Every so often the differentiation between training discipline and constraint is needlessly confused. Using verbal commands and non-verbal clues, with leashes or snacks, to solicit wanted behavior is training discipline. Using choke or ’stop-barking’ collars, electronic fences or barriers and related devices is for constraint or prevention of unwanted behavior.

Control isn’t of necessity harmful. Dogs instinctively have the need for and gravitate to the continuity of a community in which someone is the ‘alpha wolf’ and in a dog and a human relationship the human has to take that job. To allow the dog to establish himself as the alpha dog means property destruction, potentially threatening conditions for other dogs and humans, human dissatisfaction and a maladjusted dog.

Choke collars were conceived to help in getting control. Dogs are like humans in that each has their own character and traits. Some are, as a result, more assertive or slower to learn. For ones that don’t react positively to a conventional leather or nylon collar, a metal choke collar can supply additional deterrence to tugging and leaping.

The imminent drawback is that, used inadequately – all too simple to do – correction collars can have the opposite result to what you expected and may even be unsafe. Choke collars fit only one way and when suitably fitted should make allowance for a one to three fingers opening between the neck and the collar. Three for bigger dogs, one for smaller. Generally speaking a collar two inches longer than the length around the neck will be adequate.

Used crudely, though, choke collars can pinch the skin – resulting in lesions that scratching will make worse. They can also by mistake pinch the trachea. A fast yank-and-release does no damage; however by its construction it does cause discomfort. But for dogs that try to defy the tether this technique can be difficult to be successful with. Ordinarily, it is not recommended, chiefly for smaller dogs.

Prong collars are not as hazardous as they appear, but – from this handler’s prospective – have almost no positive properties. The only good aspect of this devices’ design is their limited diameter – they can only close down so far. Nonetheless, a critter with such an unyielding proclivity to pull that prongs are meaningless must have more than a quick fix consisting of choking and ‘pronging’. That kind of dog most likely needs to have tenacious and persistent behavior modification training.

Halter collars, which envelop the neck and the muzzle, but don’t stop panting or prohibit drinking and eating can give further constraint. The drawback is they don’t inhibit biting if that’s an issue. If biting is not a problem an everyday tether and collar, or maybe a chest halter might be preferable.

‘No-bark’ collars can at various times work successfully with those animals that insist on barking long after the initial reason to bark is gone. Barking is a straightforward response to potential danger and is also used to draw attention when one becomes distant from the pack community. But, for reasons not well perceived, some dogs continue barking for indefinite periods of time or at the most insignificant provocation.

Electronic collars that deter barking come in two main varieties: Shock producing collars and noise producing collars. Noise collars create a brief, uncomfortable noise that acts as a diversion and helps to prevent unrelenting barking.

Shock collars generate a temporary but unpleasant electric shock that is repeated during long-continuing or obstinate barking. Nonsubjective evaluations of their efficiency disclose mixed results, however. As with prong collars, any dog who is a candidate for one would profit more from knowledgeable, experienced training to determine the psychological reasons for excessive barking.

Every so often an attempt at a quick fix is inviting and may be constructive… until it becomes a stand-in for more useful (both to dog and dog trainer) long-term management. Making sure you have figured out how to keep your dog’s focus and compliance to training without inordinate amounts of dependence on control and restraint gear is preferred. The results are less frustration for dog handlers and happier and healthier dogs.

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There is still some disagreement about whether or not crate training dogs is the right way to go. Crating a dog involves keeping them in a cage just slightly larger than themselves, usually a plastic or metal one for a time, either at night or during the day.

Those in favor of crate training argue that crating a dog gives is a safe, secure place where the dog can go when it wants to get away from noise or activity and be surrounded by the familiar. A sort of home within a home, proponents call it. These same people insist that crate training makes the process of housebreaking a dog easier, since animals are loathe to soil the place where they lay down and will naturally learn to wait until taken outside to take care of their needs.

One criticism leveled against crate training is that it is unnatural for a dog to spend any length of time in a confined space where it can’t engage in its natural habits of exploring and roaming. It prevents dogs from being as active as they naturally are and is an unpleasant experience for the animal, they argue.

Those against argue with the position held by crate proponents that crating makes housebreaking a dog easier and that despite a dog’s abhorrence of soiling its own space, puppies are especially prone to doing so; which makes it more difficult, not easier to housebreak them.

Now of course both sides make some valid points and no one doubts the good intentions of either camp. Studies done on the subject have yet to yield anything close to a definitive answer. The general consensus, however is that as long as it is done with care and common sense there is little to no harm and indeed there is some good which can come from crate training.

You’ll want to avoid keeping your dog in such a small place for an extended period of time. You shouldnt keep your pet in the crate for more than four hours at the most. A longer time than this is uncomfortable for your dog and is also an unreasonably long time to expect most dogs to resist nature’s call.

There is also the concern that a caged dog can accidentally injure itself. It’s important to make sure that the dog’s collar will not snag on the cage and that the cage is free of sharp edges, as well as that the cage is sturdy enough not to tip over or break when pushed by your dog.

Pets which are accustomed to the crate do however tend to travel better than do others. Since they are already accustomed to spending time in close quarters, they’ll be far calmer when traveling.

Many pet owners maintain that unless you are making a permanent relocation you should leave your pet at home, since they will be happier in a familiar place. If you need to take your pet along on a trip, make sure to use a very well built cage which won’t tip and will keep things from getting in, not just out.

There’s not going to be an agreement on crate training in the near future; that much is certain. It’s best to decide for yourself. Try crating your dog for a couple of weeks, followed by leaving the door of the crate open and let your dog vote with their feet ” do they steer clear of the crate or do they choose it as a favored spot for their naps? Let your dog have a say and you’ll have a happier pet.

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There are various breeds of dogs; in fact, they are all so different that it is best at times to not even consider them all as the same species. Dogs can interbreed and this is the reason biologists consider them all the same. However, when it comes to dog owners it is best to accentuate the differences in dogs than to emphasize their similarities.

A Jack Russell and a Great day are both dogs; however, they think, act and look very different from one another. The Great Dane is not as hyperactive as the Jack Russell is. Collies and Golden Retrievers are not alike at all. The more excitable, friendly and fun loving dog is the Golden Retriever. German Shepherds and Chihuahuas hold very little in common with one another, other than being dogs.

Depending upon the breed you intend to train, you will need to revise the training of each because of these differences in dogs. Every dog needs patience while training, yet some will need it more than others do. German Shepherds are very smart and an easy breed to train since they enjoy performing to commands of obedience. Jack Russell’s are smart as well, however they can be very willful and require a variation in training technique.

One highly active, high-energy dog is a terrier, distraction techniques work well for them. They have the ability to spot movement and then they quickly go after the animal making the movement. It can be a challenge to keep their attention while training them. You may consider using dog treats, toy and other objects to keep their attention on you, by wiggling the object in their face to do so.

Collies are mellower and equally trainable; they are however, very protective and fiercely loyal, which is touching. It can however, present a problem, because your collie may bark impulsively and go after anyone they think is posing a threat to their family. This is a desirable trait in a watchdog guarding the house at night, yet it can become annoying every time a child passes by on the sidewalk during the day.

Bark collars are can be useful under these circumstances. However, once darkness falls you should remove the collar. This will help the dog associate discouragement from barking in the day, while it can function as a watchdog during the night.

Dalmatians are excellent companions, yet they are very strong and ultra-energetic. This can cause a problematic situation for a dog that spends too much time in a small yard with no one to play with. If you plan to own one of these dogs, you will need to make time for working off all his or her surplus energy.

Full speed ahead is the only speed Dalmatians know; consequently, they need a large area for running. They enjoy being with someone who can toss a ball far away and the experience to command them fully. They are very loyal, yet they need a very strong hand. It takes a forceful owner to be the alpha dog to a Dalmatian.

You will need to modify your training routine to fit the actual personality of your dog, while including the consideration of both the aspects of the breed and the characteristics unique to your particular dog. Remember, dogs are individuals just as humans are.

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