Best Dog Training Collars

What are the best dog training collars? The answer depends on what you want to use them for. Are you trying to train leash manners or correct bad behavior like barking or jumping on furniture? There are a variety of collars to choose from, each with their advantages and disadvantages. With this in mind, LoveToKnow is here to help you find the best dog training collars for your needs. Check out the following recommended choices from SeeFido.com, the Pet Center, and Veterinary Partner.com to help you make the best decision.

Train your hunting dog.

1.

 It is one of the best dog training collars due to its simplicity. While it may sound cruel, the way it works is that when applied it temporarily restricts air from the dog. Used properly, it can correct unwanted behavior very quickly. Proper usage requires the collar to be placed high on the dog’s neck, right behind the ears.

2.

 Effective for controlling excessive barking, it works by emitting a citronella spray near the dog’s nose. This is one of the best dog training collars since it is one of the most “humane” methods used to control barking. The smell is unusual to dogs and inoffensive to humans, which is enough to distract them from making additional sounds. When using this dog training collar, have common sense and do not leave it on a dog for too many hours at a time.

3.

 The pinch collar is useful for discouraging larger, more aggressive, dogs from pulling on the leash while walking them. If you decide to use one, remember it does not go over your dog's head; you need to unhook a link in the collar, put it around your dog's neck, and hook the collar back together. When applied, the collar temporarily pinches the skin around the dog’s neck. However, this is probably not an appropriate tool for small or very timid dogs.

4.

 This dog training collar is useful for barking problems as well as other unwanted behavior, such as jumping on furniture. It has two features: ultrasound noise or odor spray. The ultrasound noise is annoying and increases in intensity if bad behavior continues. The spray is similar to the citronella barking collar in that it emits an odor spray when excessive barking begins

5.

 Innotek’s shock/bark collar is more appropriate for larger, aggressive dogs. It works by sending a small static shock to the dog to stop excessive barking or other unwanted behavior. It is considered to be an effective tool if used correctly. The Pet Center suggests if you are planning to use this device to get instruction from a dog trainer on how to properly use it, or risk abuse to the dog.

6.

 A choke chain collar is a loop of metal links that wraps around a dog's neck and attaches to a leash. When used properly, it can be an effective tool in leash training. According to Veterinary Partner.com , it should not be used as a regular collar for everyday use since it can get caught or snagged, which may result in injury.

7.

 A dog head halter works with a strap over the bridge of the nose and back of the neck. Instead of a “choking” motion for correction, it pulls on the head down to prevent the dog from running ahead of you. Use of this device is debated, since there is thought to be a possibility of injury if not used properly. However, with large, aggressive dogs, it may be a good tool to help train your furry friend. As with any of these featured collars, getting advice from a dog professional will help assure the safety of your canine.

• Keep in mind that whatever training collar you use, you should not make dogs younger than 6 months old wear it, or keep it on for more than eight hours straight.
• Dog training collars are a tool to help teach your dog, and must be used for correction at the time of the bad/unwanted behavior or they will not work.
• A dog’s behavior can become more agitated or anxious if collars are not used properly.

By Sheila Robinson

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