Retractable leashes otherwise known as "flexi-leashes" remove control from owners whose dogs already lack basic obedience and good manners. Moreover, these leashes can be hazadous, causing serious injury to others.
The retractable leash allows the cord to give and take which can cause the dog to pull. Not only will the dog be 20 or 30 feet ahead of you, he will be pulling you along for the ride! A dog's reflexes are quick. If the dog is already 20 feet ahead when he sees a squirrel or cat, he may pull the leash out of your hand before you have time to press the brake button. In addition, those long cords can be hazardous when wrapped around a person's leg or body causing them to fall!
Part of leash training is teaching the dog who is in charge. By allowing him to pull ahead, you are showing the dog that he is the leader.
True leadership comes when dogs understand that their role within the pack is follower. Dogs who follow their leader even with distractions must focus and pay attention. This type of walk is much more tiring for the dog since it becomes both a physical and psychological exercise. Dogs are happier when they understand their role as follower within the pack. Well-behaved dogs who listen get to spend more time with their owners since they are more likely to be included in their lives.
So, reel in and lock those retractable leashes or better yet, trade it in for a good 5 or 6 foot traditional leash that won't cause injury and enroll in obedience training. Obedience training will teach your dog good manners which leads to many tail-wagging, enjoyable walks for all! For more information about obedience training visit: http://carolinadogtraining.com/Services.html
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The Unshocking Truth...Pt.3 of 3.
Owners are trained to deliver the appropriate signal at the instant they want their dog’s attention. This eliminates the time delay common with a leash and collar. The remote training collar provides consistency since it is used at all times and in all situations. Moreover, a remote training collar allows the owner to maintain gentle, effective control even at a distance when the dog is off-leash, reminding him that he is part of a team. Additionally, the remote training collar is an effective tool for people with disabilities, especially in public environments with high levels of distractions.
Sean Hayes, engineering manager for Tritronics, a leading manufacturer of remote dog training equipment, asserts “the remote training collar is much easier, safer, more consistent and provides less distraction to the dog. The dog is receiving the same stimulation every time. Compared to other training devices like a choke collar, which should be used properly, the remote collar allows perfect timing, and is more humane and effective.”
Sean Hayes, engineering manager for Tritronics, a leading manufacturer of remote dog training equipment, asserts “the remote training collar is much easier, safer, more consistent and provides less distraction to the dog. The dog is receiving the same stimulation every time. Compared to other training devices like a choke collar, which should be used properly, the remote collar allows perfect timing, and is more humane and effective.”
The Unshocking Truth About Remote Training Collars Pt. 2 of 3
If the TENS unit is too low, it cannot be felt; if it is too high, it is uncomfortable. The correct level is different for every patient, and this also true for a dog. It is a professional trainer’s job to determine the lowest level necessary for each dog. The trainer teaches the dog the “language” of the collar. In other words, what does the vibration mean. The dog learns to look to his owner for direction whenever he feels the light tapping vibration. Professional trainers utilize the collar as a prompt to cue the dog at the lowest level necessary to simply get their attention. It is similar to a tap on the shoulder, which cues a person to turn around and get information. The intensity of this tap can change according to the distraction level of the person being tapped. Have you ever watched a young mother chatting with her friends while her toddler is pulling on her shirtsleeve? Of course, the mother isn’t ignoring her child, she is just oblivious until the child yanks hard enough to get her mother’s attention!” The same is true for the remote training collar.
A professional trainer determines your dog’s lowest level with minor distractions, but when high level distractions are present – such as a deer running past or a ball flying by – then a higher level may be necessary to get the dog’s attention. The vibration of the collar is the same as saying “pay attention, I am about to tell you something important” much like the tap on the shoulder that precludes the information given. The professional trainer teaches the dog that the vibration means pay attention, find the boss, a direction is coming. The correct level is the level at which the dog can recognize that he is receiving a signal from the training device and it is at that level that we have the dog’s attention.
Randall Lockwood, vice president for research and educational outreach for The Humane Society of the United States says, “new technology employed by responsible manufacturers has led to products that are being used safely and effectively to preserve the safety and well-being of many dogs and strengthen the bond with their human companions.
Owners are trained to deliver the appropriate signal at the instant they want their dog’s attention. This eliminates the time delay common with a leash and collar. The remote training collar provides consistency since it is used at all times and in all situations. Moreover, a remote training collar allows the owner to maintain gentle, effective control even at a distance when the dog is off-leash, reminding him that he is part of a team.
Additionally, the remote training collar is an effective tool for people with disabilities, especially in public environments with high levels of distractions.Sean Hayes, engineering manager for Tritronics, a leading manufacturer of remote dog training equipment, asserts “the remote training collar is much easier, safer, more consistent and provides less distraction to the dog. The dog is receiving the same stimulation every time. Compared to other training devices like a choke collar, which should be used properly, the remote collar allows perfect timing, and is more humane and effective.”
A professional trainer determines your dog’s lowest level with minor distractions, but when high level distractions are present – such as a deer running past or a ball flying by – then a higher level may be necessary to get the dog’s attention. The vibration of the collar is the same as saying “pay attention, I am about to tell you something important” much like the tap on the shoulder that precludes the information given. The professional trainer teaches the dog that the vibration means pay attention, find the boss, a direction is coming. The correct level is the level at which the dog can recognize that he is receiving a signal from the training device and it is at that level that we have the dog’s attention.
Randall Lockwood, vice president for research and educational outreach for The Humane Society of the United States says, “new technology employed by responsible manufacturers has led to products that are being used safely and effectively to preserve the safety and well-being of many dogs and strengthen the bond with their human companions.
Owners are trained to deliver the appropriate signal at the instant they want their dog’s attention. This eliminates the time delay common with a leash and collar. The remote training collar provides consistency since it is used at all times and in all situations. Moreover, a remote training collar allows the owner to maintain gentle, effective control even at a distance when the dog is off-leash, reminding him that he is part of a team.
Additionally, the remote training collar is an effective tool for people with disabilities, especially in public environments with high levels of distractions.Sean Hayes, engineering manager for Tritronics, a leading manufacturer of remote dog training equipment, asserts “the remote training collar is much easier, safer, more consistent and provides less distraction to the dog. The dog is receiving the same stimulation every time. Compared to other training devices like a choke collar, which should be used properly, the remote collar allows perfect timing, and is more humane and effective.”
The Unshocking Truth About Remote Training Collars Pt. 1
Does your dog pull you down the street, jump onto the kitchen countertops to steal food, bolt outside of an open front door or bark incessantly? Effective and humane help is at your fingertips. These and many other common behavior problems can be solved quickly with a remote training collar.
Remote training collars have unfairly been called shock collars. The truth is, these training tools are constructed with micro amperage and do not have the capability to shock like an electrical outlet. Rather, the remote training collar is an effective, safe communication tool that teaches a dog to develop self-control and a solid sense of teamwork.
According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, behavioral problems are the number one reason pets are relinquished to shelters, as well as the largest preventable cause of death in pets in the US. Using remote training collars to promote and teach appropriate, acceptable behavior in our canine companions allows us to have happy, fulfilling and long-lasting relationships. A dog can learn polite house manners, loose-lead enjoyable walks, exhibit calm, quiet greeting behavior and behave off-leash.
The remote training collar consists of a collar with a receiving unit that the dog wears and a hand-held transmitter used by the owner who delivers the appropriate vibration. It eliminates the need for constant treats, managing long leashes or chasing a dog down to remind it to cooperate.
Experts compare the collar’s feel to the electric stimulation devices used in human medicine. Many physical therapists and chiropractors use Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, more commonly referred to as TENS unit. The unit is usually connected to the skin using two or more electrodes. A typical battery-operated TENS unit is able to modulate pulse with frequency and intensity. Martin Deeley, director of the International Association of Canine Professionals, says, like the TENS unit, the remote training collar “contracts and releases the muscle to give the tapping or pulsing sensation at the lowest level necessary to communicate with the dog.”
If the TENS unit is too low, it cannot be felt; if it is too high, it is uncomfortable. The correct level is different for every patient, and this also true for a dog. It is a professional trainer’s job to determine the lowest level necessary for each dog. The trainer teaches the dog the “language” of the collar. In other words, what does the vibration mean. The dog learns to look to his owner for direction whenever he feels the light tapping vibration.
Professional trainers utilize the collar as a prompt to cue the dog at the lowest level necessary to simply get their attention. It is similar to a tap on the shoulder, which cues a person to turn around and get information. The intensity of this tap can change according to the distraction level of the person being tapped. Have you ever watched a young mother chatting with her friends while her toddler is pulling on her shirtsleeve? Of course, the mother isn’t ignoring her child, she is just oblivious until the child yanks hard enough to get her mother’s attention!” The same is true for the remote training collar.
A professional trainer determines your dog’s lowest level with minor distractions, but when high level distractions are present – such as a deer running past or a ball flying by – then a higher level may be necessary to get the dog’s attention. The vibration of the collar is the same as saying “pay attention, I am about to tell you something important” much like the tap on the shoulder that precludes the information given. The professional trainer teaches the dog that the vibration means pay attention, find the boss, a direction is coming. The correct level is the level at which the dog can recognize that he is receiving a signal from the training device and it is at that level that we have the dog’s attention.
Randall Lockwood, vice president for research and educational outreach for The Humane Society of the United States says, “new technology employed by responsible manufacturers has led to products that are being used safely and effectively to preserve the safety and well-being of many dogs and strengthen the bond with their human companions.
Owners are trained to deliver the appropriate signal at the instant they want their dog’s attention. This eliminates the time delay common with a leash and collar. The remote training collar provides consistency since it is used at all times and in all situations. Moreover, a remote training collar allows the owner to maintain gentle, effective control even at a distance when the dog is off-leash, reminding him that he is part of a team.
Additionally, the remote training collar is an effective tool for people with disabilities, especially in public environments with high levels of distractions.
Sean Hayes, engineering manager for Tritronics, a leading manufacturer of remote dog training equipment, asserts “the remote training collar is much easier, safer, more consistent and provides less distraction to the dog. The dog is receiving the same stimulation every time. Compared to other training devices like a choke collar, which should be used properly, the remote collar allows perfect timing, and is more humane and effective.”
Remote training collars have unfairly been called shock collars. The truth is, these training tools are constructed with micro amperage and do not have the capability to shock like an electrical outlet. Rather, the remote training collar is an effective, safe communication tool that teaches a dog to develop self-control and a solid sense of teamwork.
According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, behavioral problems are the number one reason pets are relinquished to shelters, as well as the largest preventable cause of death in pets in the US. Using remote training collars to promote and teach appropriate, acceptable behavior in our canine companions allows us to have happy, fulfilling and long-lasting relationships. A dog can learn polite house manners, loose-lead enjoyable walks, exhibit calm, quiet greeting behavior and behave off-leash.
The remote training collar consists of a collar with a receiving unit that the dog wears and a hand-held transmitter used by the owner who delivers the appropriate vibration. It eliminates the need for constant treats, managing long leashes or chasing a dog down to remind it to cooperate.
Experts compare the collar’s feel to the electric stimulation devices used in human medicine. Many physical therapists and chiropractors use Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, more commonly referred to as TENS unit. The unit is usually connected to the skin using two or more electrodes. A typical battery-operated TENS unit is able to modulate pulse with frequency and intensity. Martin Deeley, director of the International Association of Canine Professionals, says, like the TENS unit, the remote training collar “contracts and releases the muscle to give the tapping or pulsing sensation at the lowest level necessary to communicate with the dog.”
If the TENS unit is too low, it cannot be felt; if it is too high, it is uncomfortable. The correct level is different for every patient, and this also true for a dog. It is a professional trainer’s job to determine the lowest level necessary for each dog. The trainer teaches the dog the “language” of the collar. In other words, what does the vibration mean. The dog learns to look to his owner for direction whenever he feels the light tapping vibration.
Professional trainers utilize the collar as a prompt to cue the dog at the lowest level necessary to simply get their attention. It is similar to a tap on the shoulder, which cues a person to turn around and get information. The intensity of this tap can change according to the distraction level of the person being tapped. Have you ever watched a young mother chatting with her friends while her toddler is pulling on her shirtsleeve? Of course, the mother isn’t ignoring her child, she is just oblivious until the child yanks hard enough to get her mother’s attention!” The same is true for the remote training collar.
A professional trainer determines your dog’s lowest level with minor distractions, but when high level distractions are present – such as a deer running past or a ball flying by – then a higher level may be necessary to get the dog’s attention. The vibration of the collar is the same as saying “pay attention, I am about to tell you something important” much like the tap on the shoulder that precludes the information given. The professional trainer teaches the dog that the vibration means pay attention, find the boss, a direction is coming. The correct level is the level at which the dog can recognize that he is receiving a signal from the training device and it is at that level that we have the dog’s attention.
Randall Lockwood, vice president for research and educational outreach for The Humane Society of the United States says, “new technology employed by responsible manufacturers has led to products that are being used safely and effectively to preserve the safety and well-being of many dogs and strengthen the bond with their human companions.
Owners are trained to deliver the appropriate signal at the instant they want their dog’s attention. This eliminates the time delay common with a leash and collar. The remote training collar provides consistency since it is used at all times and in all situations. Moreover, a remote training collar allows the owner to maintain gentle, effective control even at a distance when the dog is off-leash, reminding him that he is part of a team.
Additionally, the remote training collar is an effective tool for people with disabilities, especially in public environments with high levels of distractions.
Sean Hayes, engineering manager for Tritronics, a leading manufacturer of remote dog training equipment, asserts “the remote training collar is much easier, safer, more consistent and provides less distraction to the dog. The dog is receiving the same stimulation every time. Compared to other training devices like a choke collar, which should be used properly, the remote collar allows perfect timing, and is more humane and effective.”
Friday, January 2, 2009
Treadmilling Your Dog
We all know that our dogs need exercise but running around a big backyard doesn't take the place of the walk. Since dogs are migratory animals, they are wired to travel with their pack. Walking with your dog is the best, most loving thing you can do with your dog! However, pack walks entail the human member to lead and the dog to follow. This is even more tiring to the dog since he has to pay attention to you and keep your pace. The walk drains energy in a more effective way when dog becomes follower; it strengthens the bond between you and your dog; and it satisfies their primal need: to walk.
Of course, there are those times when the walk becomes difficult. For example, bad weather, an injured owner or even lack of time can interfere with this most needed activity. Therefore, teaching your dog to walk on a treadmill is a great alternative when the outdoor walk is impossible or limited in time. Similar to the outdoor walk, treadmilling your dog involves both physical and mental stimulation because he has to focus on his job: the walk.
It is importatnt to seek professional help to get your dog off on a good paw. A professional will show you safe and effective procedures for introducing your dog to the treadmill. An expert can determine the length of time and intensity level necessary for your dog. Each dog has his own stamina and ability levels. It is critical to create a positive association with the entire treadmilling experience!
Nothing replaces a good walk with your dog. So, if you cannot take him outside with you, then teaching him to walk on the treadmill has pawsitive benefits too!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sharpening My Dog & People Skills
At a workshop in Wisconsin last week, I had the pleasure of working with some of the best dog trainers in the country! There, I learned that the key to success begins within. And so, the journey began with a day of silence. Only listening to our leaders enabled me to be truly present without the usu
al mental question formulations that go on so that you cannot really listen to what is being communicated. Not to mention the surprising benefit of working dogs without all the usual chatter. The dogs really performed better too! Silence really was golden on that day. Dogs are typically over-stimulated, over-talked, over-touched and in some cases, over-fed. Dogs communicate with energy and body-language. Learning to communicate in their language will enable the dog owner and trainer to better connect with their dogs and ultimately enjoy a more satisfying relationship.
al mental question formulations that go on so that you cannot really listen to what is being communicated. Not to mention the surprising benefit of working dogs without all the usual chatter. The dogs really performed better too! Silence really was golden on that day. Dogs are typically over-stimulated, over-talked, over-touched and in some cases, over-fed. Dogs communicate with energy and body-language. Learning to communicate in their language will enable the dog owner and trainer to better connect with their dogs and ultimately enjoy a more satisfying relationship.
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