Does anyone really use choke collars anymore? (for pups?)

[chelle]

Over twenty years ago I took my first dog to beg obed and it was accepted practice to use the choke collar.

Now I'm ready to get Bailey going in a class. I just got off the phone with this person: Neal Leas Dog Training and it was a good conversation, asked some questions (wish I'd have asked a few more I forgot ) and then at the end he told me what I'd need to start class tomorrow night.

Then at the end he said, "And bring a choke collar, if you have one, otherwise we'll fit him for one."

Choke collar? Really people still use these? Should this be a red flag ?

[Sunstreaked]

I am currently using a prong on a one year old, started about 2 months ago, but I personally would never use a choke. That may be attributed to my inexperience, but choking my dog is not the way I want to build our relationship. I am definitely NOT criticizing for what was done years ago (or what may be done in certain circumstances now), just not how I want to deal with my dog.

[Jax08]

I don't use them. I've read articles on how they can harm the trachea and one that stated that correcting a dog with a "pop" pulls their neck out of alignment.

Here are my "rules" on trainers.

1) Do they insist on something that I'm uncomfortable with? If so, why? Do I still disagree? Are they willing to find a work around?

2) Are they proactive and progressive? Do they teach me how to build a relationship with my dog?

And my experience with compulsion....it sucks....

I spent the first two years training Jax with a prong collar because that is what the trainer I hired taught me. In my ignorance, I had no idea there was a more effective way to do it. Until I went to a Rally trial and my dog could have cared less where I was and was HIGHLY stressed. I found a good trainer for a local Schutzhund club and have been thrilled with the results using positive methods and tapping into her natural drive so she wants to work.

So, since you are obviously uncomfortable with using a compulsion training collar, get back on the phone with this person and ask some more questions. Ask if they use positive training methods or strictly compulsion? How do they feel about clicker training? Can you watch a session before committing?

ETA: I would request to watch a session of the same class I would be taking. the videos on the site show dogs that already have training so it's hard to tell what this methods are.

[Emoore]

I don't like choke collars. They don't have a natural stopping point and can cause damage to the trachea. If I'm going to use a training collar, it will be a prong. They look like torture devices, but they have a natural stopping point and don't put pressure on the trachea.

No way in Hades I'd use a choke, prong, or any other type of training collar on a 4-month old puppy.

[Stosh]

I use a prong collar on Stosh but certainly not when he was 4 mos old. A flat buckle collar should be sufficient

[Salix]

I used a choke collar on Denver at 4 months. That was the time he was really learning the ways of the world out with on-leash walking. And it was a **** of a walk each time. He was so powerful he would drag me in all directions until (another) trainer made a very gentle suggestion towards the prong collar during puppy school. She said it was my decision and was very gentle about introducing the idea. At my wits end, I decided I would try it. She taught me how to use it properly.

Denver has been on a prong collar from 4 months to now 1 year old and I will continue using it for the short term. I use a firm but quick flick of the wrist to correct walking. I don't agree with anyone who thinks it's too un-PC to use it. Use what works for you wisely with consideration for your dog's health and wellbeing. If you have no idea how to use it, consult a trainer or professional who does and train yourself.

It is the human perception that it looks like a torture device and to me, this is not helpful. It is intended to mimic the quick 'bite' of a mother in correcting her puppies behaviour.

[MicheleMarie]

i haven't found a use for a choke collar. i use a prong collar starting on samson at 5 months. it was a special puppy one. the first week we spent just taking it on and off and praising him. he only wears it when we are running and when we are doing bite work (he's now 9).

[Cassidy's Mom]

I used a choke collar on Sneaker in 1986. I've never used one since, and I won't. There is really no reason for it, and any class that insisted on it would be an immediate pass for me. I'd also never use a prong collar on a dog that young.

[BowWowMeow]

I used a choke collar 20 years ago (for Massie) and I would never, ever, ever put one of those on my dog again. I didn't know better then how dangerous they could be or how to actually train my dog not to pull (as opposed to choking them when they pulled).

I have also used prongs (but not on puppies) and see too many people who start their dog on a prong and never get them off of it.

If I have a dog who likes to pull then I usually start them on a front clip harness.

[BlackPuppy]

30 years ago I took an obedience class and they required a choke collar. They taught Kohler method.

I had one for Doerak, but after a near choking incident, I put it away for good. All my dogs wear leather flat buckle collars if they are wearing any collar.

I train my dogs without a leash, so they don't often wear a collar. If you training off leash from the start, then you don't need to do it later.