Training your dog with a training collar
There are many excellent training devices that can be used when
training your dog. The most basic piece of equipment that every
dog owner should own is a quality training collar. There are
many different types of training collars, and these devices go
by a variety of different names, including choke collar, choke
chain, correction collar, slip collar and of course training
collar. Training collars are favorite tools among both amateur
and professional dog trainers.
When used properly, a training collar is a valuable, effective
tool. However, like any tool it must be used properly in order
to be effective. Despite its simple appearance and design, a
training collar is a piece of precision equipment, and it must
be treated with respect.
An improperly used training collar will do no good, and it can
harm your training program by causing the dog to become confused
and frightened. There are several important things to consider
when choosing and fitting a training collar.
The first consideration when choosing a training collar is how
the collar fits the dog. It is vital that the training collar be
fitted properly to the dog. Only a properly fitted training
collar will be effective for the dog.
The training collar must also be put on the dog the right way.
Unlike a normal buckle collar, there is a definite right way and
wrong way to put on a training collar, and putting it on the
wrong way can make the collar ineffective or even dangerous.
In addition to being fitted and sized properly, the training
collar must be used properly as well. The training collar is
designed to provide a reminder, not a punishment. It is very
important to never use steady pressure with a training collar. A
training collar works by providing a sharp pressure, followed by
an immediate release of pressure.
The weight of the chain and the size of the links on the
training collar are very important when choosing a training
collar. The weight of the chain should be appropriate for the
size and weight of the dog. For instance, you would not use a
heavy chain on a 10 pound dog, just as you would not use a very
light chain on a 100 pound dog.
When using a training collar, it is very important to place the
collar on the dog properly. The collar must be placed on the dog
properly in order to be effective.
It is relatively easy to determine the length of training collar
your dog needs. The appropriate size of the collar is the
distance around the animal's neck, plus 2-3 inches. Since
training collars are usually made in even sizes, it may be
necessary to round up to find the right size. When measuring, be
sure to not make the tape measure too tight. The training collar
will need to fit snugly, but not too tight. It is important that
the pressure on the training collar be instantly relieved when
the leash is slackened.
If the training collar is too tight, the pressure will not be
relieved when you loosen the leash. If the collar is too loose,
on the other hand, it could accidentally slip off the dog when
he lowers his head.
When putting the training collar on the dog, it is important
that the end of the chain that attaches to the leash is on the
top of the dog's neck. This is important in order for the collar
to function as intended. It is important that the training
collar loosen properly when the leash is slackened, and that it
tighten instantly to provide the sharp correction when needed.
If the connecting piece of the training collar is placed
anywhere except on the top of the dog's head, the training
collar will not loosen properly when the leash is slackened.
This constant pressure on the training collar will be
counterproductive, since the dog will not understand what is
being asked of it or why the pressure is not being relieved when
it does as it is asked.