Choke collar stupidness

[SD Bird Lady]

All our dogs have long chains for lots of room. They all have dog houses with lots of shavings for warmth. The nylon collars stretch out or come unlatched if one of the dogs pulls the slightest bit like when a deer passes in the woods. We never had a problem with chain collars until this point. My lapse in responsibility did cause this because I didn't specifically tell the kids to check collars when they feed/water. Puppies are cute and lovable. Then children get older and don't care to spend time with them- it happens every day. When I do the dog care I play with them, brush them etc. I can't lay blame on the kids but i do feel that they should have noticed before hubby did since he hardly ever goes around them. Same story, different family: everyone brings home animals but lose interest then they all belong to mom. We were in the process of finding her a new home already. Ashamed doesn't begin to describe how I feel. If I can't do it all then I shouldn't have them. It will make my hubby happy to see my chickens go.

I know how that can happen.....But I agree with some of the other posters that all or none is probably not the answer. You just hit a low spot and need to reevaluate what is going on. Maybe keep one dog and some chickens. In my experience one dog is much less likely to roam when he/she doesn't have a buddy....just like kids Then you will have to enough hours to spend quality time with a few animals....kids...spouse instead of being spread so thin.

Good Luck!!

 

[aoxa]

I believe that they are a good training tool when used properly. As far as I know (which may not be all that much) they are only really used to teach 'heel' or to walk on a lead properly. They should not be used to tie a dog out because they will not release the pressure unless the dangling end is pointing up towards the handler. They won't actually choke the dog but they will hang there very snugly. There is a type of collar called a martingale (sp?) that is sort of a cross between a choke and a regular buckle collar. They are leather or nylon with a loop of chain at the back. They will only tighten when the dogs pulls and then release as soon as the dog stops pulling. I use one for my lab who likes to back out of her lead when on a walk. The instant she pulls, it tightens up - but will only tighten to a certain point. That way, she can't get loose, but also can't be harmed.

I was just going to suggest this collar. IT has been working WONDERS at our house. Oh it's amazing. Completely stopped them pulling on the chains. It releases instantly. No chances at embedding.

 

[Cknldy]

I know how that can happen.....But I agree with some of the other posters that all or none is probably not the answer.  You just hit a low spot and need to reevaluate what is going on.  Maybe keep one dog and some chickens.  In my experience one dog is much less likely to roam when he/she doesn't have a buddy....just like kids Then you will have to enough hours to spend quality time with a few animals....kids...spouse instead of being spread so thin.

Good Luck!!

You sound like you've been there, done that as my grandmother would say. I think those words are what I was hoping to hear from someone other than myself. "My" dog out of all 3 is a shelter dog. Hubby took us to shelter for kids a xmas puppy years ago. The last puppy in the shelter was the last puppy in her litter and it was adopted as we went in the door. I overheard the staff discussing when they were going to put her down since people don't go for adults at xmas. She came home with us. I had been crying last night about the one that was hurt and crying today over having to let "my" dog go. Thank all of you for understanding and for your kind words. I will make hubby discuss this tonight.

 

[naturalfeddogs]

Are choke collars just a bad collar, or are they just misused?

I think they are misused. They aren't bad as long as they are used right, and using them to tie a dog out on is not the correct way to use them. They should be used for training, being released after each correction is given.

 

[dainerra]

I think they are misused. They aren't bad as long as they are used right, and using them to tie a dog out on is not the correct way to use them. They should be used for training, being released after each correction is given.

and, just to elaborate further - only used WHILE training. They aren't meant to be left on 24/7.

I can see how it could happen in only a week if the chain was clipped to the live ring. Without someone to check on them (especially cheaper choke chains you buy at local stores), the collar doesn't release how it should. So, even the weight of the chain is going to keep the collar tight [and the "2 finger rule" doesn't apply to choke collars - it is a snug neck measurement (top of the neck, right behind the head) + 3 inches].
This will cause the links to wear into the skin faster, especially an active dog who might be running on his chain.

 

[Peaches Lee]

Haven't read all the posts but I just wanted to share this silly story. I work at a vet clinic and someone came in with their dog on a prong collar (he wasn't a very nice dog, so I understand wanting full control). Anyway, the funny part is that the collar was on inside out, with the prongs facing outward, so it was essentially useless LOL!

 

[nwredrooster]

Choke chains only while training WITH handler. The ring on the outside end of chain can get caught on anything. More than one dog has died from choking to death when the ring has snagged on something solid as the dog jumped to lower ground. The ring can slip between the space between the boards of a wood deck as the dog is resting, dog sees squirrel, dog bolts off deck and is left dangling by its neck as a consequence. Dog jumps over a branch or object, ring gets caught, dog dangles or at very least is "strung up " by the collar. If it seems unlikely, it is, but its likely enough that its not worth the risk.
A ring on a person's ring finger is not likely to get caught (especially because there is already an object in it-a finger), but most of us have at some time or other caught a ring on something. The difference is we are not usually jumping or going at high speed when it gets caught - a dog is, and the empty ring is more likely to be caught.

 

[naturalfeddogs]

Haven't read all the posts but I just wanted to share this silly story. I work at a vet clinic and someone came in with their dog on a prong collar (he wasn't a very nice dog, so I understand wanting full control). Anyway, the funny part is that the collar was on inside out, with the prongs facing outward, so it was essentially useless LOL!

I bet that was funny! Did anyone say anything to the owner about it?

 

[nwredrooster]

Animal control's unwillingness to act on a complaint isn't any endorsement of anything. They can only enforce laws that are in place and often times what constitutes neglect is by definition of the law very vague (as long as dog has access to food and water and somekind of shelter neglect is seen to be lacking). In addition many municipalities are terrified of being sued if they are judged to have acted beyond the scope of the law. Sadly they often don't have the authority that "reality t.v " portrays them as having. So I would say a failure to act by animal control is not a ringing endorsement for an activity that is allowed to continue.

 

[nwredrooster]

Sorry, the previous post should have contained a quote from a prior post, but my kindle didn't include the quote. Also not letting me edit previous post. Note to self: don't post using kindle.