Choke Collars - GOOD or BAD??

Question

I have two black labs and they both are very strong and like to pull me while out for walks. I keep hearing about choke collars but I am unsure of them because they look like they hurt. But I'm also hearing that it doesn't actually hurt them. Is this true? Do they help in leash training? Any other ideas that might help in leash training? Thanks!

After a lot of reading and consideration I went out and bought two "halti's". They are great!!! I never thought I could ever enjoy a walk with my dogs and I really didn't want to have them feeling any pain b/c that just makes me sad, but thank you for all who recommended the head halter!! = )

Answer 1

Try a head halter first (Gentle Leader or Halti) - this worked great for our golden retriever. If that is not successful, try a prong collar but have an experienced trainer educate you on its proper use. They are effective and won't harm the dog but should be used properly. Choke collars are not the way to go. They can damage a dog's trachea if used incorrectly and are not necessary.

Answer 2

I went to a dog training class, and the lady said that the worst thing u can do is get a choke collar. She said once u get it off the dog, it will stop listening, and in some cases get violent. They said that collars are like a way to remind dogs they aren't free, and cant do what ever they want. So, she said by gettin a choke collar it will anger them, because in come cases it does hurt. it pinches the skin. My sister made that mistake, and the dog is now angry and gettin violent, and snipping.

A good thing to do, is get a regular leash, not one that u control how far they get, and a regular collar. attach the leash in the house, and start walking their... sounds crazy i know, but it gets them used to being on the leash, and then they learn their boundrys on it. Then take them into the back yard. No big spaces until they stop pullin inside. Walk with them outside to get them used to the leash and once again learn their bounds. And they will know, oh I cant go this far... that will pick it up.

Answer 3

Get HALTI (gentle leader) head collar. I have a Husky and as we know they are born pullers, chokers were useless and just did damage. Got a Halti, worked like a charm. No more arms pulled out of sockets. An easy gentle method to walk your dogs with.
We also have a harness for him, but as a woman I find the Halti better to use.

Gee a troll is busy on here.

Answer 4

I have to use choke collars on my dogs i have two huskies. Harnesses aren't good cause the way they support the animal gives them good leverage for pulling which is why they use them on sled dogs. Choke collars don't hurt them as long as you get the right size and you can't leave them on after a walk incase they were to get caught on something it could choke them. All they do is they fit loose around the neck until the dog pulls too hard then it gives them a real quick choke to tell them not to pull so hard, when they let off it loosens back up and lays comfortably around there neck. You can also try gentle leaders you can get from pet stores. There are many differnent kinds that work different ways to suit your pet. One i have seen that works good for labs and such is one that fits over the nose and goes around the head kindof like a halter for a horse. Ask the people at the pet store what they would recommend for your pet.

Answer 5

To tell the truth I DON'T like choke collars,I used one before and my dog was pulling so hard,and the collar tightened,and the side of his neck started getting raw.
I would suggest a trainer at Petsmart or other places,just a Proffresional dog trainer would be fine.
Or just go to a Pet Store and ask about collars,or other things that would make your dogs stop pulling.

Answer 6

Enlist the help of a reputable professional trainer who will evaluate your dogs and recommend the best collar for them. They will then show you the correct fit and proper way to use and put the collar on. They can be a huge help when training! There are all types of collars and just remember to be open minded.

Answer 7

Choke collars do hurt. They do damage to a dog's trachea, and are inhumane. It's wrong to punish, punish, and punish a dog until he makes the right decision (avoid being hurt and stay close to you) - especially when there are humane solutions (a Gentle Leader) easily available, as are instructions for acclimating your dog to the GL.
It's sad that most humans would rather choke their dog on a chain than learn just a little bit about more effective, more humane tools. Hope you're not one of those!
http://clickersolutions.com/articles/2002/gl.htm

Answer 8

I would try a good prong collar. Forget the standard choke collars.
Could try a Halti also.

Answer 9

I say choke collars are BAD BAD BAD!
We got our dog a choke collar and after about a week, she ended up with a big red ring around her neck that was sore and itchy. So we took her to the vet, and he suggested getting a harness that wraps around their front legs. It works like a dream and it doesnt hurt your dog! You can get these at any good pet store or online at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=blended&field-keywords=dog%20harnesses&results-process=default&dispatch=search/ref=pd_sl_aw_tops-2_blended_208106747_1&results-process=default

Answer 10

Prong collars are actually much better. Choke collars just squeeze and choke, where prong collars actually give a correction. They look awful but put both on your neck and tug; the prong collar actually hurts less and is more effective.