Correct Way to Put on a Choke Chain

Choke chains are an effective training tool, if used properly. You should fit a well-sized choke chain on your dog only during training sessions with the least amount of pressure applied. To correctly train your dog with this popular behavior correction aid, you need to put the collar on right.

Things You'll Need

  • Choke chain
  • Dog
  • Leash
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure your dog is standing still. If necessary, hold him on a leash while placing the choke chain around his neck. A regular collar and leash do not interfere with the application of a choke chain.

    • 2

      Examine the choke chain. Choke chains are a length of chain with two large rings, one at either end.

    • 3

      Pick up the choke chain by one of the rings.

    • 4

      Thread the length of chain through the ring that you are holding. The chain should slide easily through the ring you are grasping, but stop when pulled to the terminus of the second large ring.

    • 5

      Hold the collar in front of the dog. The way you hold the chain determines whether it is applied correctly or incorrectly. From your perspective, the chain should form the shape of a lowercase "q".

    • 6

      Place the collar over the dog's head. Ensure that the tail of the "q" is aligned with the dog's left shoulder. The tail of the "q" is the live end of the chain. When tugged, the rest of the collar will tighten around your dog's neck. When pressure is released, the chain will provide a measure of ease.

    • 7

      Link your dog's leash to the live end of the choke collar.