Choke chains?

Question

how early can you start training your puppy with a choke chain? 3 months old? 1 year old? my puppy is a pretty aggressive sheperd mix and he's having dominance issues.

Answer 1

Hello chum chum. I had the same problem with my Black Lab. Every time I fed him, I would always pet him while he was eating and unfortunately he would start growling. Every time he did, I would use his choke chain to make him stop which I only found, made the case worse. Choke chains can be effective but you must learn how to use it correctly and when is the right time to use them. If you use the choke chain when your dog is eating and you pull it up, it only results in cutting his air passage in his throat which only causes problems in the later future. Being that your puppy is only 3 months old, I would recommend using verbal communication between your dog and if this doesn't work, then use the choke chain .But when you use the chain, make sure you pull it from the side on the neck and that it is a quick jerk, nothing to hard or rough on the dogs neck. I started to do that with my dog and now he simply never growls at me while I pet him while eating. Your dog must know that the food he is eating is also the pack leaders food, which I'm guessing is you. It sounds like your dog is very intelligent and cute? Interesting German shepherd mix? whoa, your puppy must be a aggressive little guy to handle. If this chain training doesn't work, I suggest asking your local pet smart trainer what to do and how to do it or whoever you go to for training.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Choke chains are great only if used properly. Obedience classes can teach you how to use them appropriately and they do not impede the mouth at all. Personally, at 6 months was generally a good age. This is when the dog's attention span is long enough to be able to train. It does depend on the dog. When younger some attach the leash to the collar and tuck the holding end in your belt, just to get the leash idea accepted by the dog.Have a great year.

Answer 3

At the humane society where I was trained in dog handling ten years ago they used choke chains. Now they use a different kind of lead for the dogs and it is much better.

I am sure someone will point you in that direction. Choke chains are very passe in dog training these days. Like horses with bits the dog's neck muscles just toughen up over time and the choke chain gets harder and harder to use for dog control.

Answer 4

Choke chains are awful and not helpful in any way! training is the answer. If you are having trouble in that area than go to a training company. I have used the halti on my 3 year old beagle and it makes her very obedient and doesn't hurt her at all. Though have just bought a new product which I prefer and it goes around her neck like a normal collar and then has two straps which are wrapped in faux sheepskin which go under her front legs. Not the best explanation. The product is called Sporn training halter. WWW.SPORN.COM or halti WWW.DOGLOGIC.COM/HALTER.
Good luck with your gorgeous puppy.

Answer 5

At pet stores they sell a training collar that works on the same principle as a choker, but it is more humane. It is never too early to start training. With larger breeds, they need to learn submission early. If you are intent on the choke chain, Only use it while on a leash. A quick tug to get the attention should be all you need.

Answer 6

Choke chains can be effective and humane, but you must learn how to use it properly. There is much more to training than just putting on a chain. You need to learn how to communicate with your dog and establish your dominance as the pack leader. This is done with subtle gestures, not brute force. Read lots or take a course on obedience. You and your dog will both find it worthwhile.

Answer 7

Putting a choke chain on a dog, is not only inhumane, but it's very cruel. You don't train a dog using a choke chain. If you want a special training collar, they have them in pet stores. Or you can use a halter, which gives you better control.

Answer 8

any age when done correctly and use to the leash. let him wear it a little but and get use to it tighten and lossen it but not hashly if he gets scared do it many times a day (never leave a choke chain on) the part that is coming thourgh the hoop should be coming back at u like doubling back. make sure the chain stays behind the ears at the top of the neck. and that he is at your side "heel" command if you like, i make a cluck sound it works better then words. Assert that u are leader before his aggression is out of hand.

Answer 9

You don't train with a choke chain, you dominate and in doing so could do harm to the dog especially if he is young. No age is a good age, I suggest you ask your vet what he recommends. When in doubt ask an expert.

Answer 10

I found a better product. It's called an "Easy Walk" harness by Gentle Leader, I believe. I know PetSmart stores sell them. I have them for all three of my dogs and it has made a huge difference. It doesn't look like a regular harness and you will want to be sure to get it adjusted for your dog so that your dog can not slip out of it. Once you get used to it, because it feels awkward at first, it is such a big big help with a dog that pulls or is a strong breed like a Shepherd or Shepherd mix.