There are many different styles of dog training, such as leash and collar training. Finding the one that works best for you is important for creating a dog that is a talented, loyal and a faithful member of the family.
Let’s dive right in.
A Look at Leash and Collar Training
All successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the relationship between dog and handler.
And the foundation of any successful training program is getting the respect of the dog.
Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders. And to follow the direction of those leaders. This plays well into leash and collar training.
Leash and Collar Training is Popular
This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of dog training – the so called leash and collar style of training.
Other articles will focus on the other popular style of training dogs, often called reward training or positive reinforcement.
Very Long
Both leash and collar training and reward training have been around for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness over time.
The type of training that works best will vary from dog to dog, and from breed to breed.
It is important to remember that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by hundreds of years of selective breeding.
Personalities Vary
Of course personalities of individual dogs vary quite a bit, even within established breeds. So you need to keep this in mind when training with your dog.
You, as the owner of the dog, know better than anyone which style of dog training will work best.
So it is important to work with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly dog.
Leash and Collar Training is the Best Way
Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many types of dog training. Particularly in situations where the dog must have a high level of reliability.
For instance, dogs that have an important job to do, such as rescue dogs, police dogs and guard dogs, generally benefit from this type of training.
Leash and Collar Training involves Degrees of Force
In training, varying degrees of force can be used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh corrections.
The amount of correction used should be appropriate to the situation. Since using too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective.
Particular Behavior
In a collar and leash based dog training program, first the dog is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash.
After the dog has demonstrated that it understands the command, the leash is then used to correct the dog if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake.
Main Form
The leash is the main form of controlling and communicating with the dog in leash and collar training.
When using a leash, the dog must be trained to trust the handler and accept his or her directions without question.
Fully Trained
In order for the dog to be fully trained, the handler must demonstrate the ability to place the dog into a posture or position he or she does not want to take.
This does not mean using force, but it does generally require some level of physical manipulation.
This manipulation is most easily and safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training – the leash.
Simply a Tool
It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand that the leash is simply a tool.
While the leash is an important tool, it is important for the dog trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using whatever tools are at hand.
Even when the only tools at hand are the owner’s body and skill, the dog should be willing to obey.
Leader and Follower
Creating a leader/follower relationship between handler and dog is still very important. And it is important to use the leash as a tool and not a crutch.
Be Willing
After completing leash and collar training a properly trained dog should be willing to obey whether the leash is present or not.
Now I’d like to hear from you.
If you found this post on Leash and Collar Training informative please share it on social media through the buttons on this page and/or leave a comment below. Thank You For Reading!
