07/09/2013
Collars and Control Devices: A Ruff Guide
1. Slide-Loops: Ropes, Chains, etc. -
I start with my preferred type of collar where the dog put his head through a simple slide loop. The handler proceeds with the dog on whichever side is set up to correct and release smoothly. Remember: chains and ropes only work to effectively when in the proper position. The reason I prefer chain collars is because they are low-friction, meaning that when the correction is over, the loop relaxes with ease. Also, the sound that the metal on metal makes when the handler issues a correction will eventually become a correction in and of itself.
To remain effective, the collar must stay elevated on the neck, nestled between the back of the jaw and the neck muscles and scruff. As many of you may know, this is the spot where fellow pack members would give a firm nip to change inappropriate behavior in a pack member. The challenge is to keep the collar resting where it must, with light pressure, without causing a state of 'constant correction' which will lead to pulling, confusion and frustration for both human and dog.
I find the chain to excel because of the ease with which one tightens and loosens the collar loop. These small movements can be the difference between a quick and effective correction and a situation where anxiety and tension will grow, so it's best to have someone familiar show you how to use the chain collar properly (trust me, I thought I knew everything about it as well - then I learned more.)
MaX