Discover What Training Is The Best Way And Foundation To
Accomplish Many Types Of Dog Trainings With
There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the
one that works best for you is important for creating a dog that
is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family.
All successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the
relationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of any
successful training program is getting the respect of the dog.
Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders, and
to follow the direction of those leaders.
Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around
for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness
over time. The type of training that works best will vary from
dog to dog, and from breed to breed. It is important to remember
that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced
by hundreds of years of selective breeding.
The leash and training collar is the most basic piece of
equipment used in training a dog. Using the lead and training
collar properly is vital to successful dog training. The
training collar is designed to apply a specific amount of
pressure each time the leash is tightened. The amount of
pressure put on the leash controls the amount of pressure placed
on the training collar, and the pressure can be adjusted
according to how the dog responds.
Of course personalities of individual dogs vary quite a bit,
even within established breeds. You, as the owner of the dog,
know better than anyone which style of dog training will work
best, so it is important to work with the trainer you choose to
achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly dog.
Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many
types of dog training, particularly in situations where the dog
must have a high level of reliability. For instance, dogs that
have an important job to do, such as rescue dogs, police dogs
and guard dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training.
In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be
used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh
corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate
to the situation, since using too much correction, or too
little, will be ineffective.
The first part of training with collar and leash, of course, is
to purchase a quality, well made training collar that will fit
your dog properly. There are many types of training collars and
leashes on the market. The most important thing is to choose one
that is sturdy and well made. The last thing you want to do is
chase your dog down after he has broken his collar.
The length of the collar should be approximately two inches
longer than the circumference of the dog's neck. It is important
to accurately measure the dog's neck using a measuring tape. In
order to get an accurate measurement, you must make sure that
the tape is not tight around the dog's neck.
Most training collars come in even sizes, so you should round up
to the next size if your dog's neck is an odd number. It is
important that the chain that attaches to the collar be placed
at the top of the dog's neck. That is where the training collar
is designed to apply the best pressure.
The ability to apply varying degrees of pressure, and to relieve
that pressure instantly, is what makes a training collar such an
effective tool. It usually takes new users a little while to get
used to using the training collar, and some styles of training
collar require more finesse than others. If you are unsure which
collar to choose, be sure to ask a professional dog trainer, or
the management staff at your local pet store, for help.
In a collar and leash based dog training program, first the dog
is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After
the dog has demonstrated that it understands the command, the
leash is then used to correct the dog if it disobeys, or when it
makes a mistake. The leash is the main form of controlling and
communicating with the dog in leash and collar training.
When using leash and collar training, the dog must be trained to
trust the handler and accept his or her directions without
question. In order for the dog to be fully trained, the handler
must demonstrate the ability to place the dog into a posture or
position he or she does not want to take. This does not mean
using force, but it does generally require some level of
physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and
safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training -
the leash.
The well trained dog is one who will walk at his owner's side on
a loose lead, neither dropping behind nor charging ahead.
The well trained dog will also vary his pace to meet that of his
handler. Under no circumstances should the handler be forced to
change his or her pace to match that of the dog.
If the dog does begin to charge ahead, it is important to
correct the dog promptly by giving a quick tug on the leash.
This will give the dog a good reminder that he needs to change
his pace. It is important to quickly relieve the pressure as
soon as the dog responds. The training collar is designed to
relieve pressure as soon as the leash is loosened.
Most dogs will immediately respond to corrections by a good,
properly used training collar. If the dog does not respond as
directed, it may be necessary to apply greater pressure. This
can be especially true of large dogs or those who have
preexisting behavior or control problems. If you are still
unable to get a response from your dog, it is possible that you
are using a training collar that is not large enough for your
dog. If you think this may be the case, be sure to ask for
expert advice before proceeding.
It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand
that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash is an important
tool in this form of training, it is important for the dog
trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using
whatever tools are at hand.
Even when the only tools at hand are the owner's body and skill,
the dog should be willing to obey. Creating a leader/follower
relationship between handler and dog is still very important,
and it is important to use the leash as a tool and not a crutch.
A properly trained dog should be willing to obey whether the
leash is present or not.