Use your training tool correctly
There are many wonderful tools on the market to help teach a dog how to not pull on leash and walk next
to an owner. Unfortunately, most of the time these tools are attached to the dog without any concern as to
how to use them properly.
Headhalters can take some time for a dog to acclimate to the feel and pressure on the muzzle but once
the dog has settled into the headhalter it can be used to guide a dog into heel position and keep him
there. Care should be taken to avoid harm to the dog's neck by not forcing the dog's head sideways or
downward into an unnatural position. To use the headhalter properly, the owner should have the dog next
to their leg in heel position and hold the leash so the dog has just enough slack to walk by the owners
side. Any forging ahead should be met with a slight twist of the wrist or slight tug backward. Never give a
leash correction with a headhalter!
Pinch collars are said to be power steering for dogs but instead of letting your dog pull at will against the
prongs of the collar why not teach him how to avoid being uncomfortable. First, fit the pinch collar so that it
is snug but not tight. Have the dog walk at heel position and any forging should be met with a twist of the
wrist to quickly tighten and loosen the collar. For stronger dog's, pop the leash towards your mid body or
lower and make a quick about turn to get the dog back in heel position. Never let the leash tighten. As
soon as the dog is out of position, correct with the leash pop and about turn. Soon your dog will be
walking nicely without straining on the prongs.
Choke or Check chain collars need to be fitted so they can release their grip and not sit tightly on the
dog's neck. With your dog facing you, make the collar into a circle and let out some slack on one end. Put
the collar on the dog when the collar is in the shape of a "P". This will allow the collar to loosen quickly
after a correction. If the collar is put on in the "q" shape, it will tighten and remain tight. A properly fit choke
collar will only have 3 or 4 inches of extra chain extending after placement on the dog's neck. Any less and
there will not be enough slack for a correction. Any more you will have to make bigger movements to
make a simple correction. As with the prong collar, never let the leash tighten. Correct by giving a quick
pop and doing an about turn. Practice this routine any time the dog is out of heel position and soon
enough your dog will be walking nicely on a loose leash.