Leash training dogs can be a frustrating task for any new dog owner to learn. Especially with over-excitable and strong willed large dogs. It can drive a perfectly sane pet owner crazy. If it is an older dog that has already been pulling for a while, you were in fact 'training' that dog to pull. No worry needed, older dogs can indeed be taught new tricks, it might just take a little more patience. The First Step Your dog needs to understand that when the leash is on, they must surrender to your commands. Start by getting her to perform simple commands such as sit and stay while on a leash. When your dog is comfortable with training commands like sitting while on a leash, you can proceed.

Oh Boy! Your dog will more than likely be trembling with excitement when they hear or see the leash. It is important that you show your dog who is in control from the start. Do not connect the leash to the collar until your dog is sitting still. It is best to do this indoors. Once the leash is connected your will most likely become excited in anticipation of a walk. If this happens just stay still and let your dog pull and tug. Eventually they will realize that they aren't going anywhere and become calm. When this happens, praise them and head outdoors.

Walking Your Dog on a Leash Your dog will be so overwhelmed by the stimulation of outside smells that she won't even be aware of the fact that you are there. When she pulls on the leash your job is simple. Your first reaction will be to tug back on the leash. Don't tug, and by all means do not continue walking. The second you feel a tug on the leash stop walking and stand still. Do not pull back on the leash. Your dog will eventually calm down. Once settled you can resume your walk. Repeat over and over again until eventually your dog will learn to associate pulling with staying still. This may sound easy but it takes consistency and extreme patience. Don't give up; some dogs may only take a week while some can take a couple of months. If you stick with it your dog will learn to walk on a leash without pulling. Training may be difficult but in the end it will be worth it, and your arm won't be as sore.

A Word about Choke Collars

The, proper use of a choke collar requires proper placement of the collar. Choke collars are premised on the notion that the owner/trainer will be able to, with a quick flick of the wrist, tighten the collar around the dog’s neck as a disincentive for unappreciated behavior. Likewise, a quick movement on the part of the owner/trainer can then be used to loose the tightened collar once corrected behavior is underway. In order for the collar to work in this manner, it must be placed with the moveable portion of the collar atop the neck of the dog. Otherwise a trainer will be able to quickly enforce a choke but will be unable to release it as quickly. You may notice dogs with choke collars that have either been incorrectly placed on the dogs neck or, as is often the case, have slipped and readjusted to put the moveable portion in the dangerous spot of being under the dog’s neck. Training a dog in this manner does not allow for the quick release of choke necessary and risks both the dog’s health and unnecessary cruelty. Instead of mere redirection and training, an improperly used choke chain can become something just short of a torture device. Considering the ease with which a choke collar can slip out of position—particularly when used with the unruly dogs who need training interventions the most—it does not seem as if there is a valid rationale for maintaining the collar’s use. There is simply a great deal of risk associated with the collars. Of course, choke collars should be promptly removed after a training walk or session. However, often, they are often left on when a dog is unsupervised. This can occur out of sheer ignorance of proper training techniques, by simple oversight, or when a dog breaks a leash or otherwise escapes his owner. When worn out and about, choke collars are very dangerous. The open ring to which a leash may be attached can get caught on any number of items. Dogs, will instinctively attempt to back away when confronted with such a situation. As they struggle, the collar tightens, furthering their sense of danger that instinctively leads to even more efforts at withdrawal. This snowballing affect poses a serious danger for any dog that finds his choke collar snagged. Some advocates of choke collars may not find these arguments compelling in their personal circumstances. They may feel as though they understand and comply with the proper use guidelines for a choke collar. A choke collar can be an effective tool ONLY when used appropriately. However, choke collars inevitably have some risk associated with them, even in the most skilled hands. Meanwhile, there are options that have been demonstrated as, if not more, effective for dog training that avoid those risks. Head halters and similar devices are able to get the same results without the attendant risks of the choke collar.

Tips on using electric dog collars

 A dog is a man’s best friend; dogs protect him and his home. A dog owner has responsibilities as well, like food, shelter, training, and even making sure to provide a dog with the proper collar. Electronic dog collars are one of the most commonly used tools for training.

Electronic dog collars help to correct a dog’s misbehavior, train it to obey a certain way (even when off of a leash), and warn it of danger by sending signals, electronic shocks essentially, from the transmitter to the receiver. The degree of shock can be set for various sizes of dogs and there are collars of many different shapes and sizes. Eventually, a dog will learn to avoid misbehavior and an electronic collar will no longer be necessary. For those who don’t like the idea of electronically shocking their dog however, there are collars that have send mere warning tones.

Studies show that misbehaviors in dogs are pretty normal – barking at the mailman, jumping on a visitor, digging a hole in the backyard and even running after a jogger. But these behaviors can be excessive and troublesome, causing accidental energies, property damage, and harm to other people and even the dog itself.

Electronic dog collars were developed to help dog owners prevent these problems and they are especially effective in young dogs. Even though electric impulses may seem painful, they allow a dog owner to educate the animal without yelling or spanking it.

To use an electronic collar effectively, first let the dog adjust to the feel of it around its neck and then make sure to keep the transmitter with you at all times, as it is a powerful device.

Use the lowest possible stimulation level – only if your dog does not respond to shock level one should you increase the degree. If a dog panics or starts vocalizing, decrease the stimulation.

When a dog exhibits aggressive behavior, like biting, do not use the electronic collar. This kind of behavior is better suited for a professional trainer. And don’t use the collar arbitrarily – only when you want to deliver a command you plan on teaching the dog, should you use it. Furthermore, training sessions should be located in places your dog is familiar with and should be short, lasting 10 to 15 minutes long, and positive. A dog’s focus should be on the trainer and any good behavior should be rewarded through play or treats.