Which Collars are the Best?

April 26, 2012 | By More

Would You Mind if I Choke?

A word about collars.   Some are made to help dogs learn to walk correctly or not to pull.  Some are made to punish them for pulling by causing pain or discomfort.  I’d like to mention a few collars that I recommend for training your dog.

First, a word about the choke collars (sometimes called “training” or “slip” collars to soften the meaning).  But make no mistake… a choke collar, by any other name, still chokes the dog that’s wearing it.

With a choke collar around his neck, a dog that moves away to sniff the ground or chase a squirrel will not only be punished for this, but can also damage his esophagus or trachea.  Would you prefer that your dog wants to walk with you or walks by your side for fear of punishment?

It’s only fair to first teach him how to walk properly on a leash with you, using some simple Positive Reinforcement techniques.  This takes a little time, but well worth the effort.  Punishing a dog for doing what comes naturally to him without teaching him first what you want him to do is irresponsible.  (I know I’ll get some hate mail for this but it needs to be said.)

Here’s some humane collars/harnesses that will help you control your dog on a walk.

  • The front attach harness is my favorite “no pull” harness.  Since the leash attaches to the front of the dog, it discourages pulling away from you.
  • Head halters are good for some dogs that are overly enthusiastic sniffers, or greeters, or reactive on leash.
  • The martingale collar is a good choice for light pullers.  It’s a “limited choke” meaning it prevents choking but opens and closes with equal pressure around the dog’s neck giving better information without discomfort.
  • The buckle collar is great for dogs that do not pull on a walk.
  • Most small dogs or puppies will benefit from a simple harness instead of a collar until they learn not to pull.
  • Shock or “e-collars” (another softened name) have no place in dog training…period!

So, there you go.  Gear up and happy trails!

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Category: All Posts, Dog Training Tips

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