Training Tools

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Training Tools
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Intention Behind Tools

• Remember that in the wrong hands ANY tool can
  become a weapon!
• Regardless of your choice, you need to have the
  proper intent.
• If unsure about any tool, get instruction or
  guidance BEFORE you implement
• No tool should cause pain to or harm your animal

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• Simple Leash
• Flexi Leash
• Choke Chain
• Harnesses
• Halti/Gentle Leader
• Muzzle
• Electronic Collar
• Prong Collar
• Bark Collar
• Citronella Collar
• Noise Makers
• Spray Bottles

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The Simple Leash

• Keeps dog from running away
• Needs to be used correctly
• More effective when placed high on dogs head
• Dog should walk next to, or behind you!

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Flexi Leash

• Originally designed for tracking purposes
• Defeats purpose of pack mentality
• Dog can accomplish same reading newspaper with
  a regular leash
• May cause harm to dog/human/others!

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The Choke Chain

• Name gives negative connotation
• NOT designed to choke or even momentarily stop
  air supply!
• Designed to send message of correction through a
  split-second pull to the side.
• Gives dog message to wake-up and pay attention
  to handler!

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Chains in general

• Bigger doesnt mean better
• Even bully breeds can be managed with small
  chains if their owner is Alpha! (Interesting
  fact dogs with large necks and lean bodies are
  poor fighters!)
• Heavy chains cause head and neck problems
• Should not be used to secure an animal in a yard
  (This is cruel and can lead to aggression
  problems)
• A dog chained in a yard becomes frustrated and is
  3x more likely to bite a person than one left
  loose in an enclosed space.

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Harnesses

• Invented for tracking and pulling purposes
• Not created for control!
• Great for dogs with breathing problems
• Dogs without proper leash training can
  instinctively become pullers in a harness
• Can actually make a muscular dog stronger!

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The Halti/Gentle Leader

• Works best on long-nosed dogs
• Can be uncomfortable/traumatic
• Designed to tighten around muzzle and initiate
  relaxation response from dog
• Dogs can use front paws to remove
• Julie tucked head and didnt allow control

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Muzzles
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Muzzles

• Not a natural feeling for the dog
• Created to prevent biting another person/dog
• Should be used short-term
• Natural instinct is to fight a muzzle
• Make introduction as pleasant as possible (first
  introduction should be when animal is relaxed and
  has been exercised thoroughly)
• NOT thirsty or overheated!!!

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The Prong Collar

• Negative connotation when called pinch
• Designed to simulate bite of mother dog
• When used correctly, can be VERY effective
• Not necessary for obedient dog
• Should NOT be left on as permanent collar
• Now come with plastic teeth or protective
  covers to prevent injury to dog

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The Electronic Collar

• May save your pets life if used correctly
• Always set at lowest setting noticed by the dog
• Doesnt actually shock, simply unnatural feeling
• Should NEVER cause pain to dog
• May jump or be startled by sensation
• NOT designed for permanent use
• Proper results collar on dog 10h/d x 3m
• Keep remote with you at all times to avoid
  falling into wrong hands

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Bark Collars

• Remember an obsessive barker is usually a dog not
  given proper exercise!
• Get a collar that uses more than a microphone.
  These may correct when its not the dog barking!
• Do not leave on the dog when youre not home.
• Modern collars are vibration sensitive, and are
  much more effective

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Citronella Collars

• May be more effective for obsessive barkers
• Encourage dog to stop barking and breathe to
  eliminate unpleasant odor.
• Can be replaced by dummy collar once correction
  has been established.
• Temporary measure, not for long-term use
• Bentley was a citronella junky
• Consistency is vital. Dog may realize when
  collar is not present

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Noise-making Devices

• Not very effective
• Must be very clever as dogs hearing is very keen
• NEVER use to make contact with dog. Dog will
  learn to fear/bite hand holding newspaper and
  eventually all hands.
• Can backfire on you and dog associates bad noise
  with you instead of inappropriate behavior.

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Spray/Squirt Bottles

• Only about 40 effective
• Not 100 safe. (strong stream can cause eye/ear
  problems)
• Not natural to dogs
• May associate you with bottle and become afraid
• Can also be misinterpreted as play!