Anti-Pull Collars for Dogs

If your dog has a habit of pulling you down the street on your walks, you may want to invest in an anti-pull collar. Although it may seem like a simple purchase, there are many things to consider before buying a correctional device of any kind. The type and size of collar you purchase can make things easier or much harder than you anticipated.

  1. Choke or Slip Collar

    • The choke chain is a chain-linked metal collar used for correcting a dog that pulls on the leash. You can purchase varying sizes of metal chaining, as well as different lengths, according to your dog's needs. The collar is slipped through itself to create a "P-shape" and is then placed arounds the dog's neck. The collar works by quickly restricting the dog's trachea -- choking the dog -- in attempts to get the dog to self-correct. According to the International Positive Dog Training Association, 50 percent of all owners using this collar apply it incorrectly. If the collar is used improperly, it can cause pain, discomfort, asphyxiation, blindness, brain damage and in some cases death.

    Head Halter

    • The head halter is a fabric band that is placed over the dogs face. The fabric band fits over the dog's nose, around the dog's neck and under the dog's chin, creating a halter -- similar to that of a horse halter. The halter gives the owner full control over the dog's head, often eliminating the dog's ability to pull. The difficulty with this anti-pull collar is the dog's ability to escape, by backing up out of the collar. Some dogs may have irritation on the nose develop if the halter is used for long periods, resulting in the risk of infection or permanent hair-loss.

    Prong or Pinch Collar

    • A prong collar consists of many different prongs, attached to a metal chain collar. The collar is placed around the dog's neck, tight enough that the prongs touch the dog, but not so tight as to push into the dog's skin. When the dog pulls on the leash, the prongs tighten into the dog's neck, causing the dog pain. The idea is that when to dog pulls, it will associate the pain with the pulling. The difficulty with this collar is the potential to break the dogs skin with the prongs, anxiety or fear of the collar, negative associations with the stimuli --- if the dog is being walked by another dog at the time of the pain --- as well as aggression in certain situations.

    Seeking Assistance

    • It is important before trying any correction method to seek the assistance of a qualified dog trainer. A dog trainer can help you determine the reason your dog is pulling and how to stop it without risking injury to your dog or yourself. It is important to search for a dog trainer that has experience in dealing with leash-pulling and to check references before enrolling in any program.