A Bit of Dog Training

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When you get a new puppy or dog, you want to keep it safe by choosing a sturdy collar that fits the breed and your lifestyle as well. The best dog collar is the one that fits your dog comfortably and will keep both them and the public safe. Your dog trainer or veterinarian can recommend a collar type, but it may be some time before they get back to you with an answer. In this article, we will discuss the three most popular types of adjustable dog collars and take a look at a few other styles as well.

First up, there is the versatile buckle collar. The buckle collar is the most popular of the dog collars and includes a ring around a belt so that you can attach dog ID tags. You can also use the buckle collar to attach a copy of the dog license or vaccination verification. If you don’t want to use the standard metal tags, then a tag pouch in leather is also available for these types of collars.

Next up is the muzzle collar. These large dog collars are a mesh cover or cup-like contraption that fits over your dog’s nose and mouth and attaches to your pet’s head with straps that go around behind the animal’s ears.

There is also a dog collar called the head collar. The head collar is very similar to the muzzle collar, but has some notable differences. It keeps your pet’s head fixed and does not allow the animal to pull against the pressure you exert on the neck.

Aside from the previous three styles mentioned, there are the metal choke chain and chain link type of collars. When dealing with large and heavy dogs, the chain type is the best dog collar to use; especially during intense training sessions or while taking your dog for a walk in open and public areas. This is the only pet collar that is sold by the length of chain you need.

Occasionally used for an extremely disobedient or unruly dog, the prong and pinch collar is not considered very humane. This collar covers your dog’s entire neck from all sides and it works by tightening as you pull the leash, causing the metal prongs, which are blunt, to pinch into your dog’s neck.

The style of the dog collar you choose is first based on utility. After that, the sky is the limit on design and color. Do keep in mind that a frilly ribbon and bow is not the best dog collar for large breeds, just as chokers are inappropriate small dog collars. Dignity and safety are not to be forgotten when making your purchase.

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Training your dog to come when it can be called

Instructing your own canine friend to come the instant it’s called is usually a necessary, in addition to potentially life saving, component to every successful four-legged friend training method.  All properly trained dogs must learn how to react quickly to the owner’s words, and the quicker this lesson might be learned the better.

The advantages of training your puppy to come anytime called are evident.  To start,, coming as soon as called can help you regain control of your four-legged friend in case of collar break, snapped leash or other similar equipment failure.  That is particularly important when you are out with the dog, especially in an area with lots of traffic.  It will be vital that the dog respond to your voice and return to your side, even in the absence of collar and leash, and whether there are lots of other things competing for its attention.

Coming anytime called can also be an essential talent for every working pet.  Whether your dog’s job is herding sheep, guarding livestock, or sniffing out bombs and drugs at the airport, the working four-legged friend must be under total control at all times, whether on leash or off.

Whether or not your dog’s sole job is being a loyal friend, it’s still vital that he learn this important basic obedience exercise.  After your first obedience lessons, such as heeling, stopping on command, sitting on command, etc. have been learned, this is time to start incorporating your come as soon as called lessons into the daily training sessions.

One note about k9 training – it is all too easy for training sessions to become dull and routine for both handler and four-legged friend.  A bored dog will not be receptive to learning, just as a bored handler will not be a good teacher.  It can be important, therefore, to always incorporate fun things and play into each and every training session.  Incorporating a few minutes of play time before your lesson begins can do wonders for the attitude of canine friend and human alike.  Likewise, ending each training session that has a few minutes of free play time is a great way to end on a positive note and to help your k9 associate obedience training with fun and not drudgery.

The command to stay and the command to come when called are often combined in obedience training lessons, and they do go naturally together.  Start with the canine friend on a loose leash, ask your canine friend to sit and then slowly back away.  If the puppy begins to get up and follow you, return to your four-legged friend and ask him to sit again.  Continue this process until you can reach your end of your leash without the canine friend getting up.

After you can successfully reach the end of the leash on a consistent basis, try dropping your leash altogether.  Of course you will want to do this in a controlled environment like a fenced in yard.  After the puppy has mastered your stay command, this is time to add your come while called command.

Take up the leash again, and with your canine friend on your end of your leash, say “come” or “come here”. It’s often helpful to use a lure while educating this behavior.  Your lure provides a visible item for your pet to focus on.  Instructing the dog to come to your lure is a good first step in training the k9 to come when called.

Repeat this procedure many times until your pet will consistently stay and then come when called.  After the dog has mastered coming while called while attached to your leash, slowly start introducing your concept anytime your leash is removed.  As before, these training sessions should only take place in a controlled, safe environment, such as a fenced in front or back yard.

A well taught, obedient dog must respond to the call to return to its owner no matter where its and no matter what distractions may occur.  It can be therefore necessary to test your dog with distractions of your own.

If you’ve got a neighbor, preferably one having a dog of his own, try having her come over with the dog.  Have him, and your dog, stand just outside your fenced in area and repeat your come after called exercise with your puppy off leash.  If he becomes distracted by the other dog, put the leash back on and repeat the process.  The goal is to have your dog consistently pay particular attention to your instructions, regardless of the interruptions might present themselves.