TRAINING COLLAR The Training Collar represents the
second collar exchanged between a Dominant and a submissive. For information regarding the
first collar please refer to my article called the Collar of Consideration. The 'Training' collar is
offered by the Dominant after they have engaged in a period of time where they have held
extensive conversations with the submissive and explored characteristics, traits, interests, desires
and lifestyles to see if they consider themselves to be a good match in enough areas to move into
a relationship of deeper commitment. They will generally have engaged in many of the vanilla
aspects of the relationship as well as commenced with some light sceneing to explore the
beginning limits that the submissive may possess. The traditional Training collar is often made of
leather. It is generally very plain and may be either red or black. Many Dominants alternatively
offer a training collar in chain. This is based on personal preference, requirements dictated by
issue's in the submissives life and other factors shared between the Dominant and the submissive.
The acceptance of this collar by the submissive indicates that the submissive agrees to pursue a
much deeper relationship with the Dominant which will involve or may, serious feelings,
emotions, commitments and responsibilities. It can be equated fairly well to an engagement ring.
When a relationship reaches the stage where a Training Collar is offered it tells other Dominant's
and submissives that the Dominant and submissive have grown much more serious and that they
are actively bonding and attaching to each other with considerations of a potentially long term full
time relationship. At this point the actions of the submissive are reflected upon the Dominant and
the submissive should become acutely aware that behaving in a manner becoming to the training
of their Dominant is a reflection of their personal devotion and commitment to that Dominant.
When a Dominant reaches this stage with a submissive they will often move into areas of training
and discipline which are much more severe and strict. The foundations of later interactions are
often based on how well the Dominant and the submissive construct or shape their relationship at
this stage. Both recognize that they are a reflection of each other or openly connected to each
other and will actively work to make that representation solid and deep. Most Dominant's and
submissives enter deeper emotional stages at this point and may begin to express true devotion,
love, honor and mutual respect. In many ways this is where the relationship is truly tested
physically, mentally and emotionally. In many cases the Dominant and submissive may consider
or try living together actively. The exploration of in-scene elements will generally intensify as they
get to know each other better and the depth of trust begins to grow. It is at this stage that
adaptation problems generally occur the most. The newlywed stage is over and in many cases
people tend to express themselves in a more open fashion. It is at this point that many
submissives find themselves 'acting-out' against their Dominant as they attempt to reconcile the
internal conflicts of true commitment and submission. A Dominant in this stage can struggle with
feelings of resentment, excessive responsibility and a reduction in personal freedom, primarily as
it relates to the open exploration of other people. This is a natural shifting from non-commitment
to commitment. Both will find that they may test their partner strenuously to see if their partner's
commitment is solid and strong. There is always an element of fear in the creation of relationships
and insecurities and doubts. Facing these and overcoming them is necessary before the
Dominant and submissive can even consider taking their relationship the final steps toward a full
collar, often identified as a 'Slave Collar'. Each of the collars is generally presented during some
type of formal ceremony. Often the 'Collar of Consideration' and the 'Training Collar' may be
presented privately or during a small gathering of close friends. The actions of collaring are
considered quite serious and most often great care is taken to make the moments memorable for
both people. Many Dominant's and submissive's exchange vows or poems they have created
during such ceremonial occasions.