Dog training – Leash/collar training

There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the
one that works best for you is important for creating a dog that
is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family. All
successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the
relationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of any
successful training program is getting the respect of the dog.
Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders, and
to follow the direction of those leaders.

This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of dog
training – the so called leash/collar style of training. Other
articles will focus on the other popular style of training dogs,
often called reward training or positive reinforcement.

Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around
for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness
over time. The type of training that works best will vary from
dog to dog, and from breed to breed. It is important to remember
that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced
by hundreds of years of selective breeding.

Of course personalities of individual dogs vary quite a bit,
even within established breeds. You, as the owner of the dog,
know better than anyone which style of dog training will work
best, so it is important to work with the trainer you choose to
achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly dog.

Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many
types of dog training, particularly in situations where the dog
must have a high level of reliability. For instance, dogs that
have an important job to do, such as rescue dogs, police dogs
and guard dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training.

In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be
used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh
corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate
to the situation, since using too much correction, or too
little, will be ineffective.

In a collar and leash based dog training program, first the dog
is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After
the dog has demonstrated that it understands the command, the
leash is then used to correct the dog if it disobeys, or when it
makes a mistake. The leash is the main form of controlling and
communicating with the dog in leash and collar training.

When using leash and collar training, the dog must be trained to
trust the handler and accept his or her directions without
question. In order for the dog to be fully trained, the handler
must demonstrate the ability to place the dog into a posture or
position he or she does not want to take. This does not mean
using force, but it does generally require some level of
physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and
safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training -
the leash.

It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand
that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash is an important
tool in this form of training, it is important for the dog
trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using
whatever tools are at hand.

Even when the only tools at hand are the owner’s body and skill,
the dog should be willing to obey. Creating a leader/follower
relationship between handler and dog is still very important,
and it is important to use the leash as a tool and not a crutch.
A properly trained dog should be willing to obey whether the
leash is present or not.