the command OUT and he ignored me then I corrected him with a nick. He dropped the napkins and allowed me to pick them up without trying to grab them again. He seemed fine but just a little confused as to what just happened. Then probably 20 minutes later I was filling my dishwasher and he began licking the inside panel (soap residue) like he has done since forever no matter how many times I say NO he does it again. This time I nicked him when he didn't listen and he just simply walked away and didn't do it again. Of course I am LOVING this e-collar. It all seems like a miracle to me.

But my concern is this. My dog played with his toys this morning like normal and of course eats like a horse but he just seems too calm and well behaved. He is usually pretty calm during the day while I am doing things around the house. He follows me around and generally wants to be with me. But today I made him lay next to the sofa while I am working on the computer and he has stayed all morning. Very unlike him to stay that long in a down. He seems really tired. Is this normal?

My question is this. Did I make any mistakes in using the e-collar for too many different issues on day 1 or has he just realized for the very first time that HE is not in charge anymore and it has upset or confused him a little. I remember from one of Ed's videos that he said it is normal for the dog to become kind of clingy after having the e-collar used on him. Since he seems too calm today should I wait to begin using it for recall or just dive right in. I am feeling kind of guilty (I know I shouldn't) so I am taking him swimming today. That is his most favorite thing in this world.

All in all he seems to have learned very quickly with the e-collar and I must say it is way way easier on my and my dog than a prong collar. His immediate reaction to the e-collar was less stressful than the prong.

I love your web site and so wished I had found it when we first brought our puppy home. Very disappointed that I missed out on the DVD Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 months.

I would like any advise you can give me.

Thank you,
Lita