Dog Walking Equipment

The dog collar can be worn by dogs for walking, training, restraining, to identify them or even in some cases as a fashion accessory. But for what ever the reason your dog wears its collar it is an essential tool for owning a dog and its use and type should be a considered judgement before you go out and purchase one. Dog collars come in many different sizes, styles and colors and have many different features to them. Although you as the owner of the dog may want a favorite color or even a cool looking collar, it is vitally important to choose a collar that is the best one for your dogs specific needs.

Some have buckles, clasps, break away features and lots more besides. There are also harnesses that fit into this category. Choosing the right one can be very time consuming, but what cannot be overstressed is the importantce of having the right collar for your dog, after all this will be the tool used to make you’re an obedient member of your pack.
You may even want to bring your dog with you while you are shopping for the perfect collar and leash, it is important to try different ones on your dog to see which is the perfect fit for your best friend.
As with all types of collars a proper fit is of vital importance and will ensure the dog gets the full benefit. Non-slip collars should be loose enough to allow you to fit two fingers between the collar and the neck of the dog (without choking the dog). In order to get the full benefits from slip/choke collars, prong collars, head halters and harnesses they should ideally be fitted with the help of a professional not the stockperson at the pet store, but someone who is experienced in their use, improperly fitted collars will result in incorrect usage, or at worst can damage the your dog both mentally and physically.

It is however felt by many professional dog trainers that the best training collar should be no collar at all. Further to this it is said that if you start out training your dog on a collar, the dog may learn that it has to obey only when the collar is on. Collars should be considered a very effective training aid.
Below are listed all the different types of collars currently available, in depth
information on each individual collars follows:

·Everyday Collar
·Break-away Collar
·Slip Collar
·Limited Slip Collar
·Head Collar
·Harness
·Martingale Collar
·Chain Slip Collar
·Metal Prong Collar
·Electronic Collar

Anything other than a flat buckle or quick-release collar should only ever be used for training sessions, and your goal should always be to move away from needing the training collar as soon as is practicable for both you and your dog. However it is very important to realise that a "trained" dog that will only obey commands when wearing a collar is not trained a “trained” dog at all.

By: Sam Carter

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sam Carter has produced a Dog Obedience e-book that will help solve the most common dog behavior problems quickly & easily, thanks to powerful insider information thousands of dog owners worldwide have been successful with their dog training, and solved their dog's behavior problems. To download it instantly visit www.dogobedienceexpert.com For more Tips to help you improve your dogs behavior Click Here