On the cover of the February Costco Connection there was a photo of a man walking two pretty large dogs. The dogs had chain collars on, also known as choking collars. Many people wrote in being highly critical of those collars saying they (the collars) are cruel to the dog.
Our dog trainer showed us how to use those collars. If used properly, they are essential in having complete control of the dog at all times while on a walk. Those collars are not supposed to be used all day, every day, just when control of the dog is completely necessary. Properly used, those collars do NOT choke the dog or are uncomfortable. The proper position for the collar is right under the chin and just behind the ears. So then, the collar is not on the neck but under the skull of the dog. With the collar in that position, the person has excellent control and can easily guide the dog and keep the dog from taking off on a run. There will be no pulling either. The dog isn’t choking and coughing or pulling. If you put your hands around your neck, acting as a collar, you can move your head and pull, it’ll choke and make you cough, but you can pull. Now put your hands just under your skull, under your chin and at the base of the back of your skull. You’ll find you have no strength to pull. Yet it’s comfortable.
I used those collars all the time when taking my dogs for walks. The only problem I had was when I wasn’t paying enough attention and the collars loosened enough that they slipped down the neck. Then the dogs would pull, so I had to readjust them. Plain, leather collars are no better for walking. I have to admit, on the cover of Costco Connection, the collars were not properly positioned.
Still, there are other types of collars out there. The halter-type. A lot of people and trainers rave over these. I’ve never used one. The type that goes over the face of the dog seems like it would provide good control. The type that goes around the shoulder and chest seems like it wouldn’t provide good support. But again, I’ve never used one and can’t comment on the use. I don’t know of anyone personally who has either. It seems they would be great in that they won’t slip like the chain collars do - that was a problem for me. Rescue dogs and other service dogs use halters and there doesn’t seem to be a control issue with them. But those dogs are highly trained too.
There are different collars for different reasons, kind of like having different shoes for different occasions. Good thing we don’t have to get shoes for our dogs!
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