While a training collar is a widely used tool, as with any tool it must be used properly in order to be effective and safe for your dog. Among the most important considerations when using this equipment are:
- How well the devise fits your dog. It's essential that it properly fits your dog. If it doesn't fit correctly you risk losing control in dangerous situations.
- Putting the equipment on the right way. There's a right way and a wrong way to fit a collar, and putting it on incorrectly will make it both ineffective and potentially dangerous.
- Using the devise properly. It should be used as a sharp reminder to your dog, not as punishment. Avoid applying constant pressure on the choke chain.
- The weight of the chain and the size of the links. The weight of the chain should always be appropriate to the size and weight of your dog.
- The placement on your dog.
Sizing And Measuring
Determining if the dog obedience training collar is the right size is relatively easy. Ideally, it should fit snugly, yet comfortably over your dog's head. Like my father used to say about tightening a bolt, it shouldn't be too tight, but it shouldn't be too loose either. Too tight and it'll be difficult to get on and off. On the other hand, too loose and it can potentially slip off when your dog lowers his head.
Measure your dog's neck with a tape measure, then add 2 to 3 inches. For example, if your dog has a neck 12" in diameter, you would want to buy a collar that's 14" in length. Chain slip collars are generally sized in two inch increments.
Proper Fitting
When fitting a correction collar, the part of the chain which is connected to the leash should be on the top of the dog's neck. With this arrangement, it releases the instant the leash is loosened. Training collars are only effective when they tighten or loosen easily and quickly. Tightening is the first step of any correction, loosening is the second step.
If the part of the correction collar that's attached to the leash is not on the top of the dog's neck, it can still become taunt, but it generally won't become loose again. This constant pressure on your dog's neck initiates a counter response on the part of the animal, and your dog will quickly learn to pull and strain against the leash.
Also, if the accompanying lead is too long it can require a great deal of skill on your part to use correctly. So make sure you use a length that gives you comfortable control.
Finally, it's important to purchase a dog obedience training collar that's well made and strong. The extra expense will easily pay for itself by keeping both you and your dog safer.
One secret to good obedience training is never to give your dog the chance to disobey. Make sure he understands the command and what you want him to do, and move toward it with baby steps so he always ALWAYS succeeds. Your happy praise at every turn is what he lives for.
When he begins to yawn at every command, he is not bored, he is certain of the next step you will take. Now is the time to start his off-lead work. At first this creates a bit of anxiety. His lead is his only physical guide to pleasing you, his main goal. So make sure everything you are about to show him off-lead is something he knows VERY well with the lead attached.
On-lead heeling, turning and stopping is very smooth and controlled. Before starting off, instead of hooking the lead into the ring, slip the entire lead through his collar, not in the ring, and wrap the end around your hand so you can eat it up as you walk, until the lead slides completely out of the dog's collar. He will not even know, just keep walking with no change in gait or tone and act like nothing new is going on.
When you come to a stop and your dog sits predictably at your side like always, pause a moment then PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE! Your dog will look at you funny, as if to say, "What's the big deal? We do this all the time". It's quite funny. That is when you know success and your dog has made a smooth transition.
As you walk, make sure your dog stays very close because you do not want him to think for a second that he can run away from you. If he makes the slightest off move, take his collar by the live ring and tug. Remember those little tugs that he dislikes so much he learned quickly how to stay in the exact right spot? Remind him that you have the same control over him when he is off-lead, so stay vigilant. If he backslides, go back to on-lead. He will learn quickly that he prefers the independence of off-lead work and to get it he must obey your every command.
Working with the Come on a long line, go back to the short lead and leave it close so you can take it up quickly if he does not come swiftly. Give him no room to think about disobeying. Gradually extend the distance until he is coming to you at a run totally off-lead. He loves this!
If you are patient and consistent in your commands, your dog will become every bit as reliable off his lead as he was with his lead attached. Both you and your dog will enjoy it more!
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