There are many options out there when it comes to buying a collar for your Pit Bull. Some collars are not suitable for your Pit Bull to wear every day. Furthermore, some collars need extra care and knowledge to safely use them. Let’s continue from where we left off about choosing a your Pit Bull’s Collar. Click here if you haven’t read Part I of this article.
Check-out this article to learn how to safely tether your Pit Bull.
Head Halter or Gentle Leader
The Head Halter is often mistaken for a muzzle. However, it’s a training collar that is used to gently direct your Pit Bull when training them to walk on a loose leash. Some dogs do find this training collars irritating, so if your Pit Bull doesn’t like it, it’s better not to use it.
Easy Walk Harness
This is a very good training tool to counter pulling, lunging and jumping. It’s the preferred training harness for extreme pullers. However, it can irritate the skin under your Pit Bull’s legs, so make sure that you keep an eye out for that.
Choke Collar or Slip Lead
Choke collars and slip leads use the same technique where the dog that’s wearing the collar is choked when he/she pulls.
These should not be used as ‘everyday’ collars. Never leave your Pit Bull unattended while they are wearing such a collar. If a choke collar or a slip lead gets tangled somewhere, the injuries can be fatal.
Many owners don’t know how to use a chock collar properly or train a dog using one. It’s also a negative feedback device, so it’s not the best option unless used in extreme cases by someone who has enough experience using the collar.
Although the Slip Lead uses the same principle, they are not as bad as choke collars. However, they too must be used with caution. Nylon limited-slip collar is a good alternative for a choke chain or a slip lead.
Prong or Pinch Collar
This is the combination between a choke chain and a limited-slip collar. It’s made using metal links similar to a choke chain. Unlike the choke collar, the prong collar only tightens up to a certain extent. The metal spikes or prongs in the collar lightly pinch the dog whenever the leash is pulled.
The pinch collar may look painful, but when it’s used and fitted correctly, it’s not. However, just like the choke chain, you must know how to use it correctly. It’s also not a good idea to use a prong collar on timid or previously abused dogs. Prong or Pinch Collar is a very good tool as long as it’s used by a professional.
This is in no way an everyday collar for your Pit Bull. Once again, a limited-slip collar can serve you well instead of a prong collar. Click here to learn more about the limited-slip collar.
Training
Your Pit Bull’s Collar doesn’t do the training for you. Learn about training and get professional help if needed. Start leash-training your Pit Bull at a young age. Do not resort to the more extreme training collars, just because your dog doesn’t seem to be learning. Consulting a good dog trainer or a canine behaviorist can save you and your Pit Bull a lot of trouble.
Maintaining Your Pit Bull’s Collar
Remember that it’s not a good idea to go for cheap options when shopping for collars. Regularly check collars and leashes as even the most expensive and strongest ones can fail due to various reasons.
