Just trying to understand something. I have the ecollar video. I believe in using the ecollar according to the Leerburg way. My question concerns when to start using the ecollar. Most people say wait until the pup is at least 1 year old. What is the concern if used on a puppy who understands the basic commands??? The low intensity "nick" seems so much more "humane" and quite frankly easier than a prong or choke collar. I am not trying to rush things. Was just wondering what is the concern. Why would the pup be anymore confused or harmed using low stem "nick" than a leash correction??? Seems to me that it is earier for timing and consistancy to be using the remote trainer. My pup is 6 months old and never seems stressed. Continues to eat and wants to play afterwards. After very short training sessions with the remote trainer. I mean is there anythin wrong with something being easier?? I mean am I looking for trouble down the road??? I really would appreciate some input. I don't want to ruin my pup.

I don't think there is a "magic age" for using specific training tools. I think a lot depends on the dog and the skill of the handler.

I don't know how much structured obedience I would be doing with a 6 month old puppy, but I think if the handler has a good grasp of training and is using the collar properly it could certainly be introduced earlier than one year of age.

I would definitely say that if the dog's behavior is such that a correction is NEEDED, I see nothing wrong with a nick in place of a prong collar correction. I stress that the handler should have a good grasp of the training concepts and the puppy should be acclimated to wearing the collar and understand the tasks being asked of him. (as Dave points out)

For me though, many things that may seem worthy of a correction to some trainers can be dealt with by redirecting the pup to something more desirable or helping him pick a better behavior to offer me (through encouragment instead of correction)... no matter what tools you are using, remember that a pup of 6 months old is a baby!

100 % with Cindy, not much to add. Mabye that I learned from my own mistakes with my hunting dogs before I started the sport/PP types. Oh so how important timing is on any correction, e collar or not <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />