Why I don’t like collars
One of the top reasons people come to me is to improve their leash walking skills. Here are the top three reasons I am not a fan of collars for most dogs – and what I do recommend.
Collar Issues
1 - It triggers oppositional reflex
Many dogs have a physical opposition reflex to pressure on a collar. Imagine you wanted to stay standing, and I came up and started pushing you backwards – would you just fall backwards prone? That pressure would begin to tip your balance, and most people push back into the pressure in order to maintain an upright position. The same thing happens with dogs – they feel like the collar/leash is pulling them backwards, so lean forward to maintain it, which means the collar/leash pulls harder, which means they pull harder.
2 - It triggers fight or flight chemicals and hormones
There are many veins and arteries in the neck. For dogs who pull collar creates a band of pressure and impacts blood flow, which in turn can trigger fight or flight chemicals such as adrenaline, stress hormones such as cortisol, and triggers hormones from the endocrine system which last for days - not just during your walk. Now you are trying to have that relaxing walk with a dog who is getting more amped up every time they lean into the collar. That energy can translate into excessive excitement, reactivity, or fear.
3- It is not conducive to training
Some classic adaption techniques I see are dogs who learn to use the collar to simply walk on their back legs, lean into the pressure, spin and back out of the collar, or throw themselves sideways or onto the ground. The collar does not encourage or help set the dog to connect back with you.
Can you use a collar? Of course. I also can (and have) cut a steak with a spoon – but it is not the best tool for the job. Getting the right tool means you will not be fighting uphill, and will set your dog up for success!
Options I do recommend
Please email us at TailWindsTraining@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing one of these training tools!
1- Front Clip Harnesses
We carry Jetta Jack harnesses which include a front clip. This Y front harness does not impede the motion of the dog’s shoulder, and does not trigger the oppositional reflex. Instead, when the dog pulls, that pressure gently prompts the dog to turn towards you. In conjunction with training, the dog is now set up to be rewarded for reconnecting. This, maintained and improved through training, will make learning or relearning to walk on leash far, far easier than a collar. Harnesses are a fantastic option for mild pullers, or those who do not want to take the time to train a gentle leader. I do not recommend any front clip which tightens or goes straight across the shoulders.
2- Gentle Leaders
This is ands down, my favourite training tool for leash walking. So why isn’t it first on the list? Unlike the Y front harness, you have to train your dog to be comfortable with the Gentle Leader, as it performs the same function through the face harness. Gentle Leaders remove all oppositional reflex and often provide a calming aspect. Like the Y front, it creates a situation which encourages the dog to reconnect and be rewarded. Although a gentle tool, it is even more effective than the front clip, and is a go to for highly reactive or pulling dogs. I do not reccomend any head harness which tightens or limits their ability to open their mouth.