The Debate over the Benefits Choke Collars
A controversial topic which always gets dog owners emotions going is the use of choke collars. The views are all over the map when it comes to the advantages and disadvantages of the use of choke collars. Many dog owners encourage the use of choke collars for training purposes. By the same token, there are those who feel these collars are very abusive in nature. In order to make an educated decision concerning the different types of choke collars, one must study the plethora of information available.
A choke collar is made out of chain and is also referred to as slip collar. This style of dog collar is typically constructed of chain, cord, webbing or cloth. In spite of the name, a chain choke collar was never meant to choke a dog - its purpose is to compress the brachial nerve, similar to pinching the funny bone. This type of dog collar should be used for training purposes only and must fit properly on the dog's neck, so as to not cause harm to the dog's throat.
Because of the design of this type collar one should never leave it on an unattended animal because it can snag on an object and unintentionally strangle a dog. Many Trainers recommend that a choke chain or slip collar should only be utilized for training reasons or when walking your dog when on a leash. This sort of collar was not designed for puppies under six months old. In addition, if your pet is constantly tugging against the chain collar, then different type of choke collars should be substituted.
Half check collars and Martingale collars are variations of choke collars that are considered by many dog owners to be more humane that the chain choke collar. These two types of collars were originally designed for sight hounds, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Bolzoi, Saluki, etc., which are breeds that have necks larger than their heads. Half check and Martingale collars have since become popular with many breeders because it prevents any dog from backing out of a regular collar.
Half check collars, also called half choke collars, are classically manufactured of a leather or nylon material in combination with chain. On the other hand, Martingale collars are manufactured exclusively of nylon webbing. Equally, these dog collars contain a dual-loop design that acts by constricting on the dog's neck when it is trying to yank its head from the collar, but will ease off when the tension subsides. The dynamic action of the half check collar and the Martingale collar keeps the collar from choking the dog.
These specialty collars are also good for controlling dogs when on a leash. Some dogs, even when properly trained, can be a problem when on a leash and these collars are a tool to keep the dog and its owner safe. Choke collars are especially useful with extra large and giant breeds of dogs which can easily pull an owner off their feet.
One advantage the Martingale collar has over its half check collar counterpart is that it will not get tangled in the dog's hair on account that it is made of webbing as apposed to chain. Most owners that are advocates of these collars emphasize that the fit and location of these collars are crucial when ensuring these collars do not cause harm to your dog. Directions on proper fit and location are simple to locate at any pet store, browsing on the internet or from a local dog trainer.
Although the debate may continue among dog owners over whether or not to use a choke collar, there is an abundance of information available for one to make their own well-informed conclusion. In the end, it is a choice that will have to be made by the individual dog owner for the benefit and protection of their own dogs.
A choke collar is made out of chain and is also referred to as slip collar. This style of dog collar is typically constructed of chain, cord, webbing or cloth. In spite of the name, a chain choke collar was never meant to choke a dog - its purpose is to compress the brachial nerve, similar to pinching the funny bone. This type of dog collar should be used for training purposes only and must fit properly on the dog's neck, so as to not cause harm to the dog's throat.
Because of the design of this type collar one should never leave it on an unattended animal because it can snag on an object and unintentionally strangle a dog. Many Trainers recommend that a choke chain or slip collar should only be utilized for training reasons or when walking your dog when on a leash. This sort of collar was not designed for puppies under six months old. In addition, if your pet is constantly tugging against the chain collar, then different type of choke collars should be substituted.
Half check collars and Martingale collars are variations of choke collars that are considered by many dog owners to be more humane that the chain choke collar. These two types of collars were originally designed for sight hounds, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Bolzoi, Saluki, etc., which are breeds that have necks larger than their heads. Half check and Martingale collars have since become popular with many breeders because it prevents any dog from backing out of a regular collar.
Half check collars, also called half choke collars, are classically manufactured of a leather or nylon material in combination with chain. On the other hand, Martingale collars are manufactured exclusively of nylon webbing. Equally, these dog collars contain a dual-loop design that acts by constricting on the dog's neck when it is trying to yank its head from the collar, but will ease off when the tension subsides. The dynamic action of the half check collar and the Martingale collar keeps the collar from choking the dog.
These specialty collars are also good for controlling dogs when on a leash. Some dogs, even when properly trained, can be a problem when on a leash and these collars are a tool to keep the dog and its owner safe. Choke collars are especially useful with extra large and giant breeds of dogs which can easily pull an owner off their feet.
One advantage the Martingale collar has over its half check collar counterpart is that it will not get tangled in the dog's hair on account that it is made of webbing as apposed to chain. Most owners that are advocates of these collars emphasize that the fit and location of these collars are crucial when ensuring these collars do not cause harm to your dog. Directions on proper fit and location are simple to locate at any pet store, browsing on the internet or from a local dog trainer.
Although the debate may continue among dog owners over whether or not to use a choke collar, there is an abundance of information available for one to make their own well-informed conclusion. In the end, it is a choice that will have to be made by the individual dog owner for the benefit and protection of their own dogs.
About the Author:
Although there remains two sides to this debate there remains simple rules to ensure that your dog is safe while using a choke collar. Jim Witt encourages you to visit Country Brook Design for more information and purchasing stylish Martingale Collars.
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