Like any tool, if misused e-collars can do un-repairable damage. The e-collar is a good training tool if used properly. I find the e-collar very useful when patterning spaniels or recalling fast moving pointers. Bark collars are also valuable for keeping your dog (and your neighbors) quiet.  and calm. New technology allows for kinder stimulus reinforcement . Very non confrontational to your dog

You should always get the proper training instruction before using them.

There are all kinds of gadgets out there for training, and if properly used, I’m sure they work.

I have a tendency to keep thing s simple here: Several crates for car and house, leads, training collar, retrieving bumpers, at least two place boards and a whistle.

I use a British style Slip Lead. I also like a pinch collar attached to a 6’ lead, especially for large, powerful dogs. I use a whistle to deliver commands when I am working dogs in the field.

The whistle I like is an Acme British style 211 ½ Spaniel whistle. This delivers a variety of tones easily, and is not obnoxiously loud. For retriever training I like an Acme Thunderer.

A crate is not a cage. It trained properly it will be your dogs refuge. This is where he will learn to relax, Keep him out of trouble and help to keep him safe. Even if your dog is in the house with you it is important that you crate train.

Food is a powerful motivator and I use it as part of my training.

Free feeding, making food available for the dog at all times, should only be used on old or sick dogs. We feed puppies, 3x’s a day and adults, 2x’s a day.  Since food is such a valuable training tool, we feed in the crate. At feeding time our dogs hop into their crate and wait for their dinner to be delivered.

If your dog is a house pet, hunting companion or a combination, as a household member it should be required to be mannerly (especially a 90Lb Lab). Bolting out the door, knocking over the kids or demanding to be fed in my book is unacceptable. Teach your dog to sit and then walk behind you go through a doorway and wait to be fed.

 

Socializing is a big part of puppy training, and should be started immediately.

By 6 months of age I want my dog to sit, if it is a pointing breed I want him to stand, I want him to recall to his name, pup should have been introduced to the lead, crate trained and have had basic retrieving training.

Commands should be kept simple, Sit or Hup, come, quiet and no.

If you are going to hunt with a pointing breed, use the word Whoa and teach him, to stand and stay.

Be careful not to reward the pup when he is making noise. Teaching pup to relax in a crate can help this problem.

The key to good dog training is consistency. A consistent program of 20 minutes a day, 2x’s a day, is much more effective than long single sessions

This technique incorporates small platforms were dogs are rewarded for sitting, standing and staying It is the foundation for our programs and helps create a steady dog (sit or stand and stay). Steadying is the ultimate control. It’s also helps to keep the dog safe.

Because of the custom nature of our training programs, we limit the amount of dogs we take to 5 per week.

Our training facilities is headquartered in Pottsville, Pa which is west of Allentown, north of Reading and 12 miles from the Cabelas in Hamburg, PA