Dog Training Collars – Do They Work?

 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.

• Bark Collar

• Citronella Collar

• Halters/Harnesses

• Martingale Collar

• Prong Collar

• Shock Collar

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.

• Halter/Harness Collars – You will discover a wide variety of options in the halter and harness category.  The primary advantage of this type of training collar over those designed to go around the dog’s neck is that the dog has greater range of motion and no pressure on the neck, but without you losing the ability to control him.  The downside is that if not fitted properly, chafing under the arms could develop.  A few of the specific types of training collars for a halter or harness include:

o Front Control – With this, as the dog pulls, the harness works by guiding the dog to turn back around toward you.  However, these training collars do have a problem in that some dogs are able to wiggle out of them.

o Sporn – This type of training collar uses straps that go around the legs of the dog, and then hook to the back portion of the collar.  In most cases, you can discourage your dog from pulling while maintaining overall control.

o Head – For people interested in a humane collar, this is it.  Also known as, a “Gentle Leader”, the head harness provides a sense of safety and tranquility for the animal while giving you control.  By holding the cheek and jaw of the dog, with one strap over the nose and another behind back of the head, you have a method for steering him.

• 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.