How do you use a choke collar?

Question

I'm taking my dogs to an obedience class that requires the use of a choke collar but I can't figure out how to put the collar on.

Answer 1

The use the chain slip collars is very common for most obedience classes. They are a wonderful training tool when used properly.

To put the collar on, make the shape of the letter P with the collar, in other words, the longer, loose end hanging down by your left hand.

Then, with the dog in front of you, slip the collar over it's head. This way, when the dog is at your left side, the leash will be attached to the ring coming across the back of the dog's neck. When you make a snap/release movement on the collar, the weight of the leash clasp will tighten and loosen the collar.

If you see the collar ring coming from under the dog's chin, the collar is on backwards and will not release itself. Take it off, flip it around, and put it back on.

Also, remember these collars are for training only, should never be left on the dog, and can do damage if used improperly. I'm sure your instructor will go through this, however, make sure when the dog is with you that the collar is loose, the leash clasp is hanging towards the floor. When the dog gets where he should not be, then a very quick snap and release to get the dog's attention and get him back in line.

Also, the collar should be fitted by someone who knows what they are doing. The collar should only have about 2" of loose chain when the collar is pulled snugly to the dog's neck. Any less than that, you will not be able to get it off the dog. Any more than that, and you will lose much of the correction and the purpose for the collar.

Good luck with training.

Answer 2

RJN529 is correct. I've obedience trained all my dogs with choke collars. I've tried other collars but choke collars work the best! Don't listen to everyone else putting choke collars down.

Answer 3

Let the obedience teachers show you how to properly fit the choke collar on your dogs. In most cases its easy to just say that you should always fit the collar high up on the neck, almost directly behind their ears, but no one will be able to help better than the obedience teacher themselves.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Bring it to the obediance class with you and have the instructor show you. Also choke collars are not pretty things - would you like someone to choke you when you were percieved to get out of line of your so-called master? You do not need a choke collar to train a dog. I would find a different training method.

Answer 5

Your dog will be walking on your left side. Hold one ring of the chain and slide the actual chain back through the ring to make it a loop. Put your left hand in the loop. You should be able to pull the hanging ring with your right hand and it should tighten.
When the chain loop is over the dogs head and you give the loop a tug, it should tighten easily with the slidy part over the top of the dogs head, not under it's neck. If it's "locking up" as you slide it, you have the chain on upside down.

The actual name is a SLIP CHAIN not a choke chain. Stupid people choke their dogs or use those hideous spike colars which are only meant for huge dogs with thick necks like rottweilers.

You instructor will tell you that the slip chain simulates the Mom dogs corrections she gives her puppy, which is a quick nip on the neck. Go buy yourself either a Ceasar Milan book or the Monks of New Skete training books and DVD's. They are BRILLIANT!

http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/New%20Site%20Stuff/DVDrelease.html

Answer 6

Ugh. Choke collars are old school, and not in the good way. Doesn't your instructor know that it's better to teach without choking the dog, collapsing it's trachea, and punishing the dog until he shuts down? Time for a new school - they're clearly not up to date.
http://clickertraining.com/

Answer 7

I like prong collars better. They are easier on the dog & just as effective..

Answer 8

Please talk to your instructor about letting you use a prong collar instead of a choker, much easier on the dog's throat and for you to learn how to use!!!