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Very few, if any, dogs
will naturally walk on a leash without pulling. Purchase
a book on training, or take the pet to a professional
trainer. In some cases, especially with larger dogs, try
using a slip collar or training collar. (Slip collars
should not be used with small dogs. See our question for
dealing with small dog leash pullers.)
Once referred to as
“choke collars,” these training tools fit over a dog’s
head instead of wrapping around the neck. A slip collar
consists of a chain strip with rings at both ends. The
chain is run through one of the rings to form a loop,
which is then slipped over the dog’s head. When this
happens, the ring that had the chain dropped through it
will remain stationary on the dog’s neck. The other ring
will be a “moving ring.” The lead must be attached to
the moving ring. When the slip collar is properly
fitted, the moving part of the collar will go over the
dog’s head, not under it. This will ensure that the slip
tightens around the dog’s neck only when the lead is
pulled, and loosens as soon as the pull on the lead is
reduced.
Slip collars should only
be used in supervised training sessions. A dog should
never be allowed to roam free with a slip collar, since
the collar can become entangled in objects and choke the
dog. Remember to remove your dog’s everyday collar
before a slip collar is put on.
Another alternative is
the halter head collar. This collar has two straps, one
of which fits loosely across the base of the muzzle,
while the other rests high atop the neck. When you pull
on the leash, the dog’s head is pulled down or to the
side. At that point, the dog cannot pull on the leash,
or open her mouth. Although the halter head collar looks
like a muzzle, it is not; nor is it cruel or painful for
the dog. Whenever you are not pulling on the leash, a
dog wearing this collar is free to open her mouth wide.
This collar does not make the dog uncomfortable, yet it
makes it easy for the owner to control the walk simply
by pulling the leash.
In extreme cases, a
pinch (or prong) collar can be a training tool. However,
it should not be your first alternative. This collar has
blunt prongs that protrude inward against the dog’s
neck. When the dog pulls, the prongs exert pressure,
compelling the pet to stop. Other training collars are
usually better choices, but a pinch collar may sometimes
be the best option when a dog is an aggressive “puller.”
A pinch collar should only be used with close
supervision. A dog that is leashed to a tie-out should
never wear a pinch collar.
For more
information on Slip Collars see the
10 Common Dog Care
Misconceptions
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