UPDATED: 10 November 2023
Dog owners often use dog choke collars to train their dogs, but this is a controversial topic. Many dog trainers and animal rights activists believe that choke collars can cause harm to the dog and should not be used.
And they are correct. Choke collars can cause harm to dogs IF and WHEN used incorrectly.
On the other side of the argument, many dog trainers and dog owners say that choke collars are an effective training tool and they have never had any problems with them before.
And they are correct also. Used correctly choke chain collars are a very effective and harmless training tool. It would be rare that a choke chain collar would be used on a dog for every day life.
The Pros and Cons of a Training Collar
A good friend came around the other day with his newly adopted English Mastiff, wearing a choke chain collar – the dog not my friend.
I was a little surprised that he’d chosen a dog choke collar for what appeared to be a settled and docile dog. While Sumo was a large dog, he had a heart of gold, true to his bread.
However, my friend had been told by the previous owner that putting on a choke chain collar was the only way to control him when out walking.
I rather suspect that the issue was that the previous owner didn’t have a clue about how to handle a large 200-pound dog.
My friend had called around to refine his understanding of establishing himself as the pack leader, and confirm that the choke chain collar was not necessary – which was not!
Choke Chain Collars Can Be An Option
Some breeds of dogs can be difficult to handle, particularly large dogs.
I knew of a fellow Newfoundland owner who only weighed 62 Kilos (about 136 pounds), her dog, a male, weighed 72 (about 159 pounds).
She openly admits to using a choke chain* collar for a few weeks when her dog was still a puppy. The dog soon learned the consequences of trying to pull away – and has never forgotten.
*As an Amazon.com Affiliate I may earn a small commission should you buy a product featured on this page. At no extra cost to you.
So maybe there is a case for the use of a dog choke collar if used correctly and sparingly. Maybe?
I think that you will agree with me when I say, that as dog owners, we all want the best for our pets.
However, with so many gadgets, methods, and styles of training dogs it can be hard to decide on the best and safest training collar to use.
In this article, we look at the use of choke chain collars for dogs. A lot of dog trainers use them and the internet is full of videos advocating their use.
However, there are also numerous health and behavioral risks of using choke collars.
Not a Choke Chain Collar, Dog Collars similar to the one pictured above are available on Amazon.com
Dog Collar with Quick Release Buckle*
Are Choke Chain Collars Safe and What are the Alternatives
Choke chain collars for dogs are designed to tighten against the dog’s throat as the owner pulls – creating a choking effect and acting as a deterrent for their behavior.
I mentioned above that I know someone who felt she only had one chance to train her puppy not to pull on the leash before the puppy became a dog.
However, after we talked about the risk to her dog’s health by using a dog choke collar she said this if the situation ever arose again she would watch this video:
Prong Collars
Prong collars* work in a similar way, however, have metal spikes that pinch the dog’s neck as further punishment.
As you can imagine this can cause pain for your dog. Studies have shown pulling on a lead with ANY kind of training collar is harmful to a dog’s throat – and the use of a choke or prong collar increases this harm.
The harm caused by a prong collar includes
- Inflammation and pain in the throat
- Damage to the thyroid – a gland that is located at the base of the neck
- Potential damage to the trachea, also known as the windpipe
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Increased pressure in the eyes – which in turn increases the risk of glaucoma and other eye conditions.
Are Choke Chain Collars for Dogs Effective?
Not only do choke chain collars for dogs have numerous health risks, but they can also have a negative effect on training.
As this technique causes pain for the dog, using these collars can increase fear and aggression in dogs. Although the sharp jerk will correct a behavior initially, it will not fix the root of the problem.
Using a choke collar for dogs increases the risk of aggression, injury, and fear. Not only this, but it takes away a fun, bonding experience for you and your pet.
Alternative Training Methods Can Be More Effective
Thankfully, training dogs can be a positive, fun, and rewarding experience – for the dog and its owner. There are alternative training methods that will
- Create a fun, safe learning environment for your dog
- Teach them the skills they need to behave appropriately
- Provide positive feedback for them and celebrate their successes
- Nurture and strengthen the bond between you and your dog
Tips To Encourage Great Lead Manners For Your Dog
One of the most common reasons owners decide to use a choke chain collar for dogs is to teach leash skills.
Instead, consider these top tips to safely, and use positive reinforcement to encourage your dog to walk with you.
- As always, start training in a quiet area with few distractions
- With the lead attached to their collar call your dog to you
- When your dog is by your side and the leash is slack, give your dog a treat.
- Take a few steps, if your dog comes with you, praise and give another treat.
- Continue, “checking in” every few steps and praising your dog when the lead is slack and they are by your side
- Practice regularly at home, gradually increasing the number of steps between rewards.
- As your dog perfects walking next to you up the challenge and try new, exciting environments.
You will train your dog much quicker using positive reinforcement methods.
Learn How To Stop Your Dog Pulling On The Leash
Here’s a great video, it’s less than 4 minutes long, that will teach you how to stop your dog from pulling on the leash using positive reinforcement methods.
Click here to ==> learn more about Doggy Dan The Online Dog Trainer.
In summary:
You don’t need a Choke Chain Collar for Training Dogs!
Training a dog can be time-consuming, but being done correctly creates a rewarding, lifelong bond between you and your new best friend.
Put yourself in your dog’s position – using a choke chain collar for training dogs can not only harm your pet but negatively affect your bond and training.
There is a range of positive, safe products training methods that can be used instead to help you with your dog training experience.
Alternatives to Dog Choke Collars
The Benfits of a Martingale Collar
If you are looking for a dog collar that will keep your pup safe, while still being humane and comfortable, then you should go with a Martingale Dog Collar.
The Martingale collar looks like a standard dog collar until you look closer. The design consists of two interconnected collars, connected to the lead and wrapped around your dog’s neck but they have some unique advantages for all breeds!
A dog’s collar can be the difference between life and death, so it is important to always keep an eye on your pup.
Martingale collars will stop any excited or fearful dogs from getting their heads free in new environments or around other animals – no matter how much they might try though!
Martingale collars are a much better choice for your dog than a chain collar or slip collar.
They fit looser, so it’s easy to remove when necessary and they distribute pressure evenly around the neck rather than concentrating in specific areas with metal components that could cause harm over time if applied constantly- not just while playing tug o’ war!
Whether you’re trying to avoid having a dog that pulls on their leash, teaches basic commands, or just needs something safe for walks with the pup-martingale collars might be what’s needed.
They can help keep your pooch under control and ensure safety during any adventure!
- No Buckle: Martingale dog collars slip easily over the head and tighten gently when pulled, eliminating the need for a buckle; The limited closure ensures the collar won’t become too tight, providing gentle control during walks and training sessions
- High-Quality Materials: Made from 100% nylon webbing, this heavy duty dog collar is ribbed, soft, and sleek; handcrafted with rich colors and mirror-like hardware; Nickel plated steel ensures strength, while colorfast dye prevents fading or running.
- Ideal Fit for Every Pup: M Size – 1″ Width (15″ – 21″ Neck) is ideal for medium-sized breeds like Corgis, Pugs, and Dalmatians, our M collar provides a snug and fashionable accessory for pups who want to stand out from the crowd
- Training Collar: This cute collar prevents dogs from slipping out, great for hard-headed pups, puppies, and service dogs; The limited closure prevents it from becoming too tight, ensuring a secure and comfortable experience; Not for tie-out
- Proudly Made in the USA: Our commitment to domestic production means you can trust in the quality and durability of each dog collar, crafted with attention to detail by professionals who understand the importance of your pet’s comfort and safety.
When To Use a Head Halter Collar
When you feel like your dog is on the verge of bolting out of control, you want a tool that will allow you to get a handle on the situation without any harsh treatment.
This head halter collar* does just that by giving your pup a gentle, but effective correction if he starts going in the wrong direction while walking with his leash.
A head halter is a versatile tool with an easy-to-use design. It provides directional control without the hassle of having to carry additional items.
Made from soft, comfortable materials, this product will be indispensable for your adventures in town or the great outdoors!
- STOPS PULLING: The Halti Headcollar prevents pulling on the leash by gently steering and guiding your dog’s direction.
- KIND & HUMANE: Made from strong but lightweight nylon webbing, the Halti Headcollar is designed for comfort with a padded neoprene nose band and won’t interfere with panting, eating or drinking.
- REFLECTIVE & SAFE: Every Halti Headcollar has reflective accents for improved visibility in low light and a safety link that attaches to your dog’s collar for complete peace of mind.
- 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE: creators of the world’s first headcollar for dogs, Halti and Dr Roger Mugford have been solving leash pulling problems for over 40 years!
- BETTER TOGETHER: To get the best no pull training experience, use the Halti Headcollar with our double clip Halti Training Leash.
Shock Collars are Not as Bad as You May Think
One effective and humane way to train your dog is a good shock collar.
Yes, believe it or not, a shock collar can be a safe and effective training tool because, like all dog training tools, it depends on the dog, and the behavior being corrected.
Shock collars are not designed to hurt or injure your dog, but rather simply create an annoying sensation so that they’ll learn behaviors quickly without causing any pain.
If you have had trouble with training methods in the past, why not give this one a try?
If you had any doubt as to which is the best dog collar for your dog in different situations talk with your vet or professional dog trainer.
- Humane and Safe, Eliminate Bad Behavior Effectively: The Dog shock collar features 3 humane training modes with adjustable beep(1-8 levels), vibration(1-16 levels), safe shock(1-99 levels). It helps your unruly and hard-headed dogs learn to be a better part of your household.
- Extended 3300FT Range: The Dog Training Collar covers up to 3300Ft allowing your pet to roam farther. With dual-channel, It is perfect to train 2 dogs simultaneously outdoor at distances up to 3/4 mile.
- Fits for All Sizes of Dogs 5-120lbsThe training collar for dogs is ideal to control dogs as small as 5 pounds and as big as 120 pounds. Instant response security on/off switch button allows you to carry it without any fear of accidental touch.
- IP67 Waterproof Receiver: The electric dog collar can be used in any weather and any condition thanks to the IP67 waterproof design of the receiver (You’ll have to keep the remote control away from water).
- Incredible Battery Life: The e collar for dogs training has a decent battery life. The receiver’s battery can last for up to 15 days in working modes while the remote for over 1 month. the long battery runtime is a true lifesaver on those camping or tailgating weekends.
*As an Amazon.com Affiliate I may earn a small commission should you buy a product featured on this page. At no extra cost to you.
Choke Chain Collars: A Controversial Tool in Dog Training
Choke chain collars have been a longstanding tool in dog training, but their use remains controversial and debated among pet owners, trainers, and veterinarians. While some argue that choke chains can be effective for training when appropriately used, others express concerns about their potential risks and the canine companions’ well-being.
Continue reading: A Controversial Tool in Dog Training
How to Stop a Dog Pulling on the Leash
One reason some dog owners resort to choke chain collars is that they cannot control their dogs when out walking. Which in my opinion is being lazy – they haven’t taken the time to teach their dog what is expected when a leash is put on for a walk in the park.
In this article, you’ll learn how to stop a dog from pulling on the leash. Once you and your dog have mastered this you should read my article on how to walk a dog on a loose leash!
Continue reading: How to Stop a Dog Pulling on the Leash