What Type of Collar?

[JulieM]

I think 4 months is too early to have to resort to a Gentle Leader. But it is just a training tool - you will need to teach him to walk on a loose leash regardless of what type of collar/halter you use. Otherwise, it goes from being a training tool to a crutch, and if you put him on a regular collar he will still pull.

[Emily&Chopper]

Any suggestion on how to keep him from pulling? We are working on heeling but he still pulls frequently & doesn't seem to understand. It is even worse when I have both dogs out at the same time. They both lose their manners completely & my bicep is getting huge from pulling!
Thanks frogicon

[Tulsa-Dan]

Take the dogs walking separately. They perform much better when they are not in a "pack" together.

When the dog gets in front of you, simply turn and walk the opposite direction. The idea is to keep the dog's attention on you by changing directions frequently and letting the dog know that YOU are leading the "hunt" or walk, not the dog, so he must follow you. If he veers to the right, walk to the left. If he gets ahead or chases after a squirrel, turn and go the opposite direction. Bad behavior (pulling ) will get him nothing. Good behavior, walking nicely and heeling, will get him praise, treats or a chance to sniff and explore (real world rewards).

Again, I suggest "The Dog Listener."

Good luck.

[LuvBoxers1]

Thanks so much for posting this..... so much info! I appreciate it.

[brianp66]

Thanks Julie I now no alot more about collars than I thought I did

[kennyo]

So wich collar do you recommend for a boxer?

[NWCoastie]

Excellent summary of collar options! We started out with the flat buckle collar, but were suffering from too much pulling and refusal to heal/sit on command. A few weeks into obedience class, we switched Ginger to the pinch collar and the change in her 'tude was quick. My understanding is that it is meant to mimic mother nature -- when pup gets out of line, mama grabs pup by the gruff of the neck. The pinch mimics that discipline and Ginger seems to get the message.

We plan to combine her training with both the pinch and the flat collar as we don't want her thinking she only has to obey our commands when wearing the pinch. Our trainer advises that it is our voice and actions that should be commanding the dog, not the collar/leash. As she is only a pup, when Ginger gets excited, our commands don't hold too much weight! So, I thank the doggy gods for the pinch collar!

[babydex]

I agree a great and informative article, me being a new Momma here in five days we've been tossed on which collar to start out with. I have at least narrowed it down now. Thank you so much Julie and to BW for such a wonderful site!

[Samsons_Dad]

Is there something somewhere tha explains how to "correctly" use the training/choker collars? My 5 mo baby walks great on a leash, and actually listens to me better. I don't even have to keep the leash short. He stays right by my left side. And we even sit and look before we enter a street, and he is getting better at not jumping on passer buyers. I just wish he would learn to totally not jump on people...

[blurble33]

thanks for posting this we were thinking of getting our girls new collars from SANTA and were trying to figure out if the ones we use now were good - we use the nylon quick releases.

[Crayolita]

Thanks for the post Julie, great job.

[Rocky'sMom78]

Thank you Julie, Great info.