Are training discs useful?

Question

Has anyone used training discs with their dog? Have you had any success and would you recommend them?

They are a series of small brass saucer shaped discs which create a unique sound. They are used to interupt unwanted behaviour when you shake them or throw them on the floor.

Answer 1

Yes, I use them to stop my dogs barking at horses when they go past my house. I only have to shake the discs and the dogs stop immediately. They seem to respond to the unique noise they make.

You can use them when dogs jump up at you. You need to just shake them in your hand at chest height when the dog leaps up without the dog seeing them. The noise startles the dog and it really does stop them.

I have a Golden who used to just leap at everyone she met and an Animal behaviourist advised me to get these training discs. He used them himself for unwanted behaviour. He explained that the discs are doing the reprimanding ,not you, so it doesn't make the dog afraid of the owner, and the dog responds to the noise the discs make.

I can highly recommend them if they are used correctly. They usually come with an instruction video.

Answer 2

A waste of money I found (most of the time pups misbehaviour when you are doing something and NOT carrying them)but some people swear by them!
A plastic bottle filled with stones works just as well in training sessions and/or a clap of the hands and a firm NO!
These discs are meant to stop the dog associating you with the reprimand, (you're not supposed to let them see you rattle them) but I've never understood the logic of that. It's the pack leaders role to show approval or disapproval.

Answer 3

I have trained dogs for a a few years now and love training discs - they are very sucessful if used correctly, the idea is when the dog is behaving incorrectly u throw the discs down (nesr the dog but not at it) when the noise startles him and gets his attention implement the correct behaviour, I used them for recall... as my dog was in a world of her own, when she heard the noise and looked at me I implemented the positive, a few times and it was sorted. When used it is a good idea to give a verbal command too. Good luck x

Answer 4

I used them on my collie pup, he had a habit of chewing things, and running after cats when off the lead. However, just one shake, or throw (if he started to run), and he would come sit at my side and cease any of that behaviour instantly. Now if he starts any new bad behaviour, I only have to lift the discs and he goes and lies down.

Answer 5

Not sure what you are referring to. Do you have a link?

Save your money and use your voice. A sharp NO works fine.

Answer 6

gravel in a can makes a great, distracting sound too!

Answer 7

NOT REALY I JUST REPEAT IT TO MY DOG EVERY DAY AND IT WILL PICK IT UP AT THE END OF THE WEEK