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5 Considerations When Choosing Training Dog Collars

Author: AdrianFletcher
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A dog training collar is a handy piece of equipment that can be used to obedience train your dog. No doubt you have heard it referred to as a slip collar, pinch collar, choke collar or possibly a choke chain but it is one and the same no matter the name. Essentially it fits around the dogs neck and is attached to a leash or lead. When the dog owner applies pressure to the leash, he or she can effectively control their pet.

However a dog training collar and lead has to be used properly for it to be totally effective while at the same time being safe for your dog. This article will examine five things you should think about when getting a training collar. This will help you to understand how the collar works and how to use it effectively. Here goes.

1. Selecting the right size of collar " The collar must be just the right fit for your dog. It must be a snug fit but not too loose or too tight. Obviously a collar that is too tight has the potential to hurt your pet or choke it at the slightest pressure. A collar that fits to loosely will not give you the fast control that you may need in certain situations and will make the collar ineffective.

Start by taking a measure of your dog's neck. Then, add around 5 centimeters (2-3 inches) to that measurement. This will give some play to the collar so that it can fit comfortably over the dogs head. Generally a dog training collar will come in 5 centimeter (2 inch) increments.

2. Putting the collar on your dog correctly " There will be detailed instructions with the collar that you purchase about placing it on your dog. Read these carefully as they will indicate what is too to tight for your dog and how you should go about putting the collar on. This could help to prevent hurting your dog if you were to fit the collar incorrectly.

3. Using the training collar properly " Above all use the collar in an informed and compassionate way. It is not a way to punish your dog but merely a way to communicate with him when he is doing wrong. You should never exert a continuous force on the lead or leash when it is attached to the collar as this could cut of air to the dog and lead to problems.

4. Think about the weight and link size of the training collar. This should reflect the size of the animal that it will be used on. For instance a big dog like a St. Bernard would require a heavier chain with bigger links than a Jack Russell. Many chains will list which dogs are suitable for the type of chain.

5. Get the positioning of the collar and leash right on your pets neck. The ideal position of the leash on the collar is at the top of the dogs neck. This means the any pressure that you put on the leash will be transferred to the collar and communicate with your dog effectively. It will also release the pressure quickly once you ease off on the leash preventing any harm coming to your pet unnecessarily.

Finally, think about the durability of the materials that are used to make the training collar and leash. They will be used a lot and will be subject to wear and tear so you want something that will last the distance. You don't want the leash to snap or the collar to break in the middle of your dog obedience training program.