choke chains

[R. Miller]

Just trying to decide when the best time to use the choke chain for training heel with my new 10 week old setter. Right now he's just trying to get used to a leash on walks. I know it's not a rush right now, just wondering what some people think is a appropriate age for choke chain training.

[Curly]

I would be doing it right now, I don't think 10 weeks is too young at all. I'm sure others would agree.

[mamohr686]

Usually you want to get the dog exposed to a lead first. Put the dog on a tie out out so they learn that when they are chained up, pulling will be useless. LC supply online has a great stake-out that has a swivel and a short chain so the dog won't get tangled. Once the dog accepts the chain/rope and doesn't yelp or fight it, your good to go with the choke chain.

[marine_man]

I'd skip the choke collar and go to a pinch collar - IMHO it does a way better job of making the point (no pun intended) and my dog responds way better to the pinch collar than a choke collar - with the choke collar he'd continue to pull, with a pinch collar heeling went pretty quick as he got the message quicker.

marine_man

[Jager]

Rather than a choke chain, you might try a pinch collar.

And don't be too quick to use either.

There are do's and don'ts to consider with either.

Depending on the age of your dog, you might check around for a puppy class.

Some pet stores offer them and can be a wealth of knowledge on things like this.

[mamohr686]

did you guys know that there is a right and a wrong way to put on a choke chain? If it's put on upside-down it won't release tension when given slack (positive reinforcement when the dog doesn't pull). When they are put on incorectly the dog doesn't learn as quickly because the chain won't loosen up.

[kgpcr4]

Ten weeks is a bit young. Dont rush it with your dog. Plenty of time to train. take it easy. far to young for a prong collar. get her used to a lead first then its time for step up

[R. Miller]

Thanks for the info guys. I know there's a right and wrong way to put on a collar...I've heard Dokken talk about it the last three years at game fair. Actually, my pup has walked perfectly right beside me in the last week...don't evne think I need to worry about a chock chain yet...think I'll wait a little. It's a lot o fun training a new pup(I have two 13 year old britts and forgot what it's like). Anyway, it's a lot of work, but I can't wait til I drop the first grouse, woddcock or pheasant over him. Should be interesting. Seems like a great pup so far!

[LovenLifeGuy]

Start using the choke chain when you think the pup is ready. I found that with my pup the choke chain worked great as a collar correcting tool. I think it helped him relate to the indirect pressure corrections I have used with the shock collar. All dogs are different tho.

LovenLifeGuy

[Dahitman44]

I would not use the pincher. I have only used that on dogs that don't quite "get it."

Also -- I think 10 weeks is a great time to SLOWLY introduce. The pup will get the idea that is the time to work and play. It will not be a negative and will enjoy putting on the collar.

Just some thoughts.

hit.

[trailratedtj]

i usually train my dog(s) with the lead only. I just simply give the command to heel and then use the lead to work them into the correct position as we walk i then repeat "heel". While the dog is learning and getting a grasp on the idea i introduce the "stick" or wooden dowel. I put the dog in heel and began walking, as soon as the dog moves out of the correct postion a use the stick to tap him/her back into position. if the dog starts to walk ahead i give a light tap on the shins, if the dog slows up i tap on the rump, if drifting away from me from the the side i tap on the dogs side back towards the direction it needs to be in, and if the dog is constantly bumping into me i just bump it back over with the side of my ankle or knee.

works well for me. It took 2 or 3 lessons with the stick after having a decent gasp down using the lead.

My problem with the pinch collar and choke chain is that it didnt even stun my shorthair. He would get so wired up he would literally choke himself to death.