A lot of new (and old) dog owners struggle with this question. What’s the most effective equipment to buy for my dog?
Let’s start with collars, what’s out there?
FLAT collars: Your dog will normally wear one of these; they often hold rego tags and contact information. These collars put pressure directly on the front on the dogs throat and esophagus and can cause damage to our dog. They give the handler very little in the way of control but if you plan to tie up your dog, definitely use one of these.
For ease of walking, we move into the world of Head halters, Martingales, Harness, Check chains, Prongs and E-collars
HEAD HALTERS: Halters need to be correctly fitted, which requires experience. This equipment is a very effective way of controlling your dog. Be wary of cheap Halters (Halti), they often slip and stretch. (Remove from dog when not in training)
MARTINGALES: These are great for breeds whose neck if the same size as their heads (Bully breeds/Greyhounds), these dogs often pull their heads out of a flat collar. Martingales stop this from happening by having a limited slip action that tightens the collar when tension is applied. Martingales are less effective than a Head halter, but better than flat collars when it comes to controlling behavior. (Remove from dog when not in training).
HARNESSES: Basically, if you’re not training for a Sled Dog race don’t buy one, they only encourage your dog to pull.
CHECK/CHOKE Chains: These are tricky and need training in handling; misuse and these collars are capable of causing damage to your dogs throat. (Don’t tie or leave your dog loose in one of these).
PRONG Collars: These collars are highly effective, though disliked (and in some states illegal) in Australia like all collars if misused they are capable of injuring your dog.
E-Collars: The same as Prongs, while they have their place in training we have limited exposure to this equipment in Australia.
*If you utilise dog parks always remove any collar, halter or harness from your dog to avoid mishap.
LEADS: Dog leads vary from Cotton to Nylon, Stretchy to Retractable, Chain, Rope and everything in- between.
What’s the best to use?
Pretty simple answer: 180 cm cotton lead
Why?
Cotton is soft, Nylon and retractable leads (when pulled) cut and burn whatever they come into contact with, retractable and stretchy leads encourage pulling and chain leads hurt your hands.