Dog Training Aids: The Basics Of Dog Training Collars

What kind of dog training collars are out there so that I can properly and successfully train my dog? Are they safe to use? Which type of dog training collar is best for my five month old puppy? Many people ask me these questions on a daily basis. This article should help clear up any dog training collar concerns.

Although there has been some controversies surrounding the use of dog training collars, many obedience trainers believe that a dog training collar is often necessary, especially when training larger adult dogs. Different dog training collars are used in order to train your dogs effectively. The three basic types of dog training collars include a choke collar, a buckle collar, and a prong collar.

The type of dog training collar depends on several factors; the dog’s size and strength, the owner or instructor’s size and strength, the dog’s temperament, and his sensitivity to pain. Choke collars and buckle collars are more commonly used in many obedience classes.

Every dog should have a buckle collar. Buckle collars are the only dog training collar that is safe to leave on your dog when you are not with him. Also, it is the only dog training collar that is safe and gentle to use on puppies that are under four months of age. Once you start training your dog, try to do as much of the training as possible with a buckle collar. It should be tight enough to keep your dog from slipping out of it.

If your dog has a narrow head, it is likely that he may pull out of his buckle collar, especially when he gets excited. Or he may pull so hard on a buckle collar that could hurt your hand and arm. In this case, it would be safer to use a choke collar.

The choke collar is the next alternative to using dog training collars. They are usually made of either chain or nylon. However, nylon choke collars are more preferred because it is gentler to the dogs. Also, nylon choke collars do not wear off the coat around the neck of a long-haired dog and they slide easier than chain collars.

Of all the dog training collars, the choke collar is the most difficult to use correctly. If used incorrectly, it can damage your dog’s throat. It has to be put on properly to function as it should. Below are two things to remember in order to properly put on a choke collar:

1. When your dog is to your left side, the part of the choke collar that you connect your leash to comes over the top of your dog’s head.

2. Your dog should be sitting in front and facing you. Make a P with the collar and slip it over the dog’s head.