Training your dog with a training collar and leash
The leash and training collar is the most basic piece of equipment used in training a dog. Using the lead and training collar properly is vital to successful dog training. The training collar is designed to apply a specific amount of pressure each time the leash is tightened. The amount of pressure put on the leash controls the amount of pressure placed on the training collar, and the pressure can be adjusted according to how the dog responds.
How each dog responds to training with the leash and training collar is quite variable. Some dogs barely react the first time they encounter a collar and leash, while others fight this strange contraption with all their might. It is important to recognize how your own dog reacts, and to adapt your training program as needed.
The first part of training with collar and leash, of course, is to purchase a quality, well made training collar that will fit your dog properly. There are many types of training collars and leashes on the market. The most important thing is to choose one that is sturdy and well made. The last thing you want to do is chase your dog down after he has broken his collar.
The length of the collar should be approximately two inches longer than the circumference of the dog's neck. It is important to accurately measure the dog's neck using a measuring tape. In order to get an accurate measurement, you must make sure that the tape is not tight around the dog's neck.
Most training collars come in even sizes, so you should round up to the next size if your dog's neck is an odd number. It is important that the chain that attaches to the collar be placed at the top of the dog's neck. That is where the training collar is designed to apply the best pressure.
The ability to apply varying degrees of pressure, and to relieve that pressure instantly, is what makes a training collar such an effective tool. It usually takes new users a little while to get used to using the training collar, and some styles of training collar require more finesse than others. If you are unsure which collar to choose, be sure to ask a professional dog trainer, or the management staff at your local pet store, for help.
After you have become familiar with the way the training collar works, it is time to begin using it to train your dog to walk properly on a lead. The well trained dog is one who will walk at his owner's side on a loose lead, neither dropping behind nor charging ahead.
The well trained dog will also vary his pace to meet that of his handler. Under no circumstances should the handler be forced to change his or her pace to match that of the dog.
If the dog does begin to charge ahead, it is important to correct the dog promptly by giving a quick tug on the leash. This will give the dog a good reminder that he needs to change his pace. It is important to quickly relieve the pressure as soon as the dog responds. The training collar is designed to relieve pressure as soon as the leash is loosened.
Most dogs will immediately respond to corrections by a good, properly used training collar. If the dog does not respond as directed, it may be necessary to apply greater pressure. This can be especially true of large dogs or those who have preexisting behavior or control problems. If you are still unable to get a response from your dog, it is possible that you are using a training collar that is not large enough for your dog. If you think this may be the case, be sure to ask for expert advice before proceeding.
About the author:
Tony Robinson is an international author and dog lover. His website http://www.dogtraining4u.com contains valuable insights into the life of our canine friends.
Written By: Tony Robinson
 ABC News | Treating Dogs' Cancers Helps Humans? ABC News Some of the most promising insights into cancer are coming from pet dogs thanks to emerging studies exploring remarkable biological similarities between man and his best friend. Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs. Every year, millions of dogs ... |
 Cinema Blend | Jason Reitman to recreate 'Reservoir Dogs' -- with a major twist -- EXCLUSIVE Entertainment Weekly by Anthony Breznican Jason Reitman has aimed his sights at reinterpreting a new classic: Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs. After re-creating The Breakfast Club, The Apartment, The Princess Bride, and Shampoo in a series of Los Angeles staged readings ... 'Reservoir Dogs': Jason Reitman Sets Stage Reading Of Tarantino Classic With ... Jason Reitman Using An All-Black Cast For His Reservoir Dogs Reading Terrence Howard, Anthony Mackie Among Cast of LACMA Reading of Reservoir Dogs |
 ABC News (blog) | Dogs Bites News Anchor's Face on Live TV The Hollywood Gossip What should have been a feel-good news story soon became anything but when Kyle Dyer, an anchorwoman at NBC's KUSA Denver affiliate, was bitten in the face by a dog that had been rescued by a heroic firefighter from an icy lake a day earlier. Dog Bites Newscaster: Tips to Prevent it from Happening to You Rescued Dog Bites News Anchor on Live TV Anchor Bitten By Dog |
 News 10NBC | Proposed Gorham dog breeding business on hold Henrietta Post By Julie Sherwood, staff writer The Gorham town Planning Board's approval last month of a dog-breeding facility is, for now, “null and void” because the application was not reviewed by the Ontario County Planning Board, Town Supervisor Fred Lightfoote ... Most opposed to dog-breeding facility LETTER: Dogs deserve much better Joanne Brokaw on Animals, God, Faith & Life |
Family's Dogs Shot To Death Near Home WLKY Louisville A Meade County family is trying to figure out who shot and killed their two dogs. It happened near their home in Guston, just west of Fort Knox. The dogs were Labrador retrievers, and the way they were found has not only the family, but the Meade ... |