Training is a quality of life issue for pets…What training tools are recommended and should be avoided?
I’ve included in the following a list of recommended dog training tools and dog-training tools that should be avoided. The recommendation was published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2006) and presented at the Advanced Behavior Course at the North American Veterinary Conference, Post Graduate Institute
However, many dog owners are unaware of these recommendations and continue to use Flexi-Leads even though professional dog trainers do not use them. However, given the right instruction, proper size Flexi-Lead, owners can learn to navigate their dog effectively. I have created the following video demonstrating how a professional trainer can use them. If you still prefer using this tool but still struggle to manage your pulling dog, you can get help from a professional dog trainer. However, these devices can be very problematic, dangerous and not used properly do encourage inappropriate dog manners and behavior.
Often, owners are unsuccessful teaching their dog to walk nicely on lead struggling as their dog takes them for their walks. Often owners succumb to their dogs pulling and relieve their anxiety using a retractable lead (Flexi-Lead) as a way to solve this problem. This is incorrect thinking, you still have a pulling dog, and you don’t have control over your dogs behavior, this can create a community problem when you don’t have your dog under control. A dog pulling you on walks says a lot about your relationship you have with your companion dog.
As you watch the video notice, Darwin IS walking with me, often looking for cues. When training different behaviors you must be careful how much lead is extracted and when retracting, this is done carefully to avoid snapping your dog and/or causing him to change position. There is an example included. There may have been a slight pull during a down stay causing Darwin to stand up; I simply correct him, getting him back into down position. This is unlikely to occur using a long line!
I also prefer using a Flexi-lead larger than recommended; I’m using a Flex-lead for dogs exceeding 100 lbs. It’s my experience the small Flexi-leads are too flimsy providing little to nothing to actually hold and control. I recommend if you are going to use these products that you learn how to use them properly as well as buy an adequate size for full control.
Additionally, Darwin has no problem doing any common behaviors, sit, down, stay, even roll over. I make one correction associated with attention, followed by releasing all tension between the lead, my dog and myself. The same is done using any type lead!
I am not advocating using Flexi-leads, I am demonstrating if you choose to use one, equal importance should be placed on training your dog to walk correctly and confident you have a good recall and out; meaning you have control using this tool
What training tools—in addition to their brains—do the trainers use?
Good tools promote calm and relaxed behavior, and efficient learning that is in the best interests of the dog and the dog-human team. Good tools include
a) small, bite-sized treats (check for food allergies first!!!)
b) leashes
c) head collars
d) flat collars
e) harnesses
f) praise
g) toys (as a reinforcer of good behavior)
2. Tools that should be avoided because they increase fear and anxiety:
a) shock collars / electric collars / e-collars / static collars
b) prong collars
c) “correction” collars
d) choke collars, choke chains (sometimes euphemistically referred to as training collars)
Some tools can be problematic or become problematic when used incorrectly, but you might not think
so at the outset. Examples include:
Flexi leads: Flexi leads are not training tools. If the dog does not know how to walk nicely on a lead, he will not learn using a Flexi lead alone. Also, Flexi leads allow dogs to explore without overt supervision and without the attention of the client. Thus, the dog can become a victim of another dog, a bicycle, or a car, or the dog may injure someone who he or she trips with the lead when turning a corner or lunging through crowds. Finally, the handle of these flexible leashes is difficult to impossible to use well if you are elderly, young, have small hands, or have arthritis. If this handle is pulled from the clients hands it can become an airborne weapon and do damage to the dog or to another individual.
Reference
Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2006) 1, 47-52. Good trainers: How to identify one and why this is important to your practice of veterinary medicine
Responsible Dog and Cat
Training and Behavior Solutions
Combining Art and Science for Training Animals
Joyce D. Kesling, CDBC
P.O. Box 15992
Sarasota, Florida 34277
941-966-1188
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