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Are All Those Pet Vaccinations Really Necessary?
Would you like to save money and have a healthier pet? Let me tell you a story. One day, my German Shepherd was asleep, as usual, when he suddenly started convulsing so intensely that I thought he must be dying. It went on for a few minutes, which...
Getting A New Pet - 7 Tips
Getting a new pet is a big step. It is not just about owning a
soft, cuddling creature but about taking care of another life.
This life that you bring into your home needs to be properly
cared for. And, it needs to be in the right setting as...
How Many Cat Litter Boxes Do You Need?
The number of cat litter boxes available for your kitties is another key to good litter box habits. Many cats are fussy about their litter boxes, and if they aren't happy with number you provide, they communicate their unhappiness to you in most...
Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks -- How To Train Your Dog
Whoever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks, must not have owned a dog. If dogs are anything, they are extremely intelligent and can learn many new things given the chance to show you. When training your dog, keep in mind that yelling,...
You CAN Have Your Cats and Your Furniture Too
No one wants to invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars in furnishings only to see them ripped to shreds by an overzealous pet, however beloved. To many people the obvious answer is to have their cats declawed, but it this really a...
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Dog training with a training collar or choke collar
The basic dog training collar goes by many names, including
choke collar, choke chain, training collar, correction collar
and slip collar. These training collars are among the most
popular and most commonly used tools with both amateur and
professional dog trainers.
While a training collar is an effective tool, like any tool it
must be used properly in order to be effective for you and safe
for the dog. Among the most important considerations when using
a training collar are:
* How the collar fits the dog. It is essential that the training
collar be properly fitted to the dog. A properly fitted training
collar is easier to use and safer for the dog.
* Putting the training collar on properly. There is a right way
and a wrong way to fit a training collar, and putting it on
wrong will make it both ineffective and potentially dangerous.
* Using the collar properly. A training collar should be used as
a sharp reminder to the dog, not as punishment. It is important
that constant pressure be avoided when using a training
collar.
* The weight of the chain and the size of the links
on the training collar. It is important that the weight of the
chain be appropriate to the size and weight of the dog.
* The placement of the collar on the dog. It is important to
properly place the collar on the dog.
The importance of a properly fitted training collar Determining
if the training collar is the right size is relatively easy. The
ideal size training collar should fit snugly, yet comfortably
over the dog's head. It is important that the training collar
not fit too tightly, but it should not be too loose either. A
training collar that is too tight will be too hard to put on and
off. On the other hand, a training collar that is too loose can
accidentally fall off of the dog's head when it lowers its head.
It is also important to know that a training collar that is too
long for the dog requires a great deal of finesse to use
properly. A collar that is too long can still be used, but it
will require more skill on the part of the
handler.
Properly sizing and measure the dog for a training collar It is
best to measure the dog's neck with a tape measure, then add 2
to 3 inches to that measurement. So if your dog has a neck 12"
in diameter, you would want to buy a training collar that is 14"
in length. Chain slip collars are generally sized in two inch
increments.
Fitting the collar properly When fitting a training collar, the
part of the chain which is connected to the leash should be on
the top of the dog's neck. With this type of arrangement, the
collar releases the instant the leash is loosened. Training
collars work by making the collar tight and loose in a fast
manner. Tightening the collar is the first part of the
correction, and making it loose is the second part of the
correction.
If the part of the training collar that is attached to the leash
is not on the top of the dog's neck, the collar can still be
made tight, but it will not release back to a loose state
easily. This constant pressure on the dog's neck initiates a
counter response on the part of the animal, and the dog will
quickly learn to pull and strain against the leash.
Finally, it is important to purchase a training collar that is
well made and strong. Buying a high quality training collar,
slip collar or choke collar is vital to the safety of yourself
and your dog.
If the worst happens, and your dog's training collar does break,
it is important not to panic. Most dogs will be unaware that
they have broken the collar, at least for a few minutes. In most
cases, if you act as if the leash is still connected, you can
probably get control of your dog back quickly.
When securing a loose dog, the best strategy is to make a quick
slip lead by running the snap on the leash through its handle
and then slipping it over the dog's head. It may not be the best
arrangement, but it will certainly do in a pinch.
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.
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