You are going to need some specific tools for training. Use the minimum tools to get the response you need. In a
perfect world no collars, leads, or other aids would be required and our dogs would know what we mean and say
from the moment they’re born. Unfortunately, the world isn't perfect.
You will need a lead. The standard 1 inch wide and 6 feet long strap lead is best. Thinner leads of 1/2 to 5/8 inch
can be used on smaller dogs. A shorter 3 ft lead can be used in certain circumstances such as heeling exercises.
If you are going to be a dog owner you likely should buy 3 standard 6 foot leads at least. Hang one by each door
in your house and keep one handy somewhere else (I like to keep a spare leash in the car). You can use multiple
leads clipped together to extend your distances away from the dog in training "stay" and "come". You can also
purchase a 20 foot training lead for the exercises.
A training collar is a must. This collar will only be used when training or working your dog. Yes going for a walk is
training. Training collars, even if it is a standard buckle collar exactly like the one she wears everyday, should
only be used during training and never left on your dog unsupervised.
Below are several types of training collars available on the market today. These are by no means the only
training collars available but they are among the most popular.
perfect world no collars, leads, or other aids would be required and our dogs would know what we mean and say
from the moment they’re born. Unfortunately, the world isn't perfect.
You will need a lead. The standard 1 inch wide and 6 feet long strap lead is best. Thinner leads of 1/2 to 5/8 inch
can be used on smaller dogs. A shorter 3 ft lead can be used in certain circumstances such as heeling exercises.
If you are going to be a dog owner you likely should buy 3 standard 6 foot leads at least. Hang one by each door
in your house and keep one handy somewhere else (I like to keep a spare leash in the car). You can use multiple
leads clipped together to extend your distances away from the dog in training "stay" and "come". You can also
purchase a 20 foot training lead for the exercises.
A training collar is a must. This collar will only be used when training or working your dog. Yes going for a walk is
training. Training collars, even if it is a standard buckle collar exactly like the one she wears everyday, should
only be used during training and never left on your dog unsupervised.
Below are several types of training collars available on the market today. These are by no means the only
training collars available but they are among the most popular.
The prong collar is made of interlocking links, each with two blunt prongs that
pinch the dog's skin when the collar is tightened. Unlike the chain slip collar, it
puts even pressure around the neck by pinching the skin in a band about a
half inch wide. No pressure is put directly on the trachea with the prong collar.
The prong collar may look intimidating or as if it could be a favourite of
Torquemada and the Spanish Inquisition. It isn’t. In point of fact it is less likely
to cause injury to the animal than a slip/choke or strap collar. However the
prong collar is different and requires that you learn a slightly different
approach to handling your dog.
pinch the dog's skin when the collar is tightened. Unlike the chain slip collar, it
puts even pressure around the neck by pinching the skin in a band about a
half inch wide. No pressure is put directly on the trachea with the prong collar.
The prong collar may look intimidating or as if it could be a favourite of
Torquemada and the Spanish Inquisition. It isn’t. In point of fact it is less likely
to cause injury to the animal than a slip/choke or strap collar. However the
prong collar is different and requires that you learn a slightly different
approach to handling your dog.
The Standard Flat Collar is an everyday tool. It can be used to walk your dog, hold your
dog, and it carries your dog's identification.
dog, and it carries your dog's identification.
The slip collar, commonly miscalled a choke collar, is available in various
styles, most people will associate the chain slip collar as the primary training
collar. Slip collars are available in all types of materials from chain, cord,
elastic stretch (bungee cord), fabric, flat strap, and safeties.
“Choke Chains” are not intended to choke your dog! The intent is that when
the collar is tugged it will pinch the brachial nerve in the dogs neck (much like
pinching the funny bone). The Slip Collar is NOT intended to choke your dog.
If your dog is choking with the use of this collar then use a different collar!
Flat choke collars are available as well, either standard or safety models. The
safety models are better in that they are designed to limit the amount of
choking that can happen. These are chokers and do squeeze the neck,
broarder is better in that force is distributed over a wider area. While not highly
prevalent yet these are gaining in use on the slip chain. They are easier for
the novice to use and less likely to cause throat damage. However they are not
highly effective on very large, strong, or intractable dogs.
styles, most people will associate the chain slip collar as the primary training
collar. Slip collars are available in all types of materials from chain, cord,
elastic stretch (bungee cord), fabric, flat strap, and safeties.
“Choke Chains” are not intended to choke your dog! The intent is that when
the collar is tugged it will pinch the brachial nerve in the dogs neck (much like
pinching the funny bone). The Slip Collar is NOT intended to choke your dog.
If your dog is choking with the use of this collar then use a different collar!
Flat choke collars are available as well, either standard or safety models. The
safety models are better in that they are designed to limit the amount of
choking that can happen. These are chokers and do squeeze the neck,
broarder is better in that force is distributed over a wider area. While not highly
prevalent yet these are gaining in use on the slip chain. They are easier for
the novice to use and less likely to cause throat damage. However they are not
highly effective on very large, strong, or intractable dogs.
The Halti and Gentle Leader type halters seem to be the flavor of the month, with a lot of trainers
swooning over them and these are getting a lot of press. It can an effective tool but it is not, as many
would have you believe, the only collar you should consider or use under any circumstances. These
both work in that corrections are applied to the snout and jaw, breathing is never constricted. A pull by
the handler, or by the dog getting off line, will turn the animal back towards the handler. Some dogs do
not react well to the halters. Head halters are NOT muzzles and DO NOT restrict the dogs jaw action.
swooning over them and these are getting a lot of press. It can an effective tool but it is not, as many
would have you believe, the only collar you should consider or use under any circumstances. These
both work in that corrections are applied to the snout and jaw, breathing is never constricted. A pull by
the handler, or by the dog getting off line, will turn the animal back towards the handler. Some dogs do
not react well to the halters. Head halters are NOT muzzles and DO NOT restrict the dogs jaw action.
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| Tools of the Trade |