Has anyone used one of the master plus collars on their dogs, these are the ones that spray a puff of air when you want to check the dog, I am trying to find a way to check our springer she tends to growl at anything that moves and its getting to be a nuisance. This collar was suggested to us by a behaviourist but I have doubts to its use, I know its not like an E collar but I am still abit worried. Any feed back on this would be very helpful.

Sandie
I have a Masterplus collar and have found it to be very effective :) It does have to be used properly so that the dog doesn't associate you with the spray, but it is not a cruel or shocking device at all. What it does is to distract the dog from its 'selective deafness' so that you can then regain control. There are 3 different sprays. An odourless spray rather like water, a citronella spray and mustard. I assume the mustard is for the really naughty delinquents!
I got mine just before Christmas to help stop our dog going up to all and sundry and the results were noticeable immediately. Nowadays we have hardly ever any need to use it, but still put it on him as a security blanket for us!Today we went to the New Forest and he was off lead nearly all the time and came back every time we called him, even from ponies. If you are uncertain about using it, I would suggest hiring one first and seeing how you get on.
Jean

A couple of people I know use them for their mad, barking, agility obsessed dogs. They do seem to work fairly well (though these dogs are really really obsessed) but they can upset other dogs that are close by (particularly sensitive ones). Not a reason to stop using one, you just need to be careful and considerate where you use it.

Best of luck!

Hayley

Hi Jean, Thanks for the info, Can you tell me where I can hire one from as I have never heard of anyone having them for hire. I have also been told there is another make on the market that does the same job but its alot cheaper but I cant seem to find out where you can buy them from.
All the pet shops near us dont stock them.

Best bet is to do an online search. You will find lots of sites offering hire and/or sales. If I remember rightly, the British Horse Society is one, surprising though that is.;) Pet shops probably won't stock them as they are rather expensive to keep on the shelf gathering dust. If you could get to Crufts at the end of this week, you might be able to pick up one at a good price.
I forgot to tell you that the Masterplus comes with a video showing you how to use it.
Jean

I went into the master plus collars but there is a lot of concern about them because the citrus or mustard spray goes onto the dogs eyes. Apparently you can get water filled ones but only quiet dogs respond to them, they don't work apart from for a very short term on dogs which are energetic and lively. I asked my vet about the safety and he said he could not actualy comment on brand name goods but he would not have citrus extract around his own dogs face and it would be against his advice if I did, he did not think either citrus, especialy as it has some kind of perfume added to it was safe and infection would be almost inevevitable and from there who knows what damage.
I am going to get trained with a remote static collar. Ispoke to the trainer today after reading Marus's excellent success, he also says he will not use a spray collar and water or air is ok on what he called very, very low drive dogs but why do you need a remote on those anyway, he said they do need any serious obedience training..

I have never heard of any dog coming to any harm from the citrus spray. I do not see why perfume would need to be added, citrus is a scent in its self, that the point. As to inevitable infection, whatever would that arise from?

Unless a citronella collar was fitted incorrectly there is no way it would spray into a dogs eyes .I have found them to work on a very energetic and lively Border Collie and her attention barking has stopped completely.I no longer need to use a collar.So although you are quiet prepared to use static on your dog you are not prepared to spray anything under its chin.

[deleted]

Hi Yapyap,
I am at a loss to see how a collar fitted round a dog's neck can release a spray into its eyes. Surely the chin and muzzle would get in the way?

Hi
Apparently the spray is made up from a plant in the far east, it is the same as what's used in anti-mosquito treatment then some kind of perfume is added to it to make it smell nicer, there is also some kind of mustard exctract spray which my vet simply said imagine for yourself.
But he said any substance from citrus releasing vapours, some of which must go into eyes cannot be anything less than an irritant at best and citrus extract should never be sprayed around dogs facial area for danger of vapours going into the eyes, dangerous in his opinion, it's the nature of the spray that some must either frequently or occasionaly blow into the dogs eyes.

He did say he did have a dog with recurrent eye infections, which then started to get trauma ( like an abrasion on the eye ) that first brought it to his attention and he thought it was some allergy but the eyes were getting infected more and more frequently and it was only casualy the owner mentioned he used master plus, the vet said stop it and bring him back few times and since he stopped the collar the infections have stopped. His conclusions were that the infections were getting to a stage of untreatable but where he saw the dangers of finding out was the fact that he himself never would have realized unless it came up in casual conversation and there are plenty dogs with heriditary eye problems which are not neccesarliy problamatic unless something irritates them first, personaly I would not try one for those reasons.

I asked him abot the static collars and he said he knew little about them except if Igot one to make sure it was a reputable one. He had one client used one and the dog was fine, but, he never asked anything about the collar except if it had improved the dogs behaviour and it had so I am going on a training course with one if he will take me. I checked up on them and they have an excellent safety record and are used and recomended by The Humane Society of the USA and an organisation there which trains therapy dogs, as well as our RSPCA head vet uses an invisible fence system or something like that, its the same thing anyway.

Alot of people seem to get paranoid about them but they are new here and I guess it's a natural reaction for a minority but after reading Darrens succes, his confidence and the fact that he is the only one I have come accross with real experience I am convinced, especialy reading all the aggression and other problems here with treat and positive training, which totaly failed my own dog as well as the hundreds or thousands on here, as well as Darren who knows both training methods and can therefore give a realistic veiw based on experience of both.

I'm not sure who you mean by new here but as you have only been registered a couple of days yourself you might wish to use the search facility to catch up on what has been said in previous threads including some personal experiences in the use of electric shock therapy, I certainly can't be bothered to type it all out again whenever a 'shock collar advocate' comes along.

You missed my point you only know what your vet says about these spary collars and did he check that the collar was being used correctly I doubt it he wouldn't have the time and the easiest solution for the dog concerned was to tell the owner to stop using it .People have been told to stop critising the use of e-collars when they haven't tried them or don't know enough about them then surely you should apply the same logic to your opinion of spray collars.I know exactly what citronella is as I have also used it in my bath It is an essential oil and in the spay collars it is very watered down you can also buy citronella candles to use as mosquito deterrents as you say

(wow you post quick on here)
Hi Jeangenie, once its released it is released towards the dogs nose, but, as soon as it leaves the nozzle it is uncontroled, from then on its really up to the wind, direction the dogs running in and the shape of a breeds muzzle. He did not say the stuff sprayed directly into the dogs eyes he was talking about tiny vapours, they have to go somewhere and the eyses are at risk, one thing he did say is that another vet, after he told him about that dog, rubbed some on his arms and some on his neck, the stuff on his neck did come up in a slight rash and that vet suspected he was allregic to it, which could extend to a dogs eyes, the statics are safe and stress free, I'Ave gone into it quite well especialy after today.

Satincollie, No he never said if it was fitted properly or not, but there is a massive difference in dogs muzzles as well as the hair, I mean compare a hunting hounds, quite sparse haired, to a cavaliar king charles, then theres the wind etc and the spray has only one range. After going into the static systems I am very happy with them.

PS I just found out more about the static systems. The American Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals endorses one manufacturers static invisible fence systems, go to;http://www.invisiblefence.com/

Another thing I found out is that the police here never had ANY modern multi level static collars in the whole of the UK

. They had an old system which had three levels, Low, Med, High, There was a case of cruelty in Essex where an instructor kicked and hung the dogs, whipped them with sticks and all kinds of things, not for training just cruelty. He instructed his recruits to do the same, he hung dogs over fences and used the collars to torment them, from that point and because of it the police had to clean up their image for public consumption so they stopped using not just e collars which in fact were not these collars anyway or anything like them. that’s nothing to do with modern e collars, anything can be used for cruelty to dogs, but as regards the modern e collars I have looked into the police could not afford them they seemingly only had cheap ones nothing like today’s models.

They are the only dog training equipment I have come across which has widespread support by vets, humane societies and now the ASPCA. It seems any country where they know something about them they have massive professional support. Darren is the only one here who knows about them and his conclusions and results speak for themselves.

I myself use a static electric acupuncture pen , I never even thought about problems when I bought it and haven’t any problem using it. The only places I have ever seen anything against these collars are on commercial sites run and paid for by behaviourist organisations, they are a commercial I realized that when I saw who was behind bad write ups, which if they are checked out have no substance at all, and when I went into the master plus I really got no further than my vets. Personally I would not feel safe with one on my own dog but that’s only a personal opinion.

Yap yap we get the picture you haven't used one yet but you believe in the e-collars .The poster asked about peoples use of the master plus spray collars have you anything further to add to that subject as this thread is going to be locked for going off topic

Well I've already said what I think about master plus and basicaly I just see it as one of several remote training aids, if I thought it was safe and after speaking to my futor trainer I still would not use it in preference, its not as versatile with only two levels and from what I read on it some weeks ago it is not really supposed to be an all round obedience training aid, it has only two levels it seems more usefull for one or two bad behaviour things. When the dogs not to focused on something but enough to make it refuse a recall it still gets one level of spray or one other level, the collar I have been recomended has 18 levels so if the dog is highly focused and running after something he will ignore lower levels and so you increase bit by bit, he did say that once they realize that at a distance you can use a stimulation with 100% consitancy and 100% timeing they learn not to chalenge them taking all that into account the master plus just seems a not very safe and very limited option.
But the way the E collar was explained to me tonight, it is not just obedience at all that it is used for it makes the relationship stronger and much more fullfiling, but, what he did say is that for pet dog training you have to get a reputable collar designed for that, apparently there is no point in just going out buying any old e as there are different sorts and for my part I want training. Apart fromthat the E is really only a part of the course I am hopefull taking, there seems much much more than the E involved and even then thats not used except on me for at least 10 days 2 weeks, hope I don't start biting dogs after I've tried it.
But no, the master plus would/will not be my choice for the above reasons, I will let everyone know how I get on.

Okay ..no *hearsay* here ..I have USED the Masterplus collar ..WITH the mustard spray .....there is no way that it has ever got anywhere near my dogs eyes , I wouldn't use anything that could damage his eyes or that would cause him any discomfort. He is more likely to get damaged eyes from crossing the road behind a smokey old car or from walking in the allotments whilst one of the old boys has a bonfire burning. The spray simply does NOT go anywhere near his eyes ..it is directed towards the nose...slightly in front of his nose to give him a surprise.

Given a choice between an E collar and an Aboistop I know which I would choose , with no hesitation.

The Aboistop collar is an attention getter more than anything else ..it will make a dog become distracted from its objective and look to you for direction. It is not a punishment device in any way shape size or form and there is absolutely NO pain of any sort , no discomfort of any sort ....it is a surprise , nothing else

Melody

Well I would not take chances like that apparently there are no health warnings on them at all, as I have said and as is common sense wind is bound to blow the spray somewhere and as you say it shoots in front of the dogs nose and what does onot go into vapours the dog runs into the rest. Dogs noses are ver sensitive, very very sensitive what happens to all its nasal membranes with that going into them all the time. Whereby the E collar is recopmended by respected humane societies the world over and acutaly devlopes the relationship if taught to us by a pro, I didn't spend much time on looking into the master plus after my vet told me his opinion but I have the E collar and it is the best by far, as you say, a disruptive stimulus that is used by vets the world over, as wel as pet owners and pros. I mean it's your dog but I would consider seriously its use in futour, especialy when there is the safer and stress free option of the E collar. By the do you understand that 'punishment' is a technical term and is not used in any ordinary everyday meaning of the word, the master plus is the same a sthe E it is a punishment device, so are halters tec, whats wrong with that? but please at least consider the safety issues with the master plus, I take them seriously, very.

Yap yap as I have mentioned before, I qualified as an aromatherapist and the info on citronella is as follows:

It is a tall aromatic grass native to Sri Lanka. Herbal and folk tradition - leaves are used for aromatic and medicinal value in many cultures, for fever, intestinal parasites, digestive and menstrual problems, as a stimulant and insect repellent, also as a dilute rub for rheumatic pain.

Safety data: non toxic and non irritant; mau cause dermatitis in some individuals. For home use it is recommended in skin care, and mixed with cedarwood oil it it has been a remedy for mosquito attacks for many years prior to DDT and other safer modern insecticides.

It is also used extensively in soaps, which says it all really :) and also in most major food categories, including soft drinks!

It does have to be diluted as does any essential oil when used on the body.

Re the Masterplus, my concern is that, with the citronella, the dog will scent this for a long time afterwards, which is mymain "complaint". This could possiblu be confusing for the animal. I for that reason would prefer the non-citronella spray. I know that reputable behaviourists will use it as little as possible, condition teh dog to the collar, and also ensure that the dog understands how to offer a "good" response and so choose the correct behaviour and thus understand what is required. This is idealy how it should be used. But i have also seen it used with effect by owenrs who haven't done all of the above, as long as the dog can be rewarded for the right behaviour then that is fine :)

It should never be used on a nervous dog, and if possible used as a last resort. I would certainly consider usign one muself if i HAD really exhausted all other possibilities :).

If a dog had any eye problem due to the collar, then frankly the vet should investigate how the owner is using it, because it would have to be used far far too frequently, many times a day, to cause any problem, if indeed it is the cause of a problem at all.

Lindsay

Well said Lindsay

Thankyou :)

Lindsay

I suppose citronella is the 'citrus-type' extract used in these collars because it smells so strong, and can therefore be massively diluted and still effective? As far as the essential oil goes, some people I know (I am one) do develop a reaction to the lemony citrus oils over a period of time - don't know whether dogs would be the same, but while I was OK to use citronella when I first started with it, it now irritates the hell out of me! Could you do a 'patch test' type thing to make sure your dog isn't allergic first? And keep an eye out to make sure that if a reaction does develop with use, you can spot it and stop using it? I think that'd be the only thing that would worry me, but I've never used one :-)
Oh, apart from the risk of having a stinky citronella scented dog afterwards, poooooo! Hehehe

I dont think my dog being a bit stinky would bother me to much Jenna and if some kind of rash did develop, well stop useing it but I wouldn't be happy about that either. But it's the eyes at risk, no my God I can't even think about it, I wouldn't have the stuff sprayed near my eyes but I have been told I have to wear the E collar for real befor the trainer will give me the rest of the course and it simply doesn't bother me. On top of that I had to measure the E collars against master plus and these citronella things and it comes up consistantly that the worlds leading humane societies, vets, therapy dogs, RSPCA head vet and an endless stream of profesionals here, in Europe and USA use them on top of that both in USA and Europe pet owners use them common place but not the master plus, the trainer I spoke to would not use master plus at all and only one person who comes here knows anything about E collars, that is Darren and good greif how many more success stories on here like that, obviously it is mainly todo with the quality of his trainer with the E as a training aid, I also asked the trainer if he sold them and he does not, he simply gave some web addresses, so he has no commercial interest in them at all. Marrus got it right and I am about to follow why so I'll let you all know how I get on. oh, if anyone wants to find out facts about them heres the number of the one I am getting, appraently you do need to get the right one for obedience training 001-800-456-4343

<<<and good greif how many more succes stories on here like that, why because he got it right for once,>>>

I sincerely hope (but won't hold my breath) that it's going to be the be all and end all, quick fix solution to your dogs training, that you seem to think it!

Isn't citronella the scent used in "Antimate" liquid, that you dab onto a bitch in season, or is it lemongrass? If it is, it's been used safely on animals for at least 30 years......

What its been used safely in the eyes and up the nose? no way.

They certainly get it up their noses!!! And so does everyone else in the house!

I feel the risk to the eyes is incredibly tiny - there are more potential irritants in pond water, and I have known many dogs who will open their eyes underwater to locate items, and suffer no ill-effects.

Of course, if you want to eradicate any possible percieved risk from the citronella, just use plain (distilled!) water. That would be no more dangerous than going out in the rain!

well i have been spraying perfume on my own neck for years and its never got in my eyes.....how come this is bound to get in the dogs eyes??

Jean or anyone who has used these collars - can I ask a bit about them because I have never seen one or its use before and am interested in drawing a comparison for myself to the equipment I use.

Could they be used in a training program for dogs non responsive to reward only positive training? The literature published seems to indicate that it is for that use and for correction of unwanted behaviour so I think yes but just want to make sure. My reason for asking is that there doesnt seem to be any adjustable levels on them other than a small or large dose (excuse my ignorance if incorrect) so do they become accustomed to its use in time or have you had situations where the dog is simply too distracted by something more interesting than dear ol dad or mum. Basically how effective are they over time from personal experience ?

People seem to be saying that its a distraction which is fine and relys on the surprise to the dog. I dont understand. If the effect is not unwanted by the dog then surely it comes as no real surprise over time ? I dont think Ive put that well :( but hope you can read between the lines. Or did I misunderstand and it is unwanted which is probably better anyway since a correction would have to be some form of negative stimulus or the dog percieving it as a non benefit.

What sort of range of operation do they have ? I cant seem to find this accurately anywhere netwise. With Max we now do a lot of distance work which he loves but my unit boasts a 1 mile range and I would be looking for something with a sensible range well outside 100m or so for example and definately would need to work through walls. I found one article which seems to say that is 100m max range but I cant find anything definate.

Lastly - the sprays used themselves. I know Lindsay has posted much on that - but to use anything other than the scentless does it leave a lingering scent either on the dog or the surroundings ? I think I would be worried about that since surely means the unwanted smell that the dog associates with unwanted behaviour is carried around with him all day. Suppose in short - how stinky is your dog <grin>

Sorry to bombard with questions but I cant seem to find too much aside from advertisement blurb. Thanks for explaining if you can ! :) as I prefer first hand information from users to the commercial break ;) Im not advocating any system above the other since this is unique in its concept and there is no comparison.

Thanks

Daren,

The MasterPlus isn't really for training as such, it is for behavioural problems :)

i believe, although am not entirely sure, that they do work through walls but someone may know differently.

Lindsay

My question seems to have got lost in this somewhere, I am not at all interested in the E collars, I am just asking if anyone has any experiences with the master plus collar, I just want to know if they work as they cost alot and I dont want to buy one if they are no good for aggression towards other dogs etc. If anyone can help with this I would be grateful for their advice.

Sandie ..not sure if you can find my post in amongst the rest ......but there was some answers there ;) Also , there ARE places you can hire them from in the UK ..you need to pay almost the whole price up front and then , depending on how long you keep them for , you get a refund

HTH

Melody

Edited to add that I do not know if they can be used for aggression or not ..sorry

hI SAndie,

Melody is right in that you can hire them, perhaps the behaviiourist who suggested one could hire one out?

In cases of aggression it is best to have the support of a reputable behaviourist, because of getting the timing right, etc. I haven't used one, but have attended rehab walks with a big variety of breeds both large and small. some of the dogs were fitted with the MasterPlus, and most of those dogs now seem, IMHO, to be much better.

Do think about what could be causing the aggression though, as if it is fear, then the use of the MasterPlus would, IMO, be very questionable.

Lindsay :)

Thanks Lindsey, actually it is fear aggression with our dog so maybe this isnt going to work, we are running out of ways to cure her, we have tried everything else and this was the last resort.

Sandie, if you have the support of a good, reputable behaviourist (ie member of UKRCB, APBC, etc) who has experience in this type of aggression and they have recommended it, then I would go along with them. It is difficult to see everything via email and it may be that the B., having met you and your dog, can see that it would work.

Maybe arm yourself with questions and discuss it with them? Ultimately the dog needs to learn that what she is doing is wrong, but she also needs to learn that other dogs are OK, and this may take months. There are some superb rehab groups round the country, if you let me know where you are there may be one near you.

I do wish you luck, it is very hard when the sheer enjoyment of a dog is overshadowed by difficult behaviour. Perhaps you could let us know how you get on?

Best wishes
Lindsay
X

I use a Masterplus collar and I can say it is one of my better training purchases made. I have, so far, never found the spray to cause irritants to my dogs eyes, nose or skin. In fact, my vet thought it was a good idea. It can be used for a number of problems and if used correctly is very successful. I have tried the collar on as I wanted to make sure I wasn't putting my dogs through anything horrendous. I cannot and do not wish to comment on e collars or debate masterplus collars. It's working for me and my dogs without any adverse affects. If this changes, I will be happy to let you all know and to eat humble pie!

It was one of my best purchases too! Although, as I stated earlier, I still put it on my dog, I have hardly had recourse to use it for a few weeks now. It still comes as a surprise to the juvenile delinquent, but his habits are being reformed fast and I do not have any grounds to believe that he will learn to ignore it. I think that would happen if it was used indiscriminately and the dog got accustomed to being sprayed every few minutes.
I would add that Princess Anne's dog was being retrained by Roger Mugford using the Masterplus, and if it is good enough for her.......;)
Jean

Thanks Jean I think you answered my questions :)

You probably know I use a different device but it sounds as though the general principals are the same in the quality of corrections and timing as opposed to the quantity :). I dont use mine either much now and from what you say this could be used for reinforcement of known commands and unwanted behaviour.

Im really interested about Roger using one to re-train Princess Anne's dogs though. This could be a very good answer if it could be used for training reinforcement outside the initial training and of course professionally taught for those desperate cases that have failed elsewhere.

Thanks again all.

EDIT : Sorry I just realised - anyone who is interested www.dynavet.com has all the information, testimonials, advice, specs and a lot more on the Masterplus. Guess ill shut up now :)

Hi, what Lindsey said and what I read about MPlus as well as what the trainer told me was that they are not for obedience training as such but might be usefull with some dogs for specific behaviour problems, which he told me were really obedience problems but not by neccesity did the dog need obedience training he said it was really down to the individual dogs needs.He also said that MPlus works as a stimulus on different drives than the obedience E, in all he didn't really dwell on either it was more to do with the whole obedience thing and what kind of training I had in the past.
One thing is for sure the problems with obedience on strong willed dogs is distance plus of course the damage done by lead pulling to which mine and many others around seem imune.

Hi Sandie,

I like Roger use the master plus remote and the aboistop anti bark collars and to date never used the scented gas though I do keep them just in case. I had a client with dog that relalitated with aggression against two dogs aggressive displays from behind a fence. The owner walked the dog past the dogs and when the dogs barked at her dog it retaliated with major aggression. She used as the reinforcement command "Come" and with no response I pressed level one and the dog was for a moment supprised at the appearance of this gas. She then retaliated again and the owner gave the "come" command again and again no response so I applied another level 1 burst. This time the dog returned to the owners side and no retaliation. Later after we allowed 2 hours to pass and went for a walk again and the dog did not wish to go down the street. After coaxing she did but this time would not retaliate at the dogs. After 14 weeks and having had only two sqirts she still responds simply to the "come" command and walks confidently past the aggressive dogs tail up and happy. The timing and the reinforcement command are the important elements here, the collar is only an aid to speed things up.

I am certain Roger will sell you one and purchase it back from you as all mine are out in Spain at the moment. You could buy one and then re-sell it on this site once you have finished with it for about half price. They cost about £160 and if it costs you £80 for your problem it is well worth the price.

The gas is scent visable to a dog so it is aware of it but not how it got there but they do associate it with disobaying a command. E Collars give pain so for a dog it questions where did the pain come from and who did it. Many years ago John Rogerson and I discussed this point and we came to the conclusion that a dog will retaliate to someone they think caused the pain. If the coller is fired and each time nearby there is a child the dog could associate the pain comming from the child and retaliate in defence. If this happens no matter how much you fire the coller it will not stop an attack when the dog feels its attack on the child which it belives is the cause of the pain will stop the pain. The second point is it is painful and the gas is not.

Hi, thanks for the info, I have been trying to find sites where I can hire this collar but I am not having much luck.I will probably buy one but again cant find out where to get one from, the local pet shops dont sell them.
We need it for our springer who is so unpredictable, we can pass a dog and she just smells and walks on and another time she will fight, also her recall is getting frustrating, its getting so we dont enjoy walking with her incase anything happens.
Can you tell me how I can contact Roger to find out if he has any.

Hire of Aboistop Master Plus

Melody

Hi Sandie,
I think if you do a search of this site you will find where you can hire them from.
If not and you are to buy a new one it is best to get one direct from roger as there was a power drain poblem and in the shops they may still have an unadjusted one. Rogers site is www.companyofanimals.co.uk for info about the Master Plus and other products or you can email sarah.godfrey@companyofanimals.co.uk or phone her on 01932566696. You can ask if he will buy it back from you or you can give me an email as I could do with another one.
If you also look on this site in the sales pages and you may find someone selling one. Once the problems are solved they go back into the boxes again or you could rent it out yourself for people in your area.
I doubt you will need the scented gasses so the gas that comes in the box should do. There is also a helpfull vidio for some handy training himts. Rember timing is the most important thing her toghether with a reinforcement command like the Come which you say is getting a bit lax. If you need any help please feel free to email me. I will be in Spain again next week but my laptop is always up and running.

I have been looking at a few sites and it seems there are two training collars available.
1. Master Plus
2. Spray Commander
Which one do you think I should go for they are both the same price but the spray commander has a bleep to warn the dog that its about to get sprayed if it doesnt obey.

You're welcome

The beep on the Spray Commander isnt to warn the dog it is going to get sprayed, it is a correct behaviour indicator. It works in the same way as a clicker and you give a beep when you have the desired behaviour.I have sucessfully used the Master Plus and decided against the Spray Commander as the only difference is the beep and I use the clicker to pinpoint desired behaviour. My dogs are familiar with the clicker and I didnt want to teach them another indicator.
Diane

I forget to ask about whether the Master Plus was waterproof, my springer loves to go in the water when we are out, is this going to be ok, and also how long does the spray cannister last.

Hi Sandie,
It says it is water proof but not I think underwater for a long time. My clients use it by the seaside and it gets wet but the guarantee says do not imerse and yet also says water proof??????????. Mine still works and they have been under water often.

I have never used the other one and sounds much like a clicker method but clients never use it long enough to be worth it so if you want a clicker get a normal one and sell the collar when you finished with it.

The gas will last a long time but doubt you will need to use it that much. Battery life is about a week left in the coller and used 4 times a day but that is professionally. The Battery costs about £9 but for what they dog they are worth it. Do not use the collar as the be all and end all you need a reinforcement command that the dog associates the gas with for disobaying you and it is a lasting memory.

I have just looked on the British dog web site and they also sell the collar but it says the new advanced master plus collar and its £10 cheaper its in a different box to the one on Roger's site, which one do you think I should order, I dont want to get the one thats been a problem.