Best Dog Training Collar
In recent times, dog training videos have become increasingly helpful in showing dog owners how to hold their dogs by the collar without fear of harm to either their dog or themselves.
Quite a number of dog bites have come about as a result of 'collar-grabbing'. These collar-grab bites usually happen when the owner suddenly reaches for their dog's collar or collar regions, sometimes without any dog training intent on the dog owner's part.
What then happens is that the dog comes to associate being held by the collar with pain or discomfort.
This association can switch the dog into a defensive mode when an attempt is made to hold her by the collar. Some dogs don't bite but instead use defensive techniques such as playing "catch me".
It's best to begin your collar grab training while your dog is just a puppy. You must do all you can not to let your dog or puppy create a negative association in it's mind with collar grabbing.
Instead, seek to reassure your dog when reaching for it's collar with positive reinforcement.
1. Collar grab training should not be solely associated with the end of a play session. Do not fall into the pattern of only reaching for your pup's collar at the end of play time. This pattern will create an impression in your dog's mind that collar grabbing is bad and unwelcome because it always signals the end of play time.
What you should do instead is interrupt play time with collar grabbing every now and then and mix it up with some obedience training exercises like "sit" and "stand". Be sure to reward your dog generously at the end of each session.
This will create a positive connection in your dog's mind that says there is a reward associated with collar grab. Your frequent collar grabs during play time will now no longer signal end of play time but rather, time for refreshments or a quick timeout.
2. Collar grab training should not be associated with confinement. Animals by nature do not like to be confined. If you grab your puppy by the collar and lead or drag her to confinement, naturally she will come to associate the negative results of being confined to collar grab.
To create a positive atmosphere, associate confinement with something positive. An idea would be to throw some kibble or favorite chew toys into the confinement area. In no time at all, your pup will be happy to follow instructions to go to it's room or dog house.
3. Most of all, do not ever allow your dogs to associate collar grabbing as being a prelude to punishment and reprimand. Don't call your dog over only to scold her and grab her by the collar.
This will almost invariably result in your dog never wanting to come to you. The result is that your pup will grow into a dog that hates being collar grabbed and when she senses an attempt to grab her by the collar, she becomes evasive and offensive and might even resort to snarling and biting.
Following a good dog training video or program will help you prevent this from happening.
Connie Baxter is an ardent dog lover and dog training expert. She owns and maintains Dogsology.com, a resource for all dog owners and dog lovers.
Best Dog Training Collar article
