Is using a choker collar on a dog while training them to heel harmful to the animal?

Answer 1

The choke collar/chain is a training tool and as with any tool there is the potential for misuse. A hammer used one way can help build a house. Used another way, it can destroy it.

Do your research and you will discover that the choke chain is a time tested instrument that, used properly, results in a well trained dog without inflicting physical harm. It is often misunderstood and misused simply because of its name.

Consult a qualified trainer for instruction on the proper fitting and use of this training tool. A German study showed that damage to the dog's trachea or Hood was very common if this type of collar wasn't used properly.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT LEAVE YOUR COLLAR ON YOUR DOG ALL THE TIME. ONLY WHEN IT IS NEEDED.

IMPORTANT: TAKE OFF COLLARS, LEASHES, ETC. WHEN PUTTING YOUR DOG IN A CRATE

Other contributors have said:

• If you decide to use the choker collar then that's what the choker collar is meant for to teach your dog how to heel because if your dog pulls to much you gently pull. You don't pull hard otherwise your dog will get hurt. so it could be harmful if you pull too hard. while training my dog I used the choker collar. I didn't pull too hard and it worked and my dog did not get hurt. I prefer the choker collar better than any other collar to teach your dog how to heel. Also, if you feel your dog is not pulling anymore after your training, you can try a regular collar. If you feel it doesn't work and your dog is pulling again go back to the choker chain. It will NOT hurt the dog if you use it properly.

For more information on collars you can visit the following link in the source related link.

It could help you make a decision on what is best for your dog.

The fact that you have posed the question implies that you are already doubtful about the use of a choke collar and therefore unfamiliar with the collar yourself. As another answer confirmed, a choke collar can harm a dog's trachea and potentially whole spinal area - they are very dangerous if not used correctly and it is easy for an untrained person to unwittingly inflict pain and damage on their dog using a choke collar. More humane methods of training a dog not to pull are widely available, with no risk of hurting your dog. A 10 step system of 'how to train your dog to walk nicely and stop pulling' is linked below - a simple, tried and tested method that works well with a good, inexpensive anti-pull harness. Dog Training DVDs are a good source of you learning how to train your dog using natural methods with no expensive, potentially harmfull products such as choke chains and shock collars.