Articles

Equipment

Available equipment ranges from regular buckle or snap collars, martingale collars, choke (or check) chains, prong collars, several types of head halters plus various body harnesses. What a poor reflection on mankind that some of the items mentioned require nothing more than the use of brawn, as opposed to the use of the owner’s brain, to train their chosen companion. The common thought was that man merely had to prove to the dog just who was in charge.

Each piece of equipment has its place in the training world, provided it is used in a proper non-abusive manner. It is unfortunate, that all too often owners go into a store and purchase equipment on the advice of an employee who, like them, has no idea of its correct fit or use. Improperly fitted equipment does more harm than good, for both the owner and their relationship with their companion.

Martingale collars have a limited closing when fitted around the dog’s neck, they do not operate on the same principal as a choke chain or check collar. Choke chains or check collars are rarely used in the proper manner by the average owner. The ability to “use and release” all too often becomes the equivalent of either continuous nagging or a slow strangulation motion which does nothing but cause great discomfort, if not pain, to the wearer. A choke chain type collar should not be left on a dog. These are not self limiting collars (meaning if you pull tight enough these collars will continue to close), as such they are sometimes the very tool which, along with the ignorance of the owner, causing tracheal injuries or even the death of a dog.

The mere sight of a prong collar causes many to shudder, they are however, more humane because they are self limiting and as such less damaging when correctly fitted! The number of dogs we meet with prong collars which are incorrectly fitted or used is cause for major concern. When used as the collar of choice, the fit needs checking with every single use. We often encounter owners who have purchased such a device and then proceed to inform us that ‘even corrections are not working’. NEVER should ANY correction be carried out when a prong collar is in use!!!.

Buckle, or snap fastening collars are not only the type of collar which the dog should be wearing on a daily basis but also the collar of choice for our method of training. Head collars or head harnesses are popular and often advised as they allow the management of larger and headstrong breeds by not so strong people. The two popular types available differ in that one has the ability to become a regular extension of the dog’s leash, whilst the other can only ever be used as a head halter. We, like so many owners and trainers, prefer the first style way above the second. It is still however, a management tool, in use while training takes place.

A body harness is yet another piece of equipment. We have been involved in extensive discussion between trainers and an academic who advocates use of the “stop the dog from pulling whilst walking” type of harness and for the most part the advocate was unable to provide sufficient proof or reasoning as to why such a device ever needed to be purchased. Having said that, we are familiar with both restricted, as opposed to non-restricted styles of harness. One is used when pulling sleds or weights, the other worn by a dog who is actively engaged in tracking.

A good rule of thumb is to take the advice of the experienced breeder or your chosen trainer but never ever, do something to or with your dog, unless you are completely comfortable that ‘this’ is for you.

Most owners are blissfully unaware that there is no legislation regarding who may or may not advertise their services as a trainer. We see advertising to the effect that ‘certification’ has been granted - by whom and with what background? (British Columbia is, to our knowledge, the only province to offer and recognise a college course for would be trainers).

Eileen