Check Chains & How to Use Them

I wouldn't do that at all.

there no choice really sam is a powerful dog you have to lift his front legs off the floor in small place.

Why? Dempsey's even bigger, but I wouldn't lift his legs off the ground - it puts him at a disadvantage & he would struggle. I just shorten his lead & stand still - I let the other person walk past us, it's much easier.

i'm thinking about the safely of the other dogs (when he was younger he attack a rottie and grab it by the throat) i think you have more control of the dog if they dont have all 4 paws on the ground, but if there was a dog was coming close to me with me shouting warning i would soon let him go.

Sorry to butt in, but just a quick one.

The check collar I linked, large says it fits next sizes 44cm to 65cm, the medium 34 to 45cm.

Troys neck is approx 40cm's, which should
I go for?

(can't check their chart as on iPhone but would value your opinion anyway)

I think you'd have to go for the smaller one & adjust it to near the maximum size. Why not go into one of the pet stores & try on a couple of collars in there - you can get the sizing right & then order the one you want online!

Steve wrote:i'm thinking about the safely of the other dogs (when he was younger he attack a rottie and grab it by the throat) i think you have more control of the dog if they dont have all 4 paws on the ground, but if there was a dog was coming close to me with me shouting warning i would soon let him go.

I still wouldn't lift him. That's why I don't like harnesses - you just don't have control of the sharp end! At least with a collar I can hold him still & let the other dog pass. I always stand still & let the other person walk by, that way it's them that have to cope with walking a straining & struggling dog past & I just have to hold Dempsey still.

it help me no end . i think i will always have a harness now... IMO i have more control of the dog just by lifting his front legs up we all different becasue i would never use a choke chain on my dog.

Steve wrote:it help me no end . i think i will always have a harness now... IMO i have more control of the dog just by lifting his front legs up we all different becasue i would never use a choke chain on my dog.

But I don't use a choke chain, either!

Caryll wrote:I think you'd have to go for the smaller one & adjust it to near the maximum size. Why not go into one of the pet stores & try on a couple of collars in there - you can get the sizing right & then order the one you want online!

I have bought collars for him that fit fine, I wasn't sure about this one has it is a choke type mechanism. I emailed them anyway and they said to go for the large by his measurement.

Great post and lead wat u put on Caryll!!! XXX

Thanks caryll, good info, I wanted a half check for Mia the other day but decided against it in case I used it wrong!! Now I know I might just go and get her one!!

Sorry to disagree, but I think check chains should be banned ! There is plenty of post morgen evidence that yanking a dog by it's collar or chain causes tracheal and vertebral damage. Dogs often pull on the lead at the start of a walk as their energy levels are high and they are excited and looking forward to a run in the park etc. They will continue to pull at the lead and tolerate the choking as they know that the reward of the park awaits them. That's why check chains usually fail or only work for a short time. Anyone using one should spend some time being walked around on it and pulled back every so often. I know some people of a certain persuasion pay for and enjoy this. Dogs need the freedom to be able to have a sniff and explore a little even when on the lead. I know many of us are very busy and have tight schedules and walking the dog has to fit in, but maybe we should see things more from our dogs perspective. Most dogs have very little choice or true freedom in their lives.