I know one should NEVER use a metal choke chain when training a dachshund because of their vulnerable neck bones, but what about using a slip collar?

Also, what about either of these with other breeds? Are they necessary?

Thanks, Becky
Escondido

labman

Slip collar is often used interchangeably with choke collar. Are you referring to the collars that work much the same way except they are made out of fabric? They work very well with many dogs. It is importnat to put either on correctly. You want the shortest one that will go on
and off easily. If you walk with the dog on the left, pull the chain through
one loop forming a "P". Facing it, slip it over its head. The free end
should come over the neck to the leash, and the other end should drop slack
when there is no pull on the leash.

The metal slip collar is a standard training tool. It can be used with most breeds after about 4-5 months. It works fine with most dogs. You can injure a dog's neck even with a wide leather collar if you give severe enough corrections. The service dog school I raised a puppy for last year mostly uses the fabric slip collars. Many of their clients can't give the strong corrections some dogs must have in a metal collar. If the puppy raiser can't teach the dog to walk with a loose lead with the fabric slip collar, they may try a head collar. The leading brands are Promise, Haltie, and Gentle Leader. They have a strap going around the dogs nose looking something like a muzzle. They work by pulling the dogs head around. No other way gives you such great control with so little force. Not all dogs will learn to lead well enough to work as service dogs. The most dangerous collar is a poorly fitted prong collar.

One gentle technique I like is to just stop when he pulls. He wants to go.
If you move forward when the leash is slack, and stop when he pulls, he should
quickly figure out the only way to get to go, is not to pull. This is about
teaching him not to pull, not getting somewhere. The man that taught it to me
said "If in a half hour you haven't made it out to the front walk, fine, you
have taught him a lesson. "

becky92029

Thank you for your reply, Labman!

Yes, I was thinking a slip collar was cloth and metal chain collar was called a "choke" chain, but not synonomous terms. Thanks for the information.

What I'm finding with my pups (both 7 mos.) is that when at Petco or out and around, they don't pay attention to me but rather are distracted; going off to do their own thing and when I've stopped walking will circle me. It's been years since I've had a puppy and taken a training class. It's becoming obvious I need to go back for a refresher.

This is the greatest site for helping a very rusty puppy owner and a huge thanks to all who are participating!

Becky