Disciplinary Tools and Toys

Tools for Discipline There are a number of tools available to you, which may be needed in educating your puppy into the ways of living within a human environment. I will mention a number of these, and in each instance I will suggest its use and its drawbacks.

The "No" Command: This will be your most effective tool because it has the dual virtues of being with you all of the time and is effective even when the puppy or dog is at some distance from you. Further, it has no negative side effects because it does not involve physical discomfort for the puppy, only the threat of this if an action is not stopped.

Throw Chain: This is a choke collar of suitable weight for the dog. Its merit is that it can be used when the dog is not at hand but when it is within reasonable distance. It works on the basis of startling the dog rather than hurting it. It must only ever be thrown at the rear end of the dog, so there is never any risk of injuring it, as might be the case if it hits its head. Its disadvantage is that you must be very sure it hits the dog when it is thrown.

Alternatives to the throw chain, which work on the same principle, are a bunch of keys, an empty aluminum soft drinks can with a few pebbles or marbles in it, and a water pistol.
A more severe tool would be a slingshot, but this is even less reliable for the average person and is potentially more dangerous to your pet.

Choke Chain: This may range from spiked to merely a smooth-linked chain. It is used in order to gain a quicker response from a puller when teaching a puppy to walk correctly on a leash. It makes life a little easier for you if a large dog is on the other end of the lead, but even then some dogs may happily pull against the choke if they are not correctly trained as a puppy.

Long Line: This is useful in teaching a dog to respond to sit and stay instructions. It works on the basis that if the dog ignores the command and runs away, it will quite suddenly be upended when it reaches the end of the line. It may also be used for a number of other behavioral problems.

Balloons and Mousetraps: These are used in order to dissuade a dog from reclining in your chairs. They may not always be effective because some dogs are smart enough to only go on the chair when they see these or similar objects are not there!

Electric Collars: These work on the basis that the dog receives a mild electric shock when it transgresses at a distance from you. There are many potentially negative side effects, such as aversion to any form of collar, to stress and frustration inducement that might manifest itself in unwanted patterns of behavior, including aggression.

Lead, Strap, or Similar Item: The use of a lead or strap has been a tool of discipline for centuries. Its advantage is that it is convenient in that it will be with you when you are out with your dog and is effective if used correctly. Its drawback is that if used incorrectly, the dog may associate it only with punishment. Overall, I would not recommend its use. .