When it comes to training a dog for either simple obedience or for professional training, there is no device that offers more control than a dog training collar. While not to be confused with a typical collar used for identification and dog walks, a training collar is a specific collar only put on the canine during training sessions to help aid in the control of the animal.

Before selecting a collar for training, a pet owner must understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with each collar and if the device is right for their particular style of training. While a collar can be an effective tool in training, it should never be a complete replacement for the development of a bond between animal and owner.

A dog needs to feel it is part of a pack and by determining who its pack leader is goes a long way in the success of any form of training. The most basic form of dog training collars is the choke chain. This is a simple length chain pulled through a loop that is used by a quick jerk on the leash to correct the dog’s behavior. This device is best used for simple stop or heel training.

Another type of basic collar is the prong collar which is a collection of chain links that limits how much pull a dog will try by applying pressure to stop the dog’s attempt at control. In the last several years, the collar that has grown in popularity is the e-collar. This simple collar provides electronic stimulation as a humane way to control the actions of the dog.

While other collars are meant for basic obedience, an e-collar can help the dog understand its role by intuitively responding to the stimulation and the unwanted actions that caused the stimulation. When it comes to training a dog, an owner should do some research about dog training collars to decide which collar is right for their needs.

Service dogs are invaluable in assisting the people who need them. They are eyes for the blind, ears for the deaf, warning systems for those who have seizures and can stop autistic children from wandering away.

Photo: Lou Angeli Digita

In March of 2011, the US Department of Justice was forced to amend federal guidelines stating what constitutes a service animal so that the only animals included would be those who are trained specifically to perform tasks directly related to their owner’s proven disability. The reason for the change was that regular, run-of-the-mill pet owners were having their dogs certified as service animals by filling out an online form. The service dog imposter sites charge anywhere between $20 - $300 for a certificate which means nothing.

People who actually own and need service animals are becoming increasingly irate about the situation, since the animals passing as service animals can and have behaved badly, leading business owners to refuse to allow anybody in their establishment who is dependent on an actual service animal. Advocates have compared faking a service animal to illegal usage of a handicapped parking space.

The differentiation is simple: Service dogs are trained to serve. They do a job, for which they have been trained, entailing specific duties. The imposters are pets, period. They’re not trained, they don’t know how to handle everything that a trained service pet does. They may not know how to navigate traffic or deal with crowds. They’re just passed off because some unthinking owner thought "wouldn’t it be great to take Mitzi everywhere I go?"

If a business owner isn’t sure they are seeing a true service dog, there are signs they can look for. The most obvious is the dog’s manners. Service dogs never jump, bark, or appear restless. They follow orders explicitly and immediately. When not interacting with their human, they lie passively and unobtrusively at their feet.

With regard to the fake certifications themselves - any true certificate will have contact information for the school and instructor that the animal was trained with. The Americans with Disabilities Act only allows a business person to ask a disabled person two questions.

1. Is this a service dog for disabilities, and
2. What tasks or assistance does the dog provide you with?

There are serious liability issues involved for the business owner who thinks he let in a service dog, if that animal causes harm to a customer or employee. What if your fake service dog attacks an actual service dog? You will be in a world of legal and financial hurt. If the real service dog breaks training and engages, he will need to be retired, and you will have to pay restitution to his owner. Conservatively, service dogs are worth $20,000 and up. Not to mention the attendant felony the imposter’s owner will have on his or her rap sheet.

One can’t help wondering: If the guilty party knew that what they were doing was felony fraud, would they still think it’s worth it, just to be able to bring their pet with them everywhere they go? At the very least, they’ll be fined. They can lose future rights, such as Social Security and/or Medicare. Prison is even a possibility. Who can possibly look at the consequences and think this is still a good idea?Article written by Kelly Harris of Oh My Dog Supplies, where you can find a incredible assortment of stimulating dog toys online.

Dogs are vulnerable to many different skin difficulties. Simply because their skin isn’t often visible, it could be tough to spot a problem until it has progressed.

Photo: superfantastic

For this reason, it is critical not to ignore symptoms, such as itching and redness, and to seek treatment at the initial sign of a difficulty get back to your dog training time.

Bacterial

The vet will normally be able to tell if a dog has a bacterial infection by conducting a visual examination.

Treating a bacterial infection typically involves using an antibacterial shampoo too as oral medications. You may likely need to help keep the problem areas covered up and take measures to avoid the dog from licking the infected areas.

While ringworm is most typical in young dogs, the issue can occur at any age. Ringworm is actually a fungal infection.

In case you suspect that your pet has ringworm, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands following touching the dog. If a pet is diagnosed with ringworm, you need to have any other pets in your property tested for the skin problem as well.

Parasites

Mites can cause mange which leads to excessive scratching and lesions on the skin. Mange is usually diagnosed via a visual exam by a vet, but he will probably conduct further tests to be able to determine the type of parasite that caused the mange.

Other varieties of parasites, such as fleas and ticks, along with the difficulties that they trigger can be avoided by applying a topical insecticide on a standard basis.

Allergies

If your vet suspects a food allergy, there is a approach of diagnosis in which you will isolate each food that your dog eats and feed him only 1 thing at a time until the problematic food is discovered.

When training a dog, there are accessories that you cannot go without. The primary functions of dog training equipment may vary but they have individual functions that will help you gain control over the dog, make the dog training easier or simply make the process faster.

Photo: mbell1975
 
Dog Collar
A typical dog trainer will not buy other training aids but would definitely subscribe to the use of collars. Dog collars come in various types with different functions, materials and appeal. As to the function the usual varieties include choke or chain collar, martingale collar, spoke collar, shock collar or electronic collar. As to the material used to manufacture the dog collar the most famous are the leather collars, nylon collars, fabric collars and metal collars.

Harness
A common alternative to dog leashes, the harness is a training device that is typically used in conjunction with or in replacement of dog collars. This distributes the force of pulling thus, preventing the possibilities of choking and could also prevent the chances of the dog slipping out when only a collar is used.

However, dog harnesses are not usually used for training ordinary house dogs instead harnesses are used for service dog training and assistance dog training.

Leash or lead
This is usually made of leather or rope that is attached to the dog collar for better control or restraint. There are, however, some leashes that are looped around the neck of the dog that eliminate the use of a collar. There are several types of leash according to length- the very short, the short, the webbing leash and extended webbing leash. The variations in sizes account for easier training depending on the distance wanted by the handler. For better control, tighter leashes are recommended while distance training is best accomplished using longer leashes.

Muzzle
For dogs with unwanted biting and barking habits and need training to eliminate these behaviors, the dog muzzle is the most dependable type of dog equipment. This is also used for aggressive and dangerous dogs to prevent any damage that dogs could do using their mouths.

The muzzle is placed over the mouth of the dog to prevent it from opening its mouth. Dog muzzles could vary depending on the degree of freedom the device gives to the mouth, the construction material or the shape. It could be made of plastic, nylon, wire or leather.

Bait Pouch
It is a common practice among dog trainers to put dog treats inside their pockets, however it could sometimes be inconvenient. The main disadvantage of which is that some owners may take time in getting the needed reward, thus delaying the purpose of rewarding.

For better convenience, it is advisable for trainers to buy a bait pouch for training. This is an ordinary pouch that is made of canvass tied around the waist of the trainer for easier access to treats.

Halter
This is a headgear and a variation of a collar that is used primarily for guiding, training and tying up an animal for easier control. It is worn over the muzzle of the dog and fits across the back of the head such that when the trainer pulls the head of the dog, it will follow the direction of pulling.

Dog training accessories has various purposes, constructions and names. One device can’t simply accomplish all the works of different accessory. Thus, it is helpful for handlers to determine the exact use of the tool first before buying one.