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Frequently Asked Questions about The Training Collar

Comparison and Alternative FAQs

Should I use The Training Collar or a harness?

Harnesses give dogs more pulling power - that's why sled dogs wear them. If your dog pulls on a harness, they're pulling with their entire body weight. The Training Collar addresses the root behavior by teaching your dog not to pull in the first place. Many customers tried harnesses first without success, then saw immediate results with The Training Collar. However, some situations (like dogs with trachea issues) may require a harness - consult your vet.

Is this better than a choke chain?

Yes. Choke chains can cause serious injury to your dog's trachea, neck, and spine when used incorrectly. They provide no safety mechanism and continue tightening as your dog pulls. The Training Collar includes a built-in trachea spacer to keep airways open, has a limited range of tightening, and uses gentle pressure rather than choking force. It's safer and more humane while being equally effective.

Can I use this instead of an e-collar (shock collar)?

The Training Collar is a mechanical training tool, not an electronic one. It works through gentle physical pressure and release, teaching your dog through immediate feedback. E-collars require more training to use correctly and introduce electronic stimulation. Many trainers use The Training Collar for basic leash manners and reserve e-collars for off-leash training at distance. They serve different purposes but The Training Collar is ideal for everyday walks.

Why not just use a regular flat collar?

Flat collars provide no feedback mechanism for dogs that pull. When a strong dog pulls on a flat collar, they're pulling against their entire neck with no communication that pulling is unwanted. The Training Collar's design provides immediate, gentle feedback the moment pulling begins, teaching your dog to self-correct. If your dog already walks perfectly on a flat collar, stick with it. If they pull, you need The Training Collar.

Results and Training FAQs

How quickly will I see results with The Training Collar?

Most customers report seeing improvement within the first walk - often within minutes. One customer with a 30 lb Jack Russell mix said "it worked instantly! Whenever she started to pull, she stopped on her own." However, consistent use is important. The collar is a communication tool, not a magic fix. Use it consistently for 2-3 weeks to establish new habits.

Do I need professional training to use this collar?

No. The Training Collar is designed for everyday dog owners to use effectively without professional training. The collar does the "communicating" for you through its balanced design. That said, we provide detailed sizing instructions, usage guides, and training stories on our website. If you're dealing with severe behavioral issues, we always recommend consulting a professional trainer who can use The Training Collar as part of a comprehensive training plan.

Will my dog become dependent on the collar?

No. The Training Collar teaches your dog proper leash behavior through clear, consistent communication. Many customers successfully transition to a flat collar or tab leash once their dog has learned not to pull. The collar is a training tool - the goal is to teach your dog the behavior, not create permanent dependence. Use it during the learning phase, then maintain the behavior with whatever collar works for you.

Can I use The Training Collar with other training methods?

Yes. The Training Collar works excellently with positive reinforcement training. Use the collar to communicate "no pulling" and immediately reward your dog with treats, praise, or play when they walk nicely beside you. Many professional trainers use The Training Collar as part of balanced training programs that incorporate rewards, markers, and clear boundaries.

Sizing and Fit FAQs

What size Training Collar should I order for my dog?

Measure your dog's neck where the collar will sit (high on the neck, just behind the ears). Add 2-3 inches to this measurement. Choose 2.2mm links for dogs under 50 lbs or with necks under 16 inches. Choose 3mm links for dogs over 40 lbs or with necks over 15 inches. When in doubt, order the smaller link size with more links - you can always remove links for a custom fit.

How tight should The Training Collar fit?

The collar should fit snugly high on your dog's neck, just behind the ears - not loose down by the shoulders. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck when it's properly adjusted. The collar needs to stay in position to work correctly. A loose fit down on the shoulders won't provide effective communication.

Can I adjust the collar if it doesn't fit perfectly?

Yes! The Training Collar is fully adjustable. You can add or remove links to create the perfect fit for your dog. We sell additional link packs separately if you need to make the collar larger. The collar should be customized to your dog's exact neck size for optimal comfort and effectiveness.

Product and Safety FAQs

Will The Training Collar hurt my dog?

No. The Training Collar uses Tender Link Technology with soft, rounded contact points - not sharp prongs like traditional pinch collars. The design includes open airways to prevent choking and distributes pressure evenly around the neck. Professional trainers and veterinarians approve this humane design. Many customers report their dogs actually run to put the collar on because it's comfortable and signals walk time.

How is The Training Collar different from a pinch collar?

Traditional pinch collars have sharp metal prongs that dig into your dog's neck. The Training Collar features rounded, smooth links that provide gentle pressure without pain. It also includes a built-in trachea spacer to keep airways open and prevent choking - something standard pinch collars don't offer. Think of it as the "middle ground" between a flat collar that doesn't work and a pinch collar that works but hurts.

Is The Training Collar safe for puppies?

Yes, The Training Collar is safe for puppies 8 weeks and older when properly fitted. Our creator, Scott Dewey, uses it on his own lab puppies starting at 8 weeks. The key is choosing the correct size (2.0mm or 2.2mm links for smaller necks) and ensuring proper fit. The gentle correction helps puppies learn leash manners early without creating fear or pain associations.

Can I use this on a dog that pulls hard or is reactive?

Absolutely. The Training Collar is specifically designed for dogs that pull on the leash or display reactive behavior. The balanced design provides immediate, clear communication the moment your dog begins to pull - without you having to jerk or yank. Many customers report their reactive dogs calmed down within the first walk because the collar communicates calmly rather than escalating tension.

Will this work on my specific dog breed?

Yes. The Training Collar works on all dog breeds from 10 lbs to 150+ lbs. We offer two link sizes: 2.2mm for small to medium breeds (under 50 lbs) and 3mm for medium to large breeds (over 40 lbs). The collar has been successfully used on Jack Russells, Cocker Spaniels, Labs, German Shepherds, Huskies, Pit Bulls, and many mixed breeds. The key is measuring your dog's neck correctly and choosing the appropriate link size.

Ordering and Product FAQs

What comes with The Training Collar?

Each Training Collar includes: the complete collar with links pre-assembled for your chosen size, a quick-release ring system for easy on/off, detailed sizing and adjustment instructions, and access to our online training resources and videos. The collar arrives ready to use once you adjust it to fit your dog's neck.

What if I order the wrong size?

We offer a 30-day return policy. If the collar doesn't fit properly, you can return it for a refund or exchange it for the correct size. We also sell additional link packs separately, so you can adjust the fit without returning the entire collar. Check our sizing guide carefully before ordering to ensure you get it right the first time.

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes. We stand behind The Training Collar with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied with the results or the collar doesn't work for your dog, return it within 30 days for a full refund. We're confident it will work, but we understand every dog is different.

Do you offer bulk or wholesale pricing?

Yes. We work with professional dog trainers, kennels, and training facilities nationwide. Visit our Wholesale page to learn about bulk pricing and starter packages. Many training professionals use The Training Collar as their primary training tool and appreciate our wholesale support.

How long does The Training Collar last?

The Training Collar is made from durable, high-quality materials designed to withstand daily use. With proper care, most collars last 2-5+ years. The stainless steel links are rust-resistant and won't corrode. If individual links become damaged over time, you can purchase replacement link packs rather than replacing the entire collar.