Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Pet Collar story continued

The fitting of the choke collar is crucial.  The clearest instructions assume that you are walking your dog, she/he is on your left--if you walk your dog on your right, reverse the instructions.  With your dog facing you, arrange the chain so that it forms the shape of the letter P.  The end of the chain that will be attached to the leash should be on the left and at the bottom of the line of the letter P.  Slip it over the dogs head and attach the leash.
The choke collar works on a yank and release principle.  It will yank when you pull it, but the release happens only if you have properly placed the collar on your dog.
Those who support training with a choke collar state that it reproduces the way the mother dog corrects a puppy by grabbing the back of the neck with a little shake.  Those who don't support the use of a choke collar state that it is too easy to damage the trachea because pressure also happens to the front of the neck.
Consistent, positive training should result in a dog who can graduate to a nylon or leather collar with no choking or pinching needed.
Special note, choke collars should never be used with Yorkies due to the delicate nature of their neck anatomy, and very special care and training should be done with other small boned dogs.  In addition, some people with limited use of hands, or small pet parents with large pets may find the prong collar much easier to use.

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