[jerseyshell]

I brought a 2 year old Rottie Mix home from a shelter last Sunday. Buck is a very sweet and playful dog, But He is impossible to walk. He pulls a great deal. The shelter staff advised me to use a coke collar. This just leaves him panting and my arm hurtting. I bought the head halter style collar (the V shaped mussle collar). He hated this and just rubs his face on the ground. I have read about the pinch collar, even looked at one at the pet store. They scare me. I have us set up to start doggy kindergarden but they dont have an opening untill December. Can the pinch collar do damage if not used correctly? Is it easy to use? Please help. Buck is my first dog and I want to start things out on the right foot.

Michelle

[alundy]

I would try a prong collar (I'm not sure if this is the same as pinch collar).

They can do damage if not used correctly, so I would find someone to train you on how to use it. You could start by asking at the pet store for some assistance, some pet stores have trainers who know how to properly use these training aids.

A prong collar looks scary but is much safer and less painful than a choke chain, when used properly.

[tirluc]

you could, also, continue working the head collar by putting it on him and playing/treating/feeding him w/ it on.......no dog i have seen likes them at first and some will never get used to them but usually if given enuff time to adjust they do quite well.....remember, tho, that these can also hurt the dog if not used correctly.....if the head is not turned properly you can "wrench" the neck.......

i use one on my youngest and have had complete success w/ it......

[Cbaker]

I just purchased and used the Illusion Collar (from ceasar milan inc)

Its pretty well designed (although I dont like the clicking buckle) but its a modified choke collar that keeps the choke positioned properly at all times @ the top of the neck.

Works good so far with my dogs.

[Alpha]

I'm not into the medieval torture tools...


JUST KIDDING ALL OF YOU! Ha ha!

But seriously, I've never used a prong or choke chain, never will. There are plenty of other methods that work better for me and my dog.

If you have the time an obedience class would do both of you some good. Speak to the shelter where you got Buck from, they might have some reputable trainers numbers for you.

If you do get a prong, I would make sure that you have someone knowledgable fitting it and showing you the basics first. They CAN do damage if not used properly.

Good luck!

[SiNNiK]

choke chains can do more damage than prong collars.

[Dulce]

Prong collar! They're FANTASTIC! All it does is give a pinch when your dog needs correction. It's like in the wild when baby wolf cubs aren't doing what they're supposed to do, the mother wolf nips at their neck for correction. That's where the creation of the prong collar comes from.

If that makes any sense...I am really against the choke collar, but that's just MY opinion. Those CAN cause damage.

Prongs are especially important for large breed dogs like Rotties or whatever because they DO pull, and are stubborn like Rotties