Training Your Dog - Pros And Cons Of Control Tools
Topics: dog training, dog, dogs
At times the differences between training and control is too easily lost. Training involves the use of commands and hand gestures, with leashes or treats, to gain desired behavior. On the other hand, using choke or ‘no-bark’ collars, electronic fences and similar devices is for control.
Control isn’t always a negative thing. Dogs typically have and seek a social hierarchy in which one is the alpha (leader) and in any human-dog pair the human has to take that role. If this doesn’t happen the result is destruction of property, conditions that are unsafe for dogs and humans, a maladjusted dog and much frustration on the part of the dog owner.
Choke collars were invented to aid in obtaining control. Dogs, like humans, are each individual and possess their own separate personalities. Some are naturally more assertive or slower to learn. For the dogs that aren’t responsive to a regular leather or nylon collar, a metal choke collar can offer increased discouragement from pulling and leaping.
The possible problem is that if used improperly — which is all too easy to do - they can be counter-productive and sometimes even unsafe. Choke collars fit only one way and when fitted should allow from one to three fingers gap between the neck and the collar. Three for a larger dog, one for smaller. Normally, a collar two inches longer than the neck circumference will do.
If used improperly, however, choke collars may pinch the skin - creating hot spots that will be made worse if the dog scratches them. Choke collars can also unintentionally squeeze the trachea. An instantaneous pull-and-release is not injurious, although because of the way it is designed creates discomfort, however for dogs that are inclined to pull against the leash this movement is not easy to do. Choke collars are generally not recommended, particularly for small dogs.
Prong collars are not as dangerous as they seem, but - in this trainer’s view - have virtually no redeeming characteristics. The one beneficial feature of the design is their restricted diameter - they can only close down so far. Then again, a dog with such a strong tendency to pull that prong collars look attractive to use, needs more than a quick fix consisting of choking and poking. That animal requires dedicated attention and behavior modification training.
Halter collars, which wrap around both the neck and the muzzle, but doesn’t prevent panting or impair drinking can give the owner additional control. The downside is, since they don’t restrict biting or grasping, much of their potential value is gone. An ordinary leash and collar, or even a chest halter may be preferable.
‘No-bark’ collars will occassionally help with those dogs that continue to bark long after the initial impetus is gone. Barking is a natural response to possible threats and is also used to attract attention when the dog becomes separated from the pack. However, for reasons not completely understood, some individual dogs continue to bark for extended periods of time or at the slightest irritation.
Electronic collars that dissuade barking come in two types: noise and shock. Noise collars give off a short, unpleasant sound that distracts and is intended to discourage continued barking.
Shock collars produce a short but painful electric shock that can be repeated and lengthened during prolonged and/or persistent barking. Objective tests of their effectiveness demonstrate varied results, however. As with prong collars, any dog requiring one would probably benefit more from careful, professional help.
At times quick fixes are tempting and have their place - until they become substitutes for more beneficial (both to trainer and dog) long-term training. Investing the time to learn to get the attention of your dog and compliance without excessive reliance on control devices is always better. The end result is a saner owner and happier dog.
Jane Saeman loves dogs and strives to keep other dog lovers informed. A whole world awaits other dog lovers.
Find out how cute the dog in your life is at www.PicturesofmyDogs.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
How To Teach Your Puppy To 'Sit-Stay' (1)
Again, command "Sit," signal him and tell him to "Stay." He will probably think that "Stay" means just that and he may want to get comfortable and lie down. Most puppies will do this on the "Sit-Stay" at the point when he figures out what "Stay" means.
Dog Training - Pet Tricks Training (2)
Training tricks should be fun, both for you and the dog. Other training is for safety, control, discouraging property destruction, etc. Tricks are strictly to give you and your friend something to laugh about.
Dog Training - How To Stop Chewing (3)
Easier said than done the tenth time you've scolded the dog, but necessary for the mental well-being of both parties. To practice developing specific habits, take some time (daily, if necessary and possible) to leash the dog and present an inappropriate object.
Dog Training - Crate Training Pros And Cons (4)
Proponents argue that crating gives the dog a sense of 'property', a place it can call its own. In this little home within the home, the dog feels safe surrounded by familiar smells and objects.
The Importance Of Enrolling Your Dog In The Right Training Class (5)
A big disadvantage can be overcome when the training is held outdoors. More dogs can be accommodated and there is no problem about quarters in which to work. When the training is done indoors, it is impractical to work in a room smaller than 40 or 50 feet square.
Does A Dog Learn Through Many Repetitions Of A Training Activity? (6)
In ball playing, what determines each individual dog's enthusiasm and rate of progress is how much prey value he invests in the ball. That some dogs may take longer to build an attraction to the ball is not due to a need for repetition, but because the prey instinct isn't yet turned on.
Do Dogs Learn By Trial And Error? (7)
This basic information is what dogs are after when they smell. There is so much in man's world that dogs have to deal with that is not at all straightforward in terms of the prey instinct.
Does Your Dog Have Problems With Fighting Other Dogs? (8)
It is generally useless beating the dogs in a dogfight; they would be mentally unaware of pain at that moment, and unless you knocked either dog out you would not separate them once either had a real hold.
The Smartest Way To Buy Tattoo Designs (9)
You can also buy a bulk of tattoo design samples online in reasonable price. And then try to narrow down to few choices after you had brainstorming the specific collection of designs.
Dog Training - Training Assertive Dogs (10)
Monitor the strength and length of time the dog takes to submit, signaled by pulled back paws, averted eyes, and general relaxing. Most individuals will struggle at the unfamiliar position and submissive role.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
How To Have An Unforgettable Tour (1)
Right before leaving, make sure you remember exactly where things are being placed or kept in so that when you get back, you can check if your house looks just the same way as you left it.
Vacation Home Rentals Compared To Staying At A Hotel (2)
I used to work in the vacation area near Disney World in Orlando for a Vacation Rental company and have seen nothing but positive feed back to staying in a vacation home instead of a hotel.
Creative Ways To Display Art Work (3)
Any painting that is completed on the white canvas can be suitable for hanging in a few minutes. Some people create frames using quality wood products that they buy themselves, or they take the canvas to a frame shop and have the craftsmen construct a frame that will be very complimentary to the art.
Golf Swing Technique - Tips To Improve Your Swing (4)
Include exercise as part of your golf swing technique starting today. Want other great tips on golf swing technique? Take your game to the next level with the latest news and reviews in golf swing techniques at: www.golfinfoline.com
Are You Considering Online Motorcycle Shopping? (5)
As earlier said, an online purchase at time is more expensive than an express purchase. Think of the cost of advert over the web, think of all the labor and level of expertise incurred in setting up that webpage?
The 10 Steps To Safely And Effectively Hang A Tree Stand (6)
Be cautious as you put your weight onto each step to make sure it is secure. 9. When you reach the required height, trim away any limbs or branches that will be in the way.
Discovering Rare Collectibles (7)
Sometimes the items appear a bit pricey but set your limits. Take a magnifying glass with you at all times and even a small portable black light to see if you can catch the "repaired" damages.
Time Sharing Your Vacation Home (8)
They want to learn more the culture of that country. Here are some suggestions; a lot of the elderly Europeans I know have bought a second (vacation) home. They have either purchased a vacation house in places with warmer climates like Spain and Italy or, they have opted to buy a small chateau in Switzerland or Austria with ski-in, ski-out access.
Making Great Hunting Dogs (9)
Topics: hunting dogs dog hunting-dogs huntingdogs My hunting dogs and I have shared some of the greatest times of my life and some of my most successful hunts. Hunting with a well trained dog offers a great experience like no other.
Keeping Your Dog Safe In Hot Weather (10)
They can easily drown. If you have a pool, train your dog where the stairs are located so they know how to get out. Just like children, keep an eye on your dog, at all times, when they're in the pool area.
Permalink to Training Your Dog - Pros And Cons Of Control Tools