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Review of Dog Training Devices -
Tools to Simplify Puppy Training
Dog training devices come in many shapes and styles, and are quite helpful when you need to teach your dog the right behavior.
Pet supplies industry offers a variety of collars, leashes, crates, and toys.
Sometimes, you may feel that there are too many choices.
Actually, there are, but you don't need to feel intimidated! You also don't have to feel that you need to buy everything that's being advertised.
Here is a quick overview of some basic dog training equipment you may use to modify your pet's behavior...
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If you need more detailed information, just follow the links to…
…or any product-specific page. But for now, let's review some of the most common dog training devices...
Dog Leash
While you may not think of them as dog training devices, dog leashes, along with collars, are the most common pieces of dog training equipment. The Secrets to Dog Training guide offers plenty of advice on how to train your puppy using a leash.
Dog leashes come in many styles and materials. The most common are leashes made from nylon. They are cheap and well suited for everyday use.
Also common, but a little more expensive, are leather leashes. They are more durable and, in my opinion, prettier than leashes made from any other material. They are also a lot more comfortable to hold.
Most leashes come in four, six and eight foot lengths. For training, I find a
four-foot dog leash the most useful.
A retractable leash, while convenient for everyday use, is not suited for training. Avoid it until your dog is fully trained to walk on leash.
Another thing to keep in mind when you buy a leash is the size of your dog. For smaller breeds, the strength of the material is not as important. Get a lightweight leash. For larger breeds, get a stronger, more durable leash.
For more information on dog leashes, visit dog leash and dog leash training pages. Check both pages for tips on choosing the right leash for your dog, as well as tips and suggestions on leash training.
Learn more about How to Leash Train your Dog
A Collar
There are several types of collars on the market. The most basic, a buckle collar is well suited for everyday use.
Most such collars are made from leather or nylon. Leather collars are a little bit more expensive but, in my opinion, look better. Functionally, there is no difference.
Make sure a collar fits comfortably but securely around your puppy's neck. A collar that is too small or too tight can injure your puppy. A collar that is too big or too loose will allow your puppy to escape.
Learn more about How to Train your Dog
Some highly specialized collars are also available…
- A choke collar
- Prong Dog Training Collars
- Head halters
They are strictly for training and are not suited for everyday use.
These collars, if not used correctly, can cause a severe injury to your dog. So, unless a professional dog trainer taught you how to use them, stay away.
For more information on training collars, visit dog training collars page.
Electronic Dog Training Devices
In addition to basic buckle and specialized training collars I mentioned above, there are also several types of electronic collars.
These are dog training devices that you can use to break unwanted behaviors.
A good example is barking. As soon as your dog begins barking, depending on a type of the collar, a mild shock or a spray of citronella is administered. It startles the dog and puts a break to the unwanted behavior.
Visit dog shock collar and electronic dog collar for more information on electronic collars.
Dog Crates
Without a doubt, this is the most valuable and useful piece of dog training equipment you can get.
Why?
There is no faster way to housebreak your puppy than with the help of a crate.
Crates are also very valuable if your puppy is suffering from separation anxiety.
You can also use a crate to cure separation anxiety. Visit dog separation anxiety to learn more about this condition and how you can cure your puppy or an adult dog.
The 2 major types of crates are wire and airline crates. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, which I list on puppy crates page.
Visit puppy crate training to learn how to crate train your puppy.
As far as dog training devices go, if I had to choose THE one, this would be it.
Toys
Dogs love to chew on things. It's as natural to them as it is for you to get angry at your puppy when he destroys your favorite pair of shoes. Or a couch. Or your Sunday newspaper.
A dog chew toy, while technically not a dog training device, will provide your puppy with an alternative to shoes and other household items you forgot to hide.
It also keeps his teeth clean and strong.
Visit dog chew toys page for… everything you need to know about choosing chew toys that are not only safe, but also good for your puppy.
I just covered some basic dog training devices. Follow the links to individual pages for more detailed information.
If you need additional advice on using leashes, crates, and other dog training devices, check this dog training guide. I use it myself whenever I need some help understanding and correcting my dog's behavior.
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