The Types and Styles Of A Dog Training Collar
There are many types and styles of dog training collars. Owners of dogs really need to work out exactly what they want from their chosen style. So do your research when it comes to choosing and buying the right dog training collar. The following are points that you may want to consider.
Type of Dog Training Collars
- Electronic Dog Collar – With this type, electric signals discourage the negative behavior as it delivers a shock (a small one only should be used) each time the dog does what you do not want him to do.
- Buckle Dog Collar – Attached with a buckle, this collar can be made of leather, cotton or nylon. It is adjustable and it is made to help reduce the risk of breakage of the dog’s hair. It should be a wide one not thin. This style of collar is my personal style of dog collar.
- Choke Collar – This collar is commonly used with the jerk and praise method of dog training. It is made with a metal ring. Whether it is old fashioned training or a new modern method, this is a very common collar to use.
The collar may choke the animal if it is the wrong size. However, if the collar is not small enough, the animal can easily escape from it. The collar has to be just right to be effective and to also keep the animal secure. There are techniques to ensure you get the right size collar. You can measure the neck and allow for 2 to 3 more inches for proper adjustment. There should be an adequate gap felt around the collar if it fits correctly. Width is also important. A wide collar is safer than a thin one, especially when training.
Breed Of Your Dog
There are dog collars available which can suit different breeds. There is a sense of fashion, even for collars. You can find collars which will specifically highlight the characteristics of certain breeds.
For instance, you may notice a fierce looking bulldog looks perfectly suited for a spiked collar while tiny hand held dogs are seen in petite or jeweled collars. You must put the usage and durability of a collar ahead of fashion sense when it comes to buying a dog training collar. This is one time you need to be practical not fashionable.
The kind of fur a breed has plays a role in the kind of collar that will work best. A flat collar is more appropriate for a short haired dog so it will not leave marks. If the breed has long hair, a collar that is rounded can work nicely to prevent breakage.
You do not have to invest a huge amount of cash when buying a collar. Look around for an item you find appealing then check out the price to get a good idea of what you like and can afford. When it comes to taking in all of these factors and picking a dog training collar, the function has to be first. It may take a little bit of money to get the collar that is going to work best. However, if money is a real concern, you can take your time and look around before making a choice.
Dog Training Collars are Not Always the Best Option
Actual dog training should never be confused with issues of dog control. Whether a professional dog trainer or novice, this is an important factor that needs to constantly be in the back of your mind. Of course, in any owner/dog relationship, the owner must assume the alpha role, but it’s easy to abuse this control, thus is becomes more of an issue than a privilege.
With a dog training collar the owner/trainer is provided a certain degree of instant control. The intention isn’t meant to cause harm, however the actual act of training becomes more abusive than productive. Incorrectly utilizing a dog’s weakness is not the best way to gain control. As a trainer, the ultimate goal is to remove or alter current behaviors of the dog. For the dog, these behaviors are instinctual and sometimes hard to forget or revamp.
These dog training collars were created for the trainer to initially get a certain degree of control over an animal, but the problem lies with abuse of the basic principals and guidelines when using this type of tool in training. Of the first tools used in this type of training you’ll fine many varieties of chokes and chains, which allow for decreased or increased tension, depending on what the canine needs.
Choke collars especially can be harmful. When used improperly they can leave permanent damage to the neck of the dog, and even lead to death by choking. Of the more popular collar available today is shocking. Literally, a shock collar. This particular method offered a “bonus” in that the dog would constantly be in training. No extra effort required by the owner/trainer in that the dog would receive a bolting shock whenever a certain boundary was crossed. To the average pet owner or trainer, this benefit might sound appealing, but the potential dangers and disadvantages of a shock collar need to be weighed as well.
With any type of dog collar you, as your four-legged friends’ caretaker, need to arm yourself with a proper care and maintenance routine. You’ll want to make sure the collar offers a comfortable fit. You certainly don’t want this new collar to pinch or snag the dog’s neck or fur (most noted, Martingale collar), or cause hot spots because of an abrasion. Not only are you going to make that canine upset and resistant, you’re also inflicting unnecessary pain. You’re dog can’t speak to you and let you know that it hurts, so it’s up to the owner/trainer to make sure comfort and safety measures are undertaken.
A big counterproductive rule in dog training is utilizing pain and fear to get your animal to act in a desired fashion. Electronic training collars (shock collars) operate by zapping your canine with an electric shock or sounding off a shrieking siren to urge the dog not to bark. That’s like slapping a child in the face when they talk. You create an environment of control through fear of receiving physical pain, and the end result could be an unhealthy life, both mentally and physically, for the animal.
Even if you’re lucky enough to get the desired results of limited or no barking at all, your pet will lose confidence in himself and his job as a protector, confidant and family friend.
Utilizing quick fix methods for training are sometimes counterproductive and often an unrewarding alternative to traditional methods. In the long run, you aren’t the dominating alpha figure, and in fact, you rely on control devices. Without the control device, what are you left with? When using a safer, and more time-balanced, traditional method of dog training leaves you ultimately in control and with a happy, healthy animal. Before you choose the type of training method to utilize, please do your research. You will want to find a method that is safe and comfortable for your pet, and allows you the end up with the desired results.
