Re: Training and collars

["Bill & Patti Oftedal" <boftedal@alaska.net>]

Hi Macen and Lori,

It looks like that Bogey and Diablo are very similar on temperament,
I don't have to use any training collars for him, he's good on not pulling.
We are using (if I need one) the adjustable choke collar, made it out of 
nylon and they come on different width, from 5/8" to 1".
In Valdez we have no puppy or training classes of any kind, so I get
books or videos, and traing myself first and then I teach my dogs.

Love

Patti. (Diablo's and Goldie mamma)




-----Original Message-----
From: Macen Shinsato <macen@foxinternet.net>
To: brierpups@fast.cs.utah.edu <brierpups@fast.cs.utah.edu>
Date: Monday, October 16, 2000 1:51 PM
Subject: Re: Training and collars


>Hi Renee,
>
>Thinking has changed so much on collars since
>we had our first Golden in obedience classes
>12 years ago!  Then, we were told to buy a flat
>link choke chain and taught to use it correctly--i.e.
>a short, sharp tug and quick release.  The flat link
>chain seemed to cause less hair loss for our dog's
>long hair.  Prong collars were only advised for
>out of control and potentially dangerous animals.
>
>I was appalled to find current trainers recommending
>prong collars to everyone when we started Bogey's
>training.  I understand the difficulty of using a choke
>chain without choking the dog--but it seems training
>classes are mostly for the owners anyway--isn't this
>trainable?  The prong collars just look awful!
>
>We found a fourth option which worked well for Bogey.
>It is a collar made of wide fabric which acts like a choke
>chain in its action but is not as harsh or potentially
>damaging to the dog's throat.  We were able to get it
>at our tiny neighborhood pet store and I've seen them at
>large stores like Petco but don't remember what they're
>called.  Bogey has always been a really calm guy--not
>a lot of pulling on lead.  So this collar was really great
>for him.  I'm not sure how it would work for a more
>rambunctious dog.  Just thought you might like to know
>of one more option.  It will be really great to hear what
>all the trainers on the list think about training collars.
>
>Good luck with those classes.  Lori
>
>"J. Renee Brooks" wrote:
>
>> start her basic obedience class.  We had the first orientation class
>> without the dogs where they went over many things I already knew, but
>> they brought up collars.  Leigh and I have discussed this issue with
>> Gina before, but I would like to share with you what "Best Friends
>> Obedience School" had to say and get your input because I am still
>> struggling with what to do.
>