While at first, the selection of a training collar can be overwhelming, if you are clear on what you need the collar for, then the process becomes easier.

Different Sorts of training collars for dogs

Selecting the most approrpiate type of collar for training is crucial. While all training collars for dogs have basically the same goal, each kind approaches the task in a slightly different way. One option is an electronic collar. The electronic collar gives the dog a small, harmless, jolt of static electricity whenever the dog misbehaves.

There are also choke chains available for dog training. These collars will constrict the dog’s neck when force is applied, either by the owner or by the dog’s resistance. However, proper training must be undertaken by the owner of the dogs in order to avoid hurting the dog in the process. Lastly, there are citronella collars, which spray the muzzle of a dog with a lemon-like odor, either automatically or with the push of a button from a remote control.

Regardless of which training collar you select to use, it’s paramount that your dog understands that training is taking place and that the instructions on what the pet is or isn’t supposed to be doing are clear. Without clear instructions on what the animal has to do in order to avoid punishment, training will only result in fear or agressiveness. In the end, the training collar will slowly become obsolete as the dog assimilates the new behavior and incorportates it as normal part of its life.

How The Collar Works

The electronic collar comes as a conventional collar with a devised attached to it. It is worn around the neck by the dog, and it’s the source of small electricals impulses. The package comes with a set of instructions that will teach the users exactly how to use the collar on their dogs.

Most of these electronic dog training collars instruct the dog owner to place the training collar in such a way around the dog’s neck that the device is directly beside the dog’s throat. This placement is important, as the small gadget needs to detect easily the vibrations caused by the barking of the dog in order to work properly. Upon detecting barking, the device will silence the dog by delivering a mild static shock that’s painless but confusing.

The fact that the dog is actually surprised into submitting is probably the reason why this collar is considered by some to be the best dog training collar. in the market. It’s worth of mention that the dog is not harmed, injured or subjected to pain in any way when the shock is delivered.

Another good part of using the device is that wherever the dog is, the collar will always be there to remind him or her that barking is not allowed. Some devices used to curb barking may require the dog to be within range or may require that the owner presses a button to correct the barking, so make sure to learn about the different options before making your decision on a dog training collar.

More Essentials for the More Advanced Canine Guidance Exercises

As we move to the more advanced level of the exercise, we will also be requiring more essentials in our activities. For example, if you are planning to teach your pet to perform in agility competitions, then you will have to consider additional learning essentials which will include, among others, items used in the obstacle course. This apparatus will be used in addition to the basic essentials such as clicker and leash.

Regardless of the items used in the learning activities of your pet, it is important that you learn how to use them so that you are comfortable when the doing the learning activities with your furry friend. There are some trainers who resort to harsh devices such as choke collars and shock collars. However, there are just few of them as most of our competent trainers use the more proper learning essentials and do not resort to this kind of extreme treatment.

Essentials in Obedience Activities

The basic tools required for this type of guidance activity will include a lead, clicker and choke collar among others. Not everyone is inclined to use the choke collar on their pets. However, these are used sparingly and are used in a humane manner to make correction in the behavior of small animals. It may be preferable to use the nylon type as it is gentler than the chain type of choke collars.

Another indispensable tool to carry out this type of guidance activity is the leash. A leash allows you more control over your pet. In some obedience sessions, a choke collar may still be used but it should be employed only sparingly.

Finally, the clicker is a very useful tool in this type of guidance activity. There are upsides as well as downsides for this type of guidance activity. What is important is that you are able to assess the needs of your pet and determine what aspect of its behavior you want to modify before starting any method.

Essentials for Working Canines

If you want to train your pet for working functions then you also have to consider the essentials needed for the relevant teaching method. For instance, if you want to train your pet for hunting purposes then you have to provide for the essential items needed in order to simulate the hunting environment. A canine whistle is a major item that you will use to complete the learning activity.

Types of Petsafe Collars

Petsafe dog training collars come in a great variety. That’s because Petsafe knows that there are as many different needs as types of dogs. You can also choose shock collars or collar sprays. The best thing to do is to read the exact specifications of the dog collars you’re considering in order to get the most appropriate one for your dog. This is a short list of the many brands that Petsafe sells. Garmin, Innotek, DT systems, sportsdog, among several others. Training collars are essencial in any type of dog training and which so many options, you’re sure to find one that will serve your dog well.

Petsafe Dog Training Collars are renowned. Petsafe is the largest manufacturer of distributor of dog training collars. That alone is a guarantee of the quality of Petsafe’s dog training collars. Their website will give you more specific information about the many products that Petsafe handles. Their virtual shop will make you wish you were training your dog already. You will also look at all the new collars available in the market. After you decide what to get, just order it directly from their website. There are even some products with special prices, so you can take advantage of the savings.

To End With

It’s not chance or luck that Petsafe training collars are so well known. This was just a brief explanation of what they offer. We hope that you understand a bit more how Petsafe training collars will help you keep your dog safe. Petsafe also has many other products to offer.

Training collars are tools used to effectively and humanely train your dog to be well behaved. As with any tool you must learn to use it correctly.

The choke collar used to be the most common training collar. It is based on the jerk and praise. If put on the dog wrong and if the dog is left unattended the dog could choke to death. It has lost its appeal because the training is based on punishment and not the more popular positive reinforcement.

The prong collar although to me it looks a bit intimidating is actually more humane than the choke collar. It is good for a big dog that loves to pull. The prongs, which are not sharp, apply pressure on the dog’s neck. I remember the first time I used one of these. It was on a very unruly Doberman. The best way I could describe it was to say you went from standard steering to power steering.

The Halti is a type of head collar. In principle it works by leading. As the inventor Dr.Mugford says “If you guide the head the body will surely follow”. A true halti has an on off muzzle closing effect. If the dog is relaxed the muzzle is loose allowing the dog to freely open its mouth. However if the dog lunges forward the muzzle will tighten and his jaw will close.

The Gentle leader is also a type of head collar. The main difference between it and the Halti is the Halti attaches to another collar that your dog is wearing while the Gentle Leader does not. Both are very effective on large dogs. They apply pressure on the back of the neck and not on the throat.

The Martingale can best be described as a limited choke collar. It consists of two loops. The larger loop goes loosely around the dogs’ neck. Your leash is attached to the ring of the smaller loop. When the dog starts to pull the larger loop tightens around his neck but not enough to choke the dog. When the dog is relaxed the martingale collar looks just like an ordinary everyday collar.

A new trend over the past few years has been the shock collar. The trainer has a remote and will give the dog an electric shock to correct unwanted behaviour. You can see the great potential of misuse this collar could have if in the wrong hands. I have never used one of these and would consider them a last resort. You may get a quick fix initially.

The other type of remote collar would be the bark collar. When the dog barks they will either get a spray of citronella or a high pitch sonic wave which will irritate your dog. You can also get ones that do give the dog a mild shock that will increase if the dog continues to bark. Again I have to reiterate the potential of misuse if a shock collar is used incorrectly.
There are really no quick fixes when it comes to training. Training takes time, consistence and patience. You can’t expect your dog to learn if you are not willing to put the time into it.

Remember also if you are going to show your dog in conformation these types of training collars are not allowed.

We have used choke collars and prong collars for many years. They were only worn during training sessions and on walks. However now we have switched to the Halti which did take some time to get used to but well worth it.

When choosing a training collar I personally would start with the most humane gentle collar. If you feel that it is not working, look at what YOU are doing before you try another training collar. Are you really putting in the time?  Are you being enthusiastic when you are training? Are you giving your dog mixed signals? I’m not saying it is always true but I think the majority of time it is you that needs to change not your dog.

Until next time

Maureen Brownell