Training collars are an effective way of developing your dog’s behaviour and obedience. There are three main types of dog training collar and each one should be used properly to get the results you want without harming your dog.
Slip Collars (Choke Chains)
Perhaps the most common dog training collar, a slip collar is designed to allow the trainer to quickly close and release the collar around a dog’s neck. Dogs learn to not repeat a behaviour when they feel the chain close.
A slip collar must be put on a dog properly, with the end coming from the lead around the back of the dog’s neck. This allows the chain to quickly slacken when released. When training, quickly tug then add slack to the lead whenever you need to correct behaviour.
The consequences of not using a slip collar properly can be disastrous. Do not pull too hard on the lead, just enough for your dog to take notice. Also, you should not keep pulling on the lead for an extended period.
Prong Collar (Pinch Collar)
Similar to a slip collar in design, prong collars have prongs on the inside of the collar. When the lead is tugged, the prongs pinch the dog’s neck. Unlike a slip collar, a prong collar has a limit to how much it will close around a dog’s neck.
Many owners are concerned about prong collars because of the impression that the prongs stab into the dog’s neck. In fact, a prong collar, with a limited circumference and by evenly spreading pressure all around a dog’s neck, is at least as safe as a slip collar.
E-collar (electronic collar)
An e-collar looks similar to a regular dog collar, but it is equipped with an electrical system that can deliver a sensation to the dog. Using a remote control device, a trainer can deliver a small charge through the e-collar whenever behaviour needs to be corrected.
An e-collar is an ideal way to train your dog off-leash. Incorrect behaviour is addressed immediately, so your dog quickly and easily learns the correct action, without needing a lead on which to tug.
In all cases, it is important to only use dog training collars only when training and while you are paying close attention to your dog. Leaving a training collar on when you are not working with your dog could lead to serious accidents. Each time you finish training, remove the training collar from your dog and replace it with the regular collar.
The dog training specialists at Alpha Paws can help you determine the best dog training collar for your needs.