Dog training collars can be really useful and practical tools, especially when teaching some specific techniques and when solving some particular problems. They can be used on dogs of any size as long as the person who uses them has some experience with dog training collars and he or she uses them safely. However, even though the use of training collars can really help you improve the way you discipline your dog, you need to be very careful when choosing the right type of collar for them.
Here is a brief description on the main types of dog training collars you can choose from:
Possibly the most popular type of dog collar is the “Martingale” kind. The main feature of the Martingale collar is that it adjusts firmly to the neck of your dog. It keeps a good and secure grip on your dog without making him uncomfortable. However, the secret to this choke collar is that it needs to be properly placed in order to be pleasant for your dog and avoid any harm to them. If this is achieved, your dog will not only feel comfortable, but they will also be unable to slip out of it, which is especially valuable if you train your dog outdoors.
Next in popularity is the “Head” collar. This collar resembles the halter for a horse, and it will fit your dog’s head without a problem. These are very effective restraining-collars, since they give you full control over all the parts of your dog’s head. However, due to their seemingly complex nature it is greatly advised not to use this kind of collar without the help and supervision of a professional trainer. It is also worth mentioning that, since this type of collar greatly restrains the mobility of your dog, they will most likely not be comfortable with it at all at first, but with time they will get used to it.
The next collar in our list is the “Prong” collar. This collar (which is meant to be used for training purposes only and not as an every-day collar) is specifically tailored for big, powerful and muscular dogs that have strong necks. Like other choke collars, this one will work by applying pressure to the dog’s neck through a set of internal protrusions that are far less likely to harm your dog than a regular choke collar.
Lastly, we have the electronic training collars. This kind of collar emits a very low voltage discharge that is intended not to hurt, but to surprise your dog. The intensity of the voltage emitted is similar to that of static electricity and provides the advantage of immediate feedback even in mid distance ranges. These collars have generated a lot of discussion and debate among animal lovers, who claim that they inflict pain on the dog, even at a low intensity. Whether you agree or not with this position, it is always recommended to contact your veterinarian or professional trainer for further advice on the subject.
Now, as useful as dog-training collars might be, it is strongly recommended among dog owners never to use them on dogs they are not familiar with and, in the scenario in which you need to teach your dog some special trick or technique, do always consult a professional trainer first.
