Shock Collar Question

[PA BEN]

At what age can you start a pup on a shock collar? Also, any DVD'S on shock collar training you guy's would recommend. This is for a Labrador retriever.

[birddogdad]

I started my girls at around 6 months. I have the 3 stimulation collars, vib, beep and shock. the shock is very seldom used. mostly I train to the beep. dogs will pick it up pretty quickly. I only use shock for correction never to get attention. I have garmin system that is wonderful, tracks gps as well if you need that option.

you can use these to train some pretty cool things. one of my girls has learned to look to me for direction while bird hunting (arm left or right) when I vibrate her. I use the beep to return to me.

[Colin]

Can only speak from the one dog I've trained but I didn't start CC till around 7 or 8 months old, after FF and Collar Fetch were solid. I was told that CC after FF makes Collar Fetch go a little easier as they arnt conditioned to do other commands from the collar pressure.

I've heard Mike Lardys video on CC is good but never watched it myself. Hillman uses a collar early but very minimally.

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[mburrows]

I've started my last 3 dogs around 9 months I think, just depends on the individual in my opinion.  How quickly are they learning commands and picking up what you are saying so that once they do get shocked they can comprehend how to correct.  Less is more when you are starting off though, introduce the collar for simple things like sit, heel, etc.  Tom Dokken has a number of videos and DVDs you might want to check out.

[JLS]

At what age can you start a pup on a shock collar? Also, any DVD'S on shock collar training you guy's would recommend. This is for a Labrador retriever.

I usually start mine at about six months of age, maybe a little older.

Never use the collar in a punitive manner.  Be fair with it and it will serve you well.  Be vindictive and you could ruin a dog.

All of the training books I've used had a section on collar conditioning.  Be sure to start at a very low level.  Shock yourself with the collar so you can see the level of stimulus you are giving.  ALWAYS give a second warning command prior to a shock when you are starting out, using a brief and quick stimulus.  Increase the stimulus until you get compliance.

[Copperwood]

I wrote a little article on how we collar condition all of our dogs. We usually start right before force fetch. I highly recommend teaching obedience first. Much easier transition for the pup. The key is for them to learn to turn the pressure off. Check it out if you want. Good luck

https://www.loneduckoutfitters.com/article/gundog-collar-conditioning-retriever-training-tip

[PA BEN]

What do you guys thinks of this video? It's free w a purchase.
http://www.gundogsupply.com/?utm_source=bingads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=campaigns&utm_term=%2Bgun%20%2Bdog&utm_content=Theme%20Gun%20Dog
I'm thinking of getting this collar.
http://www.gundogsupply.com/garmin-tri-tronics-sport-pro.html

[constructeur]

Gun dog supply is a great outfit, if they have a suggestion/favorable product review you'll be well served by it.

[jrebel]

I bought a sport dog 2525 (i think that is the model) and have been very happy.  I didn't start my dog on it till she was two....and it was only to keep her from chasing deer.  Otherwise she was very obedient....if she saw a deer, she was gone.  Well now anytime she hears the beep she is back at my side immediately.  The only bad thing is.....I paid a good chunk of change and now it is rarely if ever needed.  I still make her wear it when afield, but it never gets used.   They are overly effective tools if you use them correctly.  Good Luck.   

[Forks]

I have not used the transmitter you're looking at but the collar is the same one I use with my Pro 550. The bark limiter actually works on both of my dogs and the remote lights are kinda cool. As mentioned, you can't go wrong with GDS and their customer service and I have always trusted Garmin products on land and on water.

[Colin]

I also use a gamin pro 550. I use the beacon light all the time when walking out or setting up when hunting. It's very nice for walking a black dog at night too. I wanted to be able to nick at low medium or high without toggling the switch to a different level. Personal preference. I have noticed the garmin aren't as strong as dogtra or sportdog. Something to consider. I usually run my dog on a lvl 5 of the 7 available. I was spruced that the lower cost collars have all the functions of the pro 550. Lights and bark limiter, that's pretty nice. The tube transmitter can be a little cumbersome when hunting though. Great for training.

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[PA BEN]

I've been watching videos on YouTube and the DVD I got with my e collar. And most of the training I see so far is the lowest setting that your dog feels. If there is no bite to it then why would your dog listen to you? My pup knows sit stay and come. But if he gets it in his head he doesn't want to do something he doesn't do it. Training is fun right now but I'm afraid of him starting bad habits.

[Colin]

I wouldn't use the collar on a pup that young unless you are 100% sure of what you are training and how it works into the big picture. There is nothing you can't teach on a lead or check cord at this stage and it will help to establish the use of pressure with the lead before. I would really really encourage you to get the hillman dvd. It's a very low pressure way to start to teach some of the basics really really simply to a young pup. Bowwowflix has a subscription where you can rent dvds for like 13 bucks a month. Cheaper if you are not wanting to commit to hillman also you can take a look at a lot of other programs that are out there.

I was very afraid of stifling my pups drive when he was young. You can't put the drive back into them if you lose it. Last thing anybody wants is a duck dog that would rather be a couch potato than a retriever.

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[PA BEN]

I've been watching his videos on YouTube

[lokidog]

Tag.

We use the beep function a lot, one beep means sit and look here, or if swimming, look here, three beeps means come here now. We rarely need the shock setting as a vibration usually sets Amber on the right course.

She sure gets excited when the collar is pulled out as it means she gets to do something fun.