what is the correct way to use a choker and when should it be used during training.?

Question

i did not want to have to use a choker but my pup is 6 months old. He wants to jump on everyone (to play not to hurt anyone.) and pulls me during his walks. i tried it on him yesterday and it seemed to have helped the jumping some. but i dont want to hurt him or confuse him when he's playing with the kids i dont want him to feel punished.but i dont want him always jumping on them.
he is a great dog but a little hyper.we play with him and walk him but he just wants to jump on us and pull who ever is walking him.

Answer 1

Use a pinch not a choker. I know the pinch looks more intimadating but it is safer.

I like the martingale collars if you are adamantly against a pinch. Its cloth verses the chain and come ina variety of patterns. Originally is was greyhounds that used these because its safer for their necks. Many more trainers are suggesting these and I don't feel bad if I have to pull one of them on my own dogs. They dont gasp or gag but they know it.

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441775229&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302025650&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023689&bmUID=1180977467513&itemNo=0&Ntt=martingale&In=All&previousText=martingale&N=2

Answer 2

You need to use it in a upward position where your hand is over his body and everytime he jumps or is trying to run I tug it a little. It took me a few good walks and now he walks right beside me just fine. As long as you are not hurting him and pulling really hard he will be fine. He will get the picture when he starts getting tired of getting pulled. Good luck!

Answer 3

I do not believe in choke collars. They are ONLY effective if used properly and 80% of dog owners do not know how to use a choke collar properly.

Edit: I totally agree with Watercurves. The head halter is an excellent training tool and they are cheaper than choke collars. A head halter gives you control of their head and will work a lot better than a choke collar.

Answer 4

I like choke collars - but I agree that 80% of people do not know how to use them & they can be dangerous.

I suggest that you NOT give up - a badly disciplined dog can be harmful to you and your family as well as big fat pain to your neighbors.

If you really want to be a good dog "trainer" of your dog - I suggest getting Ceasar Milan's DVD's They can be found on the national geographic web site (I think) he is called "The Dog Whisperer" Seeing what other people go through & how sucessful you can be in shaping a dog's behaviour will give you inspiration to work with your own dog.

Answer 5

Hold it like a P with the round part toward the floor & the leg on top - it goes over the head that way. Tug AND RELESE to alert them to what they are fouling up on.. NEVER leave it on without you being there.
Really the class is a HUGELY good idea.

Answer 6

A choker collar should only be used by a qualified trainer. Then have them show you how to use it correctly and when to use it. Dog have been know to stangle them selves when put on incorrectly and used wrong.
It should never remain on your dog all the time.
Get you dog into some obedience training and the both of you can learn how to train your dog.

Answer 7

Try using a head halter such as a gentle leader instead. They are much nicer on the dog and a lot easier to use. It will give you more control over things such as jumping, and it will not allow your dog to pull as hard. I have one and know many people who have them and they work amazingly.

Answer 8

you shouldn't ever need to use a choker, just positively reinforce good behaviour using treats and a happy tone, your dog should respond much better to that then any punishment