~~TRAINING~~
(may or may NOT signify Ownership)
There are two different reasons a training collar may be used: as a symbol of the desire to further or deepen the relationship or, for the training of a submissive for a limited time.
Depending on the reason it is given, it can be a prelude to a Formal Collar (1) or can be end in itself (2). When a dominant and submissive enter into this kind of agreement, a contract is often negotiated which outlines specific expectations and a time duration. This is typically a period in which the relationship becomes more formalized, with specific commitments to what will be taught and learned, i.e. positions, public and private behavior, serving, any specific tasks required by the dominant, etc., as well as disciplinary consequences.
In the case where this agreement is entered into for a limited amount of time for the sole purpose of training, the emotional attachment is limited or even non-existent. Sometimes a submissive wishing to learn skills in order to take them into a future relationship with a dominant or perhaps to explore her desires to find out if this is the lifestyle for her enters it into. Sometimes a very experienced dominant will train an inexperienced submissive for her existing, but inexperienced, partner while he is being mentored by that, or another, dominant.
The more common scenario is the first one above, where a relationship between a dominant and submissive is deepening and they wish to move to a more committed level. In this case, the training collar can be considered equivalent to an engagement ring. To the community, it indicates a deeper commitment and bonding. During this time the dominant will have greater expectations, often becoming stricter and possibly severe, and the submissive assuming greater responsibilities in her behavior and protocol, with her actions reflecting her commitment to the dominant. This training period can be intense for both submissive and dominant and often will "make or break" the relationship.
In msn.com D/s chat rooms this collar is signified by _t i.e.: Dominant’s Name
