Training your dog with a training collar and leash

The leash and training collar is the most basic piece of
equipment used in training a dog. Using the lead and training
collar properly is vital to successful dog training. The
training collar is designed to apply a specific amount of
pressure each time the leash is tightened. The amount of
pressure put on the leash controls the amount of pressure placed
on the training collar, and the pressure can be adjusted
according to how the dog responds.

How each dog responds to training with the leash and training
collar is quite variable. Some dogs barely react the first time
they encounter a collar and leash, while others fight this
strange contraption with all their might. It is important to
recognize how your own dog reacts, and to adapt your training
program as needed.

The first part of training with collar and leash, of course, is
to purchase a quality, well made training collar that will fit
your dog properly. There are many types of training collars and
leashes on the market. The most important thing is to choose one
that is sturdy and well made. The last thing you want to do is
chase your dog down after he has broken his collar.

The length of the collar should be approximately two inches
longer than the circumference of the dog’s neck. It is important
to accurately measure the dog’s neck using a measuring tape. In
order to get an accurate measurement, you must make sure that
the tape is not tight around the dog’s neck.

Most training collars come in even sizes, so you should round up
to the next size if your dog’s neck is an odd number. It is
important that the chain that attaches to the collar be placed
at the top of the dog’s neck. That is where the training collar
is designed to apply the best pressure.

The ability to apply varying degrees of pressure, and to relieve
that pressure instantly, is what makes a training collar such an
effective tool. It usually takes new users a little while to get
used to using the training collar, and some styles of training
collar require more finesse than others. If you are unsure which
collar to choose, be sure to ask a professional dog trainer, or
the management staff at your local pet store, for help.

After you have become familiar with the way the training collar
works, it is time to begin using it to train your dog to walk
properly on a lead. The well trained dog is one who will walk at
his owner’s side on a loose lead, neither dropping behind nor
charging ahead.

The well trained dog will also vary his pace to meet that of his
handler. Under no circumstances should the handler be forced to
change his or her pace to match that of the dog.

If the dog does begin to charge ahead, it is important to
correct the dog promptly by giving a quick tug on the leash.
This will give the dog a good reminder that he needs to change
his pace. It is important to quickly relieve the pressure as
soon as the dog responds. The training collar is designed to
relieve pressure as soon as the leash is loosened.

Most dogs will immediately respond to corrections by a good,
properly used training collar. If the dog does not respond as
directed, it may be necessary to apply greater pressure. This
can be especially true of large dogs or those who have
preexisting behavior or control problems. If you are still
unable to get a response from your dog, it is possible that you
are using a training collar that is not large enough for your
dog. If you think this may be the case, be sure to ask for
expert advice before proceeding.