Dog training collars, tips and tricks

It is often mentioned here and on other sites that various collars are barbaric, out dated relics of a period in dog training when we leaned on dominance in lieu of understanding. Yet, for all of that, on an episode of the Dog Whisperer today I watched Cesar Millan use both a choke collar and a shock collar to aid in conditioning dogs with behavior problems. 

Folks, the debate will never end. Collars of this nature have been alternately condemned or praised depending on which side of the fence you might find yourself, but Cesar Millan’s use of such dog training collars will, I hope, give opponents pause. 

First, Cesar is a professional. This is what he does for a living and his methods are successful. I don’t doubt his clients would gladly attest to his effective use of both dog psychology AND training collars in successfully curing problem behavior. Victoria Stilwell of It’s Me or the Dog fame strikes me as one person who might cringe at the use of such training devices. Victoria relies heavily on canine psychology in her training. Her techniques are unquestionably sound and proven, but then so are Cesar’s. 

The fact that many trainers do use choke, prong and shock collars in their training, in my opinion, serves as at least an endorsement of their reliability. But as stated in my previous post on choke collars, a professional’s skill and experience are what limits the potential for psychological or physical harm. What you have to decide as an owner is if you can emulate their technique and master the same level of patience Victoria manages before using one of these dog training devices. 

When I mention emulating the pros, I want you to focus on quick, timely correction followed by quick, timely neutrality followed, ultimately, by praise and reward. In the case of choke and prong collars, your objective is a quick, sharp snap of the lead, NOT a brutal jerk on the leash. This is the correction element and it should happen the moment your dog initiates the unwanted behavior. 

Learn to recognize the triggers that lead to the bad behavior and anticipate that you may time the correction well. Aggressive posturing, tension of the body or rigid dominance stances are just some of the clues you are looking for. The instant you see such behavior, snap the lead and include a verbal queue. Cesar makes a short, sharp hiss like “HSSST!” Victoria’s audible queue of choice as a loud, clipped “AH AH!” Both help enforce the physical correction of the collar and will help you gradually transition away from a dog training collar as your voice alone will serve as an effective correction.   

Next, regardless what type of collar you use, immediately stop the correction when the behavior has been modified. Don’t depend on a long pull on the leash or drag your dog away. Focus on short, sharp corrections. If the behavior continues, give another short, sharp correction. Keep doing so until you see the behavior you desire. 

Finally, when your dog begins to show signs he’s “getting it,” be sure to reward. Some will argue the benefits of food rewards vs. affection rewards but it’s entirely up to you and either is fine depending on your dog’s response. I, for example, own two rescues. One loves praise and affection. The other is much more staid and, while appreciative of affection when we’re playing, responds far better to food rewards when we are training. Use what works, just remember the sequence; Correct, neutrally observe for improved behavior, reward. 

To paraphrase the Dog Whisperer, in a dog’s world there are either leaders or followers. Nobody is a neutral party. If you aren’t assuming the role of a leader then you are your dog’s follower (in his eyes). It is your job to be your dog’s leader and give him the rules to follow. If you fail to do this you risk your happiness, your dog’s happiness, your family’s happiness and very well might lose the dog should he ever bite somebody. You can be pals when it’s play time. The rest of the time, remember who the boss HAS to be.