Your Questions About Dog Training Collars
Sandy asks…
What exactly is a martingale collar and what is it used for?
I understand its to help keep dogs from slipping their heads out if their neck is the same size as their head. I’ve seen many people have them on their dogs and just never really thought to ask what they did. Are they like training collars only cloth? Why are so many people against them?
admin answers:
I use martingale collars on my dogs, mainly because they are easy to slip on over the dogs heads and I don’t have to worry about buckles. My dogs only wear collars when we’re out walking.
I’ve never heard anyone say a word against martingales.
Betty asks…
What are your thoughts on remote training collars?
What are your thoughts on remote training collars?
admin answers:
It really depends on what you are using them for and you should always use them in conjunction with other training methods. They are not going to solve all your problems immediately and they might cause more harm then good. I would only suggest using them as a very last resort b/c there are a lot easier and less harmful ways to train just about any behavior. If you are going to get one then you need to find a trainer who is well versed in their use and can help you use them.
Used in the wrong way you could do a lot of damage to your dog and his relationship with you.
Chris asks…
How can I help my antisocial dog?
My husband and I adopted a 4-year-old boxer from his coworkers because they recently had a baby, and the dog was very jealous. When we first got Sadie, she was very sweet. In fact, she is still an angel with us. But as time goes on, we have realized that Sadie is VERY jealous, VERY territorial, and is just not very socialized at all. It seems that those people did not ever have her around other dogs OR children.
Is there any way to socialize the dog at this stage? Some people have suggested that I get one of the training collars, and deliver a small shock via remote every time she is aggressive (when we are walking, usually). Does anyone agree/disagree or have any other suggestions? This is a very large dog, 70 pounds, and though she does not try to bite, she is very loud and menacing. Please help!
admin answers:
Yes, you should be able to socialize this dog at her age. Shock collars do not train dogs – they mask the problem and are great for people too lazy to teach their dogs anything.
If you can find a really good obedience class with trainers who understand dogs (and the important thing here is that they treat dogs as individuals, not those who only know 1 method and use it no matter the dog’s temperament), take her to classes. But what I would do is start her off at home.
How is she with kids? Is she actually aggressive? Does she growl to warm them away? Is it because she isn’t used to kids and is using it as self-defense? Is she ok with older kids but not with young ones? A good behaviourist might be the best solution for you because they can see the dog in a situation and will be able to read her to determine why she’s doing what she’s doing, from there you can fix it.
If you’re experienced with dogs, you should be able to do it yourselves. Don’t leave her alone with any kids, gauge her reactions. With other dogs, you can’t take her to a dog park, but you can get her used to walking on leash near other dogs on leash. She’ll pick up on your body language – if you tense up, tighten the leash, etc., she’ll think there’s a reason and it encourages her to act aggressively. You need to keep her close to you but be very calm, talk to her, distract her and give her lots of praise and/or treats for any good behaviour.
If she doesn’t like you having visitors, you need to make that into a good experience for her. Let her greet them at the door – they are not to talk to her, pet her or make eye contact with her until after she’s done sniffing. They can then pet her if she’s willing, maybe offer her treats and she’ll learn that new people are a good thing. It’s hard to give too much advice without actually seeing how she interacts with other people or dogs.
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