Training Labrador Retrievers

Useful Tips about Using Labrador Training Collars.

Training collars are sometimes referred to as choke collars, name that is very misleading. This is more of a bad stigma name.

A training collar should never be used to choke a Labrador in an attempt to teach a behavior. No one learns anything when being choked, except to fear and dislike the individual doing the choking.

The only time it should be advocated to allow a training collar to tighten and constrict around the dog’s neck is if the dog is attempting a full-fledged, vicious attack on the trainer. In this circumstance, the trainer should be using the choking procedure in a self-defense technique called “stringing the dog up.” It can - and should - frighten and intimidate a Lab into avoiding a future attack.

When a training collar is used properly, it will jerk and release without any choking effect. Most of the force will hit the dog on the back of the neck. This area and the chest are the strongest parts of a dog’s body. The purpose of the jerk and release on the collar is to correct the dog. When performed correctly, it will cause a disagreeable feeling but will not hurt or injure your Labrador.

The art of jerking and releasing effectively comes with practice. The quick release is the key element. You may want to begin by practicing on something other than your dog. Place the training collar on a doorknob or on your arm. Attach the leash or place your finger through the ring where the leash would go. Jerk and quickly let go.

Some elements of Labrador training are difficult to learn from a book, magazine, or article, and this is one of them. Only practical experience will do the job. Practice the quick release with the training collar over your arm until you feel confident you understand the procedure. Be assured that no one is born with dog training skills.

A training collar must be used properly to ensure a proper correction. First, the collar must be put on the dog correctly. It must not be put on upside down. If it is, the brunt of the jerk will hit the dog in the trachea, which could damage the dog’s throat and create a chronic cough. Also, when the collar is upside down it will not release properly. Rather, it will constrict around the dog’s neck, applying pressure on the throat.

Second, the collar must fit properly. A training collar should fit around the Lab’s neck with enough room to slide your hand between your dog’s neck and the collar easily. When the collar is on the dog’s neck, put your finger through the ring where the leash will attach. Gently pull up on the ring until the collar tightens to fit snugly. There should not be more than three inches of excess chain. If the collar is too long, it will not release properly.

When you purchase a training collar, try to find a store that will allow you to take your Labrador Retriever in with you. This will make the job of obtaining a correct fit much easier. Walking into a pet store without your dog and looking at a rack of collars can be baffling. Picking the correct size collar would be like trying to guess how many jellybeans are in a jar dog training collars.

If you feel so inclined, read more about dog training collars and how to house-train your dog.

-Lauren