Here is a clip about the ecollar:
If you plan to use an electric collar in later training, start putting the collar on your puppy whenever you go out together, as soon as its neck is big enough, usually around four months. Leave the transmitter in the case. This way the puppy will simply associate the collar with its work, and is less likely to become "collar-wise." Do not leave the collar on all of the time as it will irritate your puppy’s neck. We usually do not introduce electric shock until after beginning formal training around six months.

Just an FYI - Our dog gets excited if she sees the collar because she knows shes going outside, our other Dog a Cockapoo would rather sit around the house and hates to see the collar come out.

Here is the link the complete article. http://www.oakhillkennel.com/library/introbirds.html

Lots of good stuff.

Good luck to ya!

Sean