Dog Training > Dog Training Collars > Dog Training Collars

Dog Training Collars

There's no question about whether or not your dog will need a collar. He has to have something you can use to attach ID tags, inoculation tags and any necessary license tags. And of course you'll need to attach a leash to something. Most pet stores offer a wide variety of dog collars in different materials and styles. Most dog experts choose a soft nylon or thin leather buckle collar. You may also want to consider the new breakaway collar. This collar releases if your dog becomes caught on a crate, fence, or some other obstruction, making collar use much safer for your dog.

But do you need a dog training collar? Most trainers say no. The typical dog training collar is designed to tighten painfully around your dog's neck when you pull on the leash. So a dog training collar can be more accurately described as a choke chain. When a dog training collar is used incorrectly, it can damage your dog's windpipe. Even if used without physical damage, the choke chain rarely has a positive impact on your dog's behavior or walking manners.

Choke chains can also be extremely dangerous if they happened to snag on a crate or fence. The common reaction of every dog once they are caught on something is to pull away and keep pulling away. This tightens the dog training collar, which causes the dog to panic and pull away even harder. Your dog could be strangled if that happens.

Having been duly warned, if you insist on using a dog training collar, at least take care to use it safely and correctly. The first and most important rule is that the dog training collar should never be used as your dog's regular, everyday collar. After you've finished walking or training your dog, remove the dog training collar and replace it with a more comfortable buckle collar.

If you want to use a dog training collar when walking or training your dog, then make sure you put it on your dog properly. Many well-meaning pet owners put the dog training collar on upside-down. The moving part of the dog training collar is designed to rest above your dog's head, not under it. You should be able to see the ring behind your dog's head. In this position, the dog training collar works correctly, tightening when you pull on the leash and releasing when you let up. This position allows you to give your dog a quick warning for undesired behavior, followed a quick release and praise for desired behavior. You should never apply pressure to the collar and hold it tight.

If you put the dog training collar on incorrectly, the moving chain and ring will be positioned under your dog's head around his throat. In this position, the dog training collar tightens when you pull on the leash, but fails to release when you do.

Here's the best way to ensure that you put the dog training collar on correctly. Remember "P for perfect position." With the dog on your left, form the letter "P" with the training collar. Imagine the letter horizontally, with the straight back of the "P" on top and the loop of the "P" away from you. Slide the collar over your dog's head. This should position the dog training collar so that it functions perfectly as designed.