Using a "choke" or "check" chain for dog training.

[ianess]

I appreciate that there are strong views on whether or not choke chains should be used at all, but I have been told that there is also a right or wrong way to fit them.  Can anyone explain if there is a difference?

[ianess]

Hi....did my own bit of googling and found this link to provide a comprehensive answer.

[woofgang]

great link. the only thing that I will add, as a user of a chain collar, is to keep in mind that if your dog changes from walking on your left to on your right then the chain collar will no longer be "on" correctly and will not release as it should. If you are using one make sure that the dog stays walking on the same side of you!

Also NEVER NEVER leave your dog alone with a slip collar on, chain or not as they can hang themselves!

[eupraxia]

One of the best things I have ever used on my unruly little soul is a harness. I don't like choke chains myself but it's up to the individual as to what they use.

when I started to use the harness he pulled less and he loves it far more than having his lead attached to his collar. It's also good for the car has hubby made a special seat belt that attaches to it.

[shaneystar]

I don't like choke chains either.We first used a Halti which is a much more gentle way of making your dog walk to heel and have now graduated to a harness.

[Personica]

I hope you have found your answer to correctly using a choke chain.

Once your dog is correctly trained to walk to heel, I feel a choke chain is the best method of leashing your pet whilst walking him in public because

• Should for any reason he decided to attack, a sharp pull on the leash will give you full control, secure the dog from slipping his collar and distract it enough from continuing it's attack.
• The dog can run free in the open where it is suitable for it to do so, with no attatched collar to irritate or snare it.
• A chain provides more air circulation than a collar which means less risks from skin infections or parasites.

Once again, these points are only valid if your dog is properly trained.

P.S. Try not to call it a Choke-Chain. That term jus gives the Do-Gooders more ammo. Slip-Chain or as Woofgang calls it Chain Collar is more politically correct :-)

[woofgang]

my dog hates the halti, really gets freaked out by it and walks happily in a chain collar, previous dog, now deceased was happy in either, its horses for courses, whatever you use needs to be used properly, if you are cruel or stupid, then it is possible to abuse a dog using a harness, a standard collar, anything....