May I clarify about the choker? It is not a chain. It is a nylon material that is the same material that the harnesses and leashes are made of. It is about 1/2 inch thick. I've even done what I've seen The Dog Whisperer do and that's turn the handle of a leash into a loop-like choker. The leash is at least 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. It does not get tight. He does not choke. He makes a slight snorting sound which is as close to choking as I like to get. When he does that, I stop.
I've hesitated posting my concerns because of this choker issue. Again, I am aware of the dangers it poses. That's why I have asked for some other solutions. I don't want to hurt my dog. I love him with all my heart. But I want to teach him to walk with me. I can only walk with him about every other weekend or so. I live on a pretty busy highway. I work 6:30a-6p, 5 days a week. I've asked my family to walk with him, but they won't until I get him trained. Besides, my children are typical lazy children of this age. They don't do anything that I have not begged, paid for or threatened them to do. Although I have put walking the dog on their list, they seem to "forget". I do not live near a Petco or Petsmart. As it is, I drive an hour and a half just to get his food.
I also have this issue with how he reacts to other animals. And I don't think it's O.K. to chalk it up to "typical yorkie behavior". Just because we have little dogs that are spoiled and well-loved doesn't mean they have to be little beasts that embarass whenever they're around other dogs. There's got to be some answer to his behavior in this regard. |