The idea of using a dog choke chain or collar on a pet is controversial to say the least. Some feel it is a useful tool when handling an animal, while others feel the use is completely uncalled for.

There doesn’t appear to be agreement among professional dog people, either. You can see choke collar type devices in prevalent use at dog shows, but many veterinarians will say that they are unnecessary.

Most people will admit that a choke collar can be useful when an animal is undisciplined. However, this is not the purpose of a choke collar and should not be used for this purpose. Choke collars and chains are for training and can be highly effective and safe when used correctly. Setting the choke collar around his neck should your pet that it’s time to give you his attention.

There are generally three types of choke collars: chain, nylon and prong. Purchasing an effective and safe collar is dependent upon getting the right size for your animal. To do this, take a piece of twine or something similar and place it around your pet’s neck about one inch behind its ears. Place two of your fingers underneath to provide a bit of breathing space, and add two and a half inches. If you can, take your pet to the store with you so that you can try out several types to get the correct size.

The idea behind a choke training device is to simulate the action of a mother dog when she grasps a naughty pup behind the ears, at the scruff of the neck, for reprimanding. This is why, when used properly, the choke comes up behind the ears of your dog, not around its neck, trachea and esophagus.

Before using the choke chain on your pet, make certain you know how to use it properly. You can seriously harm your dog if you don’t. Make sure that the links move smoothly and don’t catch. The choke chain is for training and no matter how nice you think it looks on Rover, it is not a full time collar. It should go on for training and come off when the training session is done. Under no circumstances should you allow a child near a pet wearing a choke chain.

Putting the choke chain on your dog it should come to understand that it is now time to give you its full attention and that the two of you are now going to do some training. The collar sends a signal and provides a quick way to correct behavior.

The animal should be close to your side in the heel position as you walk along. When the dog needs correction, the choke collar should be quickly pulled up behind and ears, and a sharp verbal correction such as “NO!” expressed in a firm voice. The tension on the choke should then immediately be released. The quick tension behind the ears and the verbal reprimand gets the animal’s attention and tells it that it did something you didn’t like. Dogs are eager to please and with patience and consistent training, they will come around to understand what is and isn’t okay.

If your dog is “hacking”, then you are handling the choke collar incorrectly and you need more practice in getting the pulling and releasing motion down properly. Remember, you want the training to be fun for the both of you. You don’t want your pet to come away with damaged vocal chords. These devices should never be used as a form of punishment. Dogs naturally aim to please us and it usually doesn’t take much more than a loud noise or sharp command from you to stop them from misbehaving.

Be good to your pet, patient and caring and you will have it returned three-fold. While training and using the dog choke collar for correction, don’t forget to reward their attention and attempts to cooperate. Be generous with your praise and rewards.

Dog choke devices are a safe control device when used correctly. Pet Naturals collar options include these and many other types of collars and leashes for your favorite canine.