Quote:
Originally Posted by RedDobieCHAMP  I use the pincher every time. Then I take it off when we get to the park so he can run and do his thing.
This way he knows, when the collar is on he is expected to behave. |
This could lead to problems. That is called collar wise. Ideally, the proper way to use a pinch collar is as a tool in training, it is a training tool. It isn't a substitute for actually spending the time and energy training your dog. Don't you want your dog to behave all the time if it is needed, instead of only in specific instances when you have "x" certain collar on him? What if there is a situation when you need him to behave but don't have "x" collar for whatever reason? What if suddenly the dog cannot wear that collar for various reasons? What then?
I am not against using a prong collar properly for training your personal dog, but it should be used as a tool, not a crutch IMO.
If you have to rely on a collar for your dog to behave, then you might want to rethink how you are training your Dobe, this is just my opinion. For instance, I found when training my first Dobe for competitive obedience that I was relying way too much on my training tools (collar and leash) and at the instructors recommendation I started to trust the dog more off leash (in a secure fenced in area) to work for me and with me and it forced me to be more in tune with my dog and give the dog more trust and helped us to be a better more reliable team. I used a mixture of praise, tug, ball, and treats. I now do a lot of my foundation work off leash in secure fenced in areas when I can even starting as young puppies, as it helps me not to rely so much on training tools such as leads and collars, and more on building the solid foundations with my dogs and having them be a lot fun for both owner and dog.