Perhaps Roni will see this thread and advise you.

I can't remember if you mentioned it before in another thread but did you do the conditioning of the e-collar like Ed talks about in his E-Collar DVD? And did you first find the level of stimulation that was effective for your dog, also according to the DVD? Very important steps, in case you didn't do them. The e-collar is an important tool but like any tool, it needs to be used correctly.

You said there was no reaction at level 1, he moved at level 2 and jumped at level 3 but that you used levels 2-4 on your walk. Level 3 is too much, level 4 more than too much.

I would also, as Steve mentioned and I feel is extremely important since you haven't had him long, that you go very slowly with him in every phase. Not too many liberties all at once, and definitely ease up on the corrections. It's not a matter of corrections at this point anyway, but a matter of routine and structure. A rescued dog can't be expected to know everything that is being asked of him and you probably haven't had him long enough to really know what HE really knows, commands, rules, etc. Besides, your rules are probably different from whatever other owner he's had.

That being said I would take him to a (good) vet, make sure there's nothing else going on.

Thanks Sandy. I knew what I was trying to say but I just wasnt getting it out. You bailed me out. LOL

I agree. It's hard because when you have a new dog it's really exciting and it can seem like everything is going along like clock work when all of the sudden the dog puts on the breaks. It could be a case of too much,too soon, sensory overload. would take him to the vet to be sure, then take a training break. Give yourself and the dog a little time to regroup.

I hope all works out at the vet today.

Once again Sandy has articulated herself beautifully. I totally agree with Steve and Sandy with slowing down and learning how to use the ecollar properly.

Dear Jorge;
I have never seen training with an e collar cause this type of reaction in a dog. He neck or back could be out of alignment.
Sounds to me like you are correcting your dog using the e collar
without the dog understanding what you are trying to convey to him. What brand of collar are you using? What is your prior experience with training dogs? I look forward to hearing from you and addressing this. I just need more information.
Thanks,
Roni

Disclaimer: I have NO experience with the e-collar so take this post with a grain of salt.

But I have read on this very forum multiple times that you do NOT just strap an e-collar on a dog and start using it. You need to put it on and take it off multiple times a day for two weeks so he gets used to the collar FIRST, before you ever stim the dog. 2 hours wearing it does not seem like enough to me.

Also... is it at ALL possible the screaming and the e-collar use are unrelated? You said that when he had the e-collar on he was fine. But when you try to make him do something he doesn't want to do, like move off his blanket. That is when he screams.

I have seen dogs that have never had an e-collar on in their lives do this. It is definitely a temper tantrum with those dogs. They figure out real quick that if they cry and scream, their owners give in. (The e-collar could have been the trigger, where he figured out that you now have a way to make him obey when he doesn't want to. So now he needs a new way to control you. Screaming works).

Terriers are very smart. So ask your self is it POSSIBLE.. the dog is just having a tantrum unrelated to the e-collar.

I would definitely have him checked out by a vet and definitely consider that there may be something wrong with the way you used the e-collar, but consider the *possibility* that it also may not be the e-collar at all.

Thanks for your response, I'll keep you updated, I'm taking him to the Vet, today, his a great Vet, his father founded Parrot Jungle down here in Miami, his a 2nd generation Vet with great training.

quote

""""I have seen dogs that have never had an e-collar on in their lives do this. It is definitely a temper tantrum with those dogs. They figure out real quick that if they cry and scream, their owners give in. (The e-collar could have been the trigger, where he figured out that you now have a way to make him obey when he doesn't want to. So now he needs a new way to control you. Screaming works).""""

I think this may be it, his like a spoiled little kid now.

Angela;
Temper tantrum, no way. Dogs react to what is going on. Where are you going with this thought? I don't care what breed we are talking about. Dogs are not children and they certainly don't sit there and think of ways to get out of what we want them to do.
Plain and simple they react................
I don't think this is productive to look at dogs and dog behavior in this way.

I just meant that dogs are opportunistic, and they go with what works. I respectfully disagree that dogs only react. I think they can be pro-active too.

I think it is possible for a dog to act spoiled. Not saying they are children but they learn what they can get away with and what they can't, this is how they learn the rules.

I don't know Jorge or his dog, and I certainly don't know e-collars. And iirc, this dog is a rescue, so no-one knows its history. I just wanted to offer another perspective is all.

Edit: my perception of events, I admit, is probably unlikely (and I clearly stated this), but what IF. I mean if one suggestion on this board doesn't work, maybe another will. That's why I thnk different ideas are important. JMO. I will let the experts post now.

Edited by Angela Burrell (04/09/2008 03:33 PM)
Edit reason: clarify

My mom has a 5 year old Chihuahua, and he started doing something similar to this. Suddenly for no reason he would start screaming, as if in agony. Sometimes he would do it when she gently tried to move him. It was horrible to hear. After a thorough vet exam, it was determined that he had a lung infection, and an enlarged heart that the vet said he may have been born with. He has been treated with antibiotics (twice), and is now on heart medicine and a medicine to help his breathing, and the episodes have gone away. She also has put him on a diet, he was a sausage with legs, and he has lost a little weight.

This dog could very possibly have an issue that isn't outwardly apparent. A vet check is in order.

Good luck with him.