LET'S GET PAST THE HYSTERIA
One of the most difficult tasks that we, as dog trainer/canine behaviorists, have to accomplish is to convince the owner of the dog that the proper training tool, used appropriately will not harm their dog. While we, here at Doggie Do Right! Dog Training, use Positive Reinforcement, that is not the only tool in our tool box.
We understand, that while there are some dogs that will respond well to treats and honor the leadership role of their owner with that level of motivation (even in intensely distraction environments), there are other dogs that have a tougher constitution. For these more independent, more stoic dogs we, recommend changes in equipment.
Doggie Do Right! Dog Training's Rule of
Thumb:
If you have to use your muscle,
to move your dog's body,
in order to move it's mind,
you are making the "right choice hard" for your dog.
In our opinion, this constitutes inhumane training.
So, change the equipment!
CONTEMPARY DOG TRAINING EQUIPEMENT
There are several types of training equipment available for training dogs today. The most common types are:
the clicker,
the head halter,
the training (choke) collar,
and
the remote training collar.
Here is a link to several sites that have ranked several of the above training devices according to their effectiveness:
A Review of the Gentle Leader Head Halter
THE ELECTRIC CLICKER
There is yet another tool that many uniformed, uneducated and bigoted lay people and even professional dog trainers vilify; the "remote training collar". People who are ignorant of it's proper use will call it a "shock collar". A true "shock collar" for dogs does not even exist today.
The closest piece of equipment that replicates the "shock collar" is the Tasar, a device used in police work.
In the hands of a trained, competent, compassionate, professional dog trainer, the "Remote Trainer" or "Electric Training Collar" or the "Electric Clicker" is one of the most humane, effective and efficient training products available today. Please access the following links for information on the proper use of the "remote training collar."
Remote Training Collar Question and Answers
The Remote Training Collar FAQ's
Using The Remote Collar:Basic FAQ's
Conditioning the Dog to the Collar
It's Not the Collar! It's The Training!
Do I Have to Leave the Collar On?
A Seminar with The Remote Collar
Chocolate and the Remote Collar?
The Remote Training Collar and Advanced Obedience
Oil and Water? Technology + Traditional Training
Remote Collar Training and Operant Conditioning
Remote Collar Training and Reinforcement +/-
Remote Collar Training and OC in the Field