Obedience trainer says use a collar and lead....
 

I took Millie for her first obedience class yesterday and the trainer recommended using a collar rather than a harness. I explained about being concerned her trachea could get damaged. She said just to get a wide collar, and I would have more control over her on a lead. Surely the reason I would have more control is because I would be pulling at her neck? Isnt this what is dangerous for them? She is a qualified vetinary nurse. I dont think there is much point putting her on a collar and lead for the sake of the classes, and then using the harness when I walk her the rest of the time. Whatever I do has to be consistent, but I'm not sure I am comfortable with the collar....what do you think?

That was the only thing I didn't like about our obedience training class almost 4 years ago too. I had to use a certain kind of collar instead of her harness. I was not going to buy one just for that class so the trainer loaned me one. I wasn't too concerned because Tatum was already very obedient and walked beside me just like she should without pulling but I was concerned that if I had to pull her out of danger or something, then we would have problems. Luckily I never really had to pull with the collar so we did okay. I have heard that a lot of trainers require the collar but I would think that someone familiar with small dogs would take the trachea issue into consideration. I'm extra cautious because with our toy poodle many years ago, I wasn't aware of the trachea problem being caused by collars and that's what we used for him and yes, he did end up having trachea problems although not too bad. I blamed it on the collar and leash later when I learned of this issue.

To help you maybe, I suggest that you work really hard with your pup using the harness and leash on the days in between your lessons so that when you do have to use the collar, maybe she'll be more advanced and not pull.

Good luck!

I had this same issue with both my dogs. I took them to classes at the local AKC group and they insisted I use a collar. I did not because I was not comfortable with a collar as we had a friend’s dog die of collapsed trachea. I contacted my vet and printed off some articles and gave them to the trainer and she no longer bugged me about it.

Before I knew better, Ellie wore a collar and she constantly choked herself in it. I will not be doing that again. Some vets believe that using a collar won't cause collapsed trachea but can irritate it if the dog already has it. I, on the other hand, won't be taking the chance anymore.

There are different harnesses that can give you more control like the Easy Walk by Premiere. It didn't work well for Ellie though.

I would thank her for the recommendation and continue to use the harness. After all you are not trying to control a dog the size of a Mastiff :)

Ruby's trainer was fine with us using her harness during obedience class.

Stick to your guns and use the harness! I used the harness for Nolee's training classes. I would not use the collar. :animal-pa

Oh my goodness - there were 3 massive German Shepherds, a Sheltie and Millie. She was terrified. One of the German Shepherds had never been socialised and was really uncontrollable. Non stop barking, and pulling really hard against the owner. I was actually scared myself that the owner would lose his grip and the dog would get free. Poor Millie wouldnt even take her treats when she was offered them, never mind do anything for them. Hope next week goes better!

I would find another trainer. If this one is not prepared to work with you using alternative methods then I would definately look elsewhere for training classes. It may take you longer to get the same results AND you may have to be more creative in the methodology - but training is nothing more than two way communication between human and dog. I took Chizzie to an obedience class where the instructor was a high level agility trainer who had a long list of suggested equipment - she gained a huge amount of respect from me when she said -- I recommend equipment that I have found to be effective -- BUT Chizzie is YOUR dog and you have to use the equipment that is best for her. :thumbup:


I would also like to add -- GOOD LUCK WITH TRAINING YOUR SWEETIE!!

Insist on continuing to use the harness / leash and NOT ANY collar. When I had my Little Mac in first level (kindergarden) obedience - the trainer also suggested I use a collar instead of the harness. I explained about the delicate nature of Yorkies' tracheas of which she was unaware. She accepted that explaination with some reservation but she did allow me to continue to use my harness during all sessions.

If she doesn't allow you to use the harness - I would ask for my money back and go elsewhere. Good luck!

She didnt tell me to use the collar, she just recommended it. I said I would try it, but obviously at the end of the day its my own choice. She just probably thinks it will be more beneficial training wise for her.

Please forgive me, I misread your first post. I would definately stick with the harness knowing that it might take a bit longer to reach the same results as those using collars. :) Good luck with your classes!

I believe they all say the samething. I was told that 4 1/2 yrs ago when
I took Buddy to PetCo for his puppy classes at 6mos.
I found that the trainer paid little attention to the two small pups there
and went all out with the larger dogs trying to drum up outside business
for himself. I used only the harness and would not use the collar but he
said little to me in the six weeks we went. I spend most of the time walking
up and down the aisles trying to get him to heal. Four years later he still
does not heal. LOL
Buy a book and train at home where you have his full attention. They
are so smart and love to train with you. 5 -8 mins tops or they loose
concentration. I have taught Buddy everything he knows and that's plenty.
The older they get the more they want to learn. Basic training, sit, down,
stay, etc can be taught by you. It's really easy and so much fun.
The bond you build between the two of you is amazing.
Good luck,

P.S. Unless your dog has ISSUES you can train him yourself.

I would absolutely NOT be in a class so out of control and with large dogs. You will only have problems getting her to focus on you and it will be frustrating for both of you.

Archie has a very good suggestion and you can take her to pet stores to practice what you learned at home. If you feel you really need to be in a class with other dogs, please look for one geared for the smaller dog.

I took one of my guys to training and there were larger dogs (but not as big in your class) who barked a lot and guess what my guy learned to do :-) Bark at big dogs! Now whenever I take him out and he sees a big dog he barks at them...before the traning class I did not even know he could bark!

But he did learn to walk great on a leash and to come when called...the coming when called was the only thing I really wanted him to learn

My trainer said to use a harness with him because of his trachea..