New pup

[huntntyme]

First, this is an incredible site for duck/goose hunters. A job well done!
On Friday I will be picking up my first hunting dog, A female black lab. I bought the dvd Waterdog based on the suggestions from the site. I was wondering about the e-collar, what brand should I buy that will last. I looked in Cabela's and noticed that Cabela's make a brand of e-collar. Have you ever used Cabela's brand or is there a more popular brand. Also any other suggestion. I do have a female Golden Ret but she trained well but was so afraid of the gun and sound that it didn't work. I tried small caliber 22 first, I also used other dogs around as we shot skeet. But Hershey would run for the house. I also have a 100x100 pond with a liner to help train the dogs at home. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Keith

[h20fowler]

I thought that cabelas bought innotek and were using their "guts".

So, if you like Innotek, you should like the Cabelas version as well.

[Midwest]

Innotek are good collars, i have used them several times. Personally i am pretty partial to tri-tronics myself. I have been using a tri-tronics collar since i got my last dog about 4 years ago and it hasn't let me down yet. Depending on your budget you can get a sport series for 250-300. I like the sport series because the controler is a little smaller and it doesn't seem to get in the way. About your golden, when i first start gun training a dog i usually start out with a cap gun. I fire this a couple of times while they are eating or ocupied with something else. Then i'll move up to a .22 caliber starter pistol, i'll fire this a ways away from them and then slowly move closer to them. And when i'm in the field training i use a .32 caliber starter. The key is to introduce the loud noises slowly and in small doses until you work up to a shotgun. Hope this helps a little, and good luck with the new pup.

[njhonker]

Huntntyme,
congrats on the new pup! train her, love her and enjoy her....yes, that's a great video you've got to get you started. I also recomend getting any other videos you can get your hands on and some books..there are a lot of good ones out there. Also, try to hook up with a retriever club in your area, these clubs are great sources of information for a new handler and also you will make new training friends...you may even make a new lifelong hunting pal...
As far as training collars go there is only one brand in my opinion....Tri Tronics..I've been through others and have seen the best and worst of other brands in different parts of the country and under the best and worst of conditions....Tri Tronics hold up better in my opinion. The new G2 series are outstanding..lots of great features and a new smaller completely waterproof transmitter make it hard to beat..
congrats once again and good luck.....

Rob Warner

[Mark Spence]

Take a hard look at three brands.....DOGTRA, TRI-TRONICS, and SPORTDOG. All three companies make a quality collar, for multiple usage scenarios, and some to fit just about any budget.

I have been running a DOGTRA 1202NC (2-dog unit) with my two labs the past two years. I love it. The receivers and transmitter are 100% waterproof. Now, I will warn you...the DOGTRA collars run a little "hotter" than the rest (meaning that they have a bit more bite to them on a correction).

The one thing I will try to make a point of.......LEARN to use the collar the correct way. An E-collar used the improper way can absolutely ruin a dog. I have seen it many times. Take the time to learn about the collar, when and how to use it, and PLEASE collar condition the dog.

Just a few thoughts......

[njhonker]

those are some great tips Mark............

[IowaMigr8tor]

I wouldn't worry about a e-collar just yet. If you watch WaterDog, not once does he use an E-collar and he goes from pup to finished dog. Im not bashing e-collars they are a great tool, but I would work with your dog and figure out whether she NEEDs a Shock or not. Also if you plan on buyin an e-collar you should also buy the DVD that is made by the same people on how to PROPERLY use the e-collar.
I dont own a e-collar yet and I have a 2yr old black lab. I have trained him pretty well but I feel I will need to start working with him using a e-collar just to have that tool on my side. Dont get me wrong he goes out and retrieves but sometimes he forgets that he has to bring it all the way back and I have to stop him and send him BACK.
Water Dog is a great DVD and I have used all the teachings in that DVD to train my dog. I think when I get a E-collar it will be a SportDog.

[drakekiller08]

i would go with dogtra, i have used mine for the first time this year and boy its a big help.

[drakekiller08]

i would go with dogtra, i have used mine for the first time this year and boy its a big help.

[HRK]

check out the tritronics sport 50 fairly inexpensive and works great!!! innotecks only seem to last one or two seasons had great luck with my sport 50 :D

[hoosierhunter]

I would have to agree on the tri-tronics, I use the flyway special, and have had it 3 seasons. Never any problems with it. My dog's professional trainer encouraged buying tri-tronics. They are alittle more, but it is definitely worth it. They just a better quality and I believe will last you a lot longer. The new ones are even smaller and more compact too. The new flyway special is a great one. For waterfowler it is perfect with 7 diff. levels of shock, it's primary button is instant shock, and it also has a continuous shock button, but is protected well so there is no accidental touches.