Choke Chain

[Maxy24]

My ten year old dog has a choke chain. He has had it since he was around one year old. We did not get it because he pulled we just got it because that was what all our friends were using on their dogs. He pulls constantly now and the chain does not work any way nor do i want to correct him with it cause that is mean and he would not understand why I'm choking him anyway. It has never caused him to choke or anything so i was wondering if i should get a different collar or just leave the choke chain on him. What does everyone else think.

[Doberluv]

http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/index.htm

[howangcturtle]

Yeah clickers are a way better solution, i think choke chains are banned in most places aren't they?

[oriondw]

Yeah clickers are a way better solution, i think choke chains are banned in most places aren't they?

They arent, but they might as well be.

Chokes are useless even if correctly used (90% of people dont use them correctly). There are far better options avaiable.


Prongs for example, are safer, hurt less and are more effective.

[dr2little]

First, the link below will give you some information on why choke chains don't work and more importantly how dangerous they can be.

It's great that you're looking for a better way. I too suggest that you look into some training to learn how to get your dog, an already seasoned puller who I'm sure is pretty strong, to walk on lead without pulling.

I and other trainers have gone though this in detail and I'll go back to find you some links and post them when I can.

Loose leash walking, especially with a large dog who's been pulling for a long time, is best taught from square one...in the home using placement cues and just a regular buckle collar.

So that your walks can continue without you being dragged in the interm, I recommend a front clip (halti) no pull harness as they require little to no habituation and give lots of control without discomfort to your dog.

http://www.dog-school.co.uk/Choke%20Chains!.htm

[oriondw]

http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43019

Check out this thread.

[Doberluv]

Good links there. Thanks for posting. I hope everyone sees those.

[Maxy24]

thanks! I did always wonder how to continue with walks while you are teaching heel or loose leash walking at home. I really liked oriondw's idea of teaching a slow down idea by jogging and then slowing, I've never heard people saying that before.
I've tried the stand still when he pulls method but he just stands at the end of the leash and after a while will lunge a couple times then will stand at the end and cry and then start pacing in a circle crying, so it didn't really work out.

Like i said i don't use the choke chain for corrections or anything really and although he does pull on walks it does not seem to effect him, i will ask my parents about changing collars and maybe getting a halter. I will get to work on training this right away:)