All about Dog Collars And Harnesses

There are many different types of dog collars and harnesses. Some are used for training and some are used for everyday wear. Training collars should be used specifically for training purposes and not left on an unattended dog and you should never leave a collar of any kind on a crated dog.

Here are a few examples of a dog collars and harnesses: Head Collars, also known as a halters or Gentle Leaders, slightly resemble a muzzle, but they are used for a completely different purpose.The head collar acts like a halter for the head and is used to help teach the dog to walk on a leash or heel. When the dog applies pressure to the leash, the head collar pulls the head to the side. This is unnatural to the dog and often this will deter the behavior.Please click on the following link to get more information and purchase a head collar. 

Head Collars : Head Collars should only be used for training purposes, on walks and when control of your dog is need such as in a veterinary office or a public place. This collar should not be left on unattended dogs or dogs on a long lead because they may be able to back out of some types of of head collars.Prong Collars, also known as pinch collars, are made up of a series of chain links with open ends towards the dog so that when the collar tightens around the loose skin of the neck it pinches it. There is also a hard plastic version of this collar as well. When properly adjusted and used, it startles the dog and gives a sharp correction. It is difficult or almost impossible to puncture the dogs skin because there is a limited amount of tightening around the neck. This type of collar may look very painful, but it is actually safer than a slip or choke collar. Some dogs are nearly oblivious to many other collar types, but the prong collar may get their attention better than a milder collar.If you would like to purchase a prong collar or get more information, please click on the following link. 

Metal prong collar: Plastic prong collar- One advantage of a prong collar, when sized and used correctly, over a choke collar is that the circumference is limited, so it is impossible to compress a dogs throat. Another advantage is that the pressure of the collar is spread out over the entire neck unlike buckle collars and all choke collars.A prong collar should only be used if a milder collar is just not working and your dog is still not listening to commands. For the most stubborn puller or the dog with “selective hearing”, the prong collar may be the way to go, but be sure to use the mildest collar possible to achieve the results that you want. Most owners are very ill informed about the correct adjustment and use of a prong collar. When used incorrectly, this collar can cause severe throat damage, so be sure you are educated on the use of this collar before you start training your dog.The Martingale Collar consist of  two loops. The collar can be made solely of metal links or of nylon and chain links or a combination of the two. The large loop is placed over the dogs head and adjusted to fit loosely. The leash is hooked to a D ring on the smaller loop. When the dog tries to pull on the leash, the tension pulls the small loop taught, which makes the larger loop smaller and tighten around the neck. This works on the same principal as the slip collar.To purchase a Martingale collar or to get more information, please click the following link. 

Martingale Collar: The Martingale Collar was initially designed for the greyhound and whippet because of their thin faces and small ears. This type of collar also works well for dogs that try to back out of their collars. When adjusted properly, the dog is never chocked, but the collar is snug (right behind the ears) until the pressure is released. The Martingale Collar does pose risk of strangulation just as the slip collar, but you need to weigh the risk of possible strangulation with the risk of needing to grab a nonslip collar in an emergency situation. If you think that the Martingale Collar is the right collar for you and your dog, please clink the following link. 

Martingale collar: Slip Collars are also commonly called “choke collars” These collars can be made from metal link chain or snake link chain with a metal ring at each end or in some cases a nylon type material with one ring at each end.This collar is used strictly for training and should never be left on your dog when unattended because it can pose a strangulation hazard. When training your dog to walk or heel with a chain slip collar, a correction is made with a quick pull and release. This causes the collar to close somewhat around the dogs neck. This pressure is designed to get the dogs attention.Please click on the links below to purchase one of these collars.

Chain slip collars: Nylon Slip Collar- Many trainers believe that these chain slip collars can cause trauma to the neck of the dog even when they are used properly. Because of this over the years, many trainers have gotten away from using this type of collar. If you choose to use a slip collar, make sure to get proper training on how to use it before placing it on your dog.Everyday Dog Collars,These are made out of various materials such as nylon or leather. They are usually flat and have either a metal buckle or a quick release clasp. Many owners prefer the buckle collars for larger stronger dogs because they are more sturdy than the quick release. Break away collars have a special feature that if the collar gets caught on something, the pressure of the dog pulling will cause the clasp to breakaway. When the leash is hooked to both loops, the collars can also be used for walks without the risk of breaking away.Click on the pictures below to purchase one of these collars or harnesses.

Harness-The Harness is designed to go around the dogs abdomen and chest and cross over the back. A leash is attached to the top of the harness. A harness is preferred for dogs with back and neck problems, or those with airway issues. When the dog pulls on the harness, all of the pressure is on his chest, not his airway. Some dog owners prefer the harness for dogs that pull, but some trainers say that the harness actually encourages pulling and you should use leash and collar training. There are many different types of harnesses available. Some of them are specifically designed to help with pulling dogs, and some are made for specific breeds.If you would be interested in more information or purchasing a harness for your dog, please click one of the pictures below.

They even make harnesses that you use on your dog while riding in the care. The Pet Vehicle Safety Harness is designed to attach to the latched seat belt of your car. While attached with this harness the dog’s ability to move around the care is dramatically lessened, making your trip much more safe. No more sneak attacks of the tongue in your ear at least!

How to Training Your Adult Dog

So you think that training your adult dog is going to be next to impossible? Well, training an adult dog is actually easier than training a puppy because the adult dog has more self control and longer attention span.

The following 5 tips will help you in training your adult dog to be on his/ her best behavior.

1. Be patient. If you have just gotten your dog, give him a chance to acclimate himself to his new surroundings. Most times we do not know what kind of situation they came from, so it can take a few days to a few months before your new family member feels comfortable. Soon they will be settled in and realize they are part of your family and this is their forever home.

2. Use a crate for house training your adult dog. House training usually goes a lot smoother with an adult dog than a puppy because they have better control of their bowels and bladder, but with that said, don’t assume that your new dog was house trained at his last home. Treat your new dog as you would a puppy. If you can’t be with him, keep him in a crate. When you let him out of the crate, take him directly outside to the proper place to relieve himself. Make sure to praise him when he voids in the proper area.Please click on the picture below to learn more or purchase a crate for your dog

3. Enroll in obedience class. Your adult dog is perfectly capable of learning basic obedience if he has never had any training in the past. The adult dog will benefit from learning basic commands such as sit, stay, down and walking on a leash. An obedience class is also a great way to see how your dog interacts with other dogs and people in a safe place. If you need any assistance or advice there is a professional dog trainer on hand.

4. Keep it positive. You don’t always know what kind of background your new dog came from, so using positive reinforcement is always best. Using treats and praise, whether it be a pat on the head or a “good boy”, are effective positive ways of training your adult dog. Keeping things fun and exciting are also good ways to strengthen the bond between you and your dog and in turn will help you in your training.

5. Set rules. An adult dog may come with behaviors that you don’t want in your house such as getting on the furniture, jumping up on you and your guests, or chasing or barking at other family pets. Start teaching the new dog the rules of your house now so that he can start becoming a happy and healthy part of your family. It may take a little work at the beginning and you may actually need to call in the professionals, but setting up boundaries from the beginning will help everyone in the end.

If you’re battling the same problems with your dog over and over, then the training method you’re using isn’t working. Instead of more training, what’s needed is better training. Kyra’s “whole-dog” approach looks beyond sterile training methods that manipulate through reward and punishment and instead advocates humane behavior modification techniques to establish expectations without compromising love. Her principles — such as “One Command, One Consequence,” “Focus on the Solution, Not the Problem” and “Praise, Touch, Treat — in That Order” — empower readers with a clear strategy and the tools to enact real change.

Kyra’s method does not suppress natural behaviors and teach subservience. Instead, it fosters confident, happy dogs who are motivated to do the right thing rather than fearful of making a mistake. The Dog Rules shows us how to develop joyful relationships with dogs who balance enthusiasm and self-control.