How to Use an Electronic Training Collar in Pointing Dogs

Pointing dogs have been a valuable hunting tool for centuries. There are a number of breeds of pointing dogs, but they all can be identified by their distinctive pointing stance during a hunt. Pointers will stop with one foreleg in the air and muzzle pointing in the direction of a scent, indicating to a hunter the location of their quarry. A number of trainers rely on the use of electric training collars to train pointers, as the collars allow the hunter to control his dogs at long distances while in the field.

Things You'll Need

  • Flat buckle collar
  • Leash
  • Electric collar
  • Treats
  • Bird wing
  • Bird scent
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test your electric collar to make sure it is working properly. Hold your finger over one of the probes as you press the button, and you should feel a gentle shock. The collar fits close to the dog's neck and delivers a small shock when the button on the controller is pushed. A correction should only be administered when the dog behaves incorrectly. He will learn to follow your commands as soon as you give them to prevent the negative reinforcement of the shock when he misbehaves.

    • 2

      Fit your dog with a regular flat buckle collar and a leash. The collar and leash allow you to keep control over your dog and help keep him from wandering off as you work with him. Place the electric collar around his neck, pulling it tight enough that the probes on the inside of the receiver press against his skin.

    • 3

      Place the collar controller in your pocket so the dog cannot see it. Pointers are very intelligent and will learn that if you do not have the controller in your hand he does not have to mind. Make sure the pocket is easily accessible so you can administer a correction quickly when necessary.

    • 4

      Teach your dog basic obedience commands. A good pointer needs to know how to come, heel, sit, stay and search for birds, so teaching him these commands early will make him a much more reliable hunting partner. Start with simple commands, such as sit, and work your way up to more challenging ones.

    • 5

      Ask your dog to sit, holding a treat in one hand and gently pulling up on the leash as you hold the treat over your dog's muzzle. If he moves his rear end down and sits, reward him with the treat. If he does not sit when you ask, press the button on the remote to administer a correction for not sitting. Your dog will learn that he will be corrected with a shock if he does not obey your commands and will eagerly mind to prevent another negative correction.

    • 6

      Add a few drops of bird scent to your bird wing and allow your dog to smell it and play with it, giving him a treat when he shows an interest in the wing. The wing will introduce him to the texture of the feathers and he will learn what a bird smells like so when he is hunting in the field, he will search out that scent.

    • 7

      Move your dog to an open field and hide a number of wings in the brush. Remove the leash from your dog and give him the command to hunt, walking him in the direction of the wings. He should lower his nose to the ground as he searches for the scent, slowing down and stopping in a pointing position as he discovers each wing. If he ignores your command or wanders off to play, correct him with the electric collar and return him to the wings.

    • 8

      Take your dog on a live hunt once he is consistently pointing out your dummy wings. Choose an area with a high bird population and walk slowly through the field, giving your dog the hunt command and noting any area he points out. Approach the location quietly, flushing and killing the bird. Call the dog to follow you as you collect your birds, and praise him for a successful point.