The use of a choke collar is probably one of the most controversial topics in the history of dog training. The use of the misnamed “choke chain” or “choke collar” has been debated for years.
Most old school trainers, like myself, believe that proper use of one can be a very effective tool without being cruel or inhumane in any way. A chain necklace is not always the right tool and I don’t recommend one for every case. Many of today’s highly educated, new wave dog trainers and “educated” youth are opposed to its use. New generation dog trainers say that choke collars are violent and inhumane, and should never be used for any reason. These folks have probably never starred as an angry 135-pound Rottweiller that’s trying to kill them; or a 3-year-old, 75-pound pitbull that has never been taught to walk properly on a leash and is trying to take his owner’s arms off; or any size dog that is totally out of control. His response is to use treats and give positive reinforcement. Not all dogs are motivated by treatment or easily distracted from their goal, so the reality is that sometimes that just doesn’t work. Many people also tell me that they have tried using a soft leader, which works only until their dog decides they want to kill the cat or another dog walking down the street. Then the “soft” goes out the window and they become unmanageable pulling, lunging, growling and barking. Then what do you do?
I believe there are times when wearing a chain collar, or correction collar as I prefer to call it, can impress a dog without harming him or breaking his spirit. Now, I will tell you that a chain necklace, if used incorrectly or in anger, CAN be a weapon. But it can also be used as an effective training tool in the right hands. I always use this example. If you take a hammer and drive a nail into a board with it, it’s a great tool, right? However, if you take the same hammer and hit someone on the head, it becomes a terrible weapon.
Most of the problem and misunderstanding about chain necklaces is that people don’t wear them correctly. Start by placing it on the dog’s neck correctly. The correct way is to thread the chain through one of the end rings until the necklace forms a “P” shape. With the dog at your LEFT side, slide the circle of the “P” over your dog’s head with the paw of the “P” pointing directly at you. This allows for a quick and severe “correction” but for the collar to loosen instantly when tension is released, minimizing pressure around the dog’s neck in a fraction of a second. I see it over and over again. The most common way to use a chain collar as a weapon is to put it on the dog backwards where it cannot come loose, therefore locking it around the dog’s neck. Most people who have a dog that pulls them down the sidewalk try to wear a chain collar thinking it will stop the dog from pulling. This couldn’t be more wrong. When a dog is in full shot mode, his mind goes blank. The chain collar tightens around his neck, cutting off his air supply and could seriously injure his throat. The dog just pulls harder and continues to choke. They don’t seem to make the connection that if they stop pulling they will stop choking. The constant pressure on the neck is using the collar as a weapon. (This same neck pressure can also occur with a regular leash collar.)
When the chain collar won’t stop the pull, some people will try the dreaded harness. This might be the worst item ever invented. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone told me they bought a harness to stop their dog from pulling. My next question is always, “Have you stopped pulling in the harness now?” They invariably say, no, not really. If you think about it for a minute. Don’t they use harnesses on Huskies to pull sleds? Of course you do because the harness attaches to the strongest part of the dog: the back and shoulders. So doesn’t it make sense that attaching a leash to the strongest part of your dog’s body doesn’t stop him from pulling? It will prevent him from drowning but not from pulling. Not to mention, you can’t control a dog and its movement by tying a leash to its shoulders. You must control the head and neck. So before you slip a “correction collar” around your dog’s neck, make sure you know how to use it correctly. Consult a professional, learn the technique and be a good dog trainer and “Pack Leader”. Remember, to get the results you want, you need to give your dog clear signals so he knows exactly what he expects.
Good luck with your training!
Pablo
