by Carol M. Jolley
Periodically the distinction between management and restraint is lost. Using commands and hand gestures, with harnesses or food rewards, to stimulate wanted behavior is discipline. Using choke or shock collars, electronic boundaries and related devices is for control of unwanted behaviors.
Constraint and the use of control devices isn't unavoidably a negative factor. Dogs naturally have and look for a community hierarchy in which someone is the boss and in any human-dog pair the person has to take that position. Sometimes control tools are called for to establish that hierarchy. If not established, the result will be property destruction, potentially unhealthy state of affairs for other animals and humans, human disappointment and an erratic dog.
Choke collars were conceived to help in getting control. Dogs are like humans in that each has their own character and traits. Some are, as a result, more assertive or slower to learn. For ones that don't react positively to a conventional leather or nylon collar, a metal choke collar can supply additional deterrence to tugging and leaping.
The potential drawback is that choke collars, when used clumsily - all too simple to do - can give you results you didn't want and also be dangerous. Choke collars fit only one way and when suitably fitted should make allowance for a one to three fingers space between the neck and the collar - three for larger dogs, one for smaller. Ordinarily a collar two inches longer than the measurement around the neck will suffice.
If used poorly, correction collars can rub the skin - producing irritated areas that your dog will likely scratch and make worse. These collars can also accidentally depress the windpipe. An instantaneous pull-and-release does no harm, however. Its intention is to generate unpleasant pressure. But for dogs that aggressively challenge the lead this action is probably not enough. Generally, overuse of this type of collar is not approved of, notably for smaller dogs.
Prong collars are less hazardous than they appear, but have almost no positive characteristics -in this trainer's opinion. The only good aspect of the structure is their limited diameter - they can only clinch down so far. Nonetheless, a critter with such a strong-willed tendency to pull that prongs do not deter him cries out for a re-thinking of his whole training regime. That animal requires persistent training and behavior modification manipulation.
Halter collars, which encircle the neck and the snout, but don't hamper panting or impair drinking, can give further restraint. The downside is they don't assuage biting if that's a problem. If biting is not a concern an ordinary leash and collar, or perhaps a chest halter might be preferred.
'No-bark' collars can at various times work successfully with those animals that insist on barking long after the initial reason to bark is gone. Barking is a straightforward response to potential danger and is also used to draw attention when one becomes distant from the pack community. But, for reasons not well perceived, some dogs continue barking for indefinite periods of time or at the most insignificant provocation.
Behavior modification equipment that discourages barking comes in several varieties, most notable noise and shock. Noise collars create an abbreviated, displeasing sound that diverts attention and tends to deter constant barking.
Shock collars generate a temporary but unpleasant electric shock that is repeated during long-continuing or obstinate barking. Non-subjective evaluations of their efficiency disclose mixed results, however. As with prong collars, any dog who is a candidate for one would profit more from knowledgeable, experienced training to determine the psychological reasons for excessive barking.
Now and then quick fixes are appealing and worthwhile... until they become replacements for more constructive (both to trainer and dog) long-term management. Making the effort to understand how to access your dog's focused attention and cooperativeness without disproportionate reliance on control equipment is better. The usual effect is happier trainers and more well adjusted dogs.
Learn how to select the correct <a href="http://www.dogbeddingstore.com/index.php?cPath=1">Dog Bedding</a> for your dog. Don't allow <a href="http://dogtrainingbasicsonline.com/puppy-potty-training.html">Puppy Potty Training</a> become a time consuming or tedious experience.. Also published at <a href="http://www.uberarticles.com/home.php?id=102733&p=52217">Good and Bad of Dog Management Devices</a>.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Good and Bad of Dog Management Devices
Author: Carol M. Jolley
Email: yahme12@yahoo.com
Keywords: dog bedding,dog beds,pet beds,pet supplies,puppy potty training,dog training,pets,home,family,hobbies
Word Count: 652
Category: Hobbies
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