What type of collar to use?
- Thread starter cactuscc
- Start date
- Status
JulieM
Boxer Insane
It really depends on the type of training you want to do with them. Do you want to do all positive training with no physical corrections? If so, a flat nylon buckle collar is all you need. If you want to use physical corrections ("pull & jerk" or "leash-pop" methods) there are flat nylon buckle collars, prong collars, or choke chains.
I never recommend starting with anything other than flat nylon buckle collars, and I also recommend positive training (as it is my experience that the dogs learn faster and have more fun doing it). If you have done adequate training (this means daily sessions plus ideally group classes for several months) and the dog *knows* what you want from it, and you are still having a problem with leash pulling, you may want to consider a prong collar for a time. Be sure to have a trainer who is experienced with them show you how to fit and use it. I *never* recommend choke collars in any circumstance - they cause too much damage to the dog.
This is just my opinion, of course. I know Alisha recommends starting with the prong collar and weaning off of it - I'm sure she'll explain that method to you in a little more detail. As she said in another post, we agree on the end result - we just disagree on the means to get there
I never recommend starting with anything other than flat nylon buckle collars, and I also recommend positive training (as it is my experience that the dogs learn faster and have more fun doing it). If you have done adequate training (this means daily sessions plus ideally group classes for several months) and the dog *knows* what you want from it, and you are still having a problem with leash pulling, you may want to consider a prong collar for a time. Be sure to have a trainer who is experienced with them show you how to fit and use it. I *never* recommend choke collars in any circumstance - they cause too much damage to the dog.
This is just my opinion, of course. I know Alisha recommends starting with the prong collar and weaning off of it - I'm sure she'll explain that method to you in a little more detail. As she said in another post, we agree on the end result - we just disagree on the means to get there
Alisha Mobley
Boxer Insane
At 11 weeks a correction collar may not be needed. When mine were 11 weeks they were still small enough that I could easily control them with my hands alone when training sits and downs. For leash training I did start my females out on the prong collar. My male was a huge puller. He was introduced to the prong collar at 8 months (and the leash). He was a different dog after using the prong collar but did have to be weaned off it. With my females I prefered to prevent pulling before it started. I started using the prong collar at about 3 months with them when leash training was really focused on. Corrections by me weren't needed because the slightest tug on the leash by them would give a correction. They never learned to pull and I had no problem weaning them off the collar. They also were much easier to train off leash since from the beginning they learned to stay by my side. (I also allowed my females to wear a flat buckle collar w/ a leash when younger than 12 weeks. I would allow them to drag the leash around to get used to having one on. I would pick it up every so often and kind of walk w/ them. Just didn't want you to think at 12 weeks was the first time they had a leash on)
As Julie said the prong should only be used after you have been properly trained to use one. If it's not fitted, placed and used correctly it will not be very effective and might possibley be dangerous to the dog. If you do decide to use the correction method of training seeking out an experienced trainer will be most helpful. Once/If the prong collar is used you should be focusing on getting the dog off it and off leash. A prong collar can be very helpful but only if used properly and w/ the full intention to wean the dog off it.
Good luck w/ the training. With much patience and daily practice you will have 2 well behaved and obeying boys on and off leash.
[Edited by Alisha Mobley on 04-12-2001 at 05:26 PM]
As Julie said the prong should only be used after you have been properly trained to use one. If it's not fitted, placed and used correctly it will not be very effective and might possibley be dangerous to the dog. If you do decide to use the correction method of training seeking out an experienced trainer will be most helpful. Once/If the prong collar is used you should be focusing on getting the dog off it and off leash. A prong collar can be very helpful but only if used properly and w/ the full intention to wean the dog off it.
Good luck w/ the training. With much patience and daily practice you will have 2 well behaved and obeying boys on and off leash.
[Edited by Alisha Mobley on 04-12-2001 at 05:26 PM]
I've had wonderful results with the Gentle Leader and Halti collars... My Dane has a GL and my Boxer has a Halti, both work about the same way but the Halti is cheaper. They pretty much eliminated pulling within a few minutes. And both of my dogs were serious problem pullers!
Kailin, Buddy (2 yr. old brindle Great Dane) and Lucy (3.5 month old fawn Boxer)
Kailin, Buddy (2 yr. old brindle Great Dane) and Lucy (3.5 month old fawn Boxer)
Alisha Mobley
Boxer Insane
I have heard lots of good stuff about these but feel the same towards these as I do the prong. They are simply a training tool and should be used with the intent to wean the dog off them. JMO
- Status