Track and Train Vs Training Collar

[sethhartwick2600]

Hey all, just got my first GSP puppy a few months ago back, and as she is nearing 5 months I wanted to start introducing E-Collars to her. Wondering if I should spend the extra money and get a tracking feature or just stick with a standard training collar. We will mainly be hunting private ground for quail and pheasant, but will possibly be taking a couple trips to the Dakota’s for pheasant per year also.

Looking at the dogtra pathfinder 2 mini!


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[Sharon]

The more security features the better imo. Don't be using that e collar yet.

[mask]

What Sharon said is good common sense. A tracker collar is worth every penny.

[NEhomer]

Absolutely buy the tracking collar and listen to Sharon.

[Steve007]

While you're making your decision, don't forget to get a metal plate riveted to whatever collar (including regular) you use with your name, phone and contact information on it. I add the word "microchipped" on the plate as well, and all my dogs are.

Mechanical contrivances are fine, but don't only rely on them.

[fazer8]

What age do you all recommend starting ecollar training? My GSP is 14 weeks so I have plenty of time, but thinking ahead.

[sethhartwick2600]

What age do you all recommend starting ecollar training? My GSP is 14 weeks so I have plenty of time, but thinking ahead.

Wondering the same, as Standing Stone starts around 4-5 months old!!


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[Sharon]

For me, the purpose of the e collar is not to initially train but to REINFORCE what has been taught.

example:

I always started with a check cord, and a dizzied or caged bird to teach the dog to hold its spot until released. Once I was sure the dog knew what I was asking , I would use the check cord to remind him if he took off after the bird. Then again you have to be so careful when you use that e collar; if I'd used it close to the bird , the dog might have thought the bird was giving him pain so lets avoid birds. Then I would be in trouble.

Start in with teaching the dog to come on a check cord and then using the e collar if he doesn't.

[Steve007]

Good post above by Sharon. Teach the dog as if the E collar did not exist, and then once he's got the exercise solidly down, use it as reinforcement if there is a hesitation or delay in responding. The exception is if he starts chasing deer.

[cjhills]

I want my dog to have a good start in yard training and be mentally mature enough to handle training before using the collar. Probably 6 to 8 months. Make sure you are mentally mature enough not to lose your temper and fry the dog. You can do serious damage with the Collar. Get absolute solid whoa command before going to field with a collar. Some pigeon work in the yard and some chasing tossed birds, so he don't get crazy when he sees a bird.
I never had a dog that did not figure out who controls the collar. Have fun.
I like separate collars, tracking collars are a bit too complicated to train with. But I am technologically challenged.......Cj