make a hand shy dog, your dog will not relate the correction to you. The collar is not solely a correction tool; it can be used in a very motivating and rewarding way. Momentary ‘taps’ with the collar can be used to get a dogs attention and to encourage him into a behavior we want. If he then achieves the reward he seeks, he becomes very motivated by the stimulation itself. It is part of the communication between you and him to find a bird. For example, you give him a momentary tap to get him to sit and look at you - and then follow it with a direction, where he then finds a bird. The ‘tap’ is not only an attention getter, but it is of assistance to the dog - and he will recognize it as such. It becomes very positive in his mind; it helps him get his reward quicker. Although able to be used by the amateur in its simplest form, the use of the collar can lead us into many exciting and advantageous new methods if we are experienced dog trainers. With our knowledge of dogs and their behavior, the remote training collar can become a very flexible and comprehensive piece of equipment. The collar is not a method. It is a piece of equipment and, as such, does not substitute in any way a trainer’s or owner’s ability to train. It enhances the trainer’s ability to train and achieve the desired results with the minimum of stress to his dog. There is no doubt that, used in the recommended way, the remote training collar creates far less stress in the dog - and the trainer - than any other form of aversive or punishment. For the trainer, reading a dog, building a bond, knowing the different ways to achieve the desired results, motivating him, and intuitiveness in training is not replaced by the remote trainer. Old dogma and superstitions die hard - especially among those ignorant of the collar operations and its effective application. I was one of those entrenched people five years ago. I personally believe it is time for the emotive thoughts surrounding the remote training electric collar, and the fears concerning its use to be dispelled. Today’s collars have been designed by dog lovers to provide the most humane training tool available to us. Their use provides that invaluable and natural part of the learning process common to any animal – where they learn what is acceptable by making the right decisions and becoming good hunting partners. Martin Deeley has trained and handled gundogs for over 25 years. He is internationally recognized as not only a trainer of hunting dogs, but also of their owners. Deeley has authored three gundog training books, directed and commentated a series of British gundog training videos, and is regularly published in magazines on both continents. Martin established the International Gundog Training Center and presents Gundog Workshops in Europe and the US with reknown American trainer Ray Cacchio. Page 4 | Spaniel Journal | Previous Page | First Page |