Leashes Used for Specific Types of Dog Training
Dogs can be trained to perform many types of activities, and having the proper training tools for each specific type of training is important for success. There are hundreds of products, including different leash types available today to help handlers train their dogs to certain activities and jobs and these products can differ greatly in style, length and material components. Leashes are important for training dogs as they allow the handler to maintain control over the animal and to make corrections to the dog during the training process.
Working Dogs
The most common types of leashes used to train working dogs include the check cord and tab leash. The check cord is usually a long leash, typically about 33 feet long. These leashes are made from highly durable and strong material as they need to be able to be dragged through brush without tangling or catching and are often used in inclement weather. The tab is a very short leash, usually a foot long or so, with an easy to grip handle on the end made from plastic, wood or a knot. They are used to gain quick control over the dog without the hassle of a longer leash. Hunting dogs are usually trained using these types of leashes. The check cord allows the dog to learn on its own, away from the handler, but it still provides the person with the ability to stop or correct the dog. A check cord is useful for teaching dogs to stay, hold, point or track, all while removing the worry of the dog becoming too excited and running off. The tab leash allows the handler to instantly restrain an excited hunting dog quickly so that they can enforce training methods. Other working dogs like those trained for Schutzhund (tracking and protecting humans), Police K-9 and Search and Rescue dogs will also use the check cord and tab leash system. For dogs that are tracking, the long check cord, or tracking cord allows the handler to keep the dog far out in front to determine the scent trail, but still under the handler’s control. The short tab leash also helps the handler gain quick control to teach the dog to stop attacking or to train for rescue responses. Dogs in training to track using smell also benefit from the Boetcher leash system, which forces the dog’s nose towards the ground when walking to help teach the proper tracking position. Service dogs are working dogs trained to directly assist disabled humans. Often these dogs use check cords for training as well as specially designed halters and pulling harnesses while working. Check cords can also be very useful for any type of dog learning basic training.
Racing and Agility Dogs
Racing dogs or dogs used in sports such as luring need to be under control at some times but quickly released at other times. A slip lead is a combination of a collar and lead that allow the dog to be held under control on a short leash but released quickly without the risk of an excited dog injuring the handler’s fingers. The slip lead is usually a short leather lead that slips through the rings of the collar and held at both ends by the handler. Simply releasing one end of the lead allows the other end to slip through the collar quickly and releases the dog. This type of leash is often used by agility dogs as well.
Show Dogs
Show dogs need to be held under tight control and close to the handler, all without a bulky collar and leash that can distract from the dog’s appearance. Most show dog handlers use a Martingale style show lead or a British style slip lead. These thin and short leads have an adjustable loop at one end that slips over the dog’s head and sits high up on their neck. It allows the handler to keep the dog in the proper position without interfering with the dog’s breathing.
Pulling Dogs
Any type of dog can pull on the leash too hard and create problems for their owner. There are several models of leashes available to specifically train dogs not to pull when being walked on a leash. Head halter leashes attach directly to the nose of the dog and cause the dog’s head to be turned back when it pulls. A front-attachment harness places pressure on the dog’s chest when it pulls on the leash. A similar style is the front leg attachment harness that places pressure on the front legs when the dog pulls. These types of leashes are designed to make the dog uncomfortable when it pulls, teaching the dog directly to stop pulling on its own accord. A whistle leash emits a whistle noise to discourage the dog from pulling. Bungee leashes are elastic and flexible, which can help take some of shock off of the human’s arm.
Choosing the right type of training lead for a dog depends on the type and style of training the dog is receiving. These specific training leashes can work to make the training process easier and more successful.
Quality Training Leashes
1. Schutzhund: Redline K9 Biothane Super Leash
2. Check Cord: Orvis Nylon Check cord
3. Show: Redline K9 Martingale lead
4. Tab: Gripper
5. Tracking: Boetcher harness
6. Tab: All K9 leather traffic lead
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