What Type Of Training Collar To Use On Toy Breeds

Hi,

I just wanted to say that I've been reading much of your book and I can't wait to get started applying your techniques to my two dogs.

(To read about the book and package she's referring to, take a peek at: http://www.dogproblems.com/secretsbook.htm)

I've noticed in almost all, if not all, of your training techniques, you mention using a pinch collar for correcting the dog. On page 155 you say that a pinch collar is the best collar to use - with a few exceptions for the toy breeds. Now, both of my dogs are toy breeds: I have a 15 lb. poodle/terrier mix, and a 10 lb. Yorkie. I'm also seriously considering getting a miniature pinscher sometime this summer. So my question is: What do you mean when you say "with a few exceptions for the toy breeds"? Are you saying that a pinch collar should not be used on toy breeds or certain toy breeds? If so, what should I be using on them? They both desperately need training and the pinch collar sounds like something that would give me results.

Cathy

Dear Cathy:

Thanks for the kind words.

The idea is to not get stuck on any one type of training equipment, but rather to use whatever you need to achieve the desired results. In most cases, it's just plain easier to use a slip collar/choke chain with the toy breeds because:

1. Since it's such a small dog you're working with, it's easy to make your corrections motivational if you're doing it the right way. (Tug and release).

2. It's hard to find the mini/micro pinch collars. If you're trying to use the small one, then you've only got one or two prongs in the entire collar - which doesn't really give you enough of to correct with.

In sum, you can use a pinch collar if you get the micro-sized one. They're hard to find, but if you spend about 15 minutes searching the web I'll bet you can locate a supplier. If not, just use a properly sized slip/choke chain.

That's all for now, folks!
Adam