I was told once that if you have the invisible fence then you should not use the e collar. I was told it would be confusing.

My dog is ultra sensitive to the fence and NEVEr tests it.I wouldn't want to freak her out.

Michelle;
I introduce the e collar thru obedience (Dogtra 200, working level, usually 18-21) under very little distractions, paired with body language and something the dog wants, like food or a toy. Under these conditions, the dog is having a great time and has absolutely no confusion between the two collars. The feel between the two collars is completely different. I have lots of clients that have had super sensitive dogs, trained inappropriately to the invisible fence and they still excel using my method of training using the e collar. The "sky is the limit" with this type of cutting edge dog training and new technology.

Roni
I just finished reading Jennifer's thread and was HOPEING you replied to mine.
When you say sucsess with your method is that the same as in Ed's DVD? I was planning on getting both.

Also if you would, what is your reccomendation of models? Should I go for the one for two dogs since I will eventually have my shepherd on it. They seem very different.

The boxer is dominent and stuborn but hates to be reprimanded and takes very light corrections. Just wearing a prong collar almost shuts her down. No aggression.
The shepherd doesn't challenge me like the boxer but is not very sensitive to corrections. Very laid back, easy going.

I was thinking of just getting the one dog collar. I seriously doubt my ability to work two at once. I also was going towards the 1700. Why? no clue. I hate rebuying and tend to buy high end off the bat but is this way more than I need.
My intended uses are recall with the boxer (my husbands dream) and off leash obedience with both dogs.

Thank you for your time.

Michelle;
I think you answered your own question about what collar you would be most comfortable with.LOLOLOLO I prefer the digital read out, but I have to caution people not to be a "number watcher". You need to keep your eyes on the dog not on the collar. Let the dogs behavior dictate what you do. For instance, if you are working on a recall and your dog's normal working level is 18 to 21 and you are tapping the button and the dog is looking off into the distance and you call the dog and she runs to you in anticipation of receiving a treat, well that's just perfect!!!! On the oh the other hand the same dog is sniffing a dead rabbit 20 yards away from you and she has been listening to you until she found this wonderful stinky thing but now this stinky thing is way toooooo coool and now she must rub her body into this stinky thing and she doesn't hear you and the stinky thing feels really good and well, now I would be turning that collar up until that stinky thing isn't as important and doggy says, "what Mom do you want" Oh you want to give me a treat" Way toooooo cool!!!!!
All joking aside,,,,,,,We raise and lower the stimulation according to the tempermanent, drives, environment, and previous
training that the dog has experienced. Sounds complicated but it isn't when we just stop and watch and listen to what the dog is telling us.
The 200 NCP fits most dogs, and most situations. The Dogtra collars are a great quality and very reasonably priced.
Hope this helps

Thanks Roni

I am blurry eyed from all the reading. I am NOW thinking 3500NCP. I like that it has a mile radius. We go trail rideing. So far we have left the boxer at the campsite but maybe with a reliable recall she could join us. Also like the feature for extra sensitive dogs. I think she will land in this catagory.

So you HAVE seen dogs on both the invisible fence AND the remote collar? My boxer is also my nephews service dog. She is 100% of everything when she is working. I just cringe at the idea of messing her up.

Right now the boxer lives with me and the bus picks the dog up and she goes to school with my nephew. I imagine as my nephew gets older the boxer will probably live with him. My hope is my brother gets Jack his own dog but if money prohibits then I may just have my shepherd.

My husband brought up my nephew last night and warns about interfering on what is fast becoming the boys dog. Still I feel that the boxer's manners after her vest is off needs improvement for everyones sake.

More info than you wanted but I wanted your input. Can I do this with ed's video? Leave it alone? hire a professional.

Just your gut thoughts. I know you cannot be definitive without meeting us.

Why would you need a collar that has a mile radius?
Dog training can only be successful and humane when your teaching and your behavior is consistant and clear.
Yes, you can train your dog using Ed's video and I am available for a consult. Good Luck.

I thought mile because we have 20 acres and go trail riding. Can't you use it as a long distance recall?

When we are in the woods Ava is great at returning but sometimes I can only hear her rustling in the trees. I think at those times it would be nice to have the collar and distance.

I don't believe a human could see a dog at a distance of 1 mile and I don't think you should ever be that far away from your dog.
The collar is terrain sensitive. So many things can happen out
"in the wild". Lots of proofing needs to happen with your dog before venturing out in unfamiliar territory. Of course, you can use the collar for a long distance recall, but I set my dogs up for success. Would your dog continue to search and know how to find you being 3/4 of a mile away. That ability would need ot be trained for and not just taken for granted.. Why do you let your dog out of your sight without a dependable recall?

Why do they have a remote collar for 1 mile if it is not a good idea to use it at this distance?

I TOTALY agree about setting a dog up for sucsess and definately was not planning on STARTING at the one mile point.

I thought if they made it for that distance then I could see possibly needing it on the trails. Given that I probably am greatly underestimateing how far a mile is. The distance was secondary behind the mention that it had a setting for sensitive dogs. That sentence perked my interest.

IAm I reading correctly that you do not care for this model?

 Quote: michelle berdusco

Why do they have a remote collar for 1 mile if it is not a good idea to use it at this distance?

A mile range would be used in a hunting dog situation. For example: If your beagle is hunting rabbits, as he is supposed to be, and 1/4 to 1/2 mile away he jumps a coyote or deer and is giving them a run for their money, you want to put a stop to it pretty quickly. It's much easier to have a mile range on the collar than to try to use your puny bi-pedal legs to get within 1/2 mile of your trash chasing dog who is very quickly leaving the country behind the wrong game. You don't have to be able to see the dog to know what they are after, their voice/bay, direction and speed let you know if they are on a rabbit or "trash".
Any seasoned hunting beagle can find where they started from and the area where they last saw their person, they can also track/scent the hunter to find him/her on a recall. I don't think Beagles ever get lost they just sometimes decide to stay out longer than we like them to.