| |
Dog training with a training collar or choke collar
By Barry Gilbert
The basic dog training collar goes by many names,
including choke collar, choke chain, training collar,
correction collar and slip collar. These training
collars are among the most popular and most commonly used
tools with both amateur and professional dog trainers.
While a training collar is an effective tool, like any
tool it must be used properly in order to be effective
for you and safe for the dog. Among the most important
considerations when using a training collar are:
Ø How the collar fits the dog. It is essential that the
training collar be properly fitted to the dog. A
properly fitted training collar is easier to use and
safer for the dog.
Ø Putting the training collar on properly. There is a
right way and a wrong way to fit a training collar, and
putting it on wrong will make it both ineffective and
potentially dangerous.
Ø Using the collar properly. A training collar should
be used as a sharp reminder to the dog, not as
punishment. It is important that constant pressure be
avoided when using a training collar.
Ø The weight of the chain and the size of the links on
the training collar. It is important that the weight of
the chain be appropriate to the size and weight of the
dog.
Ø The placement of the collar on the dog. It is
important to properly place the collar on the dog.
The importance of a properly fitted training collar
Determining if the training collar is the right size is
relatively easy. The ideal size training collar should
fit snugly, yet comfortably over the dog's head. It is
important that the training collar not fit too tightly,
but it should not be too loose either. A training collar
that is too tight will be too hard to put on and off. On
the other hand, a training collar that is too loose can
accidentally fall off of the dog's head when it lowers
its head.
It is also important to know that a training collar that
is too long for the dog requires a great deal of finesse
to use properly. A collar that is too long can still be
used, but it will require more skill on the part of the
handler.
Properly sizing and measure the dog for a training collar
It is best to measure the dog's neck with a tape
measure, then add 2 to 3 inches to that measurement. So
if your dog has a neck 12" in diameter, you would want to
buy a training collar that is 14" in length. Chain slip
collars are generally sized in two inch increments.
Fitting the collar properly
When fitting a training collar, the part of the chain
which is connected to the leash should be on the top of
the dog's neck. With this type of arrangement, the
collar releases the instant the leash is loosened.
Training collars work by making the collar tight and
loose in a fast manner. Tightening the collar is the
first part of the correction, and making it loose is the
second part of the correction.
If the part of the training collar that is attached to
the leash is not on the top of the dog's neck, the collar
can still be made tight, but it will not release back to
a loose state easily. This constant pressure on the
dog's neck initiates a counter response on the part of
the animal, and the dog will quickly learn to pull and
strain against the leash.
Finally, it is important to purchase a training collar
that is well made and strong. Buying a high quality
training collar, slip collar or choke collar is vital to
the safety of yourself and your dog.
If the worst happens, and your dog's training collar
does break, it is important not to panic. Most dogs will
be unaware that they have broken the collar, at least for
a few minutes. In most cases, if you act as if the leash
is still connected, you can probably get control of your
dog back quickly.
When securing a loose dog, the best strategy is to make
a quick slip lead by running the snap on the leash
through its handle and then slipping it over the dog's
head. It may not be the best arrangement, but it will
certainly do in a pinch.
About the Author
Barry Gilbert
Our Dog Obedience Training Secrets TRANSFORM Your
Dog's Behavior Problems! "And puts an End to the
Stress and Annoyance of Your Dog's Behavior!
http://www.auctionbusinesssite.com/dogs/
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/17438.html
| If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/17438.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
| |
|
