How do you use a training collar

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

How do you use a training collar successfully for controlling and teaching a dog

Collars are essential for all dogs. They?re needed to attach identification, vaccination tags and the leash. They also come in handy for training purposes.

Wondering how do you use a training collar? First we have to note that there are many different kinds of dog collars made for either different breeds or personalities. Getting a collar that fits correctly is critical to his safety so make sure there?s a width of at least two fingers between him and the collar.

Once you have the right fit, it?s time to learn how to use it correctly. Regardless of the type you choose ? e-collars, flat buckles or slip leads ? the primary thing they all do is transfer information from you to the dog. The two most important things for you to keep in mind during training are: What are you trying to communicate to him and does he understand what it is you want him to do, or not do.

Many animal behaviorists encourage handlers to use positive reinforcement when training. For instance, rather than punishing by snapping a choke chain or applying a shock for doing something wrong, reward him for when he does the correct thing. Punishment training can be dangerous in the hands of newbies and it forces your animal to guess what you want when it?s easier and more painless to just tell him.

The logic here is simple. First, hurting a pet is mean and confusing because the list of things he does wrong may be quite long in the beginning. By giving him the smallest piece of treat for correct behavior, you?re training him to associate that gesture with a positive. Dogs want to please you, so the more consistent you are with a reward system, the quicker he learns.

Note that positive reinforcement doesn?t equal all treats all the time. You can begin with treats and slowly wean them off by replacing them with a clicker or praise.

Beginning exercises for how do you use a training collar

The beauty of these exercises is that they work on animals of any size, including horses. Some new pet owners think if they don?t get their animal as a puppy they?ve lost their window for good training. That?s simply not true because animals are smart. Granted those who come from a rescue shelter may take some more skilled training, but in general even adult animals that feel stronger than you will respond to clear training.

One of the most basic lessons requires only a basic flat buckle design and a leash. Apply light pressure to the right when you want your furry buddy to turn right and reward him when he follows this direction. Withhold the reward when he goes in the wrong direction. Break your treats into smaller pieces so can complete a full lesson without filling him.

Some pet owners make it look so easy. They exercise with their dog or saunter down their street in pace with their pup, who stops when it?s time to stop and patiently waits when the owner needs to tie his shoe. If you?re having trouble getting yours to even walk down the street without resisting, don?t worry.

As ridiculous as it may feel, your new pet may need to be trained to walk with the collar and leash. Rather than play tug of war, apply gentle pressure in the forward direction and use the clicker or hold out a treat a few feet ahead. This is essentially dangling the carrot to get him to move and it works. Just make sure to actually deliver on the praise or treat ? no teasing.

Learning how do you use a training collar takes patience and consistence. If you?re not the only one doing the training, make sure everyone is on the same page with the reward system. Eventually, you will be so in sync that he?ll come when you call, sit on command and stop barking simply because you calmly tell him to. Then the real fun begins.