Thread: Dog question for DB

Originally Posted by Mr Whippy

I own a German Sheppard. When we got her as a Pup we took her to an obedience training school and we were told to use a Choker Chain(call it what you like). Our dog at home does not wear a collar and whenever we go for a walk I just slip the choker on. It is fitted in such a way that when the lead is loose the chain slips down and is not tight. The few times I have to pull it does not cause any distress whatsoever to the dog. When ever she goes to the vet nothing is said about the chain.

IMO these chains are completely harmless.

Dave.

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Originally Posted by Mr Whippy

IMO these chains are completely harmless.

Dave.

In the wrong hands injuries could occur.


Interestingly a $5 check chain costs up to $50 in an adult shop, Ron told me

does this mean i have to get rid of the boxed set of barbara woodhouse videos..... she would be turning in her grave saying the check chain is harmful !!!

Originally Posted by dobbo

In the wrong hands injuries could occur.

Interestingly a $5 check chain costs up to $50 in an adult shop, Ron told me

which is exactly what I said........

for anyone that wants to understand why I feel the way i do about check chains (seriously) if you have one at home put it around your neck towards the top and have your partner pull on it and then give it a short sharp check and come back and tell me whether it causes you any discomfort

I'm not making a joke about being kinky or anything which I'm sure some will....

it didn't get the name chocker for no reason......I'm not on here saying you shouldn't use them only came on to offer alternatives to a much nice way to collar train your dog.....

Check chains IMHO are so old school.....there are much much nicer ways to train your dog

Originally Posted by dullbird

Check chains IMHO are so old school.....there are much much nicer ways to train your dog

Absolutely! Praise and positive reinforcement to be exact, and not punishment and cruelty.

Originally Posted by dullbird

which is exactly what I said........

for anyone that wants to understand why I feel the way i do about check chains (seriously) if you have one at home but it around your neck towards the top and have your partner pull on it and then give it a short sharp check and come back and tell me whether it causes you any discomfort

I'm not making a joke about being kinky or anything which I'm sure some will....

it didn't get the name chocker for no reason......I'm not on here saying you shouldn't use them only came on to offer alternatives to a much nice way to collar train your dog.....

Check chains IMHO are so old school.....there are much much nicer ways to train your dog

I've been a very bad puppy, I've just dug up your lawn

Check me hard..........


Hey Lou I just had a thought how you could earn an extra quid or two...


a "Dull" bird my ass

Check chains used correctly are very effective when use correctly. When used incorrectly it can cause damage especially if a dog is left tied up with one. My vet has never seen an injury from a check chain (he is not young) There are many alternatives to the check chain now but use what works for your dog.
The 'old school' argument comes from the tendency of only using positive reinforcemnt and not dominating another animal. Similar to the smacking children argument. (note that since smacking and punishing childen has been frowned upon we now have the best behaved and least violent generation.)
It is an argument of experience and history over 'modern science'. I was told by a PC puppy preschool teacher that the theory about 'dogs being a pack animal and the owner needs to be alpha dog' has been disproven by science. The articles she showed me were unconvincing and came from an idealised view of animals being equal to humans. The advocates of these theories hate Ceasar Milan (dog whisperer) but to me the proof is in the pudding: what he does, works and leads to a secure and happy dog.
I have tied soft collars and have found a check chain works better and I am able to walk my dane holding the lead with two fingers with only the occasional tug on the chain.
If your dog is always pulling on a check chain and you cannot train him with it stop using it. Try another lead.

Originally Posted by Yorkie

does this mean i have to get rid of the boxed set of barbara woodhouse videos..... she would be turning in her grave saying the check chain is harmful !!!

IMHO she was the devil incarnate to dogs.
I used to watch her as a kid in the old country blimey charlie as an adult i reckon she should be shot!!!
quite proudly my dog failed puppy pre-school, because she was so distracted by all the other dogs close by ready to play.
I would have never of have put on a choke chain in a barbarous woodhouse stylie just to control my dog, my dog may well be a failure but she is a healthy well adjusted failure.