FYI- E-Collar vs Reward training Study

Well said - mercy, reminds me of University psychology stats. courses.:eek:

I personally like my SportDog collar. When i have it on the dog, his behaviour changes, is more focused and willing to work and train. I use the beeping probably 98% of the time, and that is more then enough. Last time i used the eshock on level 2 to stop him chasing a skunk in the bush - and that was on a nightly walk we have - when his level of focus was at "i can roam freely - we don't do night shift work "....I think these are useful tools for people like us that demand a bit more from our dogs then regular folks. Besides, i am not a professional trainer and this helped me a lot.
I remember what made me get it - Maxi was around 4-5 months when he used to lick and pick up all kinds of sh.... in his mouth - and i was just struggling with him cleaning his mouth. Once i got the SportDog, i realised what a great tool it is.

Seems to have garnered some attention in the USA.

VP of the AKC:

http://video.foxnews.com/v/378291358...#sp=show-clips

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/m...ress-your-dog/

Unfortunate. You would expect the AKC to be asking for better science on this.

I use both reward-based training (clicker, marker word, treats, toys, verbal and pats as praise) and I also use an e-collar for field training.

I used to sit on one side of the fence before I got Titan, but when he is in the field and hunting, he is a different dog ( though I rarely need to use corrections, if any at all).
I see the value in the e-collar as a training tool, and have no qualms about those who use it properly and effectively. I also know that positive training, especially for a sensitive breed like Vizslas, is important.