Can the slip dog collar solve

 the problem?

 

There is more than one type of slip dog collar, and to add to the confusion they can also be referred to as a choker or choke dog chain (plus other names using various combinations of the words slip, chain, and choke etc.). Slip dog collars generally are made of braided nylon, cotton, or leather. There is also a version of slip collar that once it is properly adjusted only tightens to a limited degree. As these collars are adjustable, they can be fitted so a dog cannot slip its head out of the collar when it is loose. These collars are therefore suitable for dogs whose heads are smaller than there necks, such as greyhounds, and hence the reason why they are sometimes referred to as Greyhound Collars.

The slip dog collar made of metal, is called the choke dog collar, or choke chain collar. There are different types of chokes, primarily based on the width and weight of the links. The heavier the chain, the less smoothly the links slide over each other, but the advantage of wide-link chokers is that they avoid or reduce pulling the hair around a long-haired dog's neck.

 

The slip dog collar works, in conjunction with a leash, by momentarily tightening round the dog’s neck when the leash is tugged and/or the dog pulls. The idea of the slip collar as a training aid is that the temporary discomfort felt when the collar tightens will signal to the dog that its actions are inappropriate, and over time the dog will gradually learn to correct its behaviour.

 

It is important to understand that there is a wrong and right way of fitting a slip collar. The correct method for fitting the collar is as follows. Start by sitting the dog down so it is facing you. Push the middle of the collar through one of the O-rings (or D-rings) to make the letter P. Then slip the collar over your dog's head through the open part of the P and attach the leash to the ring at the bottom of the P shape. You can tell if the collar is working correctly if the collar tightens and then releases when the leash is given a quick, short pull. If it doesn't work, try attaching the leash to the other ring.

 

Slip collars are approved as training tools, but should never be used on puppies. Also, dog identity tags should not be attached to these collars, as they could interfere with the sliding action. As stated before, slip collars work by applying a short choke or pinch effect, when a dog pulls , without causing a dog too much discomfort. Obviously, the use of these collars is open to abuse and studies have shown that choke chains could cause neck, back, and tracheal injuries to dogs when used improperly. If you choose to use this type of collar, or any other dog training tool for that matter, be sure that you understand the correct way to use it. After all, you don’t want to injure your dog and also end up with additional training problems. Another possible criticism of slip dog collars is that they may be effective only in the owner's presence.

 

In summary, it would appear that despite the criticisms, a slip dog collar can in certain circumstances be a useful training tool by providing a reasonable quick and cost effective solution, but only when used in the proper manner. A possible alternative to the slip collar is the prong

collar as it is considered by some to be more humane.