How to choose the proper collar and leash for dog training

Not sure if your dog thinks he's running the family circus? Here are some telltale signs that your pooch has assumed the role of pack leader:

• He's always pulling at the leash, taking the lead position on walks and trying to control his movements— and yours!

• He's always jumping up on other dogs and people or growling and barking excessively to take on a dominant and protective role

• She hogs the human furniture, particularly the bed and the couch, and growls territorially when she's expected to share these spaces.

• She ignores you when you use basic commands like "Sit," "Stay" and "Come."

• She cooperates with your commands when it suits her, but when it doesn't, she tries to manipulate you, either by growling aggressively or by showing exaggerated submissiveness—such as shrieking as if she's in pain, twirling around in circles or dropping down and rolling over like a diva who's had her crown stolen.

Watch out for any of these signs of master manipulation. They are indications that your dog is challenging your leadership. These manipulative tactics then become learned behaviour when owners have a track record of submitting and caving in to their dog's controlling behaviours.

3 things you'll need
These are the three key things you'll need to begin alpha training:

1. A good leash
2. A good collar
3. A big bag of focus, consistency and patience, especially if your dog has been playing alpha for many years

Leashes and collars are the most important tools for dog training. In fact, they're the only two you'll need for alpha training. They literally establish a connection between you and your dog, so it's imperative that you make this bond as safe, comfortable and stress-free as possible by investing in a good leash and a good collar.

Pick the right leash
I advise owners to use a six-foot (about two-metre) lead because shorter leashes will stifle your dog, increasing anxiety and resentment—and this is not a good way to set the tone for getting in sync with your dog and bonding with him.

Longer leashes and extending leashes are too dangerous and completely useless in terms of maintaining control over your dog. Harness rigs are also useless because they're designed for sled dogs. They'll force your dog to pull, which automatically puts them in the driver's seat. Use a strong nylon leash that's about three quarters of an inch wide (about two centimetres wide).


Page 1 of 2 – Learn how to coach your dog with focus, patience and consistency on page 2.