A topic which will always start a debate among dog owners is the use of choke collars. The opinions on blogs and forums are wide and varied about the benefits and disadvantages of the use of choke collars. Many pet owners and trainers are proponents of choke collars for training and control. Then there are the owners and trainers who think these collars are instruments of abuse. Information about the different types of choke collars is essential for the pet owner to make an informed decision.

A choke collar is manufactured out of chain and can also be referred to as slip collar. This particular version of dog collar is classically constructed of chain, cord, webbing or cloth. Despite the word 'choke' in the title, a chain choke collar was by no means intended to choke a dog - it was original constructed to squeeze the brachial nerve, similar to bumping the funny bone. This style of collar ought to be used for training applications only and ought to fit accurately around the dog's neck, to avoid harming the dog's throat.

Dogs should never be left unattended using this kind of collar because it can get tangled on various objects and strangle a dog by mistake. Literature recommends that a choke chain or slip collar only be used for training or when walking your dog with a leash. Never use a coke collar for puppies under the age of six months. Additionally, if your dog is frequently pulling against the chain collar, then an alternative kind of choke collars should be utilized.

Half check collars and Martingale collars are variations of choke collars that are considered by many dog owners to be more humane that the chain choke collar. These two types of collars were originally designed for sight hounds, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Bolzoi, Saluki, etc., which are breeds that have necks larger than their heads. Half check and Martingale collars have since become popular with many breeders because it prevents any dog from backing out of a regular collar.

Half check collars, also called half choke collars, are made of leather or nylon webbing and chain. Martingale collars are made totally of nylon webbing. Both of these specialty collars have a two-loop design that works by tightening on the dogs neck when it is trying to remove its head from the collar, but will loosen again when the dog stops struggling against it. The unique, limited closure of the half check collar and the Martingale collar prevents it from becoming too tight.

These specialty collars are also good for controlling dogs when on a leash. Some dogs, even when properly trained, can be a problem when on a leash and these collars are a tool to keep the dog and its owner safe. Choke collars are especially useful with extra large and giant breeds of dogs which can easily pull an owner off their feet.

One particular strength the Martingale collar has as opposed to half check collars is that it is tangle resistant to the dog's hair because of the fact that they are made of webbing rather than chain. Most individuals who are in favor of these types of collars underscore the fact that fit and locations of these collars are of extreme importance when making sure they do not inflict harm to your dog. Guidelines on appropriate fit and location are easy to find at any pet supply store, browsing on the web or from a local trainer.

Although the debate may continue among dog owners over whether or not to use a choke collar, there is an abundance of information available for one to make their own well-informed conclusion. In the end, it is a choice that will have to be made by the individual dog owner for the benefit and protection of their own dogs.

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Written by Jim Witt using tags: Choke Collars, dog collars, Dog Harnesses, Dog Leashes, dog supplies, Half check collar, half choke collars, Martingale collar, Pets, slip collar