Training Tools
Soft Training Collar
This collar is ideal for dogs with High Body Sensitivity (HBS) whereby a head halter or correction collar would have a negative impact on the dog. Also good for dogs who only pull slightly and of low energy. The collar is the one we also highly recommend for pups from 8 – 16 weeks of age. It is adjustable and has a unique quick tightening and release feature.
For more info go to www.blackdog.net.au
Sporn Halter Harness all sizes
This training-aid is ideal for small to medium bull breeds eg. French & British Bulldogs and dogs with Brachycephalic syndrome (a pathological condition affecting short nosed dogs which leads to severe respiratory distress).
By pulling on the harness’ control cord, causes the cord restraints to pull on the dog’s shoulders thus slowing it down due to the slight discomfort. No pressure is exerted to the dog’s throat, muzzle or neck.
Sporn Head Halter
Made of the high quality braided cord and nylon webbing with thermoplastic and nickel-plated steel fasteners. Available in Small, Medium, Large and Extra-Large sizes in black only.
This differs in functionality to the Black Dog Head Halter. The leash attaches to the D ring behind the dog’s neck. Our experience shows that this suits dog’s which struggle with the traditional Head Halter and are more sensitive to the cord being pulled from underneath their muzzle. Whilst it assists in controlling pulling behaviour, it is not as effective as the Black Dog Head Halter.
Correction Collars
These training aids are also known as choker chains, slip chains, slip collars. They have been around for years but in recent years many purely positive or food trainers have frowned on their use citing “cruel and punishing for dogs”. Like any training aid or method, correction collars have their place in a balanced training program. The function of a correction collar when used properly is to let the dog know the exact moment it has made a mistake during the training process. This is done by way of sound (the take up of the chain when pulled) and tactility (by way of the slight tap on the dog’s neck). These training aids when used correctly are safe and can have an immediate result on a dog pulling, jumping up uncontrollably, showing aggression, and being generally disobedient. Good trainers will use these training aids just as they would also use, head halters or soft training collars depending on the dog & handler.
Dogs suitable for this type of collar are working breeds, terriers, gun dogs and crosses of these breeds. Dogs which are not suited are pugs, whippets, greyhounds, salukis, Afghans and dogs with a soft palate.
Many problems have been solved by proper use of the correction collar. The better types are the German brands such as HS Sprenger. To correctly size your dog for the collar, measure your dog’s neck circumference and add about 8 cm to that length.
To fit correctly, follow the instruction below. These collars like all training aids may require the assistance of a professional dog trainer to teach the method of use. Also, ensure the collar is not left on the dog unless being trained or walked.
Download Correction Collar Fact Sheet
The Halti & Halter
The Halter is an excellent training aid when used correctly & appropriately just as a correction collar is a useful tool for training. The halter is ideal for the handlers with low physical strength and/or low reflexes which means they are unable to apply conventional training techniques to stop the dog from pulling.
The halter should not be used like a correction collar at all but simply a gentle pull on the lead. It is in effect a method of “power steering” if you like of the dog.
It will take some dogs a bit of time to get used to the halter so I recommend the following procedure:
- Fit the halter according to the instructions on the package.
- Treat the dog immediately (provided it is not trying to pull the halter off.)
- Remove the halter & praise.
REPEAT THIS PROCEDURE 2 OR 3 TIMES IN SUCCESSION BEFORE ACTUALLY WALKING THE DOG
Furthermore, if using the Dr Roger Mugford Halti, it is recommended that it should only be used in conjunction with another collar. This ensures that if the dog slips out from the Halti (which can easily be done by some dogs with high initiative) the other collar can act as a safety link so as not to allow the dog to take flight.
However, a company called BlackDog Wear has designed a head halter called “Halter” that is a combined collar & halter in one. It negates the need for a collar to be linked.
Further info on Black Dog Wear can be found at www.blackdog.net.au
Gentle Leader
TRAINING AIDS: Gentle Leader as an alternative*
The Gentle Leader® headcollar finally offers a fast, gentle and effective way to control unwanted behaviour – without harsh methods or devices! Because it’s scientifically designed to work with your dog’s natural instincts, behaviour changes in minutes – not weeks!
The Gentle Leader® Behavioural Management System was developed by Dr. R. K. Anderson, and Ruth E. Foster. They came together in the early 1980’s with a common interest in developing products for more effective behaviour management.
Their goal was to design a product that would provide families with fast, humane, “fingertip control.” Why and how the Gentle Leader® Headcollar Works: Firstly, the Gentle Leader® headcollar is NOT a muzzle. Properly fitted, your dog is free to open his mouth to eat, drink, pant, fetch, bark and even bite – except when you close his mouth by pulling on the leash. The Gentle Leader® headcollar features two soft nylon straps – the collar
portion fits high at the top of the neck, and the nose loop fits loosely and comfortably across the base of the muzzle. Each strap has a distinct and important effect.
The Nose Loop – Dogs are naturally “pack” animals with a highly structured social order. One of the ways the “pack leader” will demonstrate his position is to gently but firmly grasp a subordinate’s muzzle in his mouth. This is a nonaggressive but very clear signal regarding who’s the boss! The Gentle Leader®’s nose loop encircles your dog’s muzzle in this same manner, letting him know in his own language that you are his leader.
Dogs feel more secure when they know who the leader is. The Neck Strap – Have you noticed how puppies seem to melt in relaxation when their mother picks them up at the back of the neck? Gentle Leader® applies pressure to the back of the neck rather than the front of the throat, working with your dog’s natural relaxation instinct with an amazing calming effect. Also, dogs tend to pull against pressure so the gentle pressure at the back of the neck causes the dog to pull backward, not forward. This means an end to leash-pulling forever!
Many outstanding authorities in animal behaviour, veterinary medicine, and practical obedience training (who’ve had the opportunity to test other styles of halter-type devices) use and recommend the Gentle Leader’ headcollar as their first choice for the most effective and easy-to-use alternative to choke and prong collars.
The Gentle Leader® is available in three sizes: Small, Medium and Large and is available from all leading Pet Stores and Veterinary practitioners.
