Dog accessories

Today's video goes over some basic dog accessories you can get for your dog including, leashes, collars, harnesses, head collars, dog backpacks, swimwear, muzzles, and a treat pouch.



Related Blog Articles:

Come when Called:  Off Leash
Puppy Supply Check List
Choosing an Anti-Bark Collar
Trainer Tips:  Dog Care Essentials
Trainer Tips:  Puppy Potty Pads
Shock Collars
Trainer Tips:  Alternatives to Shock Collars
Chewing Deterrents
Dog Crates & Kennels
Retractable Leash
Slip Collar
Prong & Pinch Collar
Head Collars

Slip Collar (Choke Chain)

The Slip Collar is most commonly known as the Choke Chain.  The Slip Collar is a steel chain with a large ring at each end.  To use the collar you pull the chain through one of the rings then slide it over the dog's head.  The Slip Collar should go over the dog's head without any force.  A slip collar should only be worn during training.

This training tool uses negative reinforcement and positive punishment.  Although the slip collar can quickly suppress unwanted behavior, it can easily be used incorrectly.  Improper use can lead to sever neck damage and possible strangulation.

I do not recommend using a Choke Chain when training your dog.  Again, look into a head collar or easy-walk harness instead.

Prong & Pinch Collars

The standard prong collar has blunt prongs designed to pinch the dog.  When giving a dog a correction using this collar, the interlocking metal links constrict, causing the prongs to pinch the dog's skin.  This collar is designed to suppress unwanted behavior by immediately causing discomfort to the dog.  To properly use this collar it must be fitted high up on the dog's neck, which most people don't realize.

I used to think this product was magical and used it on my dogs.  I soon learned that these collars are not a nice way to train your dog.  Positive reinforcement training does not use prong/pinch collars.  Using these collars is training your dog with punishment.

If you have a dog that does not walk well on leash and you need help, please do NOT get a prong collar.  Try an Easy-walk harness or head collar instead.

Using a prong/pinch collar on an aggressive dog can actually increase the aggressive problem.  These collars can easily be painful to the dog when misused.  Owners who misuse these collars can also cause  a collapsed windpipe and damage to the dog's neck.