I have heard that when putting a choke chain on a dog, it is important to check (every time) that it make a letter p rather than a letter q. Geometrical symmetry suggests that that should depend on whether the dog habitualy walks on my left or my right. Can anyone explain this to me.
Why dont you get it a harness instead? it hugs the dog around the the chest and neck evenly so it wont choke. Choke chains are inhumane. hence the choke.
He normaly wears a harness when walking, but he pulls so much that sometimes, the choke chain is used. HE determines how tight it is and pulls less. (The technique I've seen on TV of quickly, briefly jerking the leash to get his attention is not used no matter whether the leash is attached to the choke chain or his harness.)
This dog need some training. Them pulling like that on their harness is because you arent leading him. Its easy to leash train. I get what you mean. he must be a big dog.
I use a Halti, Harnesses are terrible for dogs that pull because they can brace themselves against the harnes and get up a real head of steam. Choke chains aren't any good, when I was working at the spca we would throw them out when dogs came in with them. But I agree, try some training. MY dog always pulls, but her legs are almost longer then mine and she takes huge strides, I basically have a hard time keeping up.
I have heard their is a more effective method where the leash surrounds thier muzzle (snout) and directs their attention away from any distractions rather than a choking effect of collars around their throat. Personally, I still remember the day a dog trainer put a choke collar on my Ollie Pup and I could only tell her as I took the chain from around Ollie's neck that she would have to put that chain around my neck before I would ever allow her to choke my dog for any reason. I also told her she could keep my $200.00 8 week class fee if she simply let us leave...and I let her keep the choke chain too! I have to say my Ollie is was of the most loyal dogs I have ever known especially since she knows I would forfeit my very life protecting her from any and all cruelty...
choke chains make pulling dogs worse. if you had something round your neck choking you, you would try to get away from it right? as humans, we can think... hmmmm if i pull my airways are cut off and i choke, perhaps i'll stop pulling..... our dogs dont speak human so the try and get away from the trap like a rabbit in a snare, and its much easier for us to learn to speak dog that it is for them to speak human. when walking, hold the leash so you have a loop of spare leash. as soon as your dog puts tension on the lead drop the loop and walk the opposite way (note drop the loop not the lead!). dont say a word to your dog. as soon as he's caught up with you, make the loop in the lead again. normally within about 10 repetitions the dog will be walking on a loose lead. why? he pulls ahead, you however are walking in random directions with no warning. it doesnt take long for him to think 'hey! nuts human cant decide where to go, i guess i'll stay close so i can see where she's going next!' failing that, do get a head collar. (halti, gentle leader, canny collar etc etc) these control the head, and where the head goes the body must follow. if a stallion or nigh on a tonne of dairy cow can be controlled with a head collar, it'll easily control a dog throw the choke chain away.
