Dogs

EQUIPMENT
There is a range of training aids and equipment  available. Some of it is excellent while the rest is totally inappropriate.

The Head Collar
This is a wonderful training aid. It is similar to a horse halter, allowing your dog freedom to pant, drink and bark if it wants to while giving you full control of its head. The head collar is also designed to mimic the way a bitch controls her puppies by putting gentle pressure around the muzzle and behind the ears. Most dogs visibly relax and are more controlled when wearing a head collar.

Head collars should be correctly fitted. Your veterinary staff should be able to help you do this. It is usually a good idea to fit the head collar and take the dog straight out for a walk. Some dogs will paw at the collar when it is first put on and may rub their faces on the ground. They soon forget about it however, and by the end of the walk are quite comfortable with the

Choker chains
These have been used for years in training. They are based on negative reinforcement. If the dog pulls, the chain tightens and causes discomfort. If he stops pulling the discomfort goes away. Eventually, the sound of the chain slipping is enough to make the dog stop whatever he was about to do in anticipation of discomfort. The problem is that inexperienced people tend not to use the chain correctly and the dog does not learn to make the connection. The result is a dog pulling hard on a chain that is tightening around its neck. Chains used in this way can cause serious damage to the dog’s airway.

Dogs should never be tied up in a choker as they can     strangle themselves should they panic for some reason.    Nor should they ever be held up in the air on the choker as is advocated by some trainers. This method, which was a cruel and potentially damaging UK army training method, is now discredited

No-Pull Harnesses
These are designed to restrict the dog’s forelimbs when it pulls. They are effective in some dogs. Usually they are used on dogs that cannot wear a head collar. It is important to check regularly for chafing under the forelegs.