Better pinch collar?

Question

I use a standard pinch collar on my German Shepherd, and I find that I don't have the finger strength to undo the links, so to put it, on I have to slip it over my dog's head. It's not very effective as a pinch collar if it's loose enough to fit over her head. So, I was wondering if anyone knew of a pinch collar that had an easier to work with way to get it on and off the dog, maybe a quick release clasp or something. I've tried a choke collar, but it's just not effective with my dog.
Thanks for your help!

I'm using a pinch collar because I have a dog aggressive 80 lb German Shepherd!
I've tried curbing her dog aggression with positive reinforcement, and it didn't work. The pinch collar made it very clear to her that aggression was not an option. She's very well trained, both on leash and with voice commands, and I use treats for obedience training. I just use the pinch while walking her to curb her dog aggression.

Apak - I didn't ask for advice on training. My dog was aggressive before I adopted her and I am doing everything I can do fix that. I'm not lazy, and my dog is very well trained. Pinch collars are not cruel if used appropriately. I've trained my dog under the watchful eye of the local police dog training school, and I've done a ton of research on the best way to train my dog. I've spent over $800 on vet care for my dog, and I consider her my furry little child. Unfortunately, dogs are not children, and do require different training techniques. If I didn't use a pinch collar on my dog she would have been euthanized for attacking someone else's dog or would have been seriously injured
Thanks for your input, though.

Answer 1

Pinch collars are made for training you GSD instead as a daily wear thing. I am glad to hear that you are not afraid to use one though which speaks much about you. Now, to the issue; Pinch collars are for training and not ment to be kept on all day. The pinch collars are designed to break the dogs train of thought in an instant. That is why we use them for aggression resistance and training them how to walk or when NOT to do something harmful. A choke chain of GOOD quality will work very well for daily and regular use. The thing is though, the choke chains you find at the department stores are a piece of crap and are designed for dogs with "weaker" necks. A GSD is known for its muscles but also its coat with acts as a barrier to the standard choke chain. (small circle links). My suggestion is to first, get a choke chain designed for working breeds called a "Fur Saver". These have elongated links which are actually stronger than the standard ones found. Also, well, they protect from pulling the fur out or pinching the skin. Now, for the Pinch Collar, they sell a new standard collar that comes with a swivel and a small quick release attached to it for easy slip on and off. My favorite website to go to for finding items like these is www.fordogtrainers.com under their HS collars section. It is a website dedicated to anything used for training dogs in obedience or protection. The prices are VERY fair and the options are multiple.

Now, if you are having trouble with your dog pulling you while walking him, my advice is to take very small pieces of either cheese or fruit (NOT GRAPES) along with you on walks. Keep your right arm just over your stomach and walk like this with the dog on the lead. After every 10-20 steps, give him a small treat. Do this for about a week. After a week, you can extend it to 30 steps inbetween treats. Your dog will get used to walking directly at your side in no time. Soon, you'll no longer need treats and they'll be a good walker. Also, remember that to break the concentration of a dog, all it takes is one good jerk of the lead. Don't hold the lead or chain to the point that you're choking the dog unless he is purposely trying to get away from you. Good luck.

Oh yeah, stay away from using vests or body harness because you don't have true control of the dog. Use them only after your dog knows how to walk in public. The head harness is not used by any REAL trainer or handler. Unless the dog is vicious, stay away from them.

Answer 2

Plastic Pinch Collar

Answer 3

A pinch coller is a good tool in controling your dog. However you should be able to slip it on and off with out removing the links. Not so loose that they dont close around the neck. When out for a walk they will walk so that it dont pinch them.

Have trained both by dogs ( 130 pound rott and a 125 pound Great Dane ) And I have have had great results. You have a powerfull dog just as mine. Yes Gentle leader are also a good tool but I didnt feel that was needed. A pinch collar simulates the biting of their mother around the neck to move the Pups back and forth. Thus in their mind the bite is a control that is embedded in them. If the collar is used with the tips on and good verval comands you should have no problem. choke collars are dangerous and as you have found not effective.

Its is a good saftey idea to remove the collar when you are not walking the dog. If a child or adult get the finger caught it will be quite painfull. I personally favor a harness. One that hooks in the shoulders. it can be left on 24-7 and is also a good control for large dogs.

Answer 4

First of all, ask yourself why you are using a pinch collar. Does your dog pull on the leash? If so, you may want to consider trying a Gentle Leader head halter. This piece of equipment is very effective and works similarly to a horse's halter. The theory behind this is that where the head goes, the body will follow. Your dog cannot be lunging at the end of the leash when you have control of her head, rather than her neck. Most of the dogs I have worked with have shown major improvement in just one training session using the Gentle Leader. You mentioned that a standard choke or slip collar is not effective for your dog. Some dogs are only slightly phased by correction methods. They simply will not work with some dogs. You must implement a training regimen that suits your specific dog. In order to get the most out of learning, your dog needs to be having fun and paying attention. This helps to create the strong dog/handler bond that is necessary to get a dog working happily by your side. Instead of using correction methods, try a few training sessions with your dog that consist only of praise and reward. Look up some information on clicker training for starters. Even if you don't ever use a clicker to train your dog, the theory and method behind it is infinitely useful for training any dog. It is based on positive reinforcement, and uses little or no correction. Instead of focusing on what your dog is doing wrong, praise lavishly when she does something you like. It helps to have a few tasty treats on hand for extra special rewards. Keep training sessions short, between 5 and 10 minutes is all you should do at one time. This keeps the dog excited about learning, and prevents them from losing interest. I hope this helps. I seem to have answered around your question, but my personal and professional opinion is that you can get your dog to behave without using a pinch collar. If you would like to post more information about the specific problems you are having, I would be happy to help if I can.

Answer 5

If you get a GOOD quality pinch collar it takes very little strength to undo the link. There is also one called the "Good Dog" collar that is like a pinch collar, but it is plastic and comes apart easier.
Also a good cotton snap-on choker works wonders.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Better pinch collar?
I use a standard pinch collar on my German Shepherd, and I find that I don't have the finger strength to undo the links, so to put it, on I have to slip it over my dog's head. It's not very effective as a pinch collar if it's loose enough to fit over her head. So, I was wondering...

Answer 7

Are you using the pinch collar to keep the dog from pulling?

You would do much better using a Gentle Leader. It's much more effective if you use it correctly (they come with a DVD as well as written instructions) and nicer for both you and the dog.

You need to get your dog under voice control also. Take some reward-based obedience classes, use the Gentle Leader, and you'll have an impressive, controlled dog.

Answer 8

I use a "Herm Springer" pinch collar (available in most pet supply catalogs) that has a quick release clasp. Sometimes, it's a little tricky to put on a dog that's excited about going out, but it always comes off easily. I don't like the ones that slip over the head because I feel like I might poke my dog in the eye while sliding it over his head.

Answer 9

You're not suppose to slip it on him, you can squeeze the links so you can put it in the holes & out. German Shepherds are very powerful & strong breeds they need to have a firm handler & trainer. And pinch collar is perfect for a GS. .

The choke collar won't do any good.

http://leerburg.com/fit-prong.htm

Answer 10

Sometimes different links on the pinch collars are easier to remove than others. That is how I get my dog's on and off. Some are really stiff and hard to remove, while others are easier.