Dog training - Leash and Collar training
There are many different styles of dog training, and
finding the one that works best for you is important
for creating a dog that is a talented, loyal and faithful
member of the family. All successful methods of dog
training work to reinforce the relationship between
dog and handler, and the foundation of any successful
training program is getting the respect of the dog.
Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders,
and to follow the direction of those leaders.
This article focuses on one of the most popular methods
of dog training – the so called leash/collar style of
training. Other articles will focus on the other popular
style of training dogs, often called reward training
or positive reinforcement.
Both leash/collar training and reward training have
been around for a very long time, and they have proven
their effectiveness over time. The type of training
that works best will vary from dog to dog, and from
breed to breed. It is important to remember that each
breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced
by hundreds of years of selective breeding.
Of course personalities of individual dogs vary quite
a bit, even within established breeds. You, as the owner
of the dog, know better than anyone which style of dog
training will work best, so it is important to work
with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal of
a willing, obedient and friendly dog.
Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish
many types of dog training, particularly in situations
where the dog must have a high level of reliability.
For instance, dogs that have an important job to do,
such as rescue dogs, police dogs and guard dogs, generally
benefit from leash and collar training.
In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force
can be used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead
to very harsh corrections. The amount of correction
used should be appropriate to the situation, since using
too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective.
In a collar and leash based dog training program, first
the dog is taught a particular behavior, generally with
the leash. After the dog has demonstrated that it understands
the command, the leash is then used to correct the dog
if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The leash
is the main form of controlling and communicating with
the dog in leash and collar training.
When using leash and collar training, the dog must
be trained to trust the handler and accept his or her
directions without question. In order for the dog to
be fully trained, the handler must demonstrate the ability
to place the dog into a posture or position he or she
does not want to take. This does not mean using force,
but it does generally require some level of physical
manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and safely
done using the main tool of leash and collar training
– the leash.
It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand
that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash is
an important tool in this form of training, it is important
for the dog trainer to be able to eventually achieve
the same results using whatever tools are at hand.
Even when the only tools at hand are the owner’s body
and skill, the dog should be willing to obey. Creating
a leader/follower relationship between handler and dog
is still very important, and it is important to use
the leash as a tool and not a crutch. A properly trained
dog should be willing to obey whether the leash is present
or not.
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