I enjoyed your website, but still need help choosing the right collar for my hard headed Jack Russell. She does go swimming to chase and catch my ducks in our pond, she chases cars, and she sometimes sneaks up behind visitors and bites them on the leg. She does not listen at all when she is so intensely concentrating on doing what she is not supposed to do...ignores us completely. Other than being so aggravating 1/4 of the time, she is a good little dog. But, when she is bad...she is BAD!
What collar would be best for such a small dog...she is not a fat Jack Russell...she runs to much for that. She is probably around 12 - 15 pounds, but I am just guessing. I want a collar that goes at least 1/2 mile. We live out in the country and she runs around our 10 acres.
Thanks so much, Judy
Dear Judy,
When choosing a training collar, the pinch collar is the best choice. It communicates with the dog in it's natural language, using the "teeth" of the collar similar to how an Alpha dog would correct a subordinate or a mother dog correct her puppies. The small size would probably work best for your Jack Russell terrier.
By not listening to you, she is showing her disrespect of your alpha position in the family "pack." When you get the pinch collar, you must keep it and a leash on her all the time when supervision is available so you can correct any behaviors you don't want. A good place to start learning about how to train yourself on how to train your dog is my book and videos, available here: http://www.dogproblems.com/newvideos.htm
By keeping up a regimen of tough love and obedience, you can correct her negative behaviors and don't forget to praise her whenever she does something right. Mental stimulation is as important as physical and she will be glad to be working for you in obedience.
That's all for now, folks! Adam
Some training collars can harm a dog if they are not used appropriately or are the wrong size; so, you should research training collars thoroughly before choosing one.
Some common dog training collars are: the prong collar, the Halti, the Gentle Leader, the choke collar and the electronic collar.
Prong Collar
This collar is made up of metal prongs that have been linked together. When you apply a pulling pressure to the collar (via the leash), it gives the dog a little pinch that is meant to duplicate the effect of a mother dog's teeth when she grabs here pup by the scruff of the neck.
The prong collar is a safe and effective training tool as long as the fit is correct and the collar is used appropriately. The prong collar should not be used if your dog is one to consistently yank at his leash.
The prong collar should fit snugly against the dog's neck. A properly fitted collar should leave approximately ½ of a finger space in between your dog's neck and the prong tip. A collar that is any looser than that won't do its job and will needlessly chafe the dog's skin.
Halti and Gentle Leader
Both the Halti and Gentle Leader head halter devices look a lot like the harnesses that are used to control horses. While the prong collar is designed to condition behavior and movement, the head halter is designed to restrict or restrain your dog's movements. The thought behind the halter's design is that if you can control the head, the body will follow its movement.
When you pull on the attached leash the device closes the dog's mouth and restrains his head. These types of collars are great for dogs that lunge, bite or display other aggressive behaviors.
There are drawbacks, however, to using a head halter device. Most dogs will not take very easily to any device that positions a strap over its nose. You may have to struggle with your dog many, many times before he will submit to wearing it.
Another drawback is that pulling at your dog's head makes it a lot more likely that you'll inadvertently injure the dog's neck or back. To avoid injury, you should always make sure you're restraining your dog in the correct manner.
Choke Collar
The choke collar is one of those dog training devices that is often surrounded by controversy. Proponents of the choke collar point to its humane effectiveness, while critics say that the collar is more torture device than training tool. The truth is that what the collar becomes is largely dependent upon who is using it.
A properly fitted choke collar works by tightening around the dog's throat when the trainer pulls on the leash and then releasing pressure when the trainer does. If the collar is not put on correctly, however, the pressure will remain and the dog could truly choke to death. These collars are not meant for dogs that consistently pull at their leash or for inexperienced trainers. As is the case with head halters, the choke collar has the potential to cause injury to the dog's neck.
Electronic Collar
Just mention the option of an electronic dog collar and many dog owners (even some people with no pets at all) will look at you as if you have suggested training your dog with a stun gun.
The reality is that electronic collars can be a very humane way to train a dog. As with any other training device, however, whether or not it is used for purposes of cruelty is totally dependent upon the intentions and experience of the trainer.
The electronic collar works by allowing the trainer to give the dog small, electric shocks (via remote control) in order to modify its behavior. The intensity of the shock is left to the trainer. In general, the setting should be strong enough to make the dog's ears twitch. If the dog howls or yelps when the shock is delivered, then the setting is too high. Again, the electronic collar should only be used by experienced trainers.
Both Adam Katz & Paul Easton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Adam Katz has sinced written about articles on various topics from Puppies Dogs, Dog Care and Pets. Adam G. Katz is the author of the book, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider's Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History." Get a free copy of his report "Games To Play With Your Dog" when you sign up for his free we. Adam Katz's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.