T R A I N I N G
We Are Our Dog’s Greatest Tool! Prong Collars are highly controversial and get a bad reputation. Like any tool, negative effects can occur if not used properly. Consulting a trainer you trust before implementing any training tool is advised. WRITTEN BY: DANIELLE DeLIZZA – Master Dog Trainer and Owner of Strong Mind K9, LLC
Just like humans, every dog is different with their own behaviors, personalities, and how they are motivated to learn; this is what we love about them. With this philosophy in mind, and in order to fill my client’s needs promptly and successfully, I use a variety of tools that balance the dog’s needs in learning skills on and off the leash as well as behavior modification. What is most important is that we are teaching, communicating, and building a relationship with our dog in a swift manner with happy results. By doing this, we are able to have needed structure in our dog’s lives, a way to fairly communicate, boundaries, and a healthy relationship. As a balanced dog trainer, I am able to look at the dog in front of me and problem solve what that specific dog needs motivationally. Using a variety of tools is what makes a dog trainer successful, because they are able to balance the use of treats or positive reinforcements with communicative training collars teaching with low pressures. What types of training collars are there? Some common training collars are simple slip leads, haltis or gentle leaders (nose collars), or prong collars. These collars give you the
ability to apply a soft or low amount of pressure when communicating and give a clear release followed by reward right afterwards. With these collars it is important we are training not only to achieve quicker, smoother results, but to build a relationship and appropriate communication. A balance of these motivators can help encourage good behavior and eliminate negative behaviors. Unfortunately, some of these collars get a bad reputation. Just like any tool, these can easily be used incorrectly without professional help, range in quality depending on the brand, or could be used in training by someone who doesn’t specialize in a balanced practice. The pros? As a result of being consistent and dedicated, we have a balance of clear communication with our dogs. We can present environments or distractions more clearly, and give our dogs direction or redirection appropriately. When we have clear communication, we can give our dog’s a life of freedom, let our dog’s personality shine through, and feel a relaxation in situations that would have caused anxiety otherwise. Ultimately, WE are our dog’s greatest tool. It is up to us to advocate, put in the consistency, and build the relationship with our dogs. Without
