Dog training collars, tips and tricks | Important Information about Choke Collars

Of the more prolific dog training collars on the market today, choke collars have long been relied on by the training community where they are more commonly called correction or constriction collars. These collars are the classic chain-loop readily available in most pet stores. They also come in nylon varieties. While they may be declining in popularity with man modern trainers, their use by owners has not seen a notable corresponding decline.

The unfortunate thing about choke collars is that their intended method of use is rarely adhered to by even well intentioned dog owners who would never knowingly harm their beloved pets. A choke collar is intended to produce quick, “corrective” discomfort during undesirable behavior and then quickly release when the undesirable behavior ceases. Critical to that process are fit, the correct application of the collar and correct use by the owner.  For something so simple in appearance, the choke collar is actually one of the more complicated to use correctly and safely.

Fit is very important with these collars. To size correctly, measure your dog’s neck with a string and ensure your choke collar is no more than 2-3 inches larger. Not only does too large a collar run the risk of slipping but the extra length of chain can result in far too strong a correction which may result in injury.

In addition, a choke collar must be put on correctly. Failure to place the collar correctly (by flipping the live and dead rings or allowing the rings to slip below the neck) can result in the collar not releasing pressure when positive results have been achieved. Training an animal requires both a negative (or undesirable) result followed by a positive reinforcing result. If the collar does not release pressure, no positive reinforcing signal is given for improved behavior.

As mentioned, incorrect use by the owner is another downside to choke collars. Owners may snap the lead too hard, not release quickly enough to provide positive reinforcement for good behavior or maintain pressure on the collar in a constant choke during the walk. Whatever positive benefits this type of dog training collar may impart are completely voided when used improperly.

The important thing to remember is that, as dog training collars go, choke collars can be effective tools, but their seeming simplicity is an illusion. Even experienced owners can and have caused injury to their dogs by improperly using choke collars. I will provide surprising results to support that statement in a subsequent post. Though I won’t recommend against choke collars as a training tool, I won’t recommend in favor of them either. If you decide to use this tool, remember that you must be well versed in its proper use to ensure the safety of your dog.