There are a variety of dog training collars used in dog training. Some professional dog trainers advocate one type of collar and only use that type of collar for training dogs, while other dog trainers say that type of collar should never be used in dog training. Of course, each dog trainer uses their own method of dog training, and the type of training collar they use reflects the dog training method they use. This article is about the various types of dog training collars, their proper use, and in some cases, how they are properly put on the dog.
The Slip (aka Choke) Collar
The Slip Collar, also known as a Choke Collar, is a length of chain, nylon rope, or other fabric, with rings on both ends. If the collar is made out of chain, it is commonly referred to as a "choke chain". By pushing the chain or fabric through one of the rings, a loop can be formed which can be put over the dog's head and around his neck. That leaves the other ring free for attaching the leash.
Putting the Slip Collar on the dog With most training, specifically obedience training, the dog is normally on the left side of the trainer/handler. To put the collar on the dog correctly, with the dog on your left, the part of the collar connected to the free ring should go over the dog's neck. To check that the collar is on correctly, you can pull on the free ring to tighten the collar, then release it. The collar should be loose. If the collar is not on the dog correctly, even after you release the free ring, he collar will stay snugly around the dog's neck. When the collar is put on properly and is snug around the dog's neck the free ring should be about 11/2" to 3" from the dog's neck.
Proper use of the Slip Collar When training with the Slip Collar, the collar should be just behind the dog's ears. The slip collar is NOT for pulling or choking the dog. It is to give the dog a correction, when it's needed. The correction is given by applying a sharp jerk to the leash. This means that you quickly pull on the leash to tighten the collar, then immediately release the pressure so that the collar is loose. The strength of the jerk should be just enough to get the dog's attention and is a function of the size, build and temperament of the dog. Obviously the strength of a correction for a Beagle would be a lot different than one for a German Shepard.
The Martingale Collar
The Martingale Collar is like a slip collar in that it tightens when the leash is pulled. The big difference is that it can only tighten a certain amount so that it won't choke the dog. It consists of a length of fabric with a ring on both ends. A short piece of fabric or chain goes through both rings and has both its ends connected to one ring, to which the leash can be attached. When the leash is pulled, the collar tightens to where the two rings touch each other. It has an adjustment so that the tightest it can get is just snug around the dog's neck. Because the Martingale Collar is usually wider than the Slip Collar, it spreads the pressure on the dog's neck and prevents the collar from getting tangled in the dog's fur.
Putting the Martingale Collar on the dog The Martingale collar, after it's properly adjusted, is just slipped over the dog's head and ears. Some of them have a quick release buckles that can be used, especially if the dog 's head is much larger than its neck.
Proper use of the Martingale Collar The Martingale Collar is used in the same way as the Slip Collar. It is less severe than the Slip Collar in the discomfort it gives the dogs, but can be just as effective. Because the Martingale Collar can't choke the dog, it can be used as an everyday collar as well as a training collar.
The Prong (aka Pinch) Collar
The Prong Collar, also known as a Pinch Collar, is designed to simulate the way the mother dog disciplines the puppies by pinching the skin on the neck. The prongs of the collar are not designed to puncture the skin. Some Prong Collars have rubber or plastic tips that can be put on the ends of the prongs. The collar is made up of interlocking prongs that form a circle around the dog's neck with a short piece of chain attached to it much the same way as in the Martingale Collar. That way, the collar can only be tightened so that the prongs pinch, but don't penetrate the skin. The size is adjusted by adding or removing prongs.
Putting the Prong Collar on the dog The Prong Collar is slipped over the dog's head and ears the same way as the Martingale Collar is. Some Prong Collars have a latch on the short piece of chain that makes it easier to put on the dog.
The proper use of the Prong Collar It is important that the Prong Collar is the right size for the dog. You should be able to put the tip of your little finger between the end of the prong and the dog's skin when the collar is loose. The Prong Collar looks more severe than it is. It gives the dog a different sensation than the Slip or Martingale Collars. It doesn't really close in on the dog's neck as much as it pinches the dog's skin. As with the Slip Collar, the strength of the jerk should be just enough to get the dog's attention.
The Head Collar
The Head Collar is usually made out of nylon and has two basic parts. One goes around the dog's neck and the other is a noseband that goes around his muzzle. It is used by trainers who advocate positive training methods rather than corrective training methods. The collar controls the dog's head but does not restrict the dog's ability to pant, drink or grab objects with its mouth. There are three main Head Collar brands: Halti, Gentle Leader, and Control Ease. Although each one is made little differently, they all work the same way.
Putting the Head Collar on the dog The part that goes around the dog's neck is properly adjusted and put on first. The noseband is then put in place around the dog's muzzle. Some dogs don't like this type of collar and fuss and try to take it off. In that situation, dog has to get adjusted to the collar in small steps with lots of reinforcement (treats and praise). The dog has to be rewarded to allow the collar to be put on him.
The proper use of the Head Collar Unlike using the Slip or Prong Collars, the Head Collar is NOT jerked. Some veterinarians say that a sharp jerk on a Head Collar can injure the dog's neck. The dog is guided into the correct position by a gentle pull on the leash. The idea behind the design of the collar is that wherever the head goes, the body will follow. With the noseband around the dog's muzzle, the handler/trainer has a lot of leverage on the dog's head and doesn't need much strength to control the dog. This type of collar is used more for controlling a dog and teaching him to walk on a loose leash than in basic obedience training.
The last two training collars are not usually used for basic obedience training but are included for completeness.
The Training Harness
The Training Harness is the latest device designed for dog training. It is a basic harness with an attachment to a collar. It's used with a leash that has a snap on both ends, with one end connected to the harness ring located on the dog's back, and the other connected to the ring on the strap that goes around the dog's chest. It is made by the same companies that make the Head Collars. Although it's called a training collar, its main purpose is to teach a dog to walk on a loose leash. Once the dog walks with a loose leash, it can be used as just a walking harness using a normal one-snap leash.
The E-Collars
E-Collars or Electronic Collars consist of a collar that has a radio receiver attached to it. It's made in such a way that, when it receives a signal from the transmitter, it gives the dog a small electric shock, much like you get from static electricity. It startles the dog rather than hurts the dog. It's used when the dog is being trained without a leash and from a distance. It is not normally used for basic obedience training, but can help in off leash work. The strength of the shock is adjustable for the size and type of dog it's used on. The transmitter is a hand held device that can adjust the strength of the shock and has a button that is pushed to administer the shock. It is much more expensive than any of the other training collars.
Hirsh Marantz is a retired dog trainer and editor of the dog training web site http://www.trainyourfirstdog.com where you can learn all you have to know to train your dog to always do what he's told and Get your free special report "About Dogs And Dog Training". He also has a website http://www.qualitycollarstore.com where you can find a large collection of training collars.
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