When you first get your new dog it can be a confusing time. There are so many dog supplies to purchase and there are so many varieties of each item that it is difficult to know what to get. When it comes to training dog collars there are several types, each have their pros and cons. Here is a list of the most common training dog collars and their descriptions:
Head halter or Halti training dog collar. This is a training tool that slips over the dog’s head and helps the dog not pull on the leash. For beginning dog owners it can be helpful as it can easily train a dog to walk on a loose leash. The problem is that it serves as a ‘band aid’.
The dog doesn’t really learn not to pull on the leash; he simply learns not to pull when the leash is on.
Body harness. While this is not a training dog collar it is a tool that is often substituted by many dog owners. This is usually not a good training tool. A harness actually encourages a dog to pull on the leash and can make leash walking a major chore. Flat or buckle collar. The flat or buckle collar is a great collar for hanging ID tags but is not a very useful training dog collar. It allows very little leverage when attempting to work with a dog and is better suited to hold tags. Choke chain or slip collar.
This is a very traditional collar with many proponents and many who dislike this tool. One must be careful as this collar can cause physical damage if used improperly or over too long of a period.
Prong collar or pinch collar. Perhaps the harshest looking yet most misunderstood of all training collars. The pinch collar doesn’t actually pinch at all and can be a very humane tool if it is used under proper guidance and training.
When picking out a training dog collar you must first evaluate your training goals and style and pick which is the best for you and your dog.
