Talk with your Animals

A controversial topic which always gets dog owners emotions going is the use of choke collars. The views are all over the map when it comes to the advantages and disadvantages of the use of choke collars. Many dog owners encourage the use of choke collars for training purposes. By the same token, there are those who feel these collars are very abusive in nature. In order to make an educated decision concerning the different types of choke collars, one must study the plethora of information available.

One type of choke collar is the chain choke collar also called a slip collar. This type of collar can be made of chain but is also made of cord, webbing or cloth. Despite the name, a chain choke collar is not intended to choke a dog – it is intended to press on the brachial nerve, much like pinching the funny bone. This type of collar is intended for training purposes only and must fit correctly on the neck and not under it, so the chain will not to cause damage to the dog’s throat.

Dogs should never be left unattended using this kind of collar because it can get tangled on various objects and strangle a dog by mistake. Literature recommends that a choke chain or slip collar only be used for training or when walking your dog with a leash. Never use a coke collar for puppies under the age of six months. Additionally, if your dog is frequently pulling against the chain collar, then an alternative kind of choke collars should be utilized.

Half check collars and Martingale collars are variations of choke collars that are considered by many dog owners to be more humane that the chain choke collar. These two types of collars were originally designed for sight hounds, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Bolzoi, Saluki, etc., which are breeds that have necks larger than their heads. Half check and Martingale collars have since become popular with many breeders because it prevents any dog from backing out of a regular collar.

Half check collars, also called half choke collars, are made of leather or nylon webbing and chain. Martingale collars are made totally of nylon webbing. Both of these specialty collars have a two-loop design that works by tightening on the dogs neck when it is trying to remove its head from the collar, but will loosen again when the dog stops struggling against it. The unique, limited closure of the half check collar and the Martingale collar prevents it from becoming too tight.

These specialty collars are also good for controlling dogs when on a leash. Some dogs, even when properly trained, can be a problem when on a leash and these collars are a tool to keep the dog and its owner safe. Choke collars are especially useful with extra large and giant breeds of dogs which can easily pull an owner off their feet.

One advantage the Martingale collar has over its half check collar counterpart is that it will not get tangled in the dog’s hair on account that it is made of webbing as apposed to chain. Most owners that are advocates of these collars emphasize that the fit and location of these collars are crucial when ensuring these collars do not cause harm to your dog. Directions on proper fit and location are simple to locate at any pet store, browsing on the internet or from a local dog trainer.

Among the debate over whether or not to use a choke collar, there is a large quantity of information at hand for anyone to make a knowledgeable decision. After all is said and done, it is responsibility of the individual dog owner to make a decision for the benefit and protection of their own dog.

Even though there are two sides to this arguement there are basic guidelines to ensure that your dog is safe while using a choke collar. Jim Witt encourages you to visit Country Brook Design for more information and purchasing stylish Martingale Collars.