Dog Training Collars – Do They Work?
Dog training collars have been a subject of controversy with some people believing they are harmful and others not. In this article, we wanted to address the various types of training colors, as well as how they work. The bottom line is that these collars can work, if used properly. Additionally, it is crucial that you choose the right type of collar depending on the type of training being provided.
Types of Dog Training Collars
Regardless of the type of obedience training in which you are interested in for your pet, such as chasing cars, digging up the garden, barking, or chewing, training collars can be beneficial. The following are the common types of training collars used.
Use of Training Collars
Unfortunately, training collars are one of the most abused tools made for dogs. When used properly, they work but if not, you could cause both emotional and physical damage that could be difficult to reverse. Therefore, always understand the purpose of the collar, as well as the proper way in which it should be used.
• Bark Collars – For pet owners who have dogs that constantly bark, the behavior can be changed with an anti-bark collar and positive reinforcement. Of all training collars, this style, along with the shock collar have some people up in arms. The reason is that small, electrical shocks are used to get the dog’s attention. Although the shock does not cause any harm, some believe the collar to be inhumane. Even so, when used as intended, the results are beneficial.
• Citronella Collars – As one of the newer designs on the market, this particular training color works by spraying a small amount of citronella under the chin of the dog, making it quite effective. For dogs that bark, dig, or pull on the leash, this is an excellent solution, often preferred over the anti-bark and shock collar options.
• Martingale Collars – These also go by the name, “greyhound collars”, which provide an effective but also gentler means of assisting with obedience training. This self-adjusting collar is designed to tighten around the dog’s neck whenever he pulls or tries to slip out of the collar. The benefit is that you have better control over the dog but without causing any type of injury to the animal.
• Prong Collars – Also known as “pinch collars”, these are made with metal prongs that connect to the collar’s links. The prong collars works by pressing into the dog’s neck and applying a little bit of uncomfortable pressure whenever you pull up on the leash. To ensure the dog is not hurt, be sure to purchase the type with vinyl coverings on the tips. Additionally, prong collars are not designed for everyday use, just for training sessions.
• Shock Collars – With this type of collar, a small shock is delivered to the dog at your command. The difference between this and the anti-bark collar is that with the bark collar, the dog would receive a small shock whenever he barks. However, with the shock collar, you have control over administering the shock whenever the dog misbehaves or does not follow a command. Most commonly, these training collars are used for dogs being trained to hunt, allowing the owner to send a shock if the dog gets too far out in front or goes off point. Keep in mind that shock collars can be used for other types of training but are intended for stubborn dogs. Although the shock does not cause any harm, some people believe them to be too drastic.
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