puppy training

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Jackster14

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we have just started puppy training with our 8 month old crossbreed, rescue pup, we've had him since he was 6 months old.

second training session did not go as well as the first, pup is going to be a big boy and can be strong and bouncy. I mentioned trouble walking him as he keeps biting the lead, he had to weave in and around the others dogs at the training session, we struggled with this. The trainer then said put this choke chain on, I said I didn't think choke chains were used much nowadays, pup changed and was quite subdued, lost even more interest in class.

to be honest I'm not really happy using a choke chain, and told trainer that, she said I would need to use a choke or halti.
but surely training isn't perfected in one or two lessons, and needs to be practiced rather than using gadgets.
ive never lost control of him so that isn't the issue.

what are peoples views on this! I'm tempted to change trainers.
 
My personal view is I would change trainers . I have never liked choke chains . Id us the coller lead in one , (nylon lead with slip coller ) then use pressure & release they soon get the message without the choking action of the chain . Hope this helps
 
A choke chain is a pressure and release unless you are using it wrong, I use a half check collar myself, I would not use a choke chain on such a young dog though. To the op I would find another trainer tbh and I would practice at home walking and concentrating on getting your dog to be calm in the garden at first and then outside with distractions.
 
If the puppy is chewing on your lead try applying Vicks vapour rub on the bit he chews. Most dogs dislike the smell. Check the APDT website for local trainers. The APDT do not use check collars on any dog but especially puppies as they can seriously damage vertebrae
 
Go with your gut feeling, if it doesn't feel right, don't do it and change your trainer.

Imho your puppy is too young to be using a choke chain on. Use a slip lead, and everytime he pulls change direction. No need to yank, as you change direction the slip lead will tighten and he will soon realise that it is much easier to stay close. Just praise when he is doing it right, ignore when he isn't. Start in the garden, and keep him guessing where you will be going next, don't walk in a straight line. I am not adverse to using treats if necessary, and try and do two or three short sessions every day with 5 mins mad fun time afterwards.
 
I would leave the class. A good trainer will be able to help you get your puppy's attention without needing to resort to such methods.
 
Choke chains are fine IF they are in good hands! A bit like draw reins or other gadgets on horses.

I don't know your trainer but the one thing that jumped out at me from your post was the fact that your dog bites its lead. THAT is a situation when in the past I, and many others, have used a choke chain on a dog.....a dog is much less likely to mouth at a chain than a leather or rope lead and it is often the tail end of the choke chain that they latch on to....find they don't like it and then give up. No yanking or owt else required.....just let the dog experience the distaste of a chain in its mouth and job done! :)

Sooo.....maybe this trainer just didn't communicate very well with you and explain the reasons behind asking you to use a choke chain? Often difficult in a group class.........just some food for thought before you jump ship.
 
There are many different training theories. Personally I use positive reward methods (commonly referred to as clicker) which include reward withdrawal (if the behaviour does not occur you do not treat and you ignore) and if necessary techniques like time out. I've never had to use negative reinforcement like choke collars. APDT trainers use positive reinforcement techniques, so if that's the way you want to go it's a good place to look for a trainer.

It's up to you how you feel about different training methods, but there is a lot of different things you can try before a choke collar and pulling/chewing on the lead takes at least a few weeks to change.
 
gunnergundog said:
Choke chains are fine IF they are in good hands! A bit like draw reins or other gadgets on horses.

I don't know your trainer but the one thing that jumped out at me from your post was the fact that your dog bites its lead. THAT is a situation when in the past I, and many others, have used a choke chain on a dog.....a dog is much less likely to mouth at a chain than a leather or rope lead and it is often the tail end of the choke chain that they latch on to....find they don't like it and then give up. No yanking or owt else required.....just let the dog experience the distaste of a chain in its mouth and job done! :)

Sooo.....maybe this trainer just didn't communicate very well with you and explain the reasons behind asking you to use a choke chain? Often difficult in a group class.........just some food for thought before you jump ship.
Click to expand...

I have bought a chain lead as well, that would have the same effect I guess. I do think that him biting the lead was probably part of the reason why she suggested the choke chain! but she also said it's either the choke chain or the halti because he is strong.I have tried to distract him when he bites the lead and saying No and lots of praise when he gets it right. I have been using treats etc and would rather use positive reinforcement techniques. Rome wasn't built in a day and it will take some time.
 
gunnergundog said:
Choke chains are fine IF they are in good hands! A bit like draw reins or other gadgets on horses.

I don't know your trainer but the one thing that jumped out at me from your post was the fact that your dog bites its lead. THAT is a situation when in the past I, and many others, have used a choke chain on a dog.....a dog is much less likely to mouth at a chain than a leather or rope lead and it is often the tail end of the choke chain that they latch on to....find they don't like it and then give up. No yanking or owt else required.....just let the dog experience the distaste of a chain in its mouth and job done! :)

Sooo.....maybe this trainer just didn't communicate very well with you and explain the reasons behind asking you to use a choke chain? Often difficult in a group class.........just some food for thought before you jump ship.
Click to expand...

a correctly fitting choke chain should not be long enough that a dog could get it in its mouth whilst wearing it! a chain lead is the best way to stop it as the dog generally with stop biting it with no interference from the handler.
OP change trainers to ones who's methods you are happy with, personally I would try a half check and make being with you a good place to be/positive reinforcement. go and watch a class and speak to those taking part and the instructor before taking your dog.
a slip lead is a rope 'check chain', it works in exactly the same way and I fail to see how using one is ok and the other not on an untrained dog in unskilled hands.
chunky slip leads are great for trained dogs or for emergency use (I always have one in my car as they fit any dog).
I am not a great fan of halti's as they can damage the neck/eyes and certainly cause uneven muscle development.
 
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