The term collar training does not mean training the dog to wear a collar. What it does mean is the use of a collar to aid in the training of a dog. New dog owners usually have the experience of purchasing a leather or fabric buckle collar, snapping on a short leash, and then proceed to let the dog pull them around where ever dog wants to go. Corrections, if they are even attempted, consist of sharp pulls on the leash to physically yank the dog back into control.
The experienced trainer uses one of several different types of collars to both control and train a dog. One of the most popular is a trademark brand collar called the Gentle Leader. This collar buckles around the dog’s neck with nylon cords that fit across his nose. The basic idea of the collar is that it uses the nose as a control and correction focus. Where the dog’s nose goes, the rest of him is sure to follow. A similar training collar is called the Halti collar. It works much like the Gentle Leader, except it pulls the dogs head to one side. Animals, as a general rule do not like to go forward with their heads to one side or the other, so the tug of the head controls the dog.
The Prong collar looks like it belongs in the torture chamber of a medieval castle. When it is fitted around the dog’s neck properly, the prongs will press against the dog’s skin when he pulls against the chain. This is a very effective control collar for large dogs. Extremely hard jerks on the leash will cause the prongs to puncture the skin, and will be very painful for the animal. One of the better known types of training collars is the choke collar. The name describes the function fairly accurately. If the dog pulls against the leash, the collar tightens choking the animal until he stops pulling.
Another type of collar that can be used for training is the shock collar. This collar gives a controlled electrical shock to the animal; the level of the shock and when to administer it is determined by the trainer. A variation of this collar can be activated by the barking of the dog. When barking starts, it gives a warning beep, and if it continues, an electric shock follows.
All of these collars can potentially harm the animal if not used correctly. Collar training is best done by owners with some experience in the training of dogs and works best when a basic relationship is already established. It is better to use a reward system in conjunction with the training collars rather than focus solely on punishment. A good rule of thumb is to use the gentlest type of collar that accomplishes the training objective.
Kallore Gandhi
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-collar-training-92503.html
What is the best training collar that doesnt use the prongs?
I have a 9 month old chow or shar pei/Lab mix. She’s been fixed also. She pulls and breaks the snap collars. She pulls harder on the regular harnesses. She also chokes herself on a regular collar. We’ve done training and she has everything down but heeling.
Personally, I don’t think collars are a good choice; they have been known to accidentally hang the dogs that are wearing them. My dog wears a nylon collar, but if it were my choice, he wouldn’t. I suggest tattooing her and trying a different harness.
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The Gentle Leader is a great collar. It is humane and acts as a natural deterrent to pulling.
You can also try using a regular collar. But whenever your dog pulls, stop walking. She will eventually learn that she cannot move forward unless the leash is "slack" — but this takes a lot of patience.
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Have you used a regular choke collar on her? I use Herm Sprenger chokes here. If you get a choke, stay away from the made in Taiwan chokes. The Sprenger chokes are sturdy. Only use the choke for training. You probably need to go to an obedience school with her and they can show you the proper way to put the choke on, and how to use it higher up behind the ears when you have a dog that you want to listen to you. When a choke is used propery, it can be a very good tool.
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Gentle Leader collar is the best in my mind.
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Okay, I work in a pet supply shop.I am not going to tell you lies.Prong collars work well.
Let me explain…have you ever slept in a bed that got to your pressure points on your back? this is exactly what a prong collar does.Before dog even feels the prongs(which don’t hurt BTW) they hear the noise of the metal part of the collar.They think "okay, here comes the pressure point prongs I better not pull) believe me this works.I promise!
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Honest! ?
Do not leave this collar on dog.Only use for walking the dog.
I assume this collar is to be worn only when you are training, or walking your dog on lead. They can present a chocking hazard if they get caught on anything. I would suggest a nylon braided slip collar. They are very strong, and won’t pull your dog’s hair like a chain collar can.
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A CHOKER CHAIN, the BEST collar for dogs who are being trained or have a problem with running around crazily dragging their handler behind them
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Prong collars are the best and most humane collars for training a dog. I refuse to use a choker because they are ineffective on most dogs. Good luck.
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Prong collars can be good but I have to admit, the Gentle Leader works much better. We use this type of walking collar with our Beagle and German Shephard. The dog can still get a drink or eat while wearing it. Once the dog is used to wearing this you can stop and switch the leash back to it’s regular collar–dog acts up–switch back. We have regular collars that hook like a belt for our dogs.
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why would you not choose to use a prong? they are harmless if used effectively.
-you could try a head halter
-a "gentle leader" I think that’s the name — it looks like a harness and pulls on the chest area rather than the neck
-electric collar (shock collar) – ok some people would be upset by my recommendation but it can help *IF* used correctly and with upmost respect for the animal.
Buckle collars are easy to pull against but with plenty of work your dog likely will be like most dogs and eventually walk without excessive pulling. What I do, is stop walking – if you are not moving forward – the dog isnt rewarded. If you do let the dog take you for a walk then it learns like saying "ok, let’s go here, come on, ok are you coming? so the dog is the one making all the decisions. She is 9 months so I guess that she’s new at this, so if it’s not a chronic problem, just keep working with her.
-exercise her in a yard off leash before working with her – she can burn off the excess energy and will probably take to leash walking a bit better.
don’t entirely rule out a prong collar but realistically a dog that wants to pull and can get away with it will pull at any collar. I don’t think any leash or collar can magically train a dog.
I’m not a pro dog trainer – just giving suggestions from my own experience. I’ve had a menagerie of dogs that I’ve trained for agility and hunting…and I’ve started a lot of puppies and older dogs to walk well on a leash. Quite frankly, I only used a regular slip lead choke chain and a 6 foot lead. I don’t do anything special other than ask for the dog to follow my lead. Of course I don’t expect the dog to understand at first. I know that dogs have individual rates of learning and that some are more independent and need more motivation or time to finally walk well. Choke chains are good (don’t choke with it, please! – necks are fragile, even if people don’t think about it). Choke chains stay loose when the dog is walking properly which is what your seeking. It’s easy to check the lead when necessary. (and it doesnt mess up their fur – when walking LOL
But never leave these types of collars on your dog!!! except for walking!
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First off it is not a choke collar…It is a training collar…It is not to choke the dog at all….if used correctly it never does that…it is designed to slip up the back of the jaw and cause pressure there…if needed…which is uncomfortable to the dog….
However it’s real purpose is to do two things: One, Deliver a short fast jerk/jolt to get attention…Two while that is being done the dog hears the chain click thru the ring and learns to respond to that alone…that is what is called an audio trigger….same as words…..Nylon collars don’t allow this….and are cruel……I suggest you find a trainer or watch some video of one working a dog and learn how to make these "corrections" with proper timing and method…Prong collars should be used by trained people only…..and only when it is absolutley the only recourse……The very nature of a dog pulling and you pulling back…makes him pull more….pulling teaches pulling if you will….many tricks can be used….change direction a lot and fast…..with no warning…he will learn to watch you as if he is thinking "gee he has no idea where we’re going"….Use the false start…step away and stop fast……get the idea?….hope this helps…..
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In my experience and I’ve had lots of it, I would go with a gentle leader head collar or the gentle leader harness. I’ve used both of these and they are highly effective even on the stubborn breeds. I don’t like the choke or prong collars as that is negative reinforcement. While it can work, why use such strong arm tactics? Take a look at gentle leader;
http://www.gentleleader.com
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I used to be a dog trainer.
I have used both snap, martingale leash’s, German chokers, and prong collars for training. Prong collars are the most humane assuming you know how to use one. Most people who know beans about training believe that prong collars are less stressful to a dog’s trachea compared to chokers. There is a myth about a German study that supposedly showed this, but I have never seen it published anywhere.
http://www.johnknowsdogs.com/prong-collar-use.htm
Besides that, you have a chow. Chows are known for being tough and stubborn dogs. If you listen to all these bleeding hearts out there and put your dog on a harness or gentle lead it will bring out the pulling instinct in your Pulling breed.
If you’re really opposed to prong collars try a Martingale leash. If used properly these leashes serve as both a collar and leash, and are pretty good for training a stubborn dog.
Good luck with the heeling.
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http://www.johnknowsdogs.com/prong-collar-use.htm
Leerburg
I have two huskies (born to pull) and nothing would work, when I waled them, I felt like my arm was being ripped out. I talked to a lot of people (trainers) and the most humane and effective is a prong collar. My dogs never pull now and they willingly let me put the collar on them. I love it.
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