Dog Training - Pros and Cons of Control Tools...

Occasionally the difference between training and control is too quickly lost. Using commands and hand gestures, with leashes or treats, to solicit desired behavior is training. Using choke or 'no-bark' collars, electronic fences and similar devices is for control.

Control isn't necessarily a bad thing. Dogs to be sure have and seek a social hierarchy in which one is the alpha (chief) and in any human-dog pair the human has to take that role. The alternative is property wrecking, risky circumstances for dogs and humans, human frustration and a maladjusted dog.

Choke collars were designed to help in gaining control. Dogs, just like humans, are individuals. Some are naturally more assertive or slower to learn. For ones that don't respond to a regular leather or nylon collar, a metal choke collar can furnish extra discouragement from pulling and leaping.
The potential downside is that, used badly - all too easy to do - they can be counter-productive and even dangerous.

Choke collars fit only one way and when fitted should allow from one to three fingers gap between the neck and the collar. Three for bigger dogs, one for smaller. Commonly a collar two inches longer than the neck circumference will do.

Used improperly, though, choke collars can pinch the skin - producing hot spots that scratching will make worse. They can also accidentally compress the trachea. An instantaneous pull-and-release isn't damaging, though by design produces discomfort, but for dogs that tend to pull against the leash this movement is difficult to do. Generally not recommended, particularly for tinier dogs.

Prong collars are less dangerous than they look, but - in this trainer's view - have almost no positive characteristics. The only good point of view of the design is their limited diameter - they can only close down so far. Regardless, an animal having such a strong inclination to pull that prongs look appealing needs more than a hasty fix consisting of choking and poking. That creature needs dedicated attention and behavior alteration training.

Halter collars, which wrap around the neck and the muzzle, but don't stop panting or impair drinking can provide extra control. The downside is, since they don't limit biting or grasping, half their possible value is gone. An ordinary leash and collar, or even a chest halter might be preferable.

'No-bark' collars can on occasion help with those animals that persevere in barking long after the initial impetus is gone. Barking is a normal reply to likely threats and is also used to draw attention when one becomes split from the pack. But, for reasons not sufficiently understood, some individuals carry on barking for long periods or at the least provocation.

Electronic collars that discourage barking come in two types: noise and shock. Noise collars produce a short, unpleasant sound that distracts and tends to discourage continued barking.

Shock collars generate a short but painful electric shock that can be repeated and lengthy during prolonged or persistent barking. Objective tests of their effectiveness show varied results, though. As with prong collars, any dog needing one would profit more from careful, professional help.

Sometimes quick fixes are enticing and useful... until they turn out substitutes for more useful (both to trainer and dog) long-term training. Taking the time to understand to get your dog's attention and compliance without excessive dependence on control devices is preferred. The results are saner trainers and happier dogs.

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