Dog Training Tools, Training Collars
You use a training collar when teaching your dog a new skill, such as walking on a leash or coming hen called. Each type of training collar works differently; there is not one that is ideal for all dogs. The following descriptions will help you choose the one that is best suited for you and your dog.
To fit your dog for a training collar, measure the circumference of his neck, just behind the ears. Add two inches and purchase that length.
Types of Collars
TRADITIONAL CHAIN COLLAR
When used properly, a chain collar is very effective, although it takes some coordination and timing to make it work. It is the sound of the chain near your dog’s ear that will teach him to avoid pulling, not his being choked. If you find yourself choking your dog when walking him on this collar, make another selection.
There is a right and a wrong way to put on a chain collar. If you put it on backwards, it can catch and hurt your dog. To put the collar on, first slide one end of the chain through the other loop. Next, make the letter P with the chain and slide it over your dog’s head. The top ring should slide through, not bend over the other ring.
MARTINGALE OR CHECK CHAIN
This collar is three-quarters flat nylon mesh and one-quarter slip collar. The difference between a martingale and a check chain is that the martingale slip is made of nylon fabric and the check chain is onequarter chain. The martingale and check chain collars are perfectly suited for longnecked breeds, like Greyhounds and Whippets, or calm dogs who simply need a gentle reminder to behave.
GOOD DOG COLLAR
This collar is a plastic, blunter version of the original prong collar. You can take it apart by unsnapping any of the links. Simply fold between any two links in an L shape and slide it out of the indented spaces. Position the collar so that the cord falls between your dog’s ears. When the collar is attached to a leash, simply pull back on it to create a “scruff shake” feeling. A scruff shake is what dogs do to each other to clarify who is in charge. This collar can be used to discourage pulling, jumping, crotch sniffing, nipping, and more.
To fit your dog for a good dog collar, attach the collar around his neck and add or remove links until it’s snug, but not tight.
NO-PULL HARNESS
This harness controls the leg muscles associated with pulling. It actually prevents your dog from pulling you. Although it sounds like an ideal option, it rarely teaches your dog to walk with you unless the harness is on.
To fit your dog, take measurements of his chest (across) and around his rib cage (diameter). Bring these measurements to a local pet store and ask for help choosing the no-pull harness that’s best for you.
HEAD COLLAR
A head collar has a mellowing influence, as it lies atop your dog’s nose and is secured on his neck behind his ears. These are two spots that dogs use to control one another, so a collar that puts pressure on those areas has value in calming dogs. Although a head collar looks like a muzzle, it works more like a halter on a horse. Without interfering with a dog’s mouth, it enables a person who is less powerful than the dog to handle him with ease. It is a good choice when you’re starting to train your dog, as it conditions good behavior almost immediately.
Putting on a Head Collar
1. With the collar in hand, clip the neck section directly behind your dog’s ear and slide it so that it fits snugly. It should be watchband tight. Although it may seem too tight at first, when positioned, the strap will lie on your dog’s jawbone and will not disrupt his breathing.
2. Unclip the neck strap and slide the nose loop over your dog’s nose into place, bringing the clip up until the loop is positioned just behind the dog’s lips. When the neck section is secured, the two together should make a V shape, not an L.
3. Let your dog get accustomed to wearing the head collar a few times a day for twenty minutes each time. He may scratch or rub his nose initially, like a child with new braces. Give him one to three days to get used to wearing the collar before clipping a leash to the ring located under his nose.
