Recommended Equipment
In order to make the first day of class as productive as possible, we would
like to pass along equipment suggestions to reduce the amount of time we need
to spend in class discussing it.
Collars
The type of collar you use depends on your dog's personality and your ability
to control the dog. Both you and your dog need to feel comfortable with the
collar you choose to use. If you have difficulty controlling your dog with
a regular buckle collar, we suggest that you use either a pinch collar or a
Gentle Leader head collar.
Although
choke collars have been used for decades in obedience classes, we do not recommend
them. They are frequently ineffective --i.e. most
dogs continue to pull just as hard
even while wearing these collars. In addition, many dogs begin gagging and
choking
from the collar's tightness even while continuing to pull hard. Leash jerks
that are strong enough to control the dog can cause damage to the dog's trachea.
We know that the pinch, or prong, collar looks ugly. It is, however, far more
humane than a choke collar, and it usually gives you significant control immediately.
It won't
choke
or puncture your dog's neck, or hurt your dog in any way, or cause him to gag.
Instead it closes uniformly around the dog's neck and is effective without
the handler having to correct or jerk the dog. Most dogs adjust to it immediately.
It should be worn high on the dog's neck, directly behind the dog's ears. Links
can be added to the collar as your puppy grows. We usually fit larger, hard-to-control
puppies with pinch collars only when they are at least 4 months old.
The Gentle Leader is a head collar. It has two loops, one that goes around
the dog's neck right behind the skull, the other that goes around the dog's
nose. The Gentle Leader can reduce pulling even more than a pinch collar but
usually requires more of an adjustment period, since most dogs aren't used
to having something around the nose. If you decide you want to try this collar,
you should do so before the start of class to allow your dog to adjust to it
at home for gradually increasing time periods.
Leashes
We prefer a short (three to four feet) leather leash for dogs that pull. Nylon
leashes will hurt (burn) your hand if your dog pulls hard on his leash. Leather
leashes are comfortable and provide good traction.
Retractable leads are very convenient to use on walks once you have your dog
under basic control. However they are not appropriate substitutes for training
leashes (see above) in obedience classes or training situations.
We generally spend the first 10-15 minutes of the first week of Jumpstart
class helping people with equipment needs. We sell both types of collars, pinch
and Gentle Leader, here at Northfield Dog Training. We also have a variety
of quality leather leashes. Please bring cash or your checkbook to pay for
your
equipment.
Prices (sales tax included)
Medium pinch collar $12.00
Small pinch collar $10.00
Extra pinch collar links $2/each
Leather Leashes $7-$17 (note: prices subject to change)
|
