A Dog for the Family

These are the three essential dog training tools every family should have BEFORE they bring a dog home to be a part of the family.

In Dog Training for Your Family Dog, we covered that all dog training is based on understanding the “pack” mentality of dogs.  Many, many families facing dog behavior problems can solve those behavior problems with basic obedience training.  Teaching your dog to heel, sit and stay on command can go a LONG way to making him a happy member of your family.

Just like everything else in life, dog training is easier when you have the right dog training tools.

Dog Training Tool #1: A Crate

Crate training can make some people squeamish.  After all, they hate seeing their darling little pookie locked in a cage.  Combine that with the fact that the first time you place your dog in the crate, it will most often elicit  an”objection”   – it means you’ve got to have nerves of steel to embark upon your first “crate training experience”.

Remember, dogs are not only pack animals – they’re also den animals as well.  In the wild, a dogs create “dens” and your dog’s crate will most certainly become his/her “den”.

Also, being confined to the crate will help in housetraining AND establishing your dog’s place in the pack.

Dog Training Tool #2: A Collar

A collar is the second on the list of dog training tools you need, but this is where the recommendations get fuzzy.

You can’t go wrong purchasing a nice, leather collar for your dog.  If your dog is actually a growing puppy, be sure to check regularly to make sure the collar still fits.

I will encourage you to NOT purchase any kind of specialized “training” collar until you’ve attended your first dog training class.

See, different dogs have different needs.  Some breeds, like a Weimeramer or Field Spaniel, can be obedience trained without ever using a metal choke collar.  For some members of these two breeds – using a choke training collar constitutes abuse.

On the other hand, in some situations, a metal choke collar isn’t enough and more drastic measures are in order.  There’s a training collar known as a “prong” collar which, when used correctly, will enable a small woman to control a large, powerful dog.  A prong collar is severe and can physically and emotionally damage a dog when used incorrectly.

I’ll never forge tthe HORROR on the instructor’s face when a man showed up to obedience training class with his Weimeramer in a prong collar.  Talk about the wrong collar for the breed!

On the other hand, the transformation was positively magical when the 125 pound woman was instructed in the proper use of a prong collar for her 95 lb Rottweiler.  Her dog was a strong, powerful dog and the prong collar allowed the woman to “communicate” effectively with her dog.  Her dog went from monster to magnificent in a matter of hours!  Watching that transformation made me understand why the prong collar was developed.

Dog Training Tool #3: A Leash

The third essential dog training tool is a leash.  Again, you’ll never go wrong with a 6 foot leather training lead.   It’s the leash of choice in dog obedience class.

These are the three essential dog training tools you should have BEFORE you bring home your dog or puppy.

Remember, with proper training your dog can be a happy member of your family!