Doing something you really don't want to do! - choke chains

Yes deedee, please, I urge you to resist this. Please please please don't do this to your pet. It's basic assault.

Have you looked into dog obeidence classes?

If you're that dead against a choke chain then you have to find another solution.

If your Mother knows you're dead against choke chains, why did she (and more importantly, why did you let her) use one on your dog in the first place?

Thanks both.

I don't like them, don't like the idea of them and can't see that causing a dog discomfort whenever he sees another dog will make him stop being aggressive ☹️. It sound crap but I am fighting a battle against my mum and husband to get one. I have also followed positive methods with the dog but my husband says they are not working.

I am 7 months pregnant and in a lot of pain so a lot of the dog walking is now being done by my husband. We have been to puppy classes and also seeked help from a behaviourist. She has said that it is just the way the dog is and is not likely to change. To write off a 7 month pup (as he was then) who is brilliant with everything else seems such a cop out. I want to get help from another behaviourist but need my husband to help with this. It is very frustrating for me as I want both my dogs to have a good life but know we need to put work into it and seek outside help. My husband almost expects them to know and humanizes them.

edited to say 7 months pregnant, not 7 - that would be freaky!

Personally, I believe that choke chains only have a limited place under exceptional circumstances and in experienced hands. The damage & pain they can cause is awful.

I had exactly the same problem as you have with my old lurcher. She was horrendous. We used a halti & I did a lot of research on various training methods. I couldn't afford to take her to classes but I read up about training & socialising anti social dogs. It took a long to time to get it right but wth consistent training, socialising and modifying my own behaviour, we got Millie to behave well around other dogs. She was always worse when she was on the lead and the other dog was off - I think she felt threatend.

A choke chain will not solve your dogs problem, if anything, it could make it worse as he'll associate the pain fromt he choke chain with associating with other dogs. I cannot emphasize enough that training and socialisation are key. To be honest, bringing a puppy into your gdogs territory and expecting him not to react is unfair, especially if he was on the lead and the puppy was not. I'll see if I can remember the names of the books etc I used. Unfortunately they're in storage or I'd RAHK them to you.

Good luck, it is solvable but it takes time, consistency and commitment. There is no short term 'choke chain' fix.

HTH

A halti will help with walking the dog - do you have a garden? I did lots of my initial training with Millie in the garden away from other distractions just working on general obedience before venturing out. You have to get your husband onside and I think showing him research to support what you say/do is vital in this.

I think they are as bad as you're thinking, yes.

We had this problem with our dog - we worked with a lovely trainer for a few months to address the problem. If we're going somewhere were I think our dog might struggle we use a canny collar, which really helps. I prefer it to the halti style headcollars.

The canny collar: https://www.cannyco.com/index.php

I was in the house when she put one on. When I came back out i noticed. My husband and her wanted to prove to me that I was wrong and didn't always know the best! I carefully supervised her and just let her prove her (and my point). It is like banging my head against a brick wall when it comes to the dogs lately. I have my opinions and my husband has his.

I would continued to be strong with them about your wishes then. Choke chains are not the answer.

Would it help it you printed out some info for them to read? http://www.positivedogs.co.uk/Choke%20Chains!.htm

So, are half chokes just as bad as choke chains?