Re: Thoughts about what I could have done differen
I cannot speak to the use of the E-collar since I've never used one.
I think the best way to train is to interrupt behaviors BEFORE they happen and not wait to correct them afterwards. At least, I've had the most success that way. My dog listens very well but if we are out front and I am gardening then he is tied up. That way I never have to worry about him being hit by a car or going to meet another dog or scaring someone who walks by (he is friendly but some people are scared of dogs).
So a very easy solution to this problem is to buy some tie outs and a couple of stakes and stake them out with you. That way they there will be no possibility of them going across the street and they will not learn bad habits like crossing the street and breaking their stays. When you see someone going by with their dogs you can put your dogs into stays and toss them treats to reward them for their good behavior.
I cannot speak to the use of the E-collar since I've never used one.
I think the best way to train is to interrupt behaviors BEFORE they happen and not wait to correct them afterwards. At least, I've had the most success that way. My dog listens very well but if we are out front and I am gardening then he is tied up. That way I never have to worry about him being hit by a car or going to meet another dog or scaring someone who walks by (he is friendly but some people are scared of dogs).
So a very easy solution to this problem is to buy some tie outs and a couple of stakes and stake them out with you. That way they there will be no possibility of them going across the street and they will not learn bad habits like crossing the street and breaking their stays. When you see someone going by with their dogs you can put your dogs into stays and toss them treats to reward them for their good behavior.