Selecting Dog Training Collars

Selecting from amongst the various dog training collars available can be confusing but it need not be. To be able to choose the best training collar for your dog, there are some things you need to bear in mind. Training collars should be worn to guide, control and protect your dog. They must in no way be used as a means of punishment or to harm your dog.

Choice of the most effective kind of dog training collar for your personal training goals is only the first step. Additionally you must ensure it's the appropriate size and that you understand how to utilize it properly. Even the very best collar may not be appropriate if it is not used properly.

Styles of Dog Training Collars

Dog training collars include prong collars, head halters, choke collars, electronic collars. Dog harnesses and standard pet collars work fine for their intended purpose, but aren't viewed as "training collars" thus will not be included here.

Prong collars have the look of a thing from a medieval torture chamber that would be very unpleasant. Used properly, they are quite humane. Prong dog training collars were at first made from metallic prongs linked to each other in chain fashion. Nowadays they are also offered made from plastic that is preferred by many. These kinds of collars control the dog by means of slightly "pinching" the neck when the handler pulls on the lead. If used over aggressively, they can injure so caution is needed.

Head halters such as the Haiti and Gentle Leader halters look like and work in a fashion much like harnesses used for horses. They function by guiding the dogs' path. The dogs' body naturally follows the head and a harness really does an exceptionally good job of controlling the head. While they might look to be excessively restrictive, the dog easily becomes used to them. They are particularly effective in curbing aggressive dogs.

Choke collars continue to be popular and are also recommended for use in numerous 4H dog training programs regardless of the debate surrounding their use. Used correctly, they are good dog training collars, however are very easy to misuse. If they are put on the dog incorrectly, if links become twisted or if too much force is used by the handler, they can, without a doubt, become instruments of torture. For me personally, I stopped using choke collars years ago and will never return to them. There are so many much better dog training collars readily available.

Electronic dog collars are designed to give the dog a slight zap on command of the handler. The intensity can be tweaked from a small buzz or tingle to get the dogs' attention to a more serious jolt. These shouldn't be used on small or timid dogs and only after discussion of your situation with a trustworthy trainer. Shock collars could easily harm your dog if used carelessly.

What ever your individual requirements, you will discover the right collar from the wide selection of dog training collars readily available on the internet. Take a few minutes to scan our website and change your challenging dog into a pleasant,well behaved companion.