Dog Training Collars: Friend Or Foe

Do you have a disobedient dog? A dog training system might be exactly what your looking for.  The internet is full of articles on how you could train your dog more swiftly and successfully using such a collar, but you may still be hesitant if you want to go into this more stern form of discipline with your dog. 

Even if you are sure you want to try such a collar, you might have questions concerning which style of training collar is best.  There are some things you must  understand about collars before you give them a try.

Receiver Type
There are three basic system models available.  The most common system is the electric receiver.  This receiver will send a small correction to your pet’s neck while he is doing something that is undesirable.  The second system is the citronella or lemon spray system.  This type will squirt a jet of citronella based fluid at your dog’s nose to stop their inappropriate actions.  Last of all, the ultrasonic systems, which use a high pitch noise that only the dog can hear. 

Some systems combine two of these functions.  For effective training, they should arrive with a remote control, so you can determine when to start the disciplinary function.

Too Little, Too Big
Each collar is very different in many different ways. Therefore its critical that you select one suitable to the weight of your pet.  It shouldn’t take a enormous deal of thought to realize that a system suitable for a Great Dane would be too much for a Toy Poodle, particularly if it is the shock type. 

In order for the collars to work, they need to be situated on snuggly just as his common collar.  Electric based receivers can be bought for dogs down to three pounds, but should not be used with dogs under the age of six months regardless of size.

Desirable Accessories
Training collars can also use other accessories or come with extra accessories.  For example, if you use the collar frequently, you can buy a pad or transmitter that you put on a counter or couch to discourage climbing.  Only certain models have this trait. 

Other models are improved for many animals allowing you to use a remote that connects to numerous animals.  These can be great for hunters who can locate the same technology with gps tracking collars built in the collar to locate a dog that has run after prey.  Do a little research and see what is out there before you buy.

Training Involves YOU
The only way your system will show you the results your looking for, is if you teach your dog to use the system appropriately.  If your dog needs the correction, be sure to give him vocal instructions, for example “no”. After he listens make sure to give him a treat or praise him excitedly.  You should never use a collar as a substitute for good, one-on-one training.  It is also vital that you do not use a system for more than a few hours a day. 

After a few weeks, you will see a huge improvement from your dogs.  Adding dog training collars to your training course can be useful in training a challenging dog, but it can not substitute a loving owner.