Got the books and have just about finished reading them-in the Knutson book it talks about using a dummy collar when the pup is young if you intend to use an e-collar for training purposes later on-where does one find a dummy collar for this purpose-any place to buy them used?

You don't really need a "dummy collar" -- just use your regular ecollar BUT leave the transmitter at home. Put the ecollar on the dog whenever you are doing "fun stuff" with the dog. Before long, the dog will associate the ecollar with things it enjoys. Whenever my Casey boy sees his ecollar, he is very excited and happy, because he knows he is going to have some fun.