[lnewland]

Hey all, do people still use these and at what sort of age do they introduce them.

 

[poodleholic]

Do you mean "choke chain?" If so, the answer is NO, I do not use them, and never will. I train with a flat buckle collar, and do not use leash corrections.

 

[Cracker]

Check collars are not recommended much anymore, except in certain styles of dog training and mostly not until the pup is at least six months old.
I do NOT recommend them either. The potential for misuse and damage is high in an unexperienced trainer.

I used a martingale (for awhile, it's a half-check) but when I crossed over to positive reinforcement training I used a flat collar and a no pull harness...and of course my clicker.

 

[Dogstar]

I start using choke collars once my guys are fully trained and proofed, and are not in danger of pulling on it anything but very lightly. I use them in the ring. (Yes, I use martingales some too, but for the ring, I like the simplicity of a collar I can slip on and off).

I *do* use a nylon one in the breed ring even on puppies, but that's a bit different.

 

[Elana55]

I use only a martingale on dogs under 1 year old. The martingale is adjusted so that the dog cannot slip the collar if she pulls.

I use an old choke chain when I give the dog a bath. Just so I have something to grab. I don't use it to choke at all.. it is just easy to dry the collar after the dog bath is completed.

Other than bath time I have not used a choke chain on a dog in years (as a training tool).

 

[sparkle]

Hey all, do people still use these and at what sort of age do they introduce them.

Choke chains in most cases are aversive to the dog/pup and it is becoming more and more uncommon to see them used as many people strive to use as few aversives as possible in dog training/conditioning/management.

 

[Kyllobernese]

I have been away from Dog Obedience for quite a few years. What type of collar do they use when showing in Obedience trials? When I was showing in Obedience, they had to have a choke collar on. I know a few people who show in Obedience and they all seem to use a choke chain so I thought it was still the same rule.

 

[sparkle]

I am curious (not being sarcastic) as to why a dog that has been trained for obedience competition would need or be allowed to wear a training collar to a obedience event?

 

[txcollies]

I start using choke collars once my guys are fully trained and proofed, and are not in danger of pulling on it anything but very lightly. I use them in the ring. (Yes, I use martingales some too, but for the ring, I like the simplicity of a collar I can slip on and off).

I *do* use a nylon one in the breed ring even on puppies, but that's a bit different.

Pretty much what dogstar does. Although I will use a prong during training for fine tuning heeling, etc once they are ready...

I am curious (not being sarcastic) as to why a dog that has been trained for obedience competition would need or be allowed to wear a training collar to a obedience event?

Any collar can be a training collar. I've seen people haul off good and proper on a buckle and people on a slip collar that don't touch the dog.

I like to compete in a fine conformation chain slip collar because I think it looks nice, simple and serviceable.

 

[TooneyDogs]

I am curious (not being sarcastic) as to why a dog that has been trained for obedience competition would need or be allowed to wear a training collar to a obedience event?

It's not unusual to see some dogs wearing two collars at these events.....not into the trial ring, of course but, from the parking lot, into the building...mixing with 100 other dogs, 100 people, lots of noise and very close quarters.

Even the best trained obedience dog can get overwhelmed sometimes under those circumstances...it's an extra measure of saftey.

 

[Dogstar]

If you've got a dog with a pointy head like a collie or a thick neck like some of the bully breeds, a martingale or a slip are the only safe options, period.

A choke's not a regular training collar for me, but I don't see why it really matters WHAT the dog has on in the show ring- you can't correct there and they all need to do the same exercises.

The AKC rules basically state that the collar may be a flat or slip collar, including martingales, made of fabric, leather, or chain, with printed or embroidered patterns okay but nothing attached to the collar- no tags, no studs on the collar, etc- and nothing to identify the dog.

 

[Xeph]

I rarely use chokes for actual training anymore. I prefer the pinch collar. My dog DO wear chokes into the show ring (conformation) and are generally shown on the dead ring (the Shepherds pull, and it keeps them from damaging themselves). They are shown on the live ring for the down and back for control, and then on the dead ring so they can pull as they go around.