What kind of training "tools" do you prefer? Why?

Question

Gentle Leader?
Halti?
Choke chain?
Pinch collar?
harness?

Answer 1

A gentle leader or halti is probably the best. Choke chains and pinch collars do work but can be extremely harmful if not used properly. Harnesses don't do well at all for training purposes - they allow the dog to pull without correction. Gentle Leaders and Haltis will both stop the pulling and aid in proper correction without risking harm to your beloved dog.

Answer 2

Gentle Leader, Halti and Harness are not training tools, they are crutches for people who have not trained their dogs properly and have no intention of trying.
Always start with a flat collar (preferably leather, because it takes longer for them to stretch out of shape than the webbed or vinyl ones) and a standard 6 ft. leash.
The choke chain, called a slip collar by trainers, does not choke if it is being used properly and is only when used when the level of stubbornness in the dog requires a more positive correction. The pinch collar is a last resort tool, you never choose to use it first because once you get to it there is no going back until the dog is trained and then you have to return slowly, hopefully all the way back to the flat collar.
My students always start with a flat collar and leash. The dogs reaction and response are the only things that will cause me to have the students progress to the next step.

Answer 3

i use this thing that is sorta a cross between a regular color and a choke chain...the around part is a regulary collar, but when it connects a choke chain is looped through it and there is a ring to put the leash on....and then i use a regular rope leash ...but i have a extendable leash too which is only used when their being good...the choke chain works but i don't really like it that much...my dog chewed up the halti which ticked her off ...i've never heard of gentle leader and don't use pinch collar ( i don't think) harnesses are ok ...i think i just have never tried them but the collar that i have makes them respond without hurting them too much soo its great the other one i have just has a rope instead of a choke chain but it works great....choke chain one can be purchased at petsmart

Answer 4

I don't consider a harness a "training tool"...more of an accessory. As someone else said, harnesses enable dogs to pull without repercussion...so what are you actually "training" them to do? Drag your butt around.

My dogs use harnesses only when they pull a sled (these same dogs are well aware that they need to behave when wearing a lead and collar).

Personally, I use a regular slip ("choke") collar on my dogs...but I know how to use them. I've taught obedience classes for many years, and most pet owners really have no concept of how to properly use a slip collar. I've seen them way too big, left on the dog all of the time (with a name tag/license, and all), and -- of course -- put on backwards.

In some of my training classes, I had a lot of success with the head collar (gentle leader/halti). The trick is getting the owner to continue to work with the dog so that they can eventually walk them on a regular lead/collar. Many owners simply accept the head collar as a tool they will use for life -- which is fine, except that much of the public still (mistakenly) sees a head collar as a muzzle, and will make assumptions.

I have also used a prong ("pinch") collar on my dogs. Properly used, this is a very effective training collar.

Answer 5

I use a choke chain to train. I prefer this style to the traditional style:
http://www.akcstore.org/akcstore/ProductDetails.aspx?ItemClassId=23&parent=yes&productID=62944

Only use the training collar when it's time to "work". The dog will recognize the different collar and know it's training time.

When used properly, it is an effective and human training tool. It's up to the owner to ensure that happens. Be quick, firm, and gentle in corrections.

Answer 6

Harness. I beleive the choke chain and pinch collar are inhumane. I really don't use any of those while training. The only time I use anything like that was when I was training my dog how to wait at the door until I told him he could go out and when I leash trained him and all I used was a collar and leash. I beleive in possitive reinforcement and I use the clicker and treats. Plus I give them lots of belly rubs and love!

Answer 7

The tools that I find useful the most and the ones I use all the time is the 6 foot leather leash, a prong collar and an Electric Collar. I have build an aversion towards regualr chokers as I find most of them to be quite innefective and cruel. The prong is a better tool if used correctly. The E collar is the most amazing tool that I have used yet and can shorten the training time and build a much better relationship with your dog. I use it extensively for all my training and have a great relationship with all my dogs, including ones that I train for sale. And before anyone jumps here and talks BS, read the article I posted a few days a go on E collars.

Answer 8

I have done both many times. Both can be a lot of fun. Both can be tedious at times. A big difference, of course is why you're traveling, whether it's all about the destination or more about the journey, and of course how much time you have free. And for long trips, unless you pay cay the big bucks for sleeping car, it may also be a matter of how long you can stand to go without a shower. I would usually prefer to take a train but time usually dictates otherwise - even if the IS a train to where I'm going.

Answer 9

Personally I prefer to use just a collar and leash. No special products as I want my dog trained to listen to me always, not just when he's wearing a special device. Plus I think many of the devices out there now are cruel. As for a harness, we have a St. Bernard who pulls sleds so we use a harness for that so he knows when he gets that harness put on and we say pull, it's time to pull pull pull. If you tried to walk him with a harness on he would dislocate your shoulder. **Also an example that a dog associates certain devices with different actions.

Answer 10

Of those listed, what has worked best for
my Aussie who loved to pull-

Pinch collar
6 foot leash with handle close to collar and at the end
(this is a seperate collar than the one we use when he just
goes outside to go potty, so he knows there is a difference).

These 2 tools are ONLY used when going for walks- the prong collar is taken off as soon as we get home.

We are still working on walking and have made huge improvements.

I have tried a Halti but he continues to pull it off of his head.