Dog Training Collar: More points to remember
Dog training choke collars or choke chains go by many names, most of which are more appropriate to the collars true function, such as:
* Training collar
* Correction collar
* Slip collar
Dog training slip collars are one of the most popular and most commonly used tools to teach dogs obedience commands and leash manners. There are a few things that will make using your collar more effective. These are:
* Fit of the dog training collar; the proper fit makes it safer and easier to use.
* How the training collar is put on. There is a right way and a wrong way.
* How the collar is used. It should be used as a sharp reminder or as a guide, it should not be
used with constant heavy pressure, such as to choke the dog.
* Weight of the chain or size of the links.
* Collar placement on the dog.
* Other collars the dog may be wearing.
Training collars work best when fitted properly
The training collar is the ideal size if it fits snugly, but comfortably over the dog's head. You don't want it too tight, but you don't want it too loose either. If it is too tight, it will be difficult to take off and put on. If it's too loose it may accidentally slip off the dog's head when the head is lowered. A collar that is too long for a dog also requires a great deal more skill to use than a properly fitting collar. Although an ideal fit is nice, it's not necessary for the collar to work effectively.
Collar sizing and measuring your dog
I usually recommend measuring your dog's neck with a string or tape measure and adding 2 to 3 inches. Chain slip collars increase in size by 2 inch increments. Slip collars are measured by the length of material between the rings at each end. The collar length may not be exact because of how the links in the chain are made.
Collar on the right way: Putting the collar on correctly
When putting the collar on, the part of the chain connected to the live ring (the ring the leash is connected to) should be on top of the dog's neck. With the collar put on this way as soon as the leash is made loose the collar releases or relaxes. Correction collars work by making the collar tight then loose in a quick, snappy manner. Making the collar tight is the first half of the correction; making it loose again is the second half of making a correction.
If the live part of the collar goes under the dog's neck, the collarchoke on the wrong way can be made tight, but it will not release back to a loose condition. This constant pressure on the neck elicits a counter pressure response. Most dogs will learn to strain and pull into the leash if they feel constant pressure around their neck.
The risk for harm is very great with collars that are prone to break.
If your dog's collar breaks, remember not to panic. Usually if a dog breaks a collar, it will momentarily be unaware of its ability to run off. You will be most successful at controlling your pet if you act as though the leash is still connected. Have a calm attitude but get the dog quickly.
A good way to secure a loose dog is to make a slip lead by running the snap of the leash through the handle and slipping this over the dog's head.
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Dog Training Collar