My Training Notes

Collars and Leashes



Persons visiting this web site are probably familiar with the do's and don'ts of training leashes. Here is a brief reminder that the training leash should be leather, cotton, or soft nylon. Slender leashes are generally more comfortable to the hand than thick wide leashes. Chain leashes are unsatisfactory for three reasons: 1) They are too heavy. 2) They are slack and do not allow for precise control. 3) They tear the hand when the dog pulls.

Retractable leashes are too cumbersome and do not allow for precise control when training your dog. But note that I like retractable leashes when walking my dogs for recreation and exercise.

If you are using a chain training collar, fit is very important. Collars that are too large will hang down and hit the dog on the knee, especially if the snap on the leash is large and heavy. If you have a young puppy, be resigned to the fact that you will need to buy several collars as he or she grows. Take heart because these expenditures will be very minor contributions to the cumulative expense of caring for your dog.

You may find the following information useful:

Dog Owner's Guide: The Prong Collar
Prong collars and some information about their use. Janice Frasche
Training With The Prong Collar by Suzanne Clothier AKC Gazette August 1988

Prong Collar
Sylvia's Tack Box specializes in small dog equipment including Micro Prong Collars. Also, here and here.

Alternatives to the prong collar are the Halti, Halt, and Gentle Leader Headcollar (formerly known as the Promise Headcollar).

The Problem With Head Halters by Suzanne Clothier

You will find more collar info in Fur Damage and Pulling on Leash.