Selecting the Right Collar and How to Use It

• 1). Purchase the right collar for you. Experts all have their favorite collar, and though they may disagree on the brand to choose, they do agree on the fundamentals of how to choose the right collar for you. Fundamental attributes are:
  
  •Reliable: Ensure the manufacturer has a good reputation and is known for long lasting products that do not short out.
  •Simple: You don't want to be spending time focusing on the transmitter instead of your dog.
  •Flexible: Has the ability to "nick" (provide a quick stimulus burst) and has a "constant" setting (enables you to leave the stimulus on for 8-10 seconds). You also want one that provides a variety of stimulation levels. You will want one with low level options, as well as higher ones.
  
  Additional advice is to pay attention to the range of the collar. If you will be training your dog to obey commands 100 yards away from you, but the collar only has a 50-yard range, it's not the right collar for you. Also, try to buy one that focuses on training specifically, and even comes with training DVDs and manuals.
  
  
• 2). Determine what electronic stimulus level to set your new collar at to provide the appropriate level of training. Most trainers educate their dogs using low-level settings for training.
  
  To do this, place the collar on the dog per the manufacturer instructions. Set the collar on "nick" and at the lowest level of stimulus. Set off the collar and watch your dog very closely for a reaction. It can be the smallest of movements, from an eye blink to putting an ear back. If you get no reaction, raise the collar to the next level and try again.
  
  Repeat until you get the smallest reaction from your dog. If you get a big reaction, especially a yelp, the collar is set too high. Don't be afraid to try the collar on yourself to help gauge the level.
  
  
• 3). Train for positive behaviors. To train for things, such as obeying the "Come" command, you will want to use the "constant" setting. Place the dog on a long- or flexi-leash and let him wander as you walk. When he gets to the end of the leash, press the electronic-collar button, and while holding it down, gently guide the dog towards you. As soon as he starts taking steps in the right direction, release the button.
  
  Repeat until the dog understands coming towards you results in the cessation of the discomfort. If the dog comes to you without the collar being used, reward the dog with high praise.
  
  This same method can be used to train the dog to stay by your side until commanded otherwise. If the dog starts straying, push the electronic-collar button until he takes the proper steps towards you using the "Heel" command.
  
  
• 4). Train against negative behaviors. To train against negative behaviors, such as barking at inappropriate moments, you will want to use the "nick" setting. When the dog barks, push the electronic-collar button. A generic command of "No" can be used along with the stimulus, though no command is needed.
  
  This training method is also good for setting proper indoor behavior. If your dog goes after something it shouldn't, set out that item he desires and press the electronic-collar button any time he gets near it. Do this until he associates that item with being uncomfortable and no longer desires it.