Preventing trachea damage/neck problems

[mrudderman24]

My dog is a different dog from 3 months ago. He heels fairly nicely, doesn't jump up and is much more obedient overall.

However, he still goes a little nuts when we encounter other dogs on the walk. I'm bringing in a trainer next month to address this, but in the meantime, I have some questions:

1. I have been walking him with a regular nylon collar. When he pulls towards the dog, I pull the other way. I do not snap, I just pull. Can this cause damage? Would it be safer to use a martingale?

2. What are signs and symptoms of trachea damage or neck misalignment? He seems normal overall and the vet has never said anything. He has no problem stooping his head low, so I think his neck is fine. When he was 3-6 months I used leash corrections and sometimes, he coughed from it. It has been a long time since I've given leash corrections, and after knowning what I do now, I won't be giving anymore.

Just curious!

thanks

[Witz]

There are many posts on training methods to prevent the need to make hard corrections, such as positive rewards for the right behaviors, building up to the level of distraction yet maintaining control and training tools such as a prong collar. Keep searching and you will find someone on this board who has walked the same road and the approach they have taken. A trainer if they "get it" they will access your dog by watching you work with them and make suggestions to work up to the ability for your dog to not go nuts when in the presense of another dog. Good luck!