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The most common type of collar used for training is a chain correction collar, but there are many other alternatives. The correction collar relies on punishment for control. Jerking or pulling on the collar results in an uncomfortable tightening around the dog's neck that makes him stop his current activity.
There are alternatives to this method of training. Techniques using correction and punishment can be successfully replaced by methods using positive reinforcement - praise and rewards.
A correction collar made in flat nylon webbing still provides a correction but is much gentler.
The Martingale Collar is a type of limited correction collar. The collar lies flat like a buckle collar or with a leash will constrict to the size of the dog's throat and if adjusted correctly will not continue to tighten. The design also means that a dog will not slip out of his collar.
The Limited Correction Collar is nylon with rings like a correction collar, but one ring is sewn in so it only travels a few inches. This type of collar cannot tighten any smaller than the dog's throat.
The Head Collar (also known as a Halti or Gentle Leader) fits on a dog's head with the lead attaching under the muzzle. This allows you to guide the dog by controlling his head. Dogs need an adjustment period to get used to this collar because it feels strange on their face. Some dogs never adjust to this type of collar. As with all training collars it is important to use this collar correctly. The head collar should be used short term to correct a specific problem. The head collar must never be used to correct a dog.
Dogs can also be trained with a simple buckle collar. Flat buckle collars can be made of leather or nylon. Leather collars have a belt type buckle while nylon collars have a clip fastener which is easy to attach and remove. There is no correction with these collars.
A Martingale Collar is an excellent choice for a Golden Retriever providing control especially of a young dog but without harsh correction.
All these collars are permitted in obedience classes.
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