Choke collar stupidness

[jdywntr]

I don't like choke chains. I am also not a fan of chaining a dog outside. My dogs are my pets and we are raising a LGD who will live outside when he is old enough, protecting his flock. The way I look at it is what is the point of chaining a dog? Keeping it outside on a chain isn't going to deter a burglar, they just need to go around it. Often, a chained dog lives it's life on that chain and is fed but that is about it. I suppose if I had no other option I might tether a dog but I would do everything else in my power to avoid it. If I had a dog that was roaming, that dog would be inside unless supervised and worked with to learn the boundaries of my property. Many places are making it illegal to chain a dog. Before moving to AL, we lived in FL and where we lived they passed a law making chaining a dog illegal. You could have it hooked to an aerial tether (the ones that run between trees) but not just chained to something.

I have worked in animal shelters and vet offices and it is appalling what some people will do. Too many people use "training aids" inappropriately. The prong collars that have caused puncture wounds due to inappropriate use etc. I also would never leave a choke collar on an unattended dog. I have seen dogs that hung themselves after getting caught on something.

To the OP, I am very sorry that this happened. As others said leaving it to the kids was probably a lapse in judgement. Give yourself a break, learn from this and teach your kids the importance of checking on everything.

 

[Peaches Lee]

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

I'm not sure, as I didn't see the dog leave, and I'm not the vet so I can't point out things like that (you know, make the client feel stupid LOL)!

 

[nwredrooster]

I've seen people flip the prong collars on their dogs over, as you describing, just to use it as a duel purpose collar for the moment. They want the prong collar on the dog while they are walking with it, but not while they are sitting with it - so they flip it over. I'm not for a moment suggesting that was the case, and if they dog was behaving threateningly or could be dangerous it probably should have the collar on correctly for everyone else's safety. I too was a vet tech for a number of years. Some of the things you see and hear can be very bizarre.

 

[Cknldy]

UPDATE- wound has healed exceptionally well and she may have a new home as soon as next week! I was sweating bullets but I told the truth to the woman trying to help me find her a home since the 15th. I was ready for persecution. I was ready for her to say I should find new homes for everyone. I was ready to be condemned for having my dogs chained even though local laws say it must be done if acreage isn't fenced. Woman did not respond in that fashion. She responded the same as all of you! I am happy to say that we have decided that if we can use scrap and recycled stuff for chickens then everything else is on hold to use materials to fence in an area for the other 2 dogs. Although they do not have choke collars but wide leather collars I don't want them on chains period! BTW- hubby wanted to keep 'his' dog and told me I wasn't selling my chickens. Humph- I thought he was annoyed by my chicken fever.

 

[FarmerBetty]

We all make mistakes. Are you really sure giving her away is best for her? Your family is her family. Why don't you wait a little while and if you still feel like that's what's best for her, then consider giving her away. Who hasn't made a mistake with a pet, or kid? I wouldn't judge or call anyone irresponsible because God knows I have made mistakes and said things I shouldn't have said. I am still upset that my son (our THIRD child) rolled off the couch when he was 3 months old. I can tell you it was on September 17, 2003! I also know it was 5:30ish because the older 2 kids (6 and 5) were getting out of the tub. I walked away to get a diaper when I was changing him. 2 seconds!! I went maybe 15 feet away from him and he picked the one time I let my guard down to roll!

Just think about it for a little longer. We have a golden retriever that is the most annoying/needy animal on the face of the earth. However... She has gotten between our youngest daughter and a black snake (again, I left her alone to get her juice box!) in the back yard. Forgive yourself as the dog has forgiven you already. One mistake doesn't mean you need to punish yourself so harshly. <3 it will be okay.

 

[kacklinkelly]

Just chiming in with so many others. I believe everything that happens can be used as a teachable moment.
Am not sure what ages your children are or how many pets you have. However, it might be great for them to know that it takes everyone's contribution to make home someplace everyone enjoys being. Including the pets that add so much to our lives.

It seems to me that if you are experiencing overwhelm, then perhaps finding homes for some of your pets is part of the answer. Again, it can be used as a teachable moment. There's lots of options between all and nothing. Cut yourself some slack - I'm sure the dog already has. We all have done something we regret. Hopefully we learn from that, don't repeat it and move forward. Peace to you and yours.