The Correct Use of a Slip or Choke Collar

Post date: Feb 3, 2015 7:39:53 PM

A slip collar is also known as a choke collar and comes in a variety of materials such as nylon, leather or chain. Slip collars are commonly used because it is easy for a dog to back out of a standard collar. When in use, the dog should be standing/walking at your side, there should be no tension in the lead and approximately six inches of slack, the collar should be completely relaxed. Giving corrections with the slip collar should be short tugs. DON’T haul back like you’re setting a hook in a fish. It is very easy to damage the dogs’ throat. DON’T let your dog run and hit the end of the lead. DON’T hold steady pressure on the lead constricting the dogs breathing. NEVER yank on the lead in anger.

If the dog is hauling on the lead and choking. GET A DIFFERENT COLLAR. Never put a chest harness on a dog who can pull through a slip collar, it gives them more pulling power, not less. We prefer the use of a head harness such as Gentle Leader or Halti. These collars give you control of their head and a short tug will give you back their attention.

The slip collar is a training collar only. It should be on your dog only when training and under your direct control. Slip collars and retractable leashes cancel each other. When using a slip collar, always use a 4-6 foot leash. If your dog is running free and having a blast being off lead then it shouldn't be wearing a slip collar. We have seen a dogs, wearing a chain slip collar, run and jump through a brush pile. The free ring got caught in a branch effectively hanging the dog or the collar falling off the dog. In this instance the owner was close enough to see what had happened and immediately rescued the dog, this is not always the outcome.

Remove the slip collar as soon as you are done training. Slip collars should never be on dogs that are tied outside when the dog is not under your direct control.

While we're on the subject of collars and leashes new studies also show that retractable leashes may cause neck problems later in life and dogs that do have neck problems should be walked on a chest harness rather than using a standard collar, choke collar or a head harness.