The Proper Use of Dog Training Leads, Collars and Chains

Dog training leads are great tools, when used correctly, to teach a dog to behave and walk properly on a leash.

Choosing the Right One

Before purchasing dog training leashes or leads, make sure the item will fit your dog correctly. A big dog will need a lead made of strong materials that will not rip or fall apart with his strength, such as leather training leads. On the other hand, a smaller dog will need a lead made of materials that are more lightweight, that won't weigh him down.

A collar should not fit so tight that it will cause harm, but should not be loose enough for a dog to slip out. You should be able to slip two fingers between the collar and the dog once it's secured.

Training Leads

A training lead is a good tool to use on dogs that like to pull on leashes. This type of training device can be used on dogs while out on a walk, because it's a gentle lead.

A training lead is placed behind a dog's ears and then around his face. The pressure of the lead allows you to steer or direct the dog in the direction desired, and can help teach a dog to heel while walking. The gentle force of the lead on the dog's face mimics the force a mother dog would use on her puppies when she's directing them to a certain location or to stop a particular behavior.

Some adult dogs may have trouble adjusting to a training lead, but this can be remedied with time and persistence.

Collars

Collars have many uses: to hook on a leash, a fashion accessory, an ID tag holder and may even have reflective colors that warn cars of a dog's presence.

Collars are usually made of nylon, leather, a synthetic leather material or a strong fabric. For dogs that often get wet or dirty, use a nylon collar that's easy to wash. A leather collar is good choice for its durability. Flat collars are good for short-haired dogs, while rolled collars are better for dogs with long hair.

Chains

Chains, or choke chains, are slip leads that should only be used on dogs during times of training - not as an everyday collar.

On a dog, a chain should be worn towards the top of the neck, by the ears. The idea behind choke chains is that a gentle yank on the chain will teach a dog how he needs to behave.

Training leads, collars and chains are great tools to use to help teach and restrain a dog. With old-fashioned training and practice, a dog and his owner can coexist peacefully in the outside, social world.