What is a dog collar and how to use it correctly

Operating principle

Parfors for dogs consists of metal plates with spikes, which are assembled into a chain. The spikes are rounded, they do not injure the dog or cause serious damage to the skin - they are softened by the fur. The collar combines a ring, and a leash is attached to a second identical ring. If the dog is in a calm state - sitting, lying down, walking next to the owner on a leash - the handler lies on the neck, like a regular collar. If the animal tries to jerk the leash sharply, the collar becomes tense and the spikes cause pain. As soon as the dog takes a calm position again, the discomfort stops.

Typically, a planer is an accessory for large dogs that do not want to obey the owner, are ill-mannered or pose a threat. Similar products in small sizes for puppies and small breeds are simply not produced. The opinions of dog handlers on the need for a planer vary - some experts argue that it is a necessary tool for correcting behavior, others that it is a last resort. In any case, you should only wear it during training sessions and take it off in all other situations.

Spikes don't hurt your dog

Strict collars for large dogs

Currently, dog handlers, and many dog ​​breeders, use strict leashes, or also called parfors, to train their pets. Of these, several types can be distinguished:

• Wire models.
• Plate type models.
• For long-haired dogs with long spikes.
• For short-haired dogs, short spikes.

Models of strict parfors for large dogs, made by foreign manufacturers, are made of wire with special chains and sometimes carabiners, which greatly simplifies their use. Russian manufacturers of strict parfors place the spikes or teeth perpendicularly, which, when applied pointwise to the animal’s skin, protects it from scratches. Modern hard leashes with spikes for dogs are made of metal, different coatings are used on the outside; leashes with a fabric insert on the outside are especially popular among dog breeders. Its main convenience lies in the presence of a detachable mechanism, presented in the form of a carabiner.

Main functions

A dog groomer performs two functions: it corrects behavior and teaches commands. In any case, wearing it should be combined with voice commands and careful observation of the animal’s behavior. You can use the product while walking or during training with a dog handler.

During a walk, the planer is used to suppress the animal’s aggression and develop the habit of obedience to the owner. The main task is to prevent attempts to pull on the leash. A dog walking in a parforce will feel comfortable only when it calmly walks next to the owner or runs away to the permitted length of the leash.

If a dog exhibits inappropriate behavior - barks at passers-by, tries to run away and drag a person along with it, the collar immediately causes him discomfort. In this case, the owner should not passively observe how the dog behaves. By his actions, he must indicate the inadmissibility of her behavior - say “no”, pull the leash towards himself. If the owner understands his animal's behavior well, he can give such signals in advance. As a result, the pet learns to obey.

Important! In packs of dogs, a bite on the neck is a kind of punishment from individuals occupying a higher position. For the animal, this is a signal that its behavior is not approved by a stronger animal, and it needs to be stopped. The pressure of the planer's spines on the neck imitates such a bite.

If a dog collar is needed to teach the animal certain commands, then it is worn only during training. The owner holds the leash, gives a command, and if the dog does not comply, he pulls it towards himself. An important component is that the owner must make the animal understand what he wants from him, and only then apply strict measures. The effect is the same as in the case of a walk. A dog is comfortable only when it obeys, and uncomfortable when it disobeys.

The main thing that the owner needs to understand before using such equipment is that a strict collar for a dog is a temporary solution. He develops the habit of obeying, but the owner himself must maintain it. That is, the goal of training is to motivate the dog to obey, regardless of whether he is wearing a handler, a regular collar, or no equipment at all.

And this collar is decorative

Purpose of parfors

Many dog ​​owners completely reject parfors, believing that they cause unnecessary pain to the animal. According to experienced instructors who train animals, it is believed that the planer is the safest for training an animal’s obedience. But if possible, dogs should be raised and trained correctly, without using dog parforce. Such products are usually made of metal with a leather rim. On a strict parfors, the spikes or teeth are made rounded so as not to injure the animal and are located at an angle.

For greater convenience and safety, these collars are secured with a chain, without making fasteners on them; these are usually plates or links made of metal, covered over the entire surface with leather or leatherette.

How to choose the right collar

You need to choose a handler for dogs so that it has an educational effect, but does not cause injury. It should be the right size, just like a regular collar. If the parforce is tight, the dog may suffocate; if it is too loose, there will be no discomfort due to illegal behavior.

Before deciding to make such a purchase, it is better to consult with a professional dog handler, because a strict collar is not just an accessory, but a tool comparable in importance only to medical or veterinary equipment.

Types of parfors

Parfors are divided into several categories. By weight they are light, medium and heavy. Which one to choose depends on the personal characteristics of the animal and its weight. Light ones are recommended for animals weighing less than 13 kg, medium ones - from 13 to 25 kg, and heavy ones - for large dogs weighing more than 25 kg.

Important! The collar may cause skin irritation. Its causes include wearing it too long, unsuitable spikes, thin hair or sensitive skin on the dog.

According to their structure, parfors are divided into wire, chain and plate. The wire is suitable for long-haired dogs - hairs do not get stuck in it, and the animal does not experience additional discomfort. Metal plates, on the contrary, are needed for short-haired breeds. If the coat is of medium length, like a German Shepherd, it needs a collar made of wire.

Electronic version of the product

What to look for when buying parforce for dogs, and what it gives:

• Size and weight (best to try on in advance).
• The length of the spikes must correspond to the breed.
• The location of the spikes is all over the neck or just in front. It is believed that the spines in the Adam's apple area imitate the bite of another dog.
• The presence of a detachable mechanism makes it possible to quickly put on and remove the collar, and the pet will not be able to remove models without it on its own.
• Comfortable or uncomfortable attachment for a leash.
• Appearance is a matter of convenience for the owners, as well as the ability to disguise the parfors as an ordinary accessory.

The age, breed, and size of the dog matter. It is best to come to the store with your pet and have a fitting.

Size

A correctly selected attribute should lie relatively freely on the neck. In a calm state, the spikes touch the animal’s neck, and the chain lies on them. The dog does not show anxiety, does not whine or growl at the new equipment. At the same time, the collar cannot be removed over the head. You can stick a finger between the back, where there are no spikes, and the neck.

To check that the fit is correct, you need to lightly pull the collar at the front - the space for a finger at the back will immediately disappear. This means that the parforce will stretch when the leash is pulled. Do not pull on the back to check so that the spikes dig into the neck.

Spikes

The length of the spikes directly depends on the length and thickness of the coat. The coat is the dog’s natural protection from adverse factors, including mechanical injuries. The most popular collar - for a shepherd dog - is equipped with medium-length spikes. Versions for short-haired animals should be equipped with short protrusions with rubberized tips, and for long-haired animals, on the contrary, long ones with metal rounded spikes.

"Strogach" imitates the bite of the leader of the pack

Important! Spikes should never be sharp! Using a planer should not injure the dog. If the collar is chosen incorrectly and the dog suffers, you should immediately stop training, discard the existing collar and replace it with a more suitable one.

How to remove the product

Anti-aggression dog collars are important not only to put on and wear correctly, but also to remove. You need to remove the collar in the same way as putting it on. To do this, you need to unfasten the carabiner from the chain, thus disconnecting the links or opening them. You can open the links with your fingers; there should be no difficulties in carrying out the manipulation.

How to remove parforce correctly

If the pet owner encounters difficulties while using the collar, he should definitely consult with a dog handler or an experienced trainer. The fact is that improper use of a planer can cause even greater damage to the psyche of an uncontrollable animal.

Don't underestimate the importance of choosing the right accessory. A wide range of these devices can be seen in pet stores, so choosing the right one is not difficult.

Rules for using the planer

A strict collar is a temporary part of a dog’s equipment. You can wear it for no more than an hour. This will save the dog from injuries and skin irritation and increase the educational effect. If the parfors is used for a walk, it is worn as an additional collar. For example, on the way to the dog playground, the leash is attached to the leash to stop aggression, and on the playground it is removed so that the pet can calmly play with other animals.

The second rule is that the collar is designed for quick correction, and not for strict control. In order for the dog to receive the correct signal, jerks on the leash should be short and sharp. You cannot constantly pull on the leash.

Terms of use

An equally common question is how to use a dog collar. After all, failure to comply with the operating rules can not only damage your pet’s health, but also cause addiction.

The basic rules are:

• It is necessary to use the planer only during special activities, since wearing it for a longer period of time leads to irritation on the animal’s skin and is also addictive.
• The accessory should not be used during daily walks, as dogs learn by association. If for a long time the dog has negative associations between walks and pulling on the leash, then in the future this can cause aggression directed towards other four-legged animals that previously attracted interest and were the culprits of pulling on the leash.

To correct a dog's behavior, you need to pull it briefly and moderately. The planer is designed to quickly correct your pet's behavior by sharply tugging, which causes pain.

You shouldn't wear parfos all the time while walking.

If the pet makes a sharp jerk forward, then the owner needs to briefly but firmly pull the leash. Next, the pressure needs to be gradually eased, this will allow the pet to come to its senses and slightly reduce its ardor.

Prong collars are strongly discouraged for small puppies as they are intended for older, unruly animals to learn to behave.

As a rule, strict collars are used for those animals that cannot be trained in more humane ways. In the case of small puppies, the planer will only frighten them and, with careless movements of the baby, can injure not only the skin, but also soft tissues.

For your information! More and more animal rights activists are raising the issue of abolishing the use of such an inhumane means of influencing animals.

How to put a collar on a dog

A collar without a detachable mechanism should be put on as follows:

1. Turn the spikes out.
2. Pull it over the dog's head.
3. Turn into the correct position - with the spikes facing in.
4. Adjust the position so that the product does not put pressure on the neck when at rest.

If there is a detachable mechanism, then the procedure is much simpler - disconnect the carabiner, and then snap it onto the dog’s neck. The process should be accompanied by stroking, because putting on a collar in itself is not a punishment.

Weasel is the main educational tool

How to train a dog with a collar: basic rules

The rules of training are the same as for regular training, only one new element is added - the dog will be punished for inappropriate behavior. The trainer's main tools are an iron will and rewarding the animal for correctly following commands. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

• The owner or trainer gives the command.
• At the same time, he uses gestures to indicate to the dog what needs to be done (for example, “sit” - pressing on the sacrum, and “lying” - on the withers).
• If the pet at least approximately follows the command, he receives a reward - this way he will remember what to do.
• If the animal is stubborn, plays around, or refuses to exercise, the owner gives a short tug on the leash. The spikes imitate a bite on the neck - this is how dogs in a pack demonstrate that they are dissatisfied with the behavior of a relative.

Even the presence of a planer does not cancel the reward for the correct execution of commands. Gradually, the parfors is abandoned, replaced with a bridle, and then with an ordinary collar. Some dog trainers are against such harsh measures and believe that an associative connection between training and pain cannot be established.

Important! The goal of training is to ensure that the dog follows commands without parforce. If the pet is forced to obey only the fear of punishment, then serious mistakes have been made in training.

Is it possible to use a collar for puppies?

All dog handlers are clear on this – it’s impossible. Even if the puppy is a shepherd dog, Labrador, pit bull or another breed that requires careful attention from the owners. A strict collar is only worn on adult dogs.

Puppies can wear only these collars

A strict collar is a useful piece of equipment, but it is better to wear it under the supervision of a canine specialist. We must not forget that the main tools for training a dog are affection, attention and care, and punishment should be used only as a last resort.