The American Beagler Forum

Hi, I'm new to the sport and need some information. Do you recommend the use of shock collars? I cannot decide if I should invest in one. How do you train them without one. This is got to be possible, I mean people were hunting with beagles long before there were e-collars. Any help will be appreciated.

Yes i would definately get one Tri-Tronics is by far the best out there if you are going to get some. Sooner or later your dog is going to take off on trash and rather then run it down and holler at it you can use the collar to correct it.

E-collars are beneficial in the right circumstances, but used incorrectly, can ruin a dog forever!

It is completely possible to train a dog without them, but some just need additional negitive re-enforcement.
I have used the tritronics sport model (3 dog unit) for the last 4 years and am very satisfied, but they don't have a very long range. This is fine for my purposes, as I rarely use them for long distance retrieval.

The reason I purchased mine to begin with was my very hard-headed young male that refused to be picked up! He would NOT come when called and when he would get close to you, he started the catch-me-if you-can game. He was very young and determined, but after just a couple of sessions with the e-collar, he got the idea.

He is now a VERY handlable hound.

They mostly gather dust now, since my dogs handle well. I would not hesitate to use them again for training.

Dave - PM sent.