In my humble opinion, there are many, many tools that you can use for training dogs and animals in general. Every one of them has a proper and improper use and all can be used in an appropriate or an abusive manner. I posted an article about collar and harnesses by Dr. Sophia Yin today and I recommend that you take a look at this for a more in depth look at the types as well us their uses and misuses.
Here is a quick link to the article: http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/which-types-of-collars-and-harnesses-are-safe-for-your-dog
Things to think about when selecting your training tools:
1. What are my dog training goals? If you have a little apartment dog that occasionally goes on walks, your goals are probably much different than those of a person who has a large breed dog that goes hiking or a dog that will be competing in obedience, agility or nose work.
2. What breed of dog do you have? Different breeds may need different types of reinforcement and encouragement and this should be reflected in the type of training tools you select.
3. What is your dog's body type? Short necked, smooshed face dogs, which are more prone to breathing problems and even collapsing tracheas need to not have a choke chain used and may want to consider a prong collar instead, if this type of tool is needed. Dr. Yin recommends a front attaching type of harness for these types of dogs, and for many dogs in general. Most pet stores have staff that will assist you in finding the right harness for your pooch and I recommend you take advantage of this to avoid an ill-fitting or loose harness.
4. What tool are YOU comfortable using? It is important that you be compfortable with the tool you are using. It does not do your dog any good if you have a prong collar and every time you pop them for correction with it, you feel the need to pet and apologize for doing so. Talk about conflicting information!
Along these same lines, try to research the breed traits of the dog you are considering before purchasing. Find out about their intelligence and trainability so you will be aware of what training may look like for that dog. A first time dog owner may not want to be getting a breed that tends to be strong willed and requires an experienced trainer. Smart dogs pick up quickly on who is confident and in charge and who is not. I just finished observing an obedience class and one of the owners had a very handsome, imported German Shepard pup. I have to wonder if he was her first dog, or maybe just not the right dog for her because he ignored her commands through most of the class. He barked CONSTANTLY and she would tell him no...while petting him. Again, conflicting information -- the soft no with petting just reinforced the behavior. The master trainer stepped in, with body language and a NO that actually sounded like he meant it, one quick pop on the soft buckle collar (it may have been a martingale type), and no more barking. The point is that this dog needs an owner that can be more firm in her directions, both positive and negative, and she had a very difficult time providing that. Kudos to her for trying to do the training class, but you also have to be willing to listen to the trainer in order to get anything out of the class. Our master trainer sits down first class and tells everyone point blank what is going to be learned and his training philosophy. We all need to find tools that fit with our beliefs, then find a class (tool) that we are comfortable with.
5. What is your training philosophy? Yes, you can train many dogs with a simple buckle collar and treats. It will take you much longer and some dogs may decide not to listen if they do not feel you have a treat that is not worth listening to you for. Running around chasing bunnies and cats tends to be more interesting to some dogs than the DOWN~STAY and that little treat you have. The "NO!", even if firmly given, may never over-ride a dog's strong prey drive, no matter how many treats you offer or clicks on the clicker you give. If you are not sure what your training philosophy is, or if what you are doing is not working, explore other methods and training styles with an open mind. You may end up following one style or you may create a style all your own with a few tools from a variety of methods.
My ever evolving training philosophy is one that involves a mix of tools and methods. I use positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and even punishment if the situation warrants it. Methods and
tools used depend on the dog, what is being taught, and where they are in learning a particular skill. Although both of our dogs are sweet and loving and eager to please, the 10 month old giant breed BRT /mastiff mix requires a much firmer correction than the Aussie mix. Our training methods vary for each of our dogs due to age, breed, and individual temperament. I use buckle collars, choke collars, pinch collars and even an electric collar when needed. I also praise, give treats and reward the little steps in the right direction. I prefer to enable success by breaking down the behavior I am seeking and rewarding little successes. However, I will not hesitate to give a correction when needed at the level needed.
Training tools and methods tend to be controversial and, unfortunately, people can get carried away defending their beliefs. In my humble opinion, until you are asked, it is best to keep your views to yourself when you are out and about. I tend to find it rather annoying when a young trainer at one of the large pet stores gives me a dirty look because my 90lb dog is wearing a pinch collar --- and then proceeds to show me how my dog can sit by putting a treat above her head. They do not know my dog, her history, her breed or her temperament and, by the way, she learned how to sit with treats and positive reinforcement a long time ago. Be open minded but stand up for your beliefs and be true to your inner trainer!
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