the best training collar

[divaresearch]

What do you recommend for a training collar for use when training a yorkie? Harnesses do not give the proper physical feedback to the dog, but I am concerned about trach problems with my very small 2.5 lb pup

[y0rkiesR0ck]

by training, what do you mean exactly? i just bought the premier gentle leader in the petite size ($19.99 at petsmart)... it's a collar that goes around the head to prevent pulling on the leash, jumping on people or other dogs, and more control over your pup. the dog can still open his mouth to pant, eat/drink, etc. it is not a muzzle.

Kash is about 3 -3.5 lbs and it fits him perfectly... and i'm sure it could go smaller... the only thing is that Kash continuously tries to get it off when i put it on him. i know it's not hurting him... i just think he's not used to having something wrapped around his nose. i'm hoping he'll get used to it. he's about 6.5 months old and never had anything around his head, so it'll take some repitition to get him used to it... otherwise, i'll just return it to the store...

anyway, i hope that's the kind of product you were talking about.

[ARCHIE]

I would not put any kind of collar around my Yorkie's neck.
They are a small breed and training should not be a problem.
Using a harness for training is safe. Being consistent is key.
Patience is a must. Buddy is 16lbs and I would never use anything
but a harness and I have had no problem. They learn as they go.
It takes time. Using a collar or gentle leader on a 3.5lb dog
I don't think is necessary. Good luck with your training.

[Erin]

Please don't do a physical correction. If you have a trainer who is recommending it, find a new trainer. There are so many out there that are wonderfully skilled in positive reinforcement. You want your dog to like you, not fear you

What exactly are you trying to train? Maybe I can give you a suggestion for another way to get the results you are looking for or a book that can explain it far better than I can.

[Nancy1999]

Choke chains and other such devises that are used on larger dogs are required because of the physical force necessary to get their attention. You just don't need this with a yorkie, and I found that a harness works very well.

[divaresearch]

To be more specific, I am talking about what tools to use when we are learning basic commands. I am not talking about normal leash times, when we are out and about.

I got my pup two weeks ago when she was 17 weeks from a great breeder in Oregon who shows dogs. She concurs that, for training, using a collar is important because it allows for extremely subtle feedback to the dog and allows her to learn easily and be very responsive.

The breeder uses a regular collar on her dogs and has never had a problem. She said the leads/collars they use in the ring are not recommended because the clasps are very weak and can give way -- in the ring there is no place for the dog to go, so it is not much of a concern, but losing a collar on a dog in other settings would be a problem.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by divaresearch

To be more specific, I am talking about what tools to use when we are learning basic commands. I am not talking about normal leash times, when we are out and about.

I got my pup two weeks ago when she was 17 weeks from a great breeder in Oregon who shows dogs. She concurs that, for training, using a collar is important because it allows for extremely subtle feedback to the dog and allows her to learn easily and be very responsive.

The breeder uses a regular collar on her dogs and has never had a problem. She said the leads/collars they use in the ring are not recommended because the clasps are very weak and can give way -- in the ring there is no place for the dog to go, so it is not much of a concern, but losing a collar on a dog in other settings would be a problem.

Sorry, I'm just not familiar with this type of training, maybe your breeder would have recommendations.

[Tae1107]

I have taken 4 of my yorkies to training and each place I have gone to (but one that specialized in big dogs..which I ended up not doing) has insisted that all small dogs in the trainng classes use a harness..... so that is what I use and they all walk great on a leash... sit on command, and come when called....

[cesar49]

i am going to get a halti collar.. i heard they work great.. dont have one yet
but regular neck collars are causing collapsed tracheas.. ouch

i saw them at tractor trailer supply for 17.00.. they get tight when they resist, and loosen up when the dog is relaxed.. the pressure is on the back of the neck, not on the windpipe.. it helps encourage them to keep their heads up...

[cesar49]

Originally Posted by y0rkiesR0ck

by training, what do you mean exactly? i just bought the premier gentle leader in the petite size ($19.99 at petsmart)... it's a collar that goes around the head to prevent pulling on the leash, jumping on people or other dogs, and more control over your pup. the dog can still open his mouth to pant, eat/drink, etc. it is not a muzzle.

Kash is about 3 -3.5 lbs and it fits him perfectly... and i'm sure it could go smaller... the only thing is that Kash continuously tries to get it off when i put it on him. i know it's not hurting him... i just think he's not used to having something wrapped around his nose. i'm hoping he'll get used to it. he's about 6.5 months old and never had anything around his head, so it'll take some repitition to get him used to it... otherwise, i'll just return it to the store...

anyway, i hope that's the kind of product you were talking about.

this sounds like the halti collar i have read about.. i also love the velcro vests
that can be used with a leash..

[cesar49]

Originally Posted by divaresearch

What do you recommend for a training collar for use when training a yorkie? Harnesses do not give the proper physical feedback to the dog, but I am concerned about trach problems with my very small 2.5 lb pup

i found this on another thread the halti type collar


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Yesterday we starting with some changes. Marci (marcerella02) gave me some tips on how to address the pack leader situation.
He didn’t get to eat until we were done eating and he didn’t get any snacks without having to do a trick or something for us.
We started to tell him not to jump into the couch without us telling him it’s ok.

I bought a gentle leader collar sometime ago and never used it. I played the instructions DVD and decided to give it a try. I think it’s working!!!!. You know a great way to train him on who’s the boss is by leading during walks. Well, that was always kind of hard because the harness won’t let me lead him, He would pull and I would pull back, but there was nothing I could do to make him stop or pay attention. It was always hard to make him look at me while outside, he was always sniffing and looking at everything except me. The gentle leader pulls his muzzle and makes him look at me, each time he pulls, he feels it. I was afraid before because I thought it was going to be a little cruel, but it’s not! It a very gentle pull because as soon as he feels it he stops. It’s not hurting him in any way. The gentle leader has the advantages of a choke collar without all the disadvantages; it will make him obey, without hurting him.
We just went for a short walk to try it, but I think this it’s going to be a great obedience exercise!
I must say yesterday night Bengi was a little grumpy. I think he’s beginning to understand I’m taking over!
Maybe he’s not going to like this whole thing at first, but I’m sure this is all good and it will benefit Bengi as well as the whole family in a great way 
Oh, I forgot, I’m still going to talk to a trainer. We’re probably going to meet one next week.

[Ellie May]

The only thing I would recommend for a Yorkie is a harness if it will be pulled on at all. It is healthier for them to not have anything pulling on their necks. I don't like the Gentle Leader either but the Easy Walk is okay. I found that it didn't work on Ellie though (because the mechanism in the front doesn't have that much room to work with her small size I guess). I stick with a regular harness.

[ScootieBootie]

I'm a trainer and have worked with several small/toy dogs. I have never used a collar on any of them.

You should be able to train your dog just find on a harness and regular nylon or leather leash. Just avoid retractable leashes at all costs!

I suggest if your trainer wants you to teach your dog basic commands with a collar at that size, you need to find another trainer.

[CharBar]

Originally Posted by ScootieBootie

I'm a trainer and have worked with several small/toy dogs. I have never used a collar on any of them.

You should be able to train your dog just find on a harness and regular nylon or leather leash. Just avoid retractable leashes at all costs!

I suggest if your trainer wants you to teach your dog basic commands with a collar at that size, you need to find another trainer.

I'm curious to know what is wrong with retractable leashes? I use one and would like to know the advantages/disadvantages you find with training.

Thanks.

[CharBar]

Originally Posted by ScootieBootie

I'm a trainer and have worked with several small/toy dogs. I have never used a collar on any of them.

You should be able to train your dog just find on a harness and regular nylon or leather leash. Just avoid retractable leashes at all costs!

I suggest if your trainer wants you to teach your dog basic commands with a collar at that size, you need to find another trainer.

I'm curious to know what is wrong with retractable leashes? I use one and would like to know the advantages/disadvantages you find with training.

Thanks.