Picture taken from from www.vivagoal.com
8/1/2014
From the desk of Sharda Baker.
Hi and welcome everyone!
This is Sharda with dog training newsletter!
Here we go!
A major component in successful training is the dog training supplies and equipments that you use.
There are many types of collars, leashes, muzzles, and crates.
Use the information below to help you gain an understanding of their uses, then determine the type that you think will be most beneficial and comfortable for your dog.
COLLARS
There are a variety of different collars available. Choose the one that is most appropriate for your dog and his needs.
FLAT OR BUCKLE COLLAR
This type of collar is fit around the dog’s neck. These are available in a variety of materials such as nylon, leather, and cloth.
This collar is good for basic restraint for dogs that do not pull forcefully on a leash when walking.
If he pulls too hard on the leash, he will choke or gag against the force of the collar.
If you need to train your dog not to pull on a leach, this is probably not your best collar.
HALTER OR HEAD COLLAR
This type of collar is fitted on the dog’s muzzle and neck. It basically serves the same purpose as a halter on a horse, meaning when his head goes in one direction, his body will follow in the same direction.
The head collar does not use very much force so there is very little pain for the dog, yet there is a maximum amount of control so the dog will move in the direction you want him to.
A head collar can be somewhat uncomfortable for a dog to wear. Some dogs don’t accept a head collar, even when he has been wearing it for several weeks.
For example, they may stand still and refuse movement, or they may try to remove it with their paws or other objects.
A dog owner prefers a head collar because it significantly reduces pulling by the dog—when the dog has been trained not to pull.
MARTINGALE
This is a slip collar that looks like a typical collar yet it can only be tightened to a certain point. This way, the dog will be comfortable, but it will also give the owner a fair amount of control.
This is a very easy collar to fit. It can either be slid over the dog’s head, or it can snap around the dog’s neck.
An advantage to a Martingale collar is that it cannot be easily removed from the dog’s neck—even if he is pulling backwards. It has a restricted range of tightness that prevents the dog from choking.
However, the Martingale does not work effectively if the dog is a consistent puller.
The Martingale is useful for dogs that tend to pull a little on the leash, but they are discouraged from it. It takes good timing on the trainer’s part for the colour to work most effectively.
CHOKE COLLAR
A choke collar is a dog training collar that should only be used for extreme cases of aggressive training. This collar tightens around the dog’s neck when it is jerked.
The tension is released when you let up. A choke collar can be very dangerous if it is not used properly. If you choose to use this type of collar in training, it is essential that you know how to use it and that you use it with the utmost care.
if you don’t, you could traumatize and hurt your dog.
HARNESSES
A harness is a device that wraps to the dog’s body, with the leash attached at the top of the dog’s back at the shoulder blades. This is different than a collar because a collar only controls a dog at the neck or head.
A harness distributes the dog’s pulling force evenly across his chest and shoulders, which can actually allow the dog to pull even harder.
There are also no-pull harnesses which puts pressure on the dog between his armpits, or the area between his front legs and chest when the leash tightens. This can cause abrasions on the armpits if it is not fitted properly.
There are several styles of harnesses to choose from, so pick the one that is most comfortable to the dog. The regular harnesses are usually pain-free for the dog and are useful for dogs that have had previous neck injuries.
The disadvantage of harnesses is that when they are used to stop pulling by medium to large dog, they are not very effective. They are able to use their legs and chest to create force to pull against the leash.
However, they can work well for small dogs because since the dogs are so low to the ground, they really can’t pull against it.
LEASHES
A leash is simply a length of material that attaches to the dog’s collar or harness. It is used to restrain the dog and keep him safe. There are a wide variety of leashes to choose from.
2-foot leash: This is a good leash to use when training a dog to walk close to its owner.
6-foot leash: This is also a good leash for training purposes. It gives just enough space for the dog to perform stationary training exercises.
Long line leash: These range from 10-40 feet are usually made from a cotton wedding or nylon material. The longer line is beneficial for training control from farther distances.
Retractable leash: This leash lets you adjust the length of leash, depending on what your situation.
Leashes are available in several different materials, including:
Chain: This is almost impossible for a dog to destroy and it is fairly inexpensive. However, it is heavy and it can be uncomfortable for the owner if the leash hits him or wraps around his leg.
Cotton webbing/rope: This is light in weight, very easy to handle, and very inexpensive. However, it is easy for dogs to chew through and it can callous the owner’s hand.
Leather: This is a fairly sturdy leash that is easy to hold, especially as it softens over time with use. However, dogs can easily chew through it and it can be more expensive.
Nylon: This is very durable and it is quite difficult for a dog to chew through. They come in a variety of weights and thickness. These are the leashes that come in many colours and patterns and they are relatively inexpensive.
MUZZLES
A muzzle is a leather or wire restraining device that fits over the dog’s snout to prevent him from biting. A muzzle is useful if your dog is in pain to keep him from lashing out and biting.
Muzzles come in a variety of sizes, so if you have the need for one, make sure it fits your dog appropriately.
CRATES
You will find that crates are a major component in your training efforts, particularly house training.
There are many types of crates on the market to choose from. Most are either wire or plastic. Wire crates are durable and allow for plenty of ventilation.
Plastic crates are lighter in weight so they can be moved easily from room to room or traveling.
I hope you learned a lot from today’s Dog training newsletter.
I will be back for more!
Warmest regards,
Sharda Baker