Dove, Dogs, and Shotguns

An electric collar can be an effective tool when training your hunting dog. E-collars can be used to reinforce commands and keep your hunting dog from getting into a bad spot. Today’s collars have many features and levels of stimulation to help control your dog in any situation. Remember, e-collars are only a tool, not the only way to train your dog. Your dog should have a basic grasp of the simplest commands before introducing them to the collar. After introducing the collar , use it to aid in training, not hurt your dog. The combination collars that have both stimulation and beep, are extremely helpful with training. Select a model that fits your dog and is easy to use and you’ll have much less stress on your next dove hunt. Your hunting dog will be right beside you, doing what the both of you love, looking for dove.

There are several new models from various manufacturers. Let’s look at the top picks for 2009.

• The Remington Sidekick Training Collar takes top new collar in the bang for the buck category. This is a new product in Remington’s arsenal. The sidekick retails for about $190 and features nine levels of push button stimulation and patented “Consistent Reliable Stimulation” technology. This feature gives the ability to apply steady stimulation, which could save fido from getting in a lot of trouble. The sidekick does give up a little range at only 400 yards. I’m a big Remingotn fan, so I give it a thumbs up.
• The Dogtra 2500/2502 T Series Electronic Dog Training Collars take the award for best all around collars. Dogtra has become one of the top manufacturers of e-collars. All Dogtra collars come standard with durable, lightweight, easy to activate collar receivers and hand-held transmitters with simple controls. The 2500 model offers 127 levels of nick and constant stimulation. The beeper activates up to 400 yards out and the stimulation has a range of 1 mile. The price range is around $380 for one dog and $540 for two dog collars.
• D.T. Systems SPT 2400 Series Electronic Dog Training Collars have the best new feature. They come with a ‘Jump’ button that automatically increases stimulation as long as you hold the button. This feature allows you to quickly get your hunting dog under control. D.T. offers the best warranty of all manufacturers of e-collars, lifetime warranty on parts and one year on labor. The collars of 50 levels of stimulation with three beeper modes and a 1.3 mile range. Prices range from $380-$600.
• Tri-Tronics has three new models out. The Classic 70G3EXP, Field 90G3EXP, and the Upland G3EXP. These are probably the simplest e-collars to use . The old style tube transmitter with single push button controls take all the confusion out of training. The ‘EXP’ models allow the use of multiple collars. The Classic EXP can control up to six collars and the Field and Upland EXP control up to three. All three models have a one mile range and can be fully recharged in two hours. There prices are roughly $320, $360, and $520 respectively.

In an article in Wildfowl Magazine, they listed the top ten guidelines from professional trainers for choosing and using e-collars. These were a consensus of advice given by several experts.

1. Use an e-collar to gently, not painfully reinforce lessons in canine obedience as taught by traditional hands-on methods.
2. Calibrate e-collar stimulation power at the lowest level that is effective.
3. Set e-collar stimulation to higher levels to stop your dog from committing dangerous or self-destructive acts.
4. Know how to use the e-collar before putting on your hunting dog.
5. Use your e-collar while training and hunting, i.e, be consistent.
6. Choose an e-collar that is easy to use, because the timing of stimulation is key.
7. Pick an e-collar to fit your dog’s temperament and hunting style, e.g., a running dog will need a collar with longer range and higher stimulation levels.
8. Determine your need for an e-collar by counting the number of times you give your dog commands for basic obedience. Sometimes it helps to have a friend count, as you are not as aware of how much repetition you have with your dog.
9. When shopping for e-collars pay close attention to warranties, expected lifetimes, and how quickly they can be repaired.
10. Learn to love your e-collar because they are one of the most effective way to training your hunting dog.

Time to RELOAD!

Dove, Dogs, & Shotguns

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