how to stop my dog from choking herself?

Question

heres the previous one i asked.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqmChh.4LIhQay.yJKX184Xsy6IX?qid=20060729192654AAAOLzm

basically its me walking my dog, just started, and she is a beagle, anxious to smell everything and i know thats in her nature but she does that every second so we get nowhere in our walks.

currently using a retractable leash with a cheap collar that i jsut use for walks. just a cheap one

and after u take off the leash and collar theres a little mark or circle thats on her neck becus she is like choking herself with the collar.
but then i was like omg!

obedience school really isnt an option right now becus this isnt a real big problem and i should be able to fix it on my own, or else it will just be a waste of money

and also, i doubt it that my parents will let me get another leash- or a "halter" or "choke/pinch collar" so bascically if u guys could gimme some advice in how to let my doggy know not to drag me along and choke herself.

Answer 1

#1- retractable leashes aren't good. They just aren't a good idea for training or anything like that (pretty much, it lets your dog know that he is dominant over you).

#2- if this is really a problem, you need to get a different method of walking your dog. I totally reccomend the Gentle Leader (esp. over the Halti. Less complicated). I have tried harnesses, pinch collars, choke collars, and the Gentle Leader is what has worked of me. I'll admit, it is a little on the spendy side (I paid $22), but it is so worth it. If you want to help yourself and your dog, invest in one.

Here are two suggestions for you:
1- Get another leash. It can be an el cheapo nylon leash, but get another (what I am going to suggest cannot be done with a retracable). When you walk your dog, use the leash to make what is called an Otterman's loop. What you are going to do is (after you attatch it to the collar) wrap the leash once around your dog's belly (right behind the front legs) and when it comes around to meet the other side of the leash clasp, slide it under the first part of the leash and pull up. What you want it to look like is a circle around yor dog with the tail end of the leash pointing up. In this position, whenever your dog wants to pull foreward, the leash will put pressure fright behind the front legs. That is a sensitve spot on dogs and he will not like that feeling (which is kind of like when you hit your funny bone. Doesn't injurt, but also not feel good).

2- WHen you walk your dog, hold a treat (or bit of his food) in your hand which you will have relaxing naturally at the side of your leg. Let him know it is there. As you walk, your dog will be wanting to get that treat and probably be trying to open your fingers to get at it. Well, he will be at the heel position which means, no pulling! Tell him that he is a good dog, and treat him after a few steps. Keep these treat/kibble in your pocket and keep this up. Soon, you dog will come to realize that if he stays at your side, not only are you going to be giving him positive attention, but treats!

I hope this works, and obediencfe classes are not the waste of money you think it is. What you may think is a small problem like bad leash manners can either hide other bad habits or even sit and fester to become bad habits. A dog who know good elash manners is one who knows who is in charge: You!

Answer 2

A dog should walk besides you and never drag you. Your letting her act as the dominant figure when you go out for walks. I'm putting a link to an article that will tell you some things to avoid if your going to use a choke chain. I'd use a halter that comes down across the bridge of the nose so when she pulls you it will pull her nose down and she can't walk. Having a pet is a very serious responsibility and not wanting to get the correct tools to make it easier plus safer on your dog and also complaining that your not going to waste money on her really worries me about how good of a dog owner you are. I'm sure other people will answer just to shower her with love and affection when you walk but that will NOT work. I personally don't like choke chains because so many people use them incorrectly. I'd try a harness or halter at first. If that doesn't happen then please taker her to an obedience class. You might learn something as well. http://www.helpinganimals.com/animalsHome_dogs_collar.asp

Answer 3

Get a harness. It's like $10 or $12 bucks, and it's really worth it. When my dogs wants to sniff something, she's not yanking away from me by her neck, but with her full body, so it doesn't hurt her (but it will show the animal's strength).

I really recommend the harness from Petco or Petsmart. It's a good investment, and the dog does not choke himself. I think collars that are attached to leashes are abuse to the animal.

Answer 4

do not use a retractable lead get a 6 foot lead. when your dog starts to pull turn around and walk briskly in the opposite direction. Do this every time your dog wants to be the leader

Answer 5

A pinch collar should not be that expensive, and it can really help.

Answer 6

UM.....if you are unwilling to go to training and unwilling to get a different collar, then I am going to say you are SOL! Just deal with it!

Answer 7

u r dog is dom and dog like you