I want to know your opinions...

[nkrz]

My husband used a shocker collar for his beagles when he hunted with them, and right after we got our GSD, we went and bought a new 'training' collar. Has anyone else tried this kind of training method on a GSD and if so, did you have good results? Do people not like this method of training?

[Tbarrios333]

I really think it all depends on how you use it and why you're using it.
Your GSD looks like a puppy, needless to say it's guaranteed she's going to get into trouble.
Shocking her at such an early age just isn't fair, redirecting her would be much better. She doesn't KNOW she's doing something she's not supposed to, she's just reacting and having fun!
Look around in the puppy behavior and puppy training, you'll find a lot of good info on how to raise a happy puppy.

[Stephanie17s]

I have to agree. It doesn't seem fair to correct a puppy so harshly when they don't even know they are doing something wrong. I would think it would just confuse them, and possibly create fears of things (everytime they go near the garbage can they get a shock...maybe he will have a fear of garbage cans for the rest of his life?). I wouldn't use one, but I have no experience with them, so hopefully someone who has can shed some light on this.

[Stephanie17s]

I have to agree. It doesn't seem fair to correct a puppy so harshly when they don't even know they are doing something wrong. I would think it would just confuse them, and possibly create fears of things (everytime they go near the garbage can they get a shock...maybe he will have a fear of garbage cans for the rest of his life?). I wouldn't use one, but I have no experience with them, so hopefully someone who has can shed some light on this.

[Renoman]

I've used e-collars for 10 years BUT only after the dog is trained and proofed on a command. I use it for reinforcement and 'long distance' control, so it's more of my 'invisible leash' than anything else.

I would never use one on a puppy who was just learning.

[Denman]

I have one at home, but have not used it to date. My GSD is about 14 months now, and I wont use it until she knows the commands we are working on. I know a lot of folks that have used them with great results, but it all depends on how and when you use it. I dont use it in my yard as I also have invisible fence, so dont want to confuse her with the different corrections. The only time I will use it is when we are out of the yard.

[Effie325]

I think it is a last resort, and I don't judge someone who uses it to get off leash control. While most GSDs I know seem quite quick to train without needing this type of tool, I certainly realize there are dogs that the usual methods won't work on.

[SunCzarina]

German shepherds are NOT beagles - don't make the mistake of training them the same way. I hate seeing shock collars on dogs out walking in the park being used as a crutch for their poor training skills. ( I mean dogs with a leash and a prong collar ! )

Not that they don't have some use for older dogs to refine their skills but as a primary training device to teach a pup right from wrong - nope - it's a sloppy excuse to not learn how to work with the dog.

[Liesje]

I'm not against them and would use one on my own dogs but I need a reason TO use it, ie I've tried other methods and it didn't work, or I've trained the command and now need to proof it, or if there is a safety issue. I would not start directly with the e-collar.

[littledmc17]

only time I used it was when my trainer let us borrow his to train the dogs NOT to run to cars

Brady's brother's owners use one on him and it really annoys me because he is a good dog and they are useless and don't follow through with training