Pinch Collars - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Lexismom09 · 02-20-2009, 02:02 PM

Lexi just finished puppy kindergarten. She is quite a puller on her leash.
The Training school uses pinch collars and was willing to order one for us. I searched your forums and found most of you are against these collars.
Our training center has vets on staff and one of our trainers is also our vet tech. They do not let us use harnesses. They will not let us use chokes. They are saying the pinch is safest when used correctly and regular collars can cause more trach damage on a puller.
I am so confused!

Morkie4 · 02-20-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexismom09

Lexi just finished puppy kindergarten. She is quite a puller on her leash.
The Training school uses pinch collars and was willing to order one for us. I searched your forums and found most of you are against these collars.
Our training center has vets on staff and one of our trainers is also our vet tech. They do not let us use harnesses. They will not let us use chokes. They are saying the pinch is safest when used correctly and regular collars can cause more trach damage on a puller.
I am so confused!

I am sure you will get mixed comments about the pinch collar. Toby is only eight pounds but as his trainer said: He had the Nepolean Complex

Toby was very aggressive with other dogs regardless of their size. We worked with a gentle leader for the first 14 weeks and he was still having aggression episodes. She put the pinch collar on him and his whole attitude changed! I never pulled enough to hurt him and I tried it on my own wrist and pulled and it was not painful at all. Of course Toby being in full coat, the hair was a real pain in putting the collar off and on but by the end of the first day of wearing the collar, he was a changed dog. He went through the last obedience class of eight weeks not even wearing a leash and I was able to leave him in a room with "big" dogs and he never broke his command to sit/stay/down. AND no more aggressiive action towards other dogs. He just laid there between a huge German Shepherd and a Dobie on the other side, never making any aggressive moves or looks at them. So while some may not agree, the pinch collar gave my Toby (whom I absolutely love and adore) the attitude adjustment he needed. JMHO

x-tinkerbelle-x · 02-20-2009, 02:16 PM

Ooh they look lethal! I know for a fact they're not, it's the first time I've heard of them and I've just read up on them, they seem quite effective on pullers xXx

QuickSilver · 02-20-2009, 02:26 PM

Hi. I have never used a pinch collar, so I can't make any suggestions. However, I did want to mention that Victoria Stilwell is strongly against them. She had one episode where she had people using pinch collars put them around their NECKS, rather than their wrists, and they said it was an extremely unpleasant sensation.

This probably sounds judgmental, but it is not intended to be.

Lexismom09 · 02-20-2009, 02:55 PM

Our class of 10 dog owners asked many questions about the collars. The Vet tech expressed more concern over "pullers" and regular collars causing trach damage. Several of the people there came the following week with collars on their larger dogs ( they received special training on how to use them) they told the class the difference it made. I do not believe that anyone of those trainers would encourage us to hurt our dogs. Many of them are involved in pet rescue.
Yes they look terrible and we thought we would never even consider it, but I am trying to keep an open mind and do my research. They do have one special for Toy Breeds. Our dog is 5 months and weighs 5 lbs.

QuickSilver · 02-20-2009, 04:13 PM

Why did the trainers recommend against harnesses? There are a number of different styles that are supposed to work well for pullers.

Lexismom09 · 02-20-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

Why did the trainers recommend against harnesses? There are a number of different styles that are supposed to work well for pullers.

I don't know, for puppy class they said we needed a flat buckle collar.

I am getting ready to do puppy agility classes in 2 weeks. If you have the name of a few collars I will ask them what they think of them. Or I will just get one and show up with it on! I am open to suggestions, and she is my dog so I do get to decide. Right? I do not want to cause her any pain. She is very smart and I think
she will learn fast. I am working with her at home on loose leash walking as they taught us in class. And she does well, but as soon as we get in a room with the other dogs its off to the races, pulling me to follow her!

chattiesmom · 02-20-2009, 04:41 PM

This is my personal opinion and isn't meant to offend, but I wouldn't continue with a training class where the trainer dictates what type of equipment to use across the board without taking individual needs into consideration.

I had Chizziewink in a basic obedience class where the trainer recommended pinch collars. I told her that I would prefer to use a harness and she replied -- "Chizzie is your dog and I won't dictate to you what collar to use. You may have to work harder to get the same results, but it can be done." I really loved her approach to training - she trains high level agility as well as basic obedience and her dogs have won tons of events.

Unfortunately Chizzie and I had to drop out of class after 3 weeks because I got really sick and couldn't continue.

Lexismom09 · 02-20-2009, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

This is my personal opinion and isn't meant to offend, but I wouldn't continue with a training class where the trainer dictates what type of equipment to use across the board without taking individual needs into consideration.

I had Chizziewink in a basic obedience class where the trainer recommended pinch collars. I told her that I would prefer to use a harness and she replied -- "Chizzie is your dog and I won't dictate to you what collar to use. You may have to work harder to get the same results, but it can be done." I really loved her approach to training - she trains high level agility as well as basic obedience and her dogs have won tons of events.

Unfortunately Chizzie and I had to drop out of class after 3 weeks because I got really sick and couldn't continue.

I am not at all offended, I posted looking for opinions because it concerns me. This training school does only that. It is not at the pet store, or pet smart. So I do want to trust they know what they are doing, but it is my baby and just like with my kids, I will always be their advocate. I will approach them about another collar. Maybe I am not asking them the right questions, I will do that, I should do that. Thanks again, for helping me think things thru.

chattiesmom · 02-20-2009, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexismom09

I am not at all offended, I posted looking for opinions because it concerns me. This training school does only that. It is not at the pet store, or pet smart. So I do want to trust they know what they are doing, but it is my baby and just like with my kids, I will always be their advocate. I will approach them about another collar. Maybe I am not asking them the right questions, I will do that, I should do that. Thanks again, for helping me think things thru.

AAAwww thank you. This class is at a self contained training/boarding facility. The classes are "guaranteed for life" meaning that you can repeat the same level of class as many times as you would like for the life of the dog. I would love to go back, but unfortunately my leg injury prevents me from that much physical activity. Maybe one day I'll get well enough to give it another go.

In my estimation a good trainer will be training the owner to train their dog using they types of equipment you would be willing to use at home. If you don't feel comfortable with the pinch collar, then it isn't for you. Good luck -- and be sure to report back

Beenie · 02-22-2009, 07:34 AM

Just passing on info I found helpful. I was watching Dogs101, and one of the trainers on the show suggested only using harnesses on Yorkies for activities due to their succeptibility to collapsed trachea. When it comes down to it you are the best judge on what is going to work for you and your Lexi. Hope this helps and Good Luck.

flgurl69 · 02-22-2009, 07:47 AM

I'm definitely not an expert in dog training but I have a maltichon that is a puller. She would pull so hard on her harness she would choke herself and cough. One of the staff at a local dog boutique recommended the Easy Walk Harness and I've have had great results using it. Chloe doesn't pull anymore when I take her out.

Here is a link.

Easy Walk Harness, No-Pull Dog Harness - Dog Training Supply

JoeyP · 02-22-2009, 07:51 AM

Ugh ... I have a real problem with these collars

anything that can possibly inflict any pain on dogs should never be used
There are MANY other ways to stop a dog from pulling

Ellie May · 02-22-2009, 07:59 AM

I am not open minded when it comes to using these different types of collars.
The point is that these blunt prongs pinch the skin of your dog's neck.
I would never allow one of these to be used on Ellie even if a vet or vet tech said to. I would drop the class. Harnesses are the best option for Yorkies and the Easy Walk or Chattiesmom's Walk Nice harness may be good options.

These types of training "methods" should be reserved for the untrainable dogs whose next step would be euthanasia and most likely never on a small dog.

That's my opnion.

Lexismom09 · 02-22-2009, 01:50 PM

Thank you all for your opinions. I did speak with another trainer at the Pet Expo today. She did not personally like them. ONe of her partners has used them however. They would never suggest using one without proper training and only after working with other methods. You know I kind of was feeling that way, that is why I asked you all! I needed backup!
At the Expo today they had a dog training show. A women was there with her two Yorkies. They were amazing! But they were all on choke collars.
I do not like choke collars!

02-20-2009, 02:02 PM	#1
Lexismom09 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 197	Pinch Collars Lexi just finished puppy kindergarten. She is quite a puller on her leash. The Training school uses pinch collars and was willing to order one for us. I searched your forums and found most of you are against these collars. Our training center has vets on staff and one of our trainers is also our vet tech. They do not let us use harnesses. They will not let us use chokes. They are saying the pinch is safest when used correctly and regular collars can cause more trach damage on a puller. I am so confused!

02-20-2009, 02:55 PM	#5
Lexismom09 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 197	I will continue to research Our class of 10 dog owners asked many questions about the collars. The Vet tech expressed more concern over "pullers" and regular collars causing trach damage. Several of the people there came the following week with collars on their larger dogs ( they received special training on how to use them) they told the class the difference it made. I do not believe that anyone of those trainers would encourage us to hurt our dogs. Many of them are involved in pet rescue. Yes they look terrible and we thought we would never even consider it, but I am trying to keep an open mind and do my research. They do have one special for Toy Breeds. Our dog is 5 months and weighs 5 lbs.

02-20-2009, 04:41 PM	#8
chattiesmom Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 13,379	This is my personal opinion and isn't meant to offend, but I wouldn't continue with a training class where the trainer dictates what type of equipment to use across the board without taking individual needs into consideration. I had Chizziewink in a basic obedience class where the trainer recommended pinch collars. I told her that I would prefer to use a harness and she replied -- "Chizzie is your dog and I won't dictate to you what collar to use. You may have to work harder to get the same results, but it can be done." I really loved her approach to training - she trains high level agility as well as basic obedience and her dogs have won tons of events. Unfortunately Chizzie and I had to drop out of class after 3 weeks because I got really sick and couldn't continue. __________________ *Yorkie Yummies Silk Step-In Harnesses * NapSaks I'll see you at the 3rd Annual International YT Meetup on the West Coast in 2010!**

02-22-2009, 07:47 AM	#12
flgurl69 <3 My Little Bella Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 2,124	I'm definitely not an expert in dog training but I have a maltichon that is a puller. She would pull so hard on her harness she would choke herself and cough. One of the staff at a local dog boutique recommended the Easy Walk Harness and I've have had great results using it. Chloe doesn't pull anymore when I take her out. Here is a link. Easy Walk Harness, No-Pull Dog Harness - Dog Training Supply __________________ Official Member of The cRaZy Club Love all, trust a few. Do wrong to none. William Shakespeare

02-22-2009, 07:51 AM	#13
JoeyP YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Miami, FL,USA Posts: 875	Ugh ... I have a real problem with these collars anything that can possibly inflict any pain on dogs should never be used There are MANY other ways to stop a dog from pulling __________________ Mike and Zach's Dadd

02-20-2009, 02:16 PM	#3
x-tinkerbelle-x Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Notts, England, UK Posts: 98	Ooh they look lethal! I know for a fact they're not, it's the first time I've heard of them and I've just read up on them, they seem quite effective on pullers xXx

02-20-2009, 02:26 PM	#4
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 2,990 Blog Entries: 21	Hi. I have never used a pinch collar, so I can't make any suggestions. However, I did want to mention that Victoria Stilwell is strongly against them. She had one episode where she had people using pinch collars put them around their NECKS, rather than their wrists, and they said it was an extremely unpleasant sensation. This probably sounds judgmental, but it is not intended to be.

02-20-2009, 04:13 PM	#6
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 2,990 Blog Entries: 21	Why did the trainers recommend against harnesses? There are a number of different styles that are supposed to work well for pullers.

02-22-2009, 07:34 AM	#11
Beenie Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Benicia,CA Posts: 18	Just passing on info I found helpful. I was watching Dogs101, and one of the trainers on the show suggested only using harnesses on Yorkies for activities due to their succeptibility to collapsed trachea. When it comes down to it you are the best judge on what is going to work for you and your Lexi. Hope this helps and Good Luck.

02-22-2009, 07:59 AM	#14
Ellie May Princess Dusty Paws Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: The Great Lakes State Posts: 10,448	I am not open minded when it comes to using these different types of collars. The point is that these blunt prongs pinch the skin of your dog's neck. I would never allow one of these to be used on Ellie even if a vet or vet tech said to. I would drop the class. Harnesses are the best option for Yorkies and the Easy Walk or Chattiesmom's Walk Nice harness may be good options. These types of training "methods" should be reserved for the untrainable dogs whose next step would be euthanasia and most likely never on a small dog. That's my opnion. __________________ Crystal and Ellie May A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. Proverbs 12:10

02-22-2009, 01:50 PM	#15
Lexismom09 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 197	Thank you all for your opinions. I did speak with another trainer at the Pet Expo today. She did not personally like them. ONe of her partners has used them however. They would never suggest using one without proper training and only after working with other methods. You know I kind of was feeling that way, that is why I asked you all! I needed backup! At the Expo today they had a dog training show. A women was there with her two Yorkies. They were amazing! But they were all on choke collars. I do not like choke collars!