Thanks Ed, Cindy, Sandy, and Roni for your replies. You have convinced me that I need to put a little more thought into my proofing routine. I appreciate the ideas you have presented to me, and I will begin incorporating these ideas immediately.
That being said, I still have the challenge of training a small hard dog. Eventually, I'd like to start off leash work, both in the house, and outside. Again I was not inquiring about an E collar for use now, but for use down the road when I start off leash work. I too am in the LEARNING phase. When people are in this phase of training, they do research about equipment and techniques to properly, and fairly train their dog. I may have been crossing the fairness line with Lance, so I will re evaluate my position on that, and hopefully be a better trainer for it thanks to you guys, (and gals).

I have a question:

In the ecollar training DVD, Ed says that when you are working the dog in a down, you should put the ecollar on the back of the neck.

Would that be a better way to support the weight of the ecollar? (It doesn't seem so to me, but I thought I would throw it out there...)

How about an alternative location, like the belly or on the back? I know that some people use these in conjunction with the neck collars on large dogs, so why couldn't you use the belly, or other location as the primary one?

DISCLAIMER!! I am not advocating these things, just asking the folks that might know better. Also, I agree with the others about the 100% learning, and the way Cindy described (jumping jacks, etc.) seems like a great way to make sure the dog is reacting to your voice, and not some subtle cue you are nonverbally giving the dog. They are amazing at percieving these movements!

But once they know what you are asking, they need to know they cannot give you the finger! And a small, hard dog presents the problem that you are dealing with, which is you cannot escalate the corrections without fear of injuring the dog. Perfect situation for a small-low power ecollar...

2.5% of my bodyweight is about 4lbs., and I can imagine that hanging off of my bicep, or some part that is similar to a dogs neck (with respect to the effect of gravity) being quite a problem after awhile. But if that were strapped on my back, it would be much easier...

Way to have an open mind Jason!!!!!!!!!! Rick, there are many ways to use a collar. I use the collar, as an adjunct to help the verbal part of dog training be processed more clearly, and with less repeatitions. I pair a low level stimulation, in a 1, 2, 3, cadence with the word and a primary reinforcer (something the dog wants)plus body language in the teaching phase. The reason I mention this as with this method, the collar can be placed anywhere on the neck. I prefer to place the box generally under the chin so as to not interfer with focus work.
As far as placing the box in different places, maybe. In my work, the primary emphasis is on the emotional welfare of the dog. I try and create comfort in the dog, so the dog is able to learn at his optimum level. With this in mind the level would have to be adjusted to the sensitivity of the dog.
Happy Training!!!!!!

Additional comment on body language. This refers to using body helps to initially teach what we want the dog to learn. We phase body language out as quickly as possible.