They haven’t met my dog, and didn’t specify what kind of training collar was required. My dog is rather sensitive to corrections, except on-leash ones.
What do you think?
They haven’t met my dog, and didn’t specify what kind of training collar was required. My dog is rather sensitive to corrections, except on-leash ones.
What do you think?
Training collar suggests to me either a choke or prong collar, neither which are cruel or painful if used correctly. The problems you hear about with these collars come about from misuse. I personally know of far more problems with imbedded flat collars than I do injuries from training collars. Like anything else, they can cause damage, but also like anything else they are completely safe when used correctly.
Usually, if trainers are referring to a shock collar, they will specifically say ‘electric’ or ‘shock’ collar, which again, are only cruel if used incorrectly.
I find it amusing that people are quick to call a training tool cruel or barbaric when they have never even witnessed the correct use of it. Crates can be used cruelly, but most dog owners would agree that when used right they are an effective training tool that the dog doesn’t mind in the least. It all comes down to the way it is used and the attitude of the person using it. As long as the correction is not at all stronger than the dog needs to respond then what is the harm? I personally have used both the prong and electric collars on my own neck to test the sensation and found them not to be painful at all. Can anyone that is condemning the use of these tools say that they have experienced it for themselves??
Sorry, sore subject for me. People tend to judge before having all the info and I find that to be unacceptable.
Anyway, as long as the trainer is only advising to give the corrections at a level that the dog responds positively to and the dog does not shut down, then fine. Just communicate to the trainer that your dog is sensitive and ask that the trainer give very light corrections and add intensity until you find just the right level.
The term “training collar” is a better way to say “choke collar”. All they are saying is they prefer you to use a training collar. Many trainers use them and there is nothing wrong with them. If your dog is sensitive, you won’t need to use it much for corrections, or you can use it very gently for light corrections. I think it’s necessary at first, but, then you will probably be able to get away with using a plain nylon or leather collar.
I had a very compliant cocker back several years ago. My trainer allowed me to use a regular leather collar with her after he saw how compliant she was. It may take a trainer a while to observe your dog and if he/she feels a regular collar would work for her, then they will let you know. But, I don’t think this is an unusual request, so I wouldn’t judge the trainer on this until you see his training method.
I think they are talking about a metal choke collar. I used to show my AKC Champion with one so she would keep her head up, instead of smelling the ground. It will not hurt dog unless it is a small weak breed
Training collar could be a chain slip (or choke chain), prong collar, or some kind of head halter. If you are unsure, then go and watch a class without your dog and see if you like what you see.
If corrections are done fairly and AFTER a dog has been taught a command over and over then they work even for sensitive dogs. You just have to have a trainer that is fair and emphasizes TEACHING the dog what you want before you correct the dog.
I would check with the instructor/training facility and see what kind of collar they require. If it is a collar of your choice, you might want to try a martingale collar. It works the same way as a prong collar but without the prongs.
Don’t listen to the people that say that a prong collar is barbaric. When fitted and used properly they are an effective training tool. A choke chain is more harmful than a prong collar.
The training club I belong to allows the students to us whatever collar they choose as long as they get the desired results. If you can train your dog with a flat, buckle collar and . If not it is either the choke collar, prong or martingale. A few people use the Haltis in beginners but if they are going to show in obedience they need the dog on a regular collar.
I would research the prong collar on a better site than Wikipedia since any one can post/add to a posting. It may not be reliable info.
NO! that could be either a shock collar or a choke collar! There are much much better ways to train your dog that by harming him, run far far away from that trainer!
Ack! No, no, find another trainer to instruct you. The class I took with my dog actually forbid training collars of any kind. I would certainly not trust these people… Find a different class.
I wouldn’t suggest using a “choke” collar if the dog is still young and growing (less than 1 – 1 1/2 years old) as it can permanently damage the esophogus. How about the gentle lead training collar since your dog is sensitive? Pinch (prong) collars work great while training my German Shepherds. Most people who think these collars are cruel either do not know how to use them correctly or must have little dogs. Most likely they never had a German Shepherd or Rottie, if they did, I guarantee they wouldn’t think that! They work great on the very strong minded large breed dogs.
I think you should call the instructor and ask for clarification on what they meant by training collar. I would be somewhat suspect if they wanted you to use a pinch collar without ever having met your dog. They should meet and evaluate you and your dog before making recommendations.
There are methods and reasonings behind all of the different collars. They are all just different tools in working with your dog. The trainer should explain the different types of collars and lets you choose which one you want to work with. I’d be concerned if they only wanted to work with you if you used a specific collar. Each dog and each owner is different so they need to be flexible and train to the dogs and owners. If they aren’t interested in answering your questions or just want to push X collar, I’d find another trainer.
This depends on what kind of class you are taking. If you are doing basic obedience, then it is possibly a choke or prong collar they want you to have.
On the other hand, if this is an agility class you are getting in to, a “training collar” would be a collar your dog would have that has no tags on it. Many people who do agility prefer to skip the bare collar and let their dogs run naked instead.
I’d be suspect of any trainer that required a choke collar or e-collar without even meeting your dog. If you dog is sensitive to corrections there is no need for it and you will do more harm than good. A lot of dogs will just shut down if the correction is too harsh.
Find a different class that stresses positive reinforcement… especially for a sensitive dog.
If by training collar they are talking about a “pinch collar” it is totally barbaric. Don’t walk, run, away from any trainer that just automatically assumes that a dog, any dog, needs to be subjected to the implement of torture without even evaluating the dog’s personality and temperament.
Here read this and decide for yourself:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_collar
A training collar can be any collar other than the one your dog wears on a daily basis, which is doubtless a standard flat collar. Having a specific collar tells the dog that it’s time to work on the specific exercises, rather than the casual walks around the park. Which one you will find most effective depends upon how sensitive your dog is to corrections, how large, etc. Sometimes it takes some trial and error to find the best one.
You may be able to use a simple flat collar with a martingale built into it, or a slip collar made of a piece of soft, smooth rope. If you dog is less sensitive to corrections, you may need to use a pinch or choke collar. Contrary to what some have said, pinch collars are not cruel or painful when used properly. In fact, they put less concentrated pressure on the dog’s neck than a choker. One wonders if they have ever actually used one, tried to train a large, powerful, headstrong dog, or indeed any dog at all. Any collar can be used improperly, flat ones included.
The greatest control is through a head collar, such as the Gentle Leader® or Halti®, but I don’t think those would be allowed in competitive obedience, if you ever want to try that.
Check with the trainer to see what they recommend. Sometimes they have very specific expectations about what you should use.
I also recommend that you get and use a well constructed 6 ft. leather lead, rather than a nylon one. Those might work for a toy breed, but if you’ve ever had one burned through your hand by even a medium sized dog, you’ll never use nylon again. Your dog is certainly large enough to do the job. Leather is much easier to grip, and not nearly so likely to cut or burn your hand if the dog takes off suddenly. Do not show up with a retractable lead, such as the Flexi®. You have very little control, and they’re clumsy to handle.
I hope you and your pup have fun in your class.
If used properly a “choke chain” can be effective and it is ONLY used in training. Contrary to the name, you dont tug on it to the point of choking the dog. It just allows the dog to feel your corrections more sensitively so that you dont have to pull the leash, just use a light tug.
If you are concerned about it, I suggest going to the instructor/trainer before the class starts (several days before) and ask about it. He/she can probably explain why you would need one, or he/she may concede and agree that your dog doesnt need one.
could be a choke collar or a prong collar (pinch collar ) a prong collar is not a bad thing at all it works by evenly compressing the neck by pressure points as a mother dog would do to a bad pup it is very safe to use but never tie a dog to any collar unattended or run around with a collar unattended a choke collar almost does the same thing but the difference is a choke collar really chokes the dog wich worse then the prong because prongs have a stop on them so it wont totally squeeze the neck wich a choke collar will so ive seen dogs acually die from chokes because of this a prong collar would give total control over dog and will not hurt your dog dont be afraid of how it looks its not as bad as you may think i know this from dog trainers in the family