[eating0re0s]

Around winter, I took care of my friend's dog for a week or so, and I noticed that the choke chain was completely useless against her.

I would have to do a sustained pull with very hard force for her to even stop sniffing at something. Another friend who came on a walk with me commented that it might be bad for the dog as she's quite old and small and is often left gasping (though otherwise cheerful?) due to her own stubbornness.

I'm taking care of her again soon, and I have very mixed feelings about her choke chain, which she has used since she was a puppy, to the point where I might buy a cheap harness instead, and just not tell my friend, who seems to think there's nothing wrong with it.

From what I researched about choke chains, they're meant for early development training, but this dog has been using one for all of her life.

Should I just buy a new leash?

Thank you!

 

[SusanLynn]

Honestly I would. And, I'd probably give the harness to my friend at the end of the visit.

 

[Ursie]

Choke chains are by far the most dangerous collars. They can lead to eye problems, spinal problems and heaps of other things. They are even frowned upon in the Schutzhund club I am active at. I would strongly advise that you ask your friend to look into other training collars or harnesses. If they have little experience with training dogs, your best bet would be a front attach harness. You can make a lot fewer mistakes compared to when you use head halters or other correction based collars.
I find it surprising that this dog (from what is sounds like) has been pulling it's whole life, and the owner never realized that the choke chain had little effect.

 

[agility collie mom]

I would buy an easywalk harness and walk her in it while she is in your care. When your friend returns take her for a walk to demonstrate the difference. Kudos to you for being a kind, caring friend. Remember sometimes actions speak louder than words. Amazon.com: premier easy walk harness: Pet Supplies

 

[Okeedoke22]

I think you got great advise already but I want to say how amazing my puppies harness works. I have no experienience with choke chains as the name says it all. I don't even like how regular collars look around my dogs neck when he pulls. Walking good on leash is something I like to always work on as I want both of us to enjoy our walks together. My pup is really food driven so he is really learning fast.
Try to show your friend how easy the transition could be. Be careful he/she doesn't feel attacked but that you just have a better solution. Also if you can spend some time with dog training.

 

[Grabby]

Good for you for not wanting to subject this dog to wearing a choke collar. Damage to the trachea is a very real problem with this type of collar when a dog is constantly pulling on it or when it's used to jerk and yank the dog into position.

I think it would be great if you got a well fitted harness for this dog. Keep in mind that you want a harness that the dog can not slip out of.

Why do I find it sad and ironic that someone with the user name "animalover" is saying choke collars aren't bad.

I would also recommend that you let this dog sniff. Walks are supposed to be for the dog. If a dog isn't allowed to sniff and do some normal doggie exploring, what is the point of a walk? Take some small, tasty food treats with you when you walk her. When she's had a chance to sniff for a bit and you're ready to move on, get her attention and lure her into moving along with a treat.

 

[TiggerBounce]

Just a quick reminder that this forum is force/aversive free. We do not advocate the use of correction collars or other tactics, tools or techniques that involve force, pain, fear or intimidation to train a dog, and we do not allow members to suggest them to others who may be struggling.

I have removed several responses where prongs or chokes are being promoted or defended. Please read this thread for more information. There are many resources there that explain our standpoint for this rule: http://www.dogforum.com/dog-training-behavior/forum-rules-guidelines-training-behavior-please-4330/