E-collar testimonial

Ginny01OT · 08-21-2007, 02:24 PM

I know, here we go but I really felt I had to mention this. Most of you know I use an e-collar on Riley for off-leash training only--which isn't that often only when we go to PA and such. Well, about a month ago, as I went into the backyard to play fetch with Riley I fell down my patio steps and really injured myself (it was one of those "help I've fallen and I can't get up scenarios"--of course no one heard me yelling for help and I had to crawl backwards back up the steps and continue to yell for help before anyone heard/listened to me). WEll, it required a trip to the emergency room, we all thought it was broken--it turns out I tore several ligaments in my ankle, Stage 3 sprain. I had an aircast, wrap and cane--I literally could not walk on it for about three days (hopped) actually took off from work. Well, Riley and I love to go for walks and about 6 days later I decided to try and hobble with the dog--my cast, my cane, my 53 pound puppy (what a sight)--I put the e-collar on him because if he pulled or anything I was in trouble (the pain to walk was enough to keep me walking at a very, very slow place if he pulled me I was at a risk for reinjury). Well, the e-collar worked for "heel" very well (our problem was other dogs, especially ones he knows and wants to play with, a squirrel and sometimes even a blowing leaf). The e-collar gave me and Riley the ability to start our walks again. It is over a month later and my ankle is still bad but not even close to what it was and we have upped the pace of our walks. Yesterday I took Riley up to the schoolyard (which was not vacant) and he ran off leash, sat when I told him to, stayed and everything. I have to say it is working out very well and Curbside, I appreciate everything you say and I am doing what you said---I am keeping a record of how often I need to actually use the collar and over the past weeks and it has lessened and lessened I barely use it at all now but I guess it is like a string tied around a finger. Also, the correction (stim, shock whatever you want to call it I like correction because that is what it is) has never been over 18-20 (it goes up to 100)--very rarely and he has never yelped or cried or anything indicating he was in pain at any time. Riley is getting activity as I am as well and that makes us both happy!

Alpha · 08-21-2007, 04:33 PM

I'm glad to see that it's worked for you! (it doesn't need to be said though, that you know how to use this tool properly

)

There are extreme times like this, that the e-collar can come in awfully handy.

Inga · 08-21-2007, 06:01 PM

Yup, I agree that there is a time and a place for the e collar. Unfortunately, One does not have to have a license to purchase or show that you have any training skills in any way. I disagree with the average Joe using them. It sounds like you know what you are doing. The whole point of them is an aid not a torture device. My opinion is if the dog is vocalizing it is way to high.
I have used them and my dogs used to get real excited when they would see it come out of the drawer. To them it was a good thing. It meant off leash exploration. I can count on 1 hand how many times I actually needed to use it. Like you it was nice to know it was there if I needed to get their attention in a hurry.

Renoman · 08-21-2007, 07:14 PM

Ginny, so sorry to hear of your accident. Glad you're on the mend. As for Riley and the e-collar- I've said it more than once, I'd rather have the collars on the boys and not need to use it than not have it on them and need it. I use the collar for the boys like you do for Riley, off lead training, off lead running etc. Most of the time when they are wearing the collars, I don't even have to use a correction but I like the reassurance that it's there 'in the event' I can't get their attention any other way.

Curbside Prophet · 08-21-2007, 07:20 PM

This is how you qualify the use of a tool, as you did, by looking at the numbers. This is where the proof is that learning is taking place. And who can argue against learning? Certainly not me, and I'm happy that you've found this tool useful...it's right there in the results.

Not too many people are willing to look at dog training as a science. Really, how dog's learn is simple, but we often make it complicated. In the same breath, little is known of e-collars. There hasn't been much or any studies that have gone out to show what dogs learn with this tool or if it's even effective over a long period of use. That's where dog handlers/trainers like yourself need to do your own work to qualify the tool..test-train-test. And if you're not willing to do this work, IMO, you can be accused of being abusive, or negligent in some senses, but not all.

I would say that you should be satisfied with the results, especially under the circumstances. And I would say anyone who may be considering this tool, should approach it the same way. Get training from a certified professional on how to use and fit it, and test-train-test.

Ginny01OT · 08-21-2007, 07:21 PM

I agree Renoman--we still have not had a major distraction yet tho--(deer or another dog)--yesterday two men in a truck at the schoolyard were delivering port-a-potties for some reason, pretty close to where we were, Riley stopped and paused--I corrected him to redirect him and everything was fine so we are definitely going in the right direction. After he was directed and came to me, I leashed him and walked over for him to meet the men (I thought I was going to get in trouble for being there) and then we went back to what we were doing. Your philosophy is right on--I would rather have it on and not have to use it than the converse.

Also, I hear you Curbside--if I weren't seeing these results I would have dropped it. My dog is really like another child of mine and I only have his best interest at heart.