Leashes
& Other Tools
Disclaimers:
The inclusion of a service,
organization or program on this page is NOT an endorsement or
recommendation. We are not able to guarantee the quality of
services. We strongly suggest that you check them out yourself
before using a specific service.
If your dog is having ANY medical or behavior problems that
might be related to health, you should take your dog to your
Veterinarian. Behavior problems that might be caused by health
issues are things like newly developed aggression, some anxiety
issues, a dog wandering as if in a trance & so many more.
Types of Collars - There
are several types of collars & all of them have their
Pros & Cons, seek a knowledgeable trainer for advice
on which one would be right for your Akita & how to
use it. A lot of people like to pick their leash at the
same time they get their collar. It is very likely that
you will end up buying multiple collars & leashes as
you grow with your Akita & they learn proper behavior.
- Harnesses often
give the least amount of control.
- Prong collars give
good control & are good for training with the goal
to finally move to another type of collar. Especially
good for extreme pulling behavior.
- Halti's give good
control but are prone to escape (always use with a
choke chain backup).
- Choke collars are
also good for control, but can cause damage to the
trachea if not used properly. When putting on this
collar always remember the shape of "P"
as you are facing your Akita & putting the collar
on.
- Martingale collars
are a type of choke chain with a limiter so that they
can not tighten too much. Martingale collars should
NEVER be left on a dog all the time as they can be a
choking hazard with other dogs while playing or if
they caught on something.
- Buckle collars
& Break-Away collars are great for tags &
identification, but are not ideal for walking or
attaching a leash to as dogs can back out of them very
easily.
- Electronic collars may be good for training
a change of life or death behaviors. NOTE: Improper use can
ruin a lot of headway made in ALL training. These collars
should
ONLY be used by experienced trainers who know
how to properly use them.
Which collar
is right for your dog? https://www.docupet.com/post/which-collar-is-right-for-your-dog/
(Added 2/4/2021)
Nine types of Collars http://dogs.about.com/od/toyssupplies/tp/collarsandalternatives.htm
(Added 1/28/15)
Types of Collars http://www.countrybrookdesign.com/webbing-strap-guide/pets-variety
(Added 1/28/15)
How to Fit a Prong Collar http://leerburg.com/fit-prong.htm
(Added 1/28/15)
Types of Leashes
A leash should be
comfortable & generally around 6' long. If a leash
is too long, your Akita can get into trouble before
you can catch up to them. A flexi or retractable lead
is a NO-NO; they cannot be reeled in fast enough for a
lot of dangerous situations. As far as what your leash
is made of, there are lots of good materials out there
- the most important is a solid clip & a good
handle.
- Leather
lasts a long time, doesn't easily fray & gets
supple with use. A
1" width is recommended for Akitas.
- Strap
leashes come in a variety of widths for different
size dogs. A 1" width is recommended for Akitas.
- Rope
(braided nylon) is strong, but can sometimes be
uncomfortable. Anything less than 1/2" would be
very uncomfortable for an Akita & 5/8" is
better.
- Chain
leashes are difficult & tend to kink up.
Oddly, the smaller the chain, the more likely an
Akita can snap the leash & break free.
How to choose the right
Training Leash & Collar http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-choose-the-right-training-leash-and-collar-.html
(Added 1/28/15)
Where to find the right leashes, collars &
harnesses
Lion Country Supply http://www.lcsupply.com/dog-collars.asp
Very reasonable prices for collars (Added 1/22/15)
Tractor Supply http://www.tractorsupply.com/
TSC has great prices on many dog related items from
leashes & collars to training treats. Often you may
find a store near you (Added 1/22/15)
Thundershirts
A wonderful tool for helping you help your
dog http://www.thundershirt.com/
(Added 1/22/15)