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A training collar is a useful tool for obedience training your dog. It goes by various names, some being a pinch collar, slip collar, choke collar or even a choke chain. Essentially it goes round the animals neck, and, when attached to a lead or leash, is an effective way for you to maintain control of the dog. However a dog training collar and lead has to be used properly for it to be totally effective while at the same time being safe for your dog. This article will examine five things you should think about when getting a training collar. This will help you to understand how the collar works and how to use it effectively. Here goes. 1. Selecting the right size of collar " The collar must be just the right fit for your dog. It must be a snug fit but not too loose or too tight. Obviously a collar that is too tight has the potential to hurt your pet or choke it at the slightest pressure. A collar that fits to loosely will not give you the fast control that you may need in certain situations and will make the collar ineffective. Measure the neck of your pet. To give the collar a bit of play add an extra 2-3 inches (about 5 cm) to this measure. This should prove to give your dog enough movement but also keep you firmly in control. Generally a training collar will come in 2 inch (5 centimeter) increments so go for the nearest increment to your measurement if you can't find an exact match. 2. Fitting the training collar on the dog correctly " A dog training collar will come with plenty of instructions for fitting the collar and using it effectively. It is advisable to read these when placing the collar on your dog for the first time. They will detail how to fit the collar correctly and prevent an sort of harm coming to your pet in the process. 3. Using the training collar properly " Above all use the collar in an informed and compassionate way. It is not a way to punish your dog but merely a way to communicate with him when he is doing wrong. You should never exert a continuous force on the lead or leash when it is attached to the collar as this could cut of air to the dog and lead to problems. 4. Consider the weight and link size of the collar. Above all the dimensions of the collar should be proportional to the size of the dog. A Great Dane will need a heavier collar with bigger links than a border Collie for instance. The packaging or documentation of many collars will list the types of dogs that are ideal for the particular training collar. 5. Ensure that the collar and lead is correctly positioned on the dogs neck. For example the lead must be positioned at the top of the neck so that the slightest pull by you will be translated to the dog. It also means that the collar will loosen as soon as you ease the pressure on the lead. Finally, think about the durability of the materials that are used to make the training collar and leash. They will be used a lot and will be subject to wear and tear so you want something that will last the distance. You don't want the leash to snap or the collar to break in the middle of your dog obedience training program.
Article Source: http://technologynetwork.info
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