[armk]

We've been talking about getting Sierra (now almost 6 months) an e-collar for hunting. She does decent when hunting, but she really needs to work on recall. She just gets so absorbed in the hunt that she doesn't even seem to hear the whistle or her name being called. We've been hem-hawing about it for a month or so, because we wanted to wait till she got a little bigger (though she is easily 15 lbs now).
Then, last night, we were in town doing the whole visiting thing and I took her out to pee, and she just took off on me. Where we were visiting, there is a semi-major roadway, and I was terrified that she'd gone down to the road. I lost sight of her, and no matter how I called, whistled or anything, she was not coming back. I spent 20 minutes tramping through people's back yards on Thanksgiving night to find my dog. Finally, I found her just about where she'd originially taken off at, but that decided it for me. We need an e-collar for recall.

I've been looking online, and my boyfriend's sister recommends the SportDog e-collars. I'm especially interested in their Hound Hunters models, which go up to about 2 miles and have tone and vibration warning. Water-proof, several colors, but orange is what we'd get. She's also getting an orange hunting vest, since a few years ago, one of the guys we hunt with had his dog accidently shot for following too close to a rabbit.

What do you guys think the best e-collar out there is? Any tips on working it into her training?

 

[oldhounddog]

armk,

When using an ecollar or training collar the dog must know the command first to prevent confusion. I use ecollar with the training of my coonhounds and have for years , however , the use of ecollar is to reinforce known commands.

As for what ecollar is best for you and your dog I can only say that the best on the market is Tri-Tronic and Dogtra. I am not familiar with the ecollar you mention , however , I have heard folks say good things about the sportdog 400 series.
I am using Dogtra brand ecollar at this time and find the top brands listed to last longer and give better control of stim working level needed for your dog................ So to me the Dogtra and Tri-Tronics are cheaper in the long run. IMO.

What I would do: Work on basic commands ( sit , down stay and recall ) in a fenced area or using a long line using reward based training. I would use a leash for your dog when outside as a safety. Try to wait a little longer before the purchase of any ecollar.

If more information is needed please post back and I will be glad to help.

Best , oldhounddog

 

[armk]

She does know the basic commands, but chooses to ignore "come" whenever she feels. She knows what the whistle means, but only comes at her own convienance, which is why I am looking into e-collars. She will come, the majority of the time, but with her hunting already, and deciding to ignore our calls when the situation is dangerous, I decided an e-collar would be good to reinforce the training. Especially when there have been past incidents in our area of dogs accidentally being shot because they didn't come at command during a hunt (being too close to the rabbit).
It's very hard to use a leash while rabbit hunting, but we usually use a leash outside of hunting, however, that night she had just chewed through her leash and we were unable to get another before we had to leave.

We did decide we would rather go with a top brand that will last longer, even though the plan is to eventually only need for her to wear the collar to be enough of a reminder to listen. There are just some things you don't buy cheap, and I think this is one of them.

 

[oldhounddog]

She does know the basic commands, but chooses to ignore "come" whenever she feels. She knows what the whistle means, but only comes at her own convienance, which is why I am looking into e-collars. She will come, the majority of the time, but with her hunting already, and deciding to ignore our calls when the situation is dangerous, I decided an e-collar would be good to reinforce the training. Especially when there have been past incidents in our area of dogs accidentally being shot because they didn't come at command during a hunt (being too close to the rabbit).
It's very hard to use a leash while rabbit hunting, but we usually use a leash outside of hunting, however, that night she had just chewed through her leash and we were unable to get another before we had to leave.

We did decide we would rather go with a top brand that will last longer, even though the plan is to eventually only need for her to wear the collar to be enough of a reminder to listen. There are just some things you don't buy cheap, and I think this is one of them.

armk,
You make some very good points and the safety of your dog is at the top of the list.

>It's very hard to use a leash while rabbit hunting, but we usually use a leash outside of hunting, however, that night she had just chewed through her leash and we were unable to get another before we had to leave.< Of course you are right about rabbit hunting , and , it is good you leash your dog in areas of risk.

You are very correct about noncompliance to known commands when hunt drive is engaged , however , it has been shown that the focus of a hunting dog becomes very narrow when in high drive and does not feel pain or hear some sounds. So keep this in mind as your dog is not just selectively not listening to you when the hunt drive is engaged.

A good quality ecollar will serve you well. I would have dog wear the ecollar for about 2 to 3 hours per day with ecollar not turned on to get your dog used to the feel and smell of the ecollar.


i use a low stim working level with my hounds and this has served well.

I am sending you a pm that will help you.

Best , oldhounddog