Re: [PyrNet-L] shock collars and walking off lead

[Stephanie W <srwhitney@earthlink.net>]

Ann K. Wetherilt wrote:

> we never actually gave a correction with it ourselves. Rather, the dogs
> realized
> that if they refused to do what we'd just commanded (heel, etc) they'd
> give themselves the correction.

I was glad you made this point.  We considered  using a pinch collar with our
wolfhound during his rebellious adolescent period and we were told that you
must never give a correction with a pinch collar, which can be dangerous.  The
dog's pulling gives it the correction and it is within the dog's power to stop
it.  My vet does use one on her lab but has rubber tips put on the prongs to
reduce the possibility of the prongs piercing the dog's throat and suggested
that I do that if I wanted to use the collar.  I tried it on him once,
demonstrated by an experienced person.  He wimpered, lay down on the floor and
refused to walk at all!  I couldn't stand it!

I've also been told that dogs have a higher fluid content in their bodies and
feel shocks more strongly than we do.  If that's true, you can't tell what it
feels like to your dog by trying it on yourself.

I found that the gentle leader worked like a miracle on him when I was really
having trouble with him and may try it with Anais if it is ever necessary, but
I now use a nylon(?) braided slip collar quite successfully on the 155 pound
wolfhound (I weigh less than that) as well as on Anais.

Stephanie & Anais (now 9 months old)