possible dense q's re 1/2 check collars

[twisteddiamond]

i apologise if these are totally dense questions but my head hurts from trying various types on a unco-oprative dog and the shrill over enthusiastic sales person who tried to get me to buy a harness as this would stop him pulling better than the collar:
if a dog takes a 16" flat collar will it take a 16" 1/2 check collar?
are brass fittings better that chromed or nickleplated ones?
and are the opening adjustable types better than the slidy adjustable types?
thanks in advance

 

[Henbug]

by way of size i can't say in inches but when the chain is pulled the non-chain bit shoud have about 1/2 cm between them and I've never had a problem with the slidy adjustable types.

 

[CorvusCorax]

I don't like the opeable ones with buckles just because I have a bloody strong dog and I've had too many break on me and they are chewable!
The 'snugger' is is the better without being tight IMO, they work better the higher they sit, if they are down near the shoulders you are on a hiding to nothing. Simple old two-fingers width works fine for me.
No real difference between brass and nickel plated/chromed although the latter rusts easier.

I prefer leather obviously, but I really like this one I got B.....

Can't remember the name of the company!

If this is C, well done for sticking your ground, a harness would be as much use as a chocolate teapot, been there, done that, thrown by back out and it is now for special occasions (IE when the sod needs to go back on the long line

)

 

[twisteddiamond]

yes it is for chaos, we are starting proper heelwork (eek

) so we have to ditch the halter and move onto a collar, his flat collar is really tight as it just pulls over his head otherwise (he has the dive behind you and shake move off to a tee) but he pulls so hard in it he gives me a sore shoulder, he will walk to heel then shoot out in front of you/behind you and it really jars your arm
he doesnt do it at training so as the trainer hasnt seen it happen she cant really help me stop it

 

[CorvusCorax]

You could use two, the half check then a very close fitting check chain or slip collar right up behind the ears with a hand loop - so main collar for normal and then when he forgets his manners - OI! give him a check on the 'insurance' collar, then praise when his focus is back on you.
Does he work for food or toys, could you pop something in a breast pocket to get him to look up at you?

 

[twisteddiamond]

he works for food, hes not bothered about toys,
today when we were out i left him unattended in the car and he chewed through his lead

but my own stupid fault, so i had to use a leadrope as a slip (the only one i had in the car has a panic snap which is too thick to go through the loop on his collar) strangely he was happy to walk in with it slack round his neck and didnt pull

he is a strange individual lol

 

[CorvusCorax]

They do love to surprise us!

For heelwork then, keep him a wee bit hungry and stock something like chicken or cheese in your left hand pocket, if you have a breast pocket, even better, or even a little bag you could wear around your neck so he is looking to where the food is coming from and will be less likely to shoot off