Ever since the idea was invented, a dog choke chain has had its champions and detractors. Some feel that it’s an excellent tool for keeping an animal under control, while others believe it’s an animal cruelty device and should be banned from use.
You might ask several people and get several different answers. Some believe that a choke device or collar has its place and you may see them being used by professional dog handlers while parading their pure bred around the ring for judging. Many will tell you that if owners trained their dogs properly, there would never be any need for such a device.
Many feel that a choke chain has its uses and can be an effective tool for controlling an unruly animal. This is not what the choke chain was designed for however, and shouldn’t be used as such. Choke chains and collars are for use in training and when used properly, tell your dog that it is business time and you need its full attention.
There are generally three types of choke collars: chain, nylon and prong. Purchasing an effective and safe collar is dependent upon getting the right size for your animal. To do this, take a piece of twine or something similar and place it around your pet’s neck about one inch behind its ears. Place two of your fingers underneath to provide a bit of breathing space, and add two and a half inches. If you can, take your pet to the store with you so that you can try out several types to get the correct size.
The idea behind a choke training device is to simulate the action of a mother dog when she grasps a naughty pup behind the ears, at the scruff of the neck, for reprimanding. This is why, when used properly, the choke comes up behind the ears of your dog, not around its neck, trachea and esophagus.
Whichever type of device you purchase, be sure that it works smoothly and properly and that you, as the owner, know how to operate it. If you don’t, you can seriously injure your dog. The device is for training purposes and is not a collar that should be left on the dog under any circumstances, no matter how grand it looks on. Do not allow children to operate the choke. A choke collar does choke and your dog could suffer serious harm.
Your pet should know that when you place the choke collar on him, it has come time for training and some fun time together with you. He should become attentive and focused on you and what you want from him.
The animal should be close to your side in the heel position as you walk along. When the dog needs correction, the choke collar should be quickly pulled up behind and ears, and a sharp verbal correction such as “NO!” expressed in a firm voice. The tension on the choke should then immediately be released. The quick tension behind the ears and the verbal reprimand gets the animal’s attention and tells it that it did something you didn’t like. Dogs are eager to please and with patience and consistent training, they will come around to understand what is and isn’t okay.
Your dog should not be gasping and coughing if you are using the device properly. You should be using a smooth pulling, not a jerking motion. You’re not attempting to give your pet whiplash. Remember, the choke collar is not for punishing your animal under any circumstances. There really is no reason for punishing unwanted behavior. A sharp noise and distraction are really all that is needed to move your pet away from disagreeable conduct.
Be good to your pet, patient and caring and you will have it returned three-fold. While training and using the dog choke collar for correction, don’t forget to reward their attention and attempts to cooperate. Be generous with your praise and rewards.
Dog choke collars are an effective control and training device when used correctly. Pet Naturals collar options include these and many other types of collars and leashes for your favorite canine.
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