i've got a normal collar, but he pulls alot. i wondered about a choke chain, but surely his hair will get caught. i've tried a headcollar but he doesn't like it much?
2007-01-14 03:04:14 · 22 answers · asked by lys c 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Keep going with the head collar. they work wonders with shepherds. My shepherd hated being walked on a collar. she used to pull and make such a fuss. Then i got her a halti. She was a completely different dog!
Persevere with the headcollar. Just make sure when you put it on him he gets plenty of treats and praise. He'll soon learn its a good thing and preludes a walk. Shepherds are very intelligent dogs, you'll be surprised how quickly he'll adjust to this. Just be patient!
just noticed what someone else wrote :
whatever you do, DON'T use a body harness. It actually helps the dog pull as the dog can put all its weight into the harness. Harnesses are usually for little dogs that dont pull as the strain of being walked on a collar can seriously damage them. A strong dog like a shepherd needs something more restricting like a head-collar.
2007-01-15 01:56:12 · answer #1 · answered by wolfstorm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Choke chains and harnesses sucks, because restrict the dog breathing. Had collars are better but you need to know how to introduce them to the dog. First you keep the had- collar in palm of your hand and give treats to the dog. Than put it on the dog and keep treating the dog. Take it off and repeat the exercise later. Put the had-collar on and play ball with the dog. Do so couple of days till the dog will associate had collar = fun time. Than hit the streets and start to manoeuvre the lead gentile. The best way is to change direction every time when the dog tries to pull. Use patient and shortly the dog will get gentile into submission. Have fun.
2007-01-14 04:15:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Its a training issue, not the collar. Is he trying to pull it off or pulling too hard on the leash? Either way it is still training. If he/she starts at it a stern "no" will correct the problem.
Choke chains are horrible and lead to other behavior problems. Generally people who can't take the time to do research in dog training use them.
Look at the harness type thing near the regular collars. For one the place where you attach the lead is on the dogs back and pulling is evenly distributed, instead of just at the neck. A usual dog issue. Leave the regular collar on as well but you dog won't be concentrating on this thing around it's neck.
Now your dog is going to roll around endlessly for a while. Leave the harness thing on! They get used to it and when you take it off of them at some point they suddenly forget about the regular collar. In fact dogs start looking forward to having the harness as is takes a bit of rolling around and affection to put it on........ a little TLC before the walk.
Email me if you have questions! Dogs are easy with the right approach. You sound like you care for your dog.
2007-01-14 03:57:22 · answer #3 · answered by jackson 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you dog pulls, you need to use a training collar or "prong" collar. These are very humane, regardless of what some people say. However, you do need to be shown how to use one properly. They are not meant to be pulled on, they are designed to give the dog a "pop" and then be released. They also need to fit the dog properly to be effective. There is an excellent article on fitting your dog with a prong collar at http://www.leerburg.com/fit-prong.htm. They also have good prices on collars there as well. If you are adament against using a prong collar, leerburg.com also has fur saver collars which are designed for German Shepherds and other long haired breeds. Be aware, however, that you can severely damage a dog's throat and windpipe by using a choke chain, especially if your dog pulls aggressively. I have used prong collars for years with my GSDs and they are humane and effective.
Good luck.
2007-01-14 03:53:01 · answer #4 · answered by GSDotch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
persevere with the headcollar, he will get used to it. If he thrashes about when he's got it on just let him. You're right about the choke chain, it will pull his hair out and they are not good if you don't know how to use them properly. Take him along to training classes if you can otherwise use treats to get him to walk beside you, when he does give him lots of praise and say 'heel' when he is in the right position. If he gets too far in front of you stop, don't say anything, he will almost certainly eventualy turn to look at you then come back, say heel when he's beside you. If that doesn't work and he continues to pull turn and walk back the way you came, give the lead a gentle tug as you turn and he will come to you, if he pulls again repeat the exercise. You will feel a complete idiot going back and forward but he will get the message that he isn't going anywhere if he pulls.
Hope this helps, good luck
2007-01-14 03:46:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use a half check chain, which provides the benefits of a choke chain, but because of the design cannot chock the dog at all. If you want to use a headcollar then persever with it. I have back problems, and despite doing competitive obediance, my collie still pulls so I had to start using a headcollar. It took her a while to get used to it, but now she doesn't mind at all and she doesn't pull.
2007-01-14 03:46:47 · answer #6 · answered by MyNutmeg 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the best thing to get any dog that pulls is a 'gentle leader, easy walk' halter. they work insanily well. there is no getting used to it time. just fit it and go. all other halters and collars let the dog pull, this one does not. and as for choke or pronged collars, the first might soffocate the dog(long fur) the latter after time will have no effect. the dogs skin will get thinker and the dog will no longer feel it. easy walk halters are at petsmart and petco from $25 to $30
2007-01-14 07:04:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shepherds dont do well with head collars....if you are going to use a training collar (choke chain) they sell fur savers, they have long oval links instead of little ones that pluck hair. but certainly train the dog not to pull!
2007-01-14 03:27:49 · answer #8 · answered by connecticutk9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately any collar is going to pull your pups long hair. A choker is best if you are taking your pooch for his daily walk. Although a nice every day collar would be a nice wide leather studded collar. The leather will soften and stretch to suite your pooch in time. This wont be the best collar to take your pooch for a walk, because he can pull out of it at any time if he wants to.
2007-01-14 03:16:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi ive got a long haired shepard and i use a big linked choke chain it dosnt pull his hair out if put on the correct way
2007-01-14 03:08:55 · answer #10 · answered by very proud mummy :) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋