How to Use a Choke Chain on a Dog?
A dog choke collar is a metal made chain material that is designed to be worn around the neck of a dog which tightens and pulls the dog back during training or while walking it. The aim of the choke is to cause pain and discomfort for the dog for correctional purpose. Even though it is widely used, these choke collars have been frowned upon by professional dog trainers due to some of the problems they can cause your dog or even the overwhelming discomfort.
Why Would You Use One?
The main reason why many people may want to make use of the choke collar is for the purpose of the training of dogs. They are used for negative enforcement purposes to make it easy for you to pull back your dog when it is going out of line or contrary to what you trying to get it to learn.
Understandably, many people would prefer not to make use of it because of the many dangers that they pose to the dog which may include disc diseases which may go as far as affecting the mid-to-lower back regions of the dog, among other issues. There are also those that make use of it strictly for the purpose of walking their dogs. No matter the reason for its use, one should avoid using it on a dog that does not have thick hair.
A Choke Chain is used to correct a dog’s behavior. To use a choke chain, you will need to attach one end of the chain to a leash. Next, pull the chain through the loop at the other end, creating a “p” shape.
Loop the chain around your dog’s neck, making sure that the chain still looks like a “p” when facing the dog. Use the chain correctly otherwise, it will lead to serious injury for the pet.
There are different types of dog collars are:
- Leather
- Faux leather
- Suede
- Nylon
- Nylon blends
- Canvas
- Metal chains
For Puppies
Puppies grow fast, need to check the collar’s fit at least once a week. Make sure it fits in two fingers under the collar. Collars that are too loose can be dangerous for choking. It should be at least in average size.
Puppies are curious about everything, and a collar that is too loose could catch on something and cause choking or strangulation. The collar should be convenient, but it should not be tight. Too-tight collars can set themselves in the dog flesh, and too-loose collars can slip over the pup’s head.
Measure for the right size of Choke Chain
If the chain is too large or small will be ineffective and may hurt the pet. Choose the collar that’s correct the length for the dog. Toy breeds and other small dogs are delicate to wear this kind of chain. They can experience to get trachea collapse when their throats are under pressure. Larger breeds can do well with a choke chain.
Measure the dog’s neck on the high, then close to the dog’s shoulders. A chain that is too loose would not work and may be a risk. The tape should be snug but do not pull it so tight it puts pressure on the neck.
Choke chains sold in 2-inch small. Add 3 inches to the dog’s neck measurement, the chain that is closest to this number. A choke chain should slide easily over the pet’s head and should not pull on its ears. Slip the collar overhead with the free end and place it over the neck.
The fitted collar is calm about 6 inches of slack chain. The Dog under 20 lbs should not use the choke chain. Do not use a choke chain as an everyday collar. Never pull a dog by a choke chain or yank on this type of collar because it can choke its neck.
FAQS
How does a dog choker chain work?
They work by taking the dog’s attention off whatever is causing them to act out. Choke chains surprise the dog by tightening around its neck and causing minor discomfort, whereas traditional collars can just give the dog something to strain against.
Are choke chains good for dogs?
Choke and prong collars are designed to punish dogs for pulling by inflicting pain and discomfort. They can cause serious physical and emotional damage to dogs and should never be used.
Do choke chains work?
It is a fact that choke chains can cause damage, if you never jerk one at all, a dog just pulling into, over some time will do damage to the delicate processes in his throat.
Are dog choke collars cruel?
Dogs are not allowed to walk around freely dogs were demanded to wear some kind of equipment that we can hook the leash. Making a walk with the dog is quite challenging due to this very unnatural demand. Without proper training, dogs are likely to pull their owner around during the whole walk.
Choke collars are designed to punish by choking or hurting the dog. If the dog gets out of position, the handler quickly delivers a leash jerk, also referred to as a leash pop or leash correction a sharp tightening followed by an immediate release of the collar.
They can cause serious physical and emotional damage to dogs and should never be used.
The metal spikes of prong present in the collars pinch the skin of dog around the neck area when they pull and sometimes it can scratch or puncture them also.
Over a while, this causes dogs to develop scar tissue (which has no feeling) or build up his tolerating capacity of painful pinching feeling and so continue to pull making walks even harder.
With smaller dogs, pulling is manageable, small dogs can sometimes pull surprisingly hard. Choke or prong collars were the only way to manage dogs and train them to walk on a leash without pulling.
Many guardians and dog professionals still depend on these to control their dogs. According to certain guidelines, they are acceptable and important training tools for good following the rules.
Injuries Choke Collar cause:
- The thyroid gland of the neck is just below the voice box close to the collar sits. Just one yank can cause injury to a gland that controls many of the body’s functions.
- The gland gets traumatized and becomes swollen whenever a dog pulls on the leash.
- When this happens, the gland is ‘destroyed by the body’s disease-fighting system tries to remove the swollen thyroid cells.
- The destruction of these cells leads to hypothyroidism, which causes loss of energy, weight gain, skin problems, hair loss, ear infections and organ failure.
- Choke collars also affect other areas of the body include the eyes.
- This type of pressure can cause serious injury to dogs already suffering from eye, glaucoma, or eye injuries.
- Hypothyroidism can cause trauma to the thyroid gland in the neck.
- Ear and eye issues as a result of long or big pressure on the neck.
- Behaviour problems are caused by pain or other physical injuries from the use of a collar.
The kind and safest option for taking a dog for walking and who tends to pull front leash attachment that is a harness.
When a dog lunge or pulls himself while wearing the harness, the attachment which is present in the front redirects them back towards the dog walker.
With giving positive rewards to your dog, walks can be a pleasant experience for both human beings and dogs.
There are many varieties and different designs of collars available in the pet shop from which you can choose the one that reflects a dog’s personality. The collar looks good and serves beyond identification and decoration. All collars are appropriate for different types of dogs.
Martingale Collar
The Martingale is made to tighten just enough to get the dog’s attention, which is one reason it’s an ideal collar for training purposes.
Martingale collar is a safer alternative to the choke collar, it should not be kept on your dog while they are unsupervised, it should only be used when hooked to a leash or lead.
Flat collar
The standard collar for dogs has a buckle or quick-release closure and a ring for attaching identification tags and leash and is available in many colors and designs.
A flat collar should fit properly on your dog’s neck. It should not be tight as to choke your dog or so loose that they slip out of it easily. The thumb rule says that you should be able to get two fingers underneath the collar.
Head Collar
The head collar is almost the same as a horse’s halter. One strap of the collar fits around your dog’s neck sits high on the head, just behind the ears. The other strap forms a loop around your dog’s muzzle. The leash attaches to the ring at the bottom of the muzzle loop.
The head collar is good for strong and energetic dogs who may jump or pull. Head halter is not meant to be used in jerking or pulling forcefully but rather to steer your dog in the direction you need them to go.
It may take some time, lots of treats, and patience to make your dog feel comfortable after wearing a head collar. Put it on for a short time along with giving them lots of treats until your dog is comfortable in the collar.
Dangers of Using Dog Choke Collar
The use of a dog choke collar has its own potential problems to your dog. When what you are using is the Prong Collars, the metal protrusions when pulled can puncture the skin of the dog which may develop more problems later. With shock collars, physical pain and injuries may also be the result if not well put.
Some of the dangers that the choke collar may cause may include the following:
- Physical problems
The prolonged usage of choke chains may cause physical damage to the dog. From problems like damaging the soft tissues of your dog, it may do a lot more harm that may include eye problem and in the worst case, strangulation and death of the dog. More so, it can cause neurological damage to your dog.
- Training Fallout
The idea of using Choke chains and prong collars is so as to administer negative reinforcement as well as positive punishment on the dog. While it may prove to be effective, this method of treatment is not without its side effects. One of such is the negative relationship the dog may come to develop with certain things that he has been choked against.
What is a Choke Collar?
A choke collar or a choke chain is a tool used to control a dog, especially during walks.
A choke collar is a metal chain with a ring on each end. The chain is made of metal links and is made to tighten around your dog’s neck to control him. After correctly setting it up, you can slide the chain over your dog’s head and fasten it to a leash.
A choke collar is sometimes used by trainers to do ‘corrections’, basically causing pain to the dog every time he misbehaves or tugs on the leash.
How Does a Choke Collar Work?
The purpose of a choke chain is to prevent unwanted behavior during walks.
Choke chains constrict around the dog’s neck when pulled too hard on the leash. When your dog strains on the leash chain or gets over-excited during a walk, the chain will apply pressure. This pressure will cause serious discomfort (it will basically choke your dog), and he will stop pulling at once.
What You’ll Need to Get Started?
- Choke collar
There are many different types of choke chains. You can choose a choke chain depending on the size, link type, material, and chain type. You are free to choose what fits your needs.
The main things to consider are the collar size and the link type.
Collar size: Measure the circumference of your dog’s neck. The chain must be about 2 inches longer than your dog’s neck.
Link-type: Chains with longer links are great for dog breeds with long fur. They prevent your dog’s fur from getting all tangled and messy. Short link chains are for dogs with short fur.
- Leash
You need to attach a leash to one end of the choke chain.
Yes, that’s all you need. Now let’s get started.
How to Use a Choke Collar? (Step-By-Step)
Step 1: Assembling The Collar (Making A “P”)
Hold one end ring in your hand and lower the chain through the ring. The end rings will meet and fasten to form a collar. The ring you looped the chain through is the dead ring, and the ring that you can move back and forth is the live ring.
All you have to do now is pull on one end ring and drag out the chain to make the letter “P.”
That’s it, you have assembled the choke chain!
Do check out this video:
Step 2: Fitting the Choke Collar On Your Dog
Pick a side
You must first decide which side your dog will be walking on, your right side or your left.
The letter “P” loop section should always be over the dog’s head, with the straight part on top of its neck.
If orienting the chain still seems confusing, try slipping the choke chain over your fist. Give a small jerk and release the chain. The chain should momentarily tighten and then slack. The orientation is wrong if the chain doesn’t slack when you release it.
Position
Unlike traditional collars, choke chains do not sit at a dog’s neck. It must fit just behind the dog’s ears. This position is more sensitive, and your dog will respond quickly to mild pressure. If the chain slides to your dog’s chest, it is too big.
Step 3: Attaching The Leash
Now you can attach the leash to the live ring.
If this is the first time your dog is wearing a choke chain, do not attach the leash soon after putting on the chain. Give your dog a few minutes to get used to the feel of the choke chain.
Step 4: Walk time
Congratulations! You managed to assemble and fit the choke collar correctly. Now comes the best part. Walking your dog!
CAUTION!
Make sure that the orientation and position of the chain is correct.
Never apply too much pressure.
Do remember to keep your dog on the same side when walking. If you fitted the choke chain for walking your dog on the left side, always keep your dog on the left and vice versa.
The leash must stay slack during walking. A slack leash will allow you to correct your dog when needed. If the leash is always tight, your dog will soon get desensitized to the pressure.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Choke Collars
Now that you know how to use a choke collar properly let’s look at some Do’s and Don’ts.
Pros
Ensure that the choke chain is the correct size for your dog’s neck.
Double and triple-check the orientation of the choke chain.
Keep an eye out for any discomfort in your dog. Especially if this is your dog’s first time walking with a choke chain.
Immediately release the choke chain after a correction.
Always praise your dog for good behavior. The aim is to have your dog behave on walks without needing a choke collar. Train your dog to obey commands like “heel” and “stop” while giving corrections.
Cons
Never leave your dog unattended with a choke collar.
Don’t tug on the leash with too much pressure. A quick jerk and release is all you need to get your dog’s attention.
Don’t use the chain as a form of punishment. Use a choke chain ONLY WHEN WALKING AND TRAINING!
Conclusion
The proper way to use a choke collar requires the owner to use only gentle jerks when correcting the dog. A safer alternative to a choke collar, and one that most dog owners consider to be more human and secure.
FAQS
Do choke collars hurt dogs?
Choke and prong collars are designed to punish dogs for pulling by causing pain and discomfort. They can cause serious physical and emotional damage to dogs and should never be used.
When should you use a choke collar on a dog?
Choke collars are used in many of the training situations as pinch collars, mostly in maintaining calmness outside the home and with aggressive dogs. Choke collars can be helpful with larger dogs or dogs with aggressive habits; again they should not be used on small or delicate and necked breeds.
Why should you not use a choke collar?
Improper use of choke collars can result in a crushed or bruised trachea, a crack, or dislocation of the neck bones, among other injuries. A choke collar that is too big around the dog’s neck makes it is easier for them to chew the chain, which can also cause damage to their teeth.
Compiled & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request
Things you Need to Know About Importance of Dog Collars and Leashes
