Guide to Training Your Dog

A bark and training collar combo for dogs can be valuable tools to help curb their barking habits or change their behavior. However, these kinds of collars come with controversy, and not all of them are right for your pet. How do you know if they’re a good idea? The first step is knowing what you’re getting into.

What Is a Bark and Training Collar Combo?

 

A bark collar is a collar meant to dissuade your overly yappy pet from barking too much. Usually, it’ll use negative reinforcement like increasingly sharp shocks to convince a dog to become quieter.

Similarly, training collars use shocks to help correct a dog’s behavior. They come to associate the unwanted behavior with an unpleasant sensation and so eventually reduce these behaviors.

A bark and training collar combo has both these features into one device.

Types of Bark and Training Collar Combo

 

Combo collars use methods like electric shocks, citronella fragrances, or high-pitched sounds to deter bad behavior. Most use a microphone or similar technique to detect when your dog is barking. Then they will administer their particular deterrent as punishment.

Shocks

 

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Electric shock collars give out no more than a light zap to your pet, similar to when you touch a doorknob after rubbing socked feet on a carpet. 

However, some organizations, like the SPCA, consider these kinds of collars to be inhumane. The collars can increase the intensity of the shocks and can potentially harm your dog more than you realize. 

Before using a shock collar, test it on your hand. This will give you an idea of what it feels like to your dog. 

Citronella

 

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These collars spray out citronella fragrances to shock your dog’s nose. As a dog has an extremely sensitive sniffer, these fragrances can seriously affect its ability to smell anything else for a while, and the strength of the odor will be uncomfortable for the dog. Though they won’t cause any lasting physical damage to your pet, they can certainly seem like a harsh option.

Sounds

 

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Just like smells, dogs are sensitive to sounds. They can be bothered by high pitches that humans can’t register. These collars use such sounds that only dogs can hear to make them think twice about barking. Though they won’t cause deafness, they will irritate the dog and bring about some discomfort.

Signs a Bark and Training Collar Combo Isn’t Right for Your Dog

 

A bark and training collar combo is a tool to use alongside other training devices. It’s not a method you should use all the time, and in many cases, it isn’t the right choice for a barking dog. Here are five signs you need to stop using these collars on your dog:

 

• Your dog’s barking is getting worse
• The collar is physically harming your dog
• Dog is becoming nervous and/or more terrified
• Your dog is becoming aggressive
• Has a lot of yappy friends

1. Barking is Getting Worse

 

If the collar has the opposite effect on your dog, they might have become habituated to the deterrents. 

Habituation is when your dog learns to outsmart the collar, uses it to their advantage, or learns to live with the punishment. For instance, some dogs with a citronella collar might wait for the fragrance to be released before quickly moving away, so they are not affected by the smell.

When dogs become habituated, they no longer care about the shocks, smells, or sounds a collar will administer. This habituation results in them not learning to curb their behavior and instead reinforces the idea that they can bark whenever they want. 

Some dogs gain self-confidence by outsmarting collars and devices and bark even more than usual to assert their dominance over a bark or training collar.

2. Collar is Physically Harming Your Dog

 

Especially for small or young dogs, bark and training combo collars might be too heavy for them. For puppies, in particular, their skin is more fragile and can easily tear under the weight of a training collar. If your dog is getting lacerations or cuts from wearing the collar, you should find a different training method.

Additionally, if your dog is easily disoriented, a collar might make them confused and distressed. Your pet might try to get away from the shock, sound, or smell and end up harming themselves in the process. If this happens, don’t wait for them to get used to it. Try another behavioral method instead.

3. Increased Nervousness

 

If your dog suffers from a disability or other issue, a combo collar might do more harm than good. Issues like deafness, brain diseases, or other cognitive problems could result in your dog barking more than average. If they can’t help their excessive barking, a combo collar will only make them unnecessarily uncomfortable. 

They won’t understand why they’re being punished and can become more nervous, yappier, and terrified all the time. In these cases, combo collars can be traumatizing to your dog and should not be a training tool.

4. Increased Aggressiveness

 

Similar to the above, if your dog has increased aggressive behavior, it might be because of an outstanding issue. If your dog barks for a specific reason, such as nervousness or separation anxiety, using a combo caller might worsen the problem. 

Your dog could become traumatized or distressed, causing them to overreact to situations and potentially attacking other dogs, dog owners, or yourself.

Aggression can also come from habituation. If your dog learns to ignore its combo collar, you will unlikely control them in other ways. If they can become habituated with any punishment you dole out, they can become more aggressive and challenging to manage. 

When your dog becomes more aggressive after experiencing a combo collar, you should stop using it and try to find a new way to manage their behavior. If you can’t reverse their newfound aggression, you might have to give up your dog. 

5. Your Dog’s Friends Bark Too

 

If you have your dog wear a collar to train them not to bark at other dogs, you could be running the risk of punishing them unfairly.

Most bark and training collars don’t distinguish between your dog’s bark and another dog’s bark. So, if you take your dog to the park or around the neighborhood where there are other yappy dogs, the collar might respond accordingly. 

Even if your dog isn’t barking, their collar could pick up the barks of other dogs and administer a shock, smell, or sound. This shock means your dog becomes punished for other dogs’ barks, which is both unfair and confusing to your pet. 

If your dog feels attacked by their collar, they could become distressed, nervous, or aggressive no matter their behavior.

Talk to Your Vet

 

It’s vital to your pet’s health never to use these collars if your dog has a pre-existing condition like deafness. Talk to your vet beforehand to see if a bark and training collar combo would be a good idea for your dog.

Bark and Training Collar Combo – Conclusion

 

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Using a bark and training collar combo sparingly with other training methods will help your dog learn proper behavior. If the collar has adverse effects, this could be a sign it’s not suitable for your dog. If your dog continues to bark, acts aggressive, nervous, or starts to get hurt, stop using the collar and find a different training method.

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Here we will teach you the seven best practices to use while walking a dog that pulls, and we will show you all you need to know to make walking your dog a breeze. 

Taking your dog or puppy on frequent and long walks is a necessary part of owning a pet. Walks are fun and exciting for dogs and allow them to get some exercise and sniff around. However, most dogs do not like being on a leash. They want to be free to explore and run around, and being stuck to a leash is not natural for them.

Because of passing cars, neighbor’s pets, and many other reasons, dogs must be leased on walks. Learning how to properly train your dog to walk without pulling is a vital process that will make both you and your dog’s lives much easier when walk time comes around. 

Walking a Dog That Pulls – Choose the Right Leash

 

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Before you even begin training your dog on not pulling on a leash, you need to make sure that you are using the correct equipment. First, you will want to get a fixed-length leash. You mustn’t use a retractable leash for training. 

Use a 6-10 foot leash to begin with and size down to shorter leashes as training improves. This will help your dog get more and more comfortable and remain right by your side. Additionally, you will want to clip a treat pouch to your end of the leash or stash a baggie of treats in your pocket for easy access. 

Choose the Right Harness

 

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Almost more important than the leash that you chose to use is the harness. Different harnesses boost different reactions from dogs, and some are explicitly designed to encourage them to pull. Dogs have something known as opposition reflex, which is the instinct that causes them to pull. 

If you have a dog, you have likely experienced this in action. If you press on their lower back to make them sit, they will automatically press up against you. And if you try to pull them in one direction, they will automatically pull against you. If you try to push them off the couch, they will automatically shift their weight against you. This is their instinct and what causes them to constantly pull on a walk. 

You can work against this by purchasing a no-pull harness. These clip in the front of the dog’s chest so that, as soon as the dog begins to pull, they are redirected in the opposite direction in which they are heading. Harnesses that clip on the dog’s back apply pressure to the front of their chest and encourage them to pull harder. These are the harnesses used for sled dogs to get them to pull hard. 

A head harness is another excellent tool to prevent pulling. They slip over the dog’s head rather than around their neck or their chest. When a dog is wearing a head harness and begins to pull, their head is physically turned around and led in the opposite direction. These are best for large dogs that pull very hard, but they can injure the dog. You have to be careful not to pull back quickly and not let the dog lurch forward too fast. They are best to use at the very beginning of training then to move to a front-clipping harness. 

Walking a Dog That Pulls – Practice in the Yard

 

You will want to start training your dog in a familiar area with few distractions. Starting in your backyard will help you teach your dog the ropes of walking without pulling before moving onto the streets or a park. Practice in your yard until your dog can walk by your side, then move onto more engaging areas. 

When you start walking outdoors, go at quiet times, such as in the evening when people are inside or in the early mornings before people get up. If you start taking them to loud and exciting places before they are ready, your dog will be too excited and distracted to listen to your commands and practice their skills. 

Stick to One Walking Style

 

Pick one side of your body that you want your dog to walk. Allow them to get comfortable always walking on the right or left side and always reward them with treats on this same side. This will teach your dog that they need to stick to this side to get rewarded. 

Walk at a comfortable and steady pace that you can maintain. Stop every five or so minutes to allow your dog to sniff or use the bathroom. This should be a reward for them and discourage them from constantly sniffing as you walk. When you stop, tell them that they are good, reward them with a treat, then tell them “let’s go” when it is time to stop sniffing and continue walking. 

Do Not Let Your Dog Dictate Where You Go

 

If you let your dog dictate where you go on the walk, they will learn that they are in control and can pull you wherever they choose. To discourage this, you will want to practice changing directions frequently and reward your dog when they follow suit. If your dog begins to pull one way, turn and walk the opposite direction, redirecting his attention. 

Walking a Dog That Pulls – Reward Positive Behavior

 

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Begin by walking your dog and rewarding them with a treat each time they walk next to you. Give them treats every few steps so they know there’ll be a reward when keeping close to you. If your dog pulls or veers off, quickly change direction and reward them when they follow and get back on track. 

When you reward a dog correctly with positive reinforcement, they are more likely to repeat themselves because they aim to please. Punishing a dog for their incorrect behavior is confusing to them and often gives them the wrong idea. For example, if you punish a dog for urinating in your home, they’ll assume it’s unsafe to urinate around you. Instead, you need to reward them each time they urinate outside. This way they learn that urinating outdoors is the correct behavior. 

Practice Daily

 

Practicing for some amount of time each day will keep your dog engaged and cement your training in their mind. Make it a fun and enjoyable process by giving many rewards for good behavior and praising your dog when appropriate. Dogs are led by rewards, and teaching them that they are more rewarded when they aren’t pulling is the trick.

Walking a Dog That Pulls – Conclusion

 

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Walking a dog that pulls is a frustrating and often exhausting process. It is crucial to teach them asap how to walk by your side without pulling and without getting easily distracted. If you choose the right equipment, reward their positive behavior, stick with constant training, and work hard, both you and your dog will find that you are much happier and that walks can be enjoyable for both parties. Happy walking!

This article will give an overview and discuss the best dog training collars and what to look for when buying a collar. 

If you have recently gotten a dog, you may be in the training process. There are several different products and methods to help train your dog. One common product that can help dog owners is a training collar.

A training collar is a type of dog collar that allows owners to send their dogs electronic signals. The electronic signals include shocks, tones, and vibrations. Dog owners use various electronic signals to punish or reward their dogs. 

Dog Training Collar Buying Guide

 

Before making a final decision on a training collar, there are a few factors that you will want to consider. 

Size

The size of your dog and the size of the collar you get need to match up for the collar to work efficiently. If a collar is too tight, you might risk hurting your dog. However, a collar that is too big will not work correctly. 

Range

The range of a training collar is an important aspect to consider. If you are training your dog within your home, you will likely be able to get away with a short-range collar. However, if you are bringing your dog to the park, you will likely need a longer range.

Different collars can provide different ranges. When you are looking for a training collar, make sure to check the range length of the product. 

Price/Budget

The price of a training collar is another aspect that you will want to consider before making a final purchase. While you will want to invest money into a high-quality product, there is no reason to break your break. Setting a budget can help you avoid overspending on a product.

The quality of a product will likely affect the price of a training collar. However, doing your research on training collars can give you a good idea of what prices to expect. Two similar products may have very different prices, especially if they come from two different companies.

Best Dog Training Collars

 

Below is a list of five great options for training collars. 

Dog Training Collar, Dog Shock Collar with 2600Ft Remote(Best Compatibility)

 

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This NVK dog training collar is waterproof and works by alerting your dog through vibrations or small shocks. The range of the remote is 2,600 ft, and the training collar is also rechargeable. 

The training collar can bring up to 99 levels of shocks and vibrations depending on the training process you use. The alerts range from gentle to semi-moderate in their severity. You should tailor the shock and vibration level to the size and temperament of your dog.

The remote for this training collar can connect up to four separate collars at the same. This product is a great option for those who are trying to train more than one dog at a time. Along with providing up to four connections, the remote also allows three different training settings. The training settings include vibration, shocks, and beeps. 

You can work closely with the training settings to see which one works best for your dog. Different training routines may call for different methods of training. By having three settings, you can actively take note of which training setting your dog is most responsive to. 

Despite all of its technology, the NVK training collar is fairly user-friendly. Setting up and pairing each training collar is a simple and efficient process. 

PATPET Dog Training Collar with Remote(Best Home Training)

 

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The PATPET training collar is a good option for those who are training within their homes or yards. This collar has a range of 1,000 ft and is waterproof. 

There are three training settings that the collar features, including a beep alert, a vibration, and a shock. All dogs are different and will require varying methods of training to learn properly. Having the option to switch through three different settings allows you to find the best setting for your dog.

For the vibration training setting, there are up to 8 levels of vibrations. Each level has a different vibration intensity. Most of the time, a sudden vibration is enough to startle and stop a dog in its tracks.

However, some dogs may learn that vibrations won’t affect them physically. In those cases, trainers may find that they need to go a step above.

The shock set has up to 16 levels, each varying in intensity. Having a wide range of shock levels can help you adjust the intensity of the shock without unnecessarily upsetting your dog, 

The PATPET is a comfortable and efficient way to train your dog. Each training mode on the collar works up to 1,000 feet away from the main receiver. 

Dog Training Collar with Remote for Large Medium Small Dogs(Best Size Variety)

 

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A Roffie training collar is a good option for those who have trouble finding collars to fit their dogs. This collar is compatible with a wide variety of dog sizes, ranging from eight pounds up to 125 pounds. 

The Roffie collar comes with three training settings. These settings include a beep alert, a vibration setting, and a shock setting. Along with a variety of settings, the training collar also features a silicone and ergonomic white design. 

This training collar is rechargeable, and a three-hour charge will provide up to 15 days of battery life. The Roffie collar is also a good option for those who enjoy bringing their dogs on camping trips.

Educator E-Collar Remote Dog Training Collar(Best Overall)

 

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The Educator E-Collar is a simple training collar that comes in a variety of fashionable colors. Each training collar features a range of up to half a mile and is a great option for long-distance training methods. 

While simple, the receiver is effective in alerting your dog and assisting in training. There is one alert setting for the collar. The alert is a consistent tapping that emits from the collar. 

By providing the tapping, the collar does not shock your dog. However, the tapping is enough to startle your dog into submission. For the alert system, there are up to 100 different levels of intensity to choose from. 

The Educator E-Collar is small and discreet, allowing you to handle the receiver anywhere in public. If you have an especially unruly dog, the simple design allows you to act quickly in taming your dog. 

Dr. Trainer T1sPro Dog Training Collar with Remote (Best Safety Feature)

 

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The last product on the list is the Dr. Trainer training collar. This collar provides a range of up to 2,300 feet away from the receiver. 

There are three training settings that the Dr. Trainer collar provides. These settings include a beep alert, a vibration alert, and a shock alert. The shock alert comes with a built-in safety system. This system only allows up to eight shocks in one minute. If the collar exceeds eight shocks in a minute, the collar will shut off and cool itself down.

When collars are consistently producing electrical shocks, you run the risk of causing physical and emotional injury to your dog. You can also risk the collar itself overheating. To prevent both safety hazards, the Dr. Trainer collar prioritizes a built-in safety system. 

Best Dog Training Collar – Conclusion

 

Overall, a training collar is a great way to help keep your dog obedient and respectful. You can utilize different features of a collar to find the best training settings for your dog. By getting a training collar, you can also help ease your anxieties as you bring your dog to new places. 

 

Here is some advice on how to stop a dog from pulling so you both can enjoy your time outside without it being a constant struggle.

Dogs love to go for walks and explore their surroundings, especially in new places. There are plenty of sights, smells, and sounds to investigate, and that combination of stimuli can make them very excited to take it all in. That can make for a difficult time for pet owners to control their dogs and pull on their lead. 

In many cases, they’re so persistent they even choke themselves. If the dog feels they make any progress, they will be encouraged to keep up this behavior. This is not an ideal situation for either the dog or the pet owner. 

 

How to Stop a Dog from Pulling – The Reason for Pulling

 

Dogs have what’s referred to as opposition reflex, and when this happens at the start of the walk, it’s due to their goal of getting ahead to explore as much as possible. This behavior may also be because you might try to prevent them or slow them down, and this is their effort to evade those actions. 

Counterproductive Discipline and Corrections

 

Many dog owners will attempt to correct their dog’s pulling using physical discipline or a pinch collar. These tactics instill fear and anxiety into dogs and can cause various unpleasant behavior and attitudes that can even be dangerous. 

Dogs who encounter this type of action tend to be aggressive and fearful, proving to be dangerous and causing ongoing issues throughout their lifetime. 

Dogs trained using force or pain will become fearful of going for walks. If you use this method when encountering other people or animals, it may trigger fear and anxiety when they see them outside. This discipline style can trigger aggression or fear biting. This issue makes adequate socialization nearly impossible for the dog. 

How to Train Dogs Using Positive Reinforcement

 

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The best way to train a dog to walk without pulling is to use a rewards system or positive reinforcement. This concept is simple. If the dog does what you ask it to do, it should get an immediate reward or positive reinforcement each time. Don’t reward the dog when they don’t comply with instructions. Some rewards or reinforcements to try can include the following. 

• Treats
• Pets and attention
• Their favorite toy or clicker
• The walk itself/pausing and restarting

It’s important not to give the dog a treat or reward when they pull on the lead or lunge at people and animals. Only provide them with a reward when they act appropriately and keep a loose leash. The ultimate goal is to teach the dog to keep their leash loose at all times and avoid pulling, even when they greet others. 

Above all else, make sure to effectively train your dog to stop pulling on the leash by immediately halting the walk for a short time. Once the dog is calm and quits pulling, resume the walk. This is the best way for them to “get the point.”

 

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How to Stop a Dog from Pulling – Training Environment and Location is Important

 

Although you may not have given it much thought, the location and training environment are just as important as the methods used to reward appropriate behavior. Remember that there are distractions out in the world, and your dog won’t be able to focus its attention on you and the lessons if several other things are distracting it. 

Some great location ideas for training your dog include the following:

• Your backyard
• A quiet open lot
• A long driveway
• A quiet park

Those environments provide the ideal setting for getting and keeping your dog’s attention. Remember to focus your attention on the lessons and respond ideally to every correct action and undesirable behavior. 

How to Stop a Dog from Pulling – Getting Started

 

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The first step is to use the appropriate lead or leash. Select one that is sturdy and intended for walking and controlling dogs. Don’t use a rope or other type of make-shift lead because they could come loose, break, or harm you or your dog. Once you have the right equipment and location, you can begin the lessons.

Next, you want to start slowly with a few steps. The goal is to teach the dog to walk by your side without lunging ahead or trying to lead you. If the dog walks beside you, be sure to reward them. If the dog pulls, don’t pull them back because they will likely pull against you (remember opposition reflex?). You want to instead use loose leash training. 

Instead, stop immediately and wait for them to stop pulling and let the leash return to a loose position. Try again slowly, and when your dog successfully completes the task, offer them a reward. Use rewards the dog wants to get started on the right foot, so they know to pay attention to get the treat. 

Delicious dog treats that are healthy and safe would be a great place to start.

Moving on to The Next Phase

 

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Once your dog has successfully learned to walk a few steps by your side, you can move on to the next part of the process. Start walking several feet at one time. Dogs can get excited when you move on to longer sections and may want to start pulling. 

Keep providing corrections by stopping and only rewarding when the dog completes the section or length of space you chose, or when they return the leash to a slack position if you stop. Eventually, they will learn to stop pulling ahead. 

Continue these exercises in quiet spaces for a few weeks until you’re sure your dog is getting the idea. Use this time to discover what treats are particularly motivational and save them when they master new behavior or act appropriately when encountering new people or animals. 

Perhaps they’ve seen a squirrel, and rather than lunge after it, they remain in place or continue to walk without pulling or lunging. That is when they get their favorite treat as a reward. 

Introducing New Environments During Walks

 

You’re probably ready to begin exploring new areas once your dog is walking around large spaces without needing to stop several times. Start off small in areas like quiet streets or the dog park. 

When you meet new dogs, don’t approach them when your dog is pulling or lunging. Lunging at other dogs may be a fear response and require some additional training and work. 

Wait for your dog to comply and then approach the other dog, if the owner seems calm and receptive. You also want to pass other dogs and people without stopping on walks, so practice this scenario so your dog doesn’t expect to stop each time you have an encounter. 

Over a few months, if you are consistent and patient, your dog will walk with you without pulling or lunging. 

Using a Head Halter

 

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Using a head halter is a great tool to help you reinforce correct behavior while training. It isn’t ideal for long-term use, but it can be a true asset if used correctly. To use the head halter, pull up and forward. This is so the dog will back up towards you when they begin to pull ahead. In most cases, the dog will also sit. 

Don’t hold the leash in position, though – release the tension and provide a suitable reward to enforce this action. If you’re still having trouble getting the dog to comply, switch directions and go back the way you came. This is so they are behind you.