5 Things To Look At When Using A Dog Training Collar And Lead | Dogs

By AdrianFletcher
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A training collar is a useful tool for obedience training your dog. It goes by various names, some being a pinch collar, slip collar, choke collar or even a choke chain. Essentially it goes round the animals neck, and, when attached to a lead or leash, is an effective way for you to maintain control of the dog.

However a dog training collar and lead has to be used properly for it to be totally effective while at the same time being safe for your dog. This article will examine five things you should think about when getting a training collar. This will help you to understand how the collar works and how to use it effectively. Here goes.

1. Selecting the right size of collar " The collar must be just the right fit for your dog. It must be a snug fit but not too loose or too tight. Obviously a collar that is too tight has the potential to hurt your pet or choke it at the slightest pressure. A collar that fits to loosely will not give you the fast control that you may need in certain situations and will make the collar ineffective.

Take a measure of the dogs neck. Then add about 5 cm or 2-3 inches to that length. This should ensure that the collar fits snugly but has a bit of movement in it. It should also fit over the dogs head easily.

2. Putting the collar on your dog correctly " There will be detailed instructions with the collar that you purchase about placing it on your dog. Read these carefully as they will indicate what is too to tight for your dog and how you should go about putting the collar on. This could help to prevent hurting your dog if you were to fit the collar incorrectly.

3. Using the training collar properly " Above all use the collar in an informed and compassionate way. It is not a way to punish your dog but merely a way to communicate with him when he is doing wrong. You should never exert a continuous force on the lead or leash when it is attached to the collar as this could cut of air to the dog and lead to problems.

4. Think about the weight and link size of the training collar. This should reflect the size of the animal that it will be used on. For instance a big dog like a St. Bernard would require a heavier chain with bigger links than a Jack Russell. Many chains will list which dogs are suitable for the type of chain.

5. Ensure that the collar and lead is correctly positioned on the dogs neck. For example the lead must be positioned at the top of the neck so that the slightest pull by you will be translated to the dog. It also means that the collar will loosen as soon as you ease the pressure on the lead.

To close, ensure that the collar and lead are well constructed using sturdy materials. They are likely to get well used and roughly treated so need to withstand some poor treatment. You also don't want them to break at a vital moment in your obedience training program.

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Learn more about dog training and health tips, including a review of top dog training in home course sit stay fetch and dog health care information.

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