With so many models of training collars out there choosing one for your pet can be a daunting task.  Please avoid the “prong,” “spike” or “pinch” collars, as these can seriously injure your dog.

Instead, look for a collar that can quickly be tightened with just a yank on the leash.  Some popular options:  the Martingale Collar, the High Collar, or the leash/collar combo Just-a-Cinch dog leash.  You need a collar that will rest up high on the dog's head, ideally just below the ears.  Collars that rest on a dog's neck can strengthen a dog's ability to pull.  A collar behind the ears makes it impossible to pull.

The collar should be tight enough to stay in place and loose enough so you can slip one finger between it and the dog's head.  At first glance, this may look unnatural to you, but keep in mind this is a training collar not an everyday collar.  This collar should only be worn when actively engaged in training and practicing with your dog.  If left unsupervised while wearing any collar that constricts a dog could get tangled up and cut off its own airway.

This collar is the second most important tool in the “Praise and Correct” method of dog-training.  (The most important tool is your praise.)  When your dog does something that needs correction you, the trainer, give a quick yank in the direction of correction.  For example, if you want the dog to walk along calmly at your left side and the dog strays off away from you, you want to pop its collar to the right in the direction of the correction.  This does not hurt the dog.  (If it does you are using too much force.)  Do not pull on the dog; this is a quick pop.  You are correcting the dog not trying to winch it into place. 

You'll also need a leash.  I recommend a leash that you can get a good, solid grip on, especially if you're training a large, strong dog.  A leather leash is usually the trainer's choice.  I recommend a leash six foot in length so that when you are training the dog to stay you can get six feet away while keeping the dog on lead.  I do not recommend a retractable leash.  Those are fine for exercise and play time but while training you don't want the end of the leash to be a surprise.  It is too easy to lose control of a dog on a retractable leash.

That's all you need to get started!  Happy training!