I'm new to training I was wondering at what age is appropriate to start training a puppy with an e-collar?I also read of teaching basic obedience with an e-collar is it really necessary at the begining of obedience to use an e-collar I thought training should be motivational till the puppy got older? Another question I have is what collar do most people use and why? I don't really see much difference in all of them except for different stimulation leels and the way the remote looks?

just keeping the post alive

I will my .02 on this and say I don’t recommended e-collars for puppies especially new dog owners who have never used the E-collar. Though E-collars have come along way and anyone who knows anything about them should know the stimulus can be set to a level that annoys but does not pain the dog. Most will fin it effective for training at lower levels accompanied with rewards that target the good behavior. The thing is, they can be set to inhibit behaviors and depending on the dog let alone a puppy this high setting can ruin a potentially good puppy.

That being said it is not the main reason I don’t recommend them for use on puppies: I feel the E-collar advocates who know only e-collar training have lost the learning experience that only leash interaction can bring. This line of understanding that is not detached and id directionally more clear to a puppy with less of a chance of over stimulating makes for a better handler if not a better puppy in the end. A person skilled in e-collar might disagree but my case is made that thought they use the equipment right most a re terrible about transferring that skill and knowledge. I see it at least 3-4 times a year with hunting dog that the owner and dog marched off to a clinic/seminar for E-collar work only to show up at my place to be reconditioned because the dog is shock shy. Granted much of the problems with this is as much a temperament flaw as it was the training it received and I am fair to not blanket blame anyone about the dog I see at my doorstep. Novice handlers should developed working skills is my point and much of the “more is better” idea that is ingrained into American culture can be avoided.

Find a good trainer ho is fluent in molding behaviors with rewards but is not afraid to set down some rules and correct the puppy when warranted for bad behaviors. Look for 3 keys of training they should mention: timing, consistency and proper motivation.

I won't say I never use e-collars for some clients who don't seem to have the coordination they need to give a motivational correction. Others may have more to add or detract from this post and I wish you luck on your choice to use it or not.

Like posted, training a puppy with an E-collar is unnecessary and doesn't give the puppy the chance to perform because he wants to, for you. Also it may confuse the puppy because he initally does not know why or where the stimula was given.

Lets take in to consideration that you have already done your basic Obedience and built a bond. But you just want to sharpen the dogs lets say, his recall.

The E-collar can be used at this point on a puppy of 1yr old and older, IMO. Especially if the trainer is a novice, but only after he understands the training commands.

I don't have any experince with the e-collat but from waht I heard it can hurt and confuse a dog, if not properly used. Why do that to a puppy? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Be advised I've been directed to try the e-collar and I have purchased one. This is an attempt to enhance the recall on 3yr old 95lb female Rottie/PTB.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> I'm still approaching this with caution, you can mess them up if you don't know what you are doing.

Why put a puppy through that? :rolleyes: