Training Tools Intention Behind Tools n Remember that

Training Tools

Intention Behind Tools n Remember that in the wrong hands ANY tool can become a weapon! n Regardless of your choice, you need to have the proper intent. n If unsure about any tool, get instruction or guidance BEFORE you implement n No tool should cause pain to or harm your animal

n Simple Leash n Prong Collar n Flexi Leash n Bark Collar n Choke Chain n Citronella Collar n Harnesses n Noise Makers n Halti/Gentle Leader n Spray Bottles n Muzzle n Electronic Collar

The Simple Leash • Keeps dog from running away • Needs to be used correctly • More effective when placed high on dog’s head • Dog should walk next to, or behind you!

Flexi Leash n Originally designed for tracking purposes n Defeats purpose of pack mentality n Dog can accomplish same “reading newspaper” with a regular leash n May cause harm to dog/human/others!

The Choke Chain n Name gives negative connotation n NOT designed to choke or even momentarily stop air supply! n Designed to send message of correction through a split-second pull to the side. n Gives dog message to “wake-up” and pay attention to handler!

Chains in general n Bigger doesn’t mean better n Even “bully” breeds can be managed with small chains if their owner is Alpha! (Interesting fact: dogs with large necks and lean bodies are poor fighters!) n Heavy chains cause head and neck problems n Should not be used to secure an animal in a yard (This is cruel and can lead to aggression problems) n A dog chained in a yard becomes frustrated and is 3 x more likely to bite a person than one left loose in an enclosed space.

Harnesses n Invented for tracking and pulling purposes n Not created for control! n Great for dogs with breathing problems n Dogs without proper leash training can instinctively become pullers in a harness n Can actually make a muscular dog stronger!

The Halti/Gentle Leader n Works best on long-nosed dogs n Can be uncomfortable/traumatic n Designed to tighten around muzzle and initiate relaxation response from dog n Dogs can use front paws to remove n “Julie” tucked head and didn’t allow control

Muzzles

Muzzles n Not a natural feeling for the dog n Created to prevent biting another person/dog n Should be used short-term n Natural instinct is to fight a muzzle n Make introduction as pleasant as possible (first introduction should be when animal is relaxed and has been exercised thoroughly) n NOT thirsty or overheated!!!

The Prong Collar n Negative connotation when called “pinch” n Designed to simulate “bite” of mother dog n When used correctly, can be VERY effective n Not necessary for obedient dog n Should NOT be left on as permanent collar n Now come with plastic “teeth” or protective covers to prevent injury to dog

The Electronic Collar n May save your pet’s life if used correctly n Always set at lowest setting noticed by the dog n Doesn’t actually shock, simply unnatural feeling n Should NEVER cause pain to dog n May jump or be startled by sensation n NOT designed for permanent use n Proper results = collar on dog 10 h/d x 3 m n Keep remote with you at all times to avoid falling into wrong hands

Bark Collars n Remember an obsessive barker is usually a dog not given proper exercise! n Get a collar that uses more than a microphone. These may correct when it’s not the dog barking! n Do not leave on the dog when you’re not home. n Modern collars are vibration sensitive, and are much more effective

Citronella Collars n May be more effective for obsessive barkers n Encourage dog to stop barking and breathe to eliminate unpleasant odor. n Can be replaced by “dummy” collar once correction has been established. n Temporary measure, not for long-term use n “Bentley” was a citronella “junky” n Consistency is vital. Dog may realize when collar is not present

Noise-making Devices n Not very effective n Must be very clever as dogs’ hearing is very keen n NEVER use to make contact with dog. Dog will learn to fear/bite hand holding newspaper and eventually all hands. n Can backfire on you and dog associates bad noise with you instead of inappropriate behavior.

Spray/Squirt Bottles n Only about 40% effective n Not 100% safe. (strong stream can cause eye/ear problems) n Not natural to dogs n May associate you with bottle and become afraid n Can also be misinterpreted as play!