Using choke collars (not the pinch collars) when used properly is a great way to train your dog how to properly behave on a walk. First and foremost, use the collar only on walks and for training. Second, the handler MUST remain calm at all times or you will get absolutely nowhere. If you are angry, upset, aggravated, etc., the dog will pick up on it and this will only feed into the animal’s anxiety, making training almost impossible.
It is important to make sure that the choke collar fits the dog, so be sure if you’re able, to take the dog into the pet store to size him correctly and make sure that he has the right collar. Drop the chain through one of the loops on the choke chain, and make sure that the loop is large enough to go over your dog’s head. Next, you want to be sure that you have put it on correctly. With you looking down at the back of the dog’s head, make sure that the collar forms a ‘p’ as it loops around the dog’s neck. ‘P’ for puppy. This way the collar will tighten and loosen as needed, where the opposite way will have it locking when it tightens.
Before starting your walk, practice within your yard, keeping the collar up high on the dog’s neck. The underneath should be up under the chin, not down low on the front of the throat. Next, make sure that when you leave the house, you are the first out the door and first into the door. The dog is never to walk ahead of you always next to you, and never in front of you. A leader leads, does not follow and if your dog is leading, then naturally, it will see itself as the top dog.
As you walk, stay calm…relaxed…don’t tense up. Using short jerks on the leash to get your dog’s attention, (not hard enough to cause harm) to get him to walk where you want. When you stop, he stops…when you walk, he walks. As he becomes more accustomed to the way of things, expand your area and take him further. Again…the keys here are a properly fitting choke collar…the collar being put on correctly…and the handler remaining calm. You don’t have to yell, holler, scream or shout to train your dog. In fact…you should keep your commands to one word. And never use the animal’s name in a derogatory or disciplining manner. You want his name to be a good thing, not represent punishment or anger.
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