Another Choke Collar Warning - Page 1

A friend of mine has 2 gsd's, 1 lab adult and a 12 week old lab puppy.  She was getting ready to leave and was in her garage when she heard a scream and then a dog fight in her house.  When she got to the dogs the pup had its mouth stuck in the choke collar of the adult lab.  The two shepherds must have heard the screaming of the pup and one grabbed the pup by the thigh and the other grabbed the adult lab by the ear.  She was able to seperate the shepherds, but the pup was stuck in the collar pretty tight and the adult lab was freaking out.  She was able to call a neighbor who had bolt cutters and they were able to cut the collar off but it was not easy.  The pup has some puncture wounds fromt the bites and has a ripped gum and nose, but all are ok. The vet put the labs on antibiotics and cleaned the wounds.

I usually remember to take off my dogs training and choke collars when I get home, but sometimes get lazy about it. 

Please remember to take off choke collars.  It is just not worth the risk.

Cheryl

This is as much about multiple dogs, including a small pup who has no business being left unsupervised (even for a minute I would not be doing this) and a fight breaking out. Don't blame the collar for that.

Hodie:

I am not blaming the collar for the fight breaking out. I have discussed many times with my friend regarding leaving the dogs running lose together, especially with a young pup in the house.  I believe she has finally gotten the message after this, and will be seperating the dogs when not being supervised. 

Cheryl

Cheryl,

You have given your friend excellent advice about the dogs being separated and supervised. I hope she will heed it.

Me as well.

C

This is why I will not use any metal collar without a quick-release snap. Even when dogs are supervised, metal collars can be lethal. I have seen prong collars caught on fences and crates while the dog was supervised. The dogs panicked and pulled the collars so tight that it was impossible to pull the links apart. Only the quick release snap saved them. At least a nylon or leather collar can be cut with a pocket knife.

I have usually always used a standard chain training collar on my dogs, but only while training.  If they needed to have a collar left on, it was a buckle collar.  Even a collar with a quick release snap, if twisted, can be impossible to get off, unless cut, and sometimes, even that's hard to do.  But, at the same time, a dog with no collar at all is in just as much danger as any collar could put it in, so I think it's pretty much a matter of just being alert.

Cheryl, if there's that much friction between the dogs, there might be some issues of insufficient exercise, besides the supervision issues.  Dogs that have enough exercise and discipline are less likely to be keyed up and nervous.  Just my opinion, but she might increase their activity level and see what happens.

Crystal

Crystal:

Yes, lack of exercise is also another issue.  I try to get her to come out and train or walk them in the park, but usually don't have any luck.

I have 3 gsd females in the house together.  They get along but I am always careful and my dogs are usually tired as they get alot of training and exercise .  They are no angels, but are manageable.  Just have to keep out for warning signs and nip it before they have a chance to escalate.

If she has issues again, I will suggest she let me find some good homes for a few of them to get the numbers to a manageable amount.

Thanks again,

Cheryl

I have to add that any adult dog that bites a 12 week old ppup hard enough to leave punctures has a real problem.

No, no, no, no, no........This time I'm posting.  Before any other dog or dogs are put on the chopping block without BEING SEEN, think.  Yes......it should be a given that leaving any 12 week old with adults is playing with matches.  As adorable as pups are, they can also be terribly annoying.  Better to gate (didn't say crate) the pup from the adults....and, IMO, NEVER gate an adult off, letting pups and other dogs roam and play together within his view.  The ostracized adult gets frustrated and angry.  Furthermore......if this dog is a dominant character with high drives....especially prey.....the biggest recipe for disaster has been created.  If he cannot control the herd, the ensuant bad behavior will be categorized as aggression.  Terribly sad.......I'm thinking of that other thread.......that shouldn't have been brought here......since the dog seemed already a 'gone...er' (sp?)

Anyway....Pup gets collar caught.  Don't negatively assume why.  Pup starts yelping.  GSD's react to yelping completely frustrated.  Don't confuse frustration for aggression......and don't forget......dogs have mouths, not hands.