Dog training with a choke chain

As some of you know ( those that know me, or that have previously read my blog ) I have a very large dog. He now weighs, at just under 9 months, 80lbs. At last week's obedience lesson, the trainer brought in another dog, to serve as distraction.

Well it worked, my dog could think of nothing else then trying to go and see the other dog. He spent the first couple of minutes tring to pull me to go see this dog. Thankfully that I was the one holding the leash and not my wife, as he was trying my patience and my strength. The trainer immediately suggested using a choke chain for future training. Several people had previously suggested this approach, and we were reluctant until that incident. This week-end we went out and bought our first choker.

This thing is massive ( as it goes by the size of the neck on your dog ). Last night we had our first opportunity to try walking the dog with the chain. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. He still trys to pull, but the minute he realizes that the chain gets tighter around his neck he stops. My wife, with a little practice, was able to restrain him, without getting yanked around.

I do believe that I sold. For large breeds that tend to pull, I think the choke chain is the way to go.

I don't know if there is any set rule, but I guess you need to measure the strength versus delicateness of their windpipe in deciding whether a choke chain is appropriate.

Tonight is our next lesson with the trainer, i can't wait to see if it makes a difference when another dog is in close proximity.