Dog training a dog is a lot of work. But when you have the right tools, it becomes so much easier. Training collars are one of those tools. They help to create a positive training experience for both you and your dog. When used properly, training collars can be humane and effective in helping your dog learn new behaviours. The key lies in getting the right collar for your particular needs and understanding how to use it correctly. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular types of training collars and their pros and cons. You’ll find that there is a perfect collar for every type of dog!
What's the difference between categories of dog training collars?
There are many different types of training collars for dogs. So what's the difference between them?
The type of collar you choose will depend on your dog’s needs. Some are meant to correct bad behaviour, while others are used to teach good behaviours. If you have a puppy who is only learning the ropes, you'll want to start with a gentle collar that can help to reinforce positive behaviours. For example, the Easy Walk® Harness gently discourages your dog from pulling by putting pressure on their chest and belly when they pull ahead on their leash.
Dogs that need more correction may benefit from a "choke-chain" or prong collar that administers enough pressure to discourage future undesirable behaviour.
Generally speaking, there are three main categories of dog collars:
- Gentle Training Collars - Used for correcting bad behaviour (e.g., the Halti) or teaching good behaviours (e.g., slip collars).
- Neck Collars - Used for correcting bad behaviour such as prong collars or choke chains.
- Body Harnesses - These collars provide appropriate correction but offer good and comfortable control of your dog.
Dog Training Collar Types
There are four major types of collars: buckle, choke chain, head halter, and slip.
The Buckle Collar is one of the most popular types of dog training collars but also is the most useless for training. While it's versatile and offers a lot of different size settings to accommodate most dogs, it cannot provide proper feedback for your dog. It may be appropriate for small dogs but the buckle collar may not be as effective for larger dogs because it can't offer as much control as other types of collars. The collar adjusts quickly and won't choke your pup if they're pulling on the leash. However, the buckle collar may not be as effective for larger dogs because it can't offer as much control as other types of collars.
The Choke Chain is another popular type of dog training collar that is meant to get your dog’s attention. It's made up of metal links that tighten around your pup's neck when they pull on the leash. It tightens around your dog’s neck when he pulls on the leash or becomes disobedient, which creates an uncomfortable feeling that makes him want to stop doing what he was doing. The downside? This type can easily cause choking or neck injuries if you're not careful with the fit or when used improperly. It is very important to make sure that it works properly and is comfortable for your dog is how you put it on. When facing your dog, position the collar so that it looks like a "P" and place it as such. Therefore, when walking your dog on your left, the chain will release when pressure is released. If you place it backwards, when you release the pressure, the chain will not loosen and will therefore negate the effects of the collar.
The Prong Collar is a popular type of training neck collar despite its controversy. It works by applying pressure to the dog’s neck when they are pulling. The idea is that this pressure will discourage your dog from pulling on the leash and become more responsive to you, their handler. While its use is controversial and often debated, when used properly it can be a valuable training device. The prong is used to correct bad behaviour such as pulling, lunging on the leash, excessive barking and jumping on people. While its use is controversial and often debated, when used properly it can be a valuable training device. The prong collar is not recommended for small dogs or dogs who are sensitive around their necks.
Another type of dog training collar is a Head halter (Halti or Promise Collar) or H-type Harness which looks like a horse's bridle for a human being without reins attached to it. The Halti or Promise Collar is a type of training collar that is designed to be gentle on your dog’s neck. The collar is padded and features two loops. One loop goes around the dog’s nose while the other goes around the back of their head. The premise behind how it works is similar to that of a horse harness. Controlled head movements give you superior control. This collar is best for dogs who like to pull and are sensitive to pressure on their necks. It puts less pressure on them than traditional collars like choke or prong collars. However, this collar may not always be helpful for dogs with strong necks who are likely to slip out of the loops. As well, many dogs will try to paw at these types of collars to remove them from their noses which makes the experience poor. Training to wear this type of collar is often necessary. The best way to get your dog used to wear the halter is by putting it on and then offering them a treat. Get their mind off of the fact that the collar is on by associating it with something positive like a high valued reward. This type of harness is very effective for dogs that are strong pullers.
The Slip Collar, which is similar to a Martingale Collar, is one of the gentler training collars. It tightens around your dog's neck when they pull but doesn't choke them like a choke chain collar. The martingale or slip collar is meant to be worn high on the dog's neck, just below their ears. This placement ensures that when the collar tightens, it doesn't ever reach past the dog's jawline. It also helps guide your dog’s head into a natural position which makes them less likely to pull forward or sideways during walks. If you're out shopping for a new training collar, this type of collar is a great option! It's gentle, yet effective, and perfect for most dogs.
The Easy Walk Harness is a great option for dog owners who want to reduce the chance of pulling and lunging. It's also an excellent choice for dog owners who want the benefits of a harness without having to worry about them slipping out of their collar. The harness has a leash attachment that loops around your dog’s chest and stomach, so when they pull on the leash, it creates tension that gently stops them from continuing to pull. The design also encourages walking by having the front strap go under your dog's armpits. This makes it more comfortable and natural for your dog to walk as they're not forced into an uncomfortable position.
The harness can be a little difficult to use at first, especially if you have a large or strong dog. In these cases, applying too much pressure can cause discomfort or irritation. There is also a risk of injury if the collar is fitted incorrectly. It's important to take your pet's measurements before ordering one online or in-store.
This article has been a compilation of the different types of dog training collars and what they are best suited for in terms of your dog's needs. The martingale collar is gentle on touch, but also effective at keeping your pet from pulling too much during walks or while being trained with commands. The Halti or Promise Collar is great for dogs that pull and are sensitive to pressure around their neck area, as it helps guide them into walking naturally instead of having to worry about choking themselves when pulled backwards by traditional choke/prong type collars. Finally, there is always the option to use an Easy Walk Harness if you need something more than a regular collar, but don't want to risk strangling your pet with a choke type.
These are just some of the types of training collars available on today's market! There are many different options to choose from when it comes to dog training equipment so make sure you do thorough research before buying anything online or in-store.