Doggone Etiquette —

Teaching Tools

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

Are you still a puppy, or is your collar just trying to tell you that you are? Some dogs outgrow those manmade things quickly. Since you dogs are not into making collars, or leashes, or seatbelts for yourselves, it’s up to your VIPeople to take care of whatever is essential for your safety and well-being. Crates are different. If you could, you’d make one yourself. Dogs are still pretty fond of dens, which is why you sometimes hide under beds or behind bushes. 

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:            

Our domesticated pet dogs are — for the most part — very cooperative about the way we use things that make it easier for us to control them and keep them safe. Therefore, it is up to every dog’s owner to be sure that all of the chosen equipment is right for his particular dog, that it is the proper size and is in good repair. Rufus cannot help you out with any of that, other than to let you know which items you come up with that he does not appreciate! There is one major precaution regarding the use of collars, leashes and all training tools, and that is the owner and every person handling the dog must understand how these things work. If the handler is confused, the dog will be, too.                          

Here’s one example. Officially called a “training collar,” it is generally referred to as a “choke chain” and for good reason. It is precisely that when used incorrectly. Used primarily on larger dogs for obedience training, it is always removed immediately after each session ends. It must be put on the dog in a specific way so it will release promptly after a quick tighten-and-release correction. If not put on correctly, and if not removed promptly at the end of training, the dog could indeed choke!

Fortunately, there are other dog collars that are easier on both owners and dogs. The regular buckle collar which comes in various fabrics (decorated or not) as well as leather is one, and the martingale (or double-loop) is another. Both allow for the addition of ID, license and rabies tags. (Micro-chipping is the best form of ID since it is permanent.)                    

Then there are the head-collars which give you control of the dog’s head. They are particularly good in stopping a dog from pulling, and from picking up anything undesirable off the ground as you walk, so “watch me” and “leave it” are easier to teach. The dog has full use of its mouth for panting or drinking, as the band around the muzzle is loose. When you make a correction, only that band tightens, which is a plus for lots of dogs whose regular collar is a pain in the neck! Good for walking and for training, but the head-collar is removed along with the leash.

Gone are the days when a dog’s leash only came in leather, braided or not — gone, in part, due to their undesirable chewing attraction. Today, leads come in numerous fabrics, lengths, weights and colors. Then there’s the retractable lead which is banned in many places where you are otherwise free to take Rufus. Why? Generally, it is because owners have not learned to use the retractable correctly. It takes practice to know when you can let the dog go 20 or more feet away from you, how to haul him back quickly, and how to lock it so the dog is maintained as he would be on a short leash. While great for casual walks, this is not the leash for jogging, or for training.   

New training devices appear on the market constantly. Look into them carefully to be sure you pick one that is right for your dog, and is definitely something you can learn to use easily and correctly. If you are fumbling around with a gimmick you can’t handle, a bewildered Rufus will only learn to ignore you.

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.