Dog Training Basics

Archive for May 6th, 2009

A bark control collar can be utilized as a harmless and efficient training tool for eliminating your dog’s annoying or persistent barking. Following are the most often asked points I’m asked to clarify from pet owners interested in understanding how a bark collar works.

Bark Collars – Harmless or Harmful?

There has been a lot of controversy about whether bark collars are a humane training device. In my opinion, bark collars are definitely humane.

There are several different kinds of bark collars (Aboistop and Citronella collars, Ultra Sonic Collars and Shock Correction Bark Collars). For the intention of this post, I’ll center on static correction since the majority of debate about reliability and humaneness will often concentrate on this type of collar.

Static correction bark collars work by delivering a mild static electric shock to correct your dog when he begins barking. Some collars detect barking through use of vibration sensor, some collars utilize a microphone to recognize barking by sound; several versions of collars use a combination of both sound and vibration.

The static correction that your dog receives is akin to the shock you feel when you scuff across carpeting in your socks and then come in contact with a metal object. You have probably experienced this when you pull your clothes out of the clothes dryer during the winter and they have “static cling”. The resulting sensation is startling, but isn’t harmful.

When used properly, along with uniform training, static correction bark collars can be an effective, humane way to put a stop unreasonable or annoying barking.

Which bark collar works best?

The answer to this question lies with you, and your dog of course. As a dog owner, you know your pet best. Some things to consider when shopping for a no bark collar:

• Your dog’s age: Bark collars or dog training collars should not be used on a puppy younger than 6 months of age.
• Your dog’s size & weight: Your dog’s weight and neck size need to be considered when looking at collars. A bark collar for small dogs won’t work well for a bigger or stubborn breed.
• Your dog’s temperament: Is your dog very difficult to train? Apprehensive and  timid? There are specialized bark collars that will help with either extreme, as well as standard collars that will work with most dogs. A very shy dog may react better to a Citronella Bark Collar or Ultra Sonic device. Likewise, a larger dog will in all likelihood respond better to a bark control collar specifically made for large breeds.

Do bark control collars always work?

The success rate for bark collars is good, but its important to realize that they might not work in each situation. A sure way to help encourage success is to make a commitment to consistent training. Opt for the bark control collar that conforms best with your dog’s temperament and size, apply consistent teaching, and you’ll be well on your way to quieter days.

When you set out to teach your pet to come, there are a few secrets, tips and tricks that I'll share with you, to get fast success!

I have adapted these free techniques from the outstanding ‘Secrets to Dog Training‘ by Daniel Stephens. Check it out here if you wish to read more now.

“Come dog”

Firstly, and possibly the most crucial, is that you should never call your dog over if you are going to do something that he might class as ‘negative’ to him.. Some common examples are things such as tying him up, wetting him (if he doesnt like that!), telling him off, smacking, hitting or generally disciplining him..

Dont call over and discipline your dog for things such as running off, when he comes over. Your dog may learn that doing as his master commands, is a punishment. If your dog already knows negative associations when you call come, such as he thinks it means 'run asap!' or if your dog starts to ignore you, try using a new command that sounds diffferent. 

Forget your old come command and teach this exercise using a new, clear word. 'Here' or 'Hey' are popular ones, but really its up to you to use any command that you think will work.

In the ideal case, your dog should hear your command, cease what hes doing and sit in front of you! Best results are had when you treat this step as two different exercises.

Both exercises are best done seperatly, till your dog has them completely mastered. When this time comes, bring them together.

“Come sit in front of me”

Start with putting your dog on a short ish leash. Get your dogs attention, hold a favourtie treat of his/hers in your hand and take 3-4 quick steps backwards with the treat held in front, around nose height.

When your dog is in front of you, stop and raise the treat up a little, so the dog is motioned to sit and wait.

Command your dog to sit, and when hes does so paitently you can reward him with the treat by putting it in his mouth. Dont let him jump up to get it!

Next time you should do the process while holding your ground and avoiding moving backwards. Now try to phase out guiding with food or treats and change to simply reinforcing a correct 'come, sit' command. This will help your dog accept praise as a reward.

You can read part two of this article, for free, as my website (that has hundreds of other free dog training tips) here, at dog commands.