There are so many dog collars and harnesses you can get. But none is as controversial as the spiked dog collar and the dog choke collar. We’ve written about the first and explained that they are safe for dogs because the spikes are outside of the collar and can’t hurt the dog.
But, what about the latter, the choke collar? Those are different and can be bad for your pooch. PETA says those are dangerous and inhumane, but what makes them a liability? How can they be bad for your dog?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the dog choke collar and explain why or why they aren’t bad for dogs.
While you’re already here, check out our other articles on dog collars:
- Light up dog collar: Keep your pup safe
- Gucci Dog Collar: Is It Worth It?
- Plaid dog collars: Latest fashion for your pooch
- Daisy dog collar: The cutest Amazon has to offer
- Dog Car Harness: An Absolute Must-Have Safety Feature
- Best dog harness: Which to choose
Dog Choke Collar – What you need to know
When talking about choke collars we also have to mention prong collars. So what is what?
Firstly, a choke collar is a chain looped around the neck which tightens while the dog is wearing it. The best way to understand what it looks like is to see it.
Secondly, a prong is a collar of metal spikes with a chain loop, these spikes will tighten, pinching your dog’s neck.
But, why do some people use these collars, after all, they do inflict pain on the dog? Both of these collars are called “correction collars” and they are positive punishment and negative reinforcement based.
Now, what does that mean? Simply put these collars are used to stop the dog from doing something by adding pain. Or, they are also used to make a dog do something after the pain is removed.
This does sound logical and it does work. But there is no need for us to inflict pain on the dog in the training process. Why? Because any good dog trainer will tell you that positive reinforcement training does the same trick.
Why the choke collar is bad
The main and the most obvious reason why choke collars and prong collars are bad is that they are causing pain to the dog. There is no way to control how much the choke chain tightens, so it’s possible to choke or strangle your dog.
But, besides the physical pain, they can also cause emotional damage too.
Many dog owners tend to use choke collars on dogs who pull on their leash during walks. But, that’s the worst you could do to your dog.
The use of choke collars has been associated with whiplash, fainting, spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, crushing of the trachea with partial or complete asphyxiation.
Besides this crushing or fracture of the bones in the larynx, dislocated neck bones, bruising of the esophagus, bruising, and damage to the skin and tissues in the neck are common too.
In addition to that brain damage and prolapsed eyes caused by sharp increases in pressure in the head can happen as well.
How to stop a dog from pulling on its leash
As mentioned above the most common reason why dog owners use the dog choke collar is when their dog is pulling on its leash during walks. According to many people, those types of collars will solve that problem.
But, that’s the worst way possible. There are so many more humane ways to stop your dog from pulling on its leash.
Firstly, leash training your dog helps him relax during walks so the experience is more enjoyable for both of you.
While you’re here learn more about leash training:
- How to train your dog to walk on a leash and much more! Training tips
- How To Train A Dog To Walk On A Leash?
- Ways to stop your dog’s leash aggression and reactivity
- Behavioral Issues: How to stop your dog from pulling his leash?
Besides that, using harnesses helps reduce a dog’s instinct to pull. Harnesses also promote a healthy relationship and the ability for your dog to learn how you want him to behave on his walks.