The Dog Shouter

Training Equipment

Miracle or Tool?

I had a telephone conversation today with someone that purchased one of my collars. She was worried her dog would “choke” itself when she walked past other dogs which was his particular achilles heel. Dogs don’t choke themselves, people choke their dogs. A training collar, no matter the kind is just a tool and tools can be used to build things or clumsily wielded do nothing or worse do harm. Although I’ve never seen it happen my collar used incorrectly might cause harm. For instance if left on the dog unsupervised and it became hung up. Wielder of the tool is the problem, not the tool. Same deal with traditional chain chokers, prong/pinch collars, martingale collars etc. If there’s harm done it is due to handler error. An exception in my view is the so called Gentle Leader, Halti and similar snout collars as they’re designed to twist a dog’s neck to the left or right. If the dog doesn’t heed to pain it impacts the dog’s cervical vertebrae. That’s why they work and part of the reason so many dogs detest them. Collars needn’t be used as corrective devices. They should be used to get a dog’s attention so it can be corrected or rewarded. They are a tool used in the process of teaching a dog how to exert self-control. Ideally a point should come when they are unnecessary however the average dog owner will continue using them if for no other reason then an insurance policy for the unexpected. They hope they’ll never need it but if disaster strikes, they’re glad they have it.

That’s why I’ve started including an instruction booklet on how to teach a dog to loose leash heel. Not for the obedience competition handler but for people like I have become. I just want to go on lots of walks with my dog wherever I want to go, regardless of distractions and always come back with both of my arms the same length.

-jw