I have heard from many people that they are bad but also good.
So I decided to ask an expert.

Thank you.

I am not an expert but...
I am not a fan of the choke chain, especially for people who have had no training on how to properly use them. For maximum control I like using the Halty or the Gentel Leader. Both work great, and pretty much any pet store rep can fit, and tell you how to properlly use it. What type of dog do you have and why were you considering using a choke?

What type of dog do you have and why were you considering useing a choke?

I'm not buying a dog. It's just two of my friends had different views and were debating it.

Oh OK. Well in my opinion, they are bad, especially if they do not have the proper training to use them. Yes they require proper training, it's much more then just yanking the chain when the dog starts to pull. And they don't normally stop the dog from pulling anyway, so the poor thing usually ends up with a bruised larynx.

But that's just my opinion.

If used properly, they work great. Same as Halti's and Gentle leaders. But, like choke chains, if used improperly, they can do harm.

Choke chains, like muzzles and shock collars and leashes and even food bowls need to be used properly to be effective. A food bowl left in a doghouse becomes a chamber pot. A leash left on all the time becomes a hangman's noose. A shock collar, even one as mild as invisible fence collars, can train a dog to fear(and attack). A muzzle keeps the owner from training a dog not to attack. A choke chain can also be a noose if used improperly.

Similarly, a car driven by a twelve year old or a drunk is dangerous.

I think they are good, when used correctly.

I have seen people buy choke chains and straight off the bat put them on backwards (yes there is a right way and a wrong way to put them on) and nearly choked their dog before even going for a walk.

We only use them for dog shows, they give you good control over the dog, but for regular walks or trips to the park or vet we just use a soft collar as it's more comfortable for the dog.

I agree. I've used choke chains when helping my dad train some of their dogs. He helped teach me the proper way of using them. As everyone has said here, it's a tool. Tools need to be used properly in order to work. But it can be a dangerous tool.

I agree. I've used choke chains when helping my dad train some of their dogs. He helped teach me the proper way of using them. As everyone has said here, it's a tool. Tools need to be used properly in order to work. But it can be a dangerous tool.

Absolutely right. An axe can cut down trees or chop up Lizzie Borden's parents.