Benefits and Disadvantages of Choke Collars

A topic which will always start a debate among dog owners is the use of choke collars. The opinions on blogs and forums are wide and varied about the benefits and disadvantages of the use of choke collars. Many pet owners and trainers are proponents of choke collars for training and control. Then there are the owners and trainers who think these collars are instruments of abuse. Information about the different types of choke collars is essential for the pet owner to make an informed decision.

One type of choke collar is the chain choke collar also called a slip collar. This type of collar can be made of chain but is also made of cord, webbing or cloth. Despite the name, a chain choke collar is not intended to choke a dog - it is intended to press on the brachial nerve, much like pinching the funny bone. This type of collar is intended for training purposes only and must fit correctly on the neck and not under it, so the chain will not to cause damage to the dog's throat.

The design of this collar makes it dangerous to leave on an unattended animal because it can easily catch on something and accidentally strangle a pet. Many owners suggest the choke chain or slip collar should only be used for training purposes or for safe handling of dogs when on a leash. This type of collar is not recommended for puppies which are six months old or younger. Also, if a dog is continually pulling against the chain, then another type of choke collar should be used.

Half check collars and Martingale collars are variations of choke collars that are considered by many dog owners to be more humane that the chain choke collar. These two types of collars were originally designed for sight hounds, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Bolzoi, Saluki, etc., which are breeds that have necks larger than their heads. Half check and Martingale collars have since become popular with many breeders because it prevents any dog from backing out of a regular collar.

Half check collars, also called half choke collars, are made of leather or nylon webbing and chain. Martingale collars are made totally of nylon webbing. Both of these specialty collars have a two-loop design that works by tightening on the dogs neck when it is trying to remove its head from the collar, but will loosen again when the dog stops struggling against it. The unique, limited closure of the half check collar and the Martingale collar prevents it from becoming too tight.

These specialty collars are also good for controlling dogs when on a leash. Some dogs, even when properly trained, can be a problem when on a leash and these collars are a tool to keep the dog and its owner safe. Choke collars are especially useful with extra large and giant breeds of dogs which can easily pull an owner off their feet.

One benefit of the Martingale collar over the Half check collar is that it will not tangle in the animals fur since it is made of webbing and has no chain. All owners that are proponents of these collars stress that the fit and position of these collars is essential to making sure these collars do not injure your dog. Instructions on the proper fit and position are easy to find at any pet store, on the internet or from any dog trainer.

The debate over whether or not to use any type of choke collar will continue among dog owners, but there is plenty of information available for an educated decision. Ultimately, it is a decision that must be made by the individual owner and breeder for the benefit and safety of their dogs.