The Types of Dog Training Collars

Usually one of the first tasks in dog obedience training is teaching the animal how to properly walk beside its handler. There are various types of dog training collars available to teach not only walking skills, but correct other problems such as excessive barking, jumping and aggression toward other dogs. Choosing the right training collar depends on various factors such as the size and personality of the dog. While a choke collar might work for a large stubborn dog as a boxer, it wouldn't be a wise choice for a smaller and more fragile breed such as a Chihuahua.

  1. Choke Collars

    • Choke collars are metal collars consisting of connecting links with large round rings attached to both ends. Handlers make corrections by tugging quickly on the leash, causing the collar to close on the dog's neck. Choke collars are only used for training purposes and should never be left on a dog's neck when unsupervised as choking can result.

    Prong Collars

    • Prong collars, which consist of metal links with prongs that protrude inward, work similar to choke collars. The collar should sit behind the ears and underneath the jaw line. After a leash is attached to the prong collar, a handler can pull on the collar, causing it to contract. Thus, the collar forces the dog to behave by digging into its flesh.

    Martingale Collars

    • The Martingale collar works similar to choke and prone collars, but is considered safer and gentler. The collar is mostly flat nylon, including a small chain link portion sitting on a dog's upper neck. Only the chain part of the collar contracts when the owner pulls the leash. This allows a handler the ability to gain control of the dog, applying needed corrections. The animal is never harmed or becomes constrictive because it lacks the ability to contract to a smaller size than the dog's neck.

    Gentle Leaders

    • Gentle Leaders, which are considered to be more humane than coke collars, are head halters that apply pressure to the back of a dog's neck instead of the throat. Unlike traditional harnesses which encourage a dog to pull, the Gentle Leader steers a dog to the handler's side, redirecting the dog's attention back to the handler. Besides stopping leash pulling, the Gentle Leader helps to control jumping, barking, chewing and begging.

    Electric Collars

    • Electric collars correct behavior by shocking the dog. Some electric collars have remote devices for a handler to apply electric corrections when they need to correct their dog's wrong behaviors. Electric collars can train dogs to stop barking and not go beyond their property boundaries. When a dog does approach a property boundary or barks, the collar corrects the behavior by shocking the animal.

    Considerations and Warning

    • According to Dog-Training-Tips.com a training collar is the right size if it fits snugly and comfortably over a dog's head. A training collar shouldn't be either too tight or loose. Also, a collar shouldn't be too long because more skill is needed in using it than one that's shorter.