Understanding how to use a dog training collar properly is important. These days dog collars are much more than mere restraining devices. They are effective training aids and sometimes quite technologically sophisticated. There are simple buckle designs as well as slip collars, leader collars, Martingale collars prong collars, and several other designs, including those that incorporate electronic devices.
Choosing the correct collar for the training objective usually accelerates the process. It is important to match the collar to the training task. Once chosen, it is best to use a collar consistently and together with positive reinforcement and rewards.
A good collar performs at least two tasks. Importantly, it should stay on the dog whatever the circumstances, especially if the dog deliberately attempts to escape the restraint by backing-up. Also, it must transmit to the dog signals made by the owner through tugs and pulls.
A slip collar is one of the simplest and uncomplicated of all designs, yet highly effective. Among this group are the choke chain and the show collar that is used on dogs in conformation competitions. A slip arrangement may be an integrated with a leash or be a separate unit that is hooked to an independent leash. When the trainer pulls on the leash, the slip tightens around the neck of the dog. Naturally, it is important not to pull or jerk too hard on the leash since this can seriously choke the dog.
Inexpensive buckle collars with a six or seven foot leash are fine to train basic obedience commands like sit, stay, down, heel and come. However, they are not the most effective solution if a dog is overly aggressive, large or generally difficult to handle.
For these more difficult dogs, a gentle leader or head design is likely to be a better option. A leader has two round bands, one fits over the muzzle and the other fits around the neck. The two bands join at a ring underneath the chin. If the dog seeks to pull away, the leash tightens and the head is automatically guided downward, forcing the dog to stop. A gentle leader combined with praise and food treats is an effective way to teach basic obedience and for the dog to walk by your side.
Martingales are designed for dogs that back-up and pull out of a collar. They are made from a nylon cord that runs under the chin from ear to ear and under the chin. That cord connects to another cord so that they two contract if the dog backs-up. A Martingale can be difficult to use on breeds with long hair since the connection rings tend to tangle in the neck fur and cause pain for the animal.
Prong designs may proved effective with agitated dogs that pull forward heavily on a leash. They are a more severe form of, even with a slip collar. The design relies on the same basic idea as the slip design but it also has a number of metal rods incorporated into its design. The rods pinch the dog without causing pain. Again, as with a slip design, it is important not to pull too aggressively on the leash since this can choke the dog. Prong designs highlight the important need to know how to use a dog training Burnaby collar appropriately.
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