This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of dog training – leash or collar style of training. Other articles will focus on the other popular style of training dogs, often called reward training or positive reinforcement.
Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around for a very long time, and they have each proven their effectiveness over time.
The kind of training that works best will change from dog to dog, and from breed to breed.
It is an important factor to remember that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by hundreds of years of selective breeding.
Of course temperament of individual dogs vary quite a bit, even within established breeds.
You, as the ownerof your dog, know better than anyone else which style of dog training will work best, so it is very 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 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 will benefit greatly from proper leash and collar training.
In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be used, ranging from light prompts with the lead
to very harsh tug type corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate to the situation, since using too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective.
In a collar and Lead based dog training program, first the dog is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After the dog has demonstrated that it is familiar with the command, the leash is then used to correct the dog if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The lead is the main form of controlling and communicating with the dog in leash and collar training.
When using leash and collar training, the dog must be trained to trust the handler and accept his or her directions without distrust. 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.
It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand that the lead is simply a tool. While the leash is an important tool in this form of training, 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 ability, the dog should be willing to obey. Creating a leader/follower relationship between handler and dog is still very important, and it is importantto use the leash as a tool and not a crutch. A properly trained dog should be willing to obey whether the leash is present or not.
There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the one that works best for you is important for creating a dog that is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family.
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