There's tons of pretty collars out there for your dog and cat. This does not mean, however, that you should attach a leash to them. Collars go around your dog's neck. Picture a choker necklace on yourself. Would you want someone to attach a line to it and drag you around by your neck? Not only would this be unpleasant, it is downright dangerous. There are delicate, sensitive anatomical parts in your neck. The cervical vertebrae, trachial and bronchial tubes. Many dogs have these damaged via their humans pulling on them with neck collars. While flat collars are generally more benign then, say, a prong or choke chain, the pressure on the front of their necks can be equally damaging. Does your dog cough when you walk him/her? This is proof of damage and discomfort.
This past week several dogs walked into SMPR wearing prong collars. When I asked why they were subjected to such pain I was told that their humans could not walk the dogs without them. I'm glad that I was able to enlighten a few people, and save these dogs. They are both now wearing Freedom Harnesses. If a Freedom Harness doesn't guide a dog well enough there's always a Comfort Trainer as well.
If you are reading this blog and also considering obtaining a prong collar or choke chain, please do more research into how these tools should be operated and how much pain and damage they can cause. I know there's all sorts of marketing out there on television and in magazines for specific trainer's programs (Don Sullivan or Ceasar Milan, for example), but be sure to look into what they are selling before you purchase. There are many more positive trainers out there (including me) who can teach you how to train your dog using gentle guidance without pain or stress. The training should be enjoyed by all and not just a means to an end. When you train your dog you're developing a relationship with a long-term companion, not merely making another creature more pliable for you.
This past week several dogs walked into SMPR wearing prong collars. When I asked why they were subjected to such pain I was told that their humans could not walk the dogs without them. I'm glad that I was able to enlighten a few people, and save these dogs. They are both now wearing Freedom Harnesses. If a Freedom Harness doesn't guide a dog well enough there's always a Comfort Trainer as well.
If you are reading this blog and also considering obtaining a prong collar or choke chain, please do more research into how these tools should be operated and how much pain and damage they can cause. I know there's all sorts of marketing out there on television and in magazines for specific trainer's programs (Don Sullivan or Ceasar Milan, for example), but be sure to look into what they are selling before you purchase. There are many more positive trainers out there (including me) who can teach you how to train your dog using gentle guidance without pain or stress. The training should be enjoyed by all and not just a means to an end. When you train your dog you're developing a relationship with a long-term companion, not merely making another creature more pliable for you.
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