Collar Condition to here

[capthunterdude]

I have a 5.5 month old GSP and I just got my ecollar. I am following the Fowl Dogs training system as well as the 10 minute retriever, as I will be molding this pup into more retriever/ flusher than pointer. I want to collar condition to here pretty soon as the pup likes to not abide. How long should I have to wait for the pup to simply just wear the collar around before I start to use it? I have been placing it on him anytime he goes out for anything "fun". I am sure he knows what the command means already also.

[jakethebirddog]

You are doing good already by associating the collar with fun activities. IMO, I would wait at the very least a week, but preferable two weeks for him to get used to it, and forget its there.

When you do begin turning the collar on, make sure you find the lowest level your dog will respond to and start with that.

Good luck
Tony

[gonehuntin']

I usually let them wear it a month, and make sure I always associate it with fun. Whenever the pup goes out to play or run, he begs fro the collar before I let him out. After he is begging for the collar, I will very gently touch him with it when I command HERE. Just gently, so he only quizzically tilts his head. Don't do it often. Pretty soon he'll start responding. When he does, praise the heck out of him. At this age NEVER hurt the pup with the collar.

Keep this in mind though: If, for months, you use the collar only for HERE, that will become the pups default response to the collar and it will make teaching him whoa, fetch, etc. all somewhat harder. As with all training, it's balance.

[surferdave]

Don't forget to use a check cord when first collar conditioning to here. You need to make sure it's very clear to your dog how to turn off the stimulus. Just in case he does not comply, use the collar in addition with the check cord to reel him in.

[Sprig]

you can have the dog wear the collar at any age really as long as you dont turn it on and just want to start to collar condition. start using pressure only after the dog has been obedience trained with a check cord.

[EvanG]

I have a 5.5 month old GSP and I just got my ecollar. I am following the Fowl Dogs training system as well as the 10 minute retriever, as I will be molding this pup into more retriever/ flusher than pointer. I want to collar condition to here pretty soon as the pup likes to not abide. How long should I have to wait for the pup to simply just wear the collar around before I start to use it? I have been placing it on him anytime he goes out for anything "fun". I am sure he knows what the command means already also.

The wearing of the collar prior to conditionng is over rated, in my opinion. Many times at seminars, a dog will go through conditioning that has never worn one. What's more important is making sure he wears one anytime you train, once conditioning has begun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BDM78DYARc

EvanG