When you consider that four of the nation's top five breeds in recent years have been big dogs, it's no surprise that there are a lot of dog owners out there with sore arms and shoulders from trying to control their great beasties.
And no surprise, either, that more and more of these dogs -- Labs and Rottweilers, German shepherds and golden retrievers, more than 350,000 registered with the American Kennel Club every year -- have been spotted with strange-looking contraptions around their necks or muzzles, as these same owners try to shift the balance of power to their side.
While most owners will still opt for the more familiar buckled or snap-together collar or slip collar -- the latter more commonly known as a "choke" collar -- an increasing number are choosing pinch collars or head halters.
Of the two, the pinch collar, also called a prong collar, is probably the more controversial, based mostly on its appearance. The collar is made of metal links, with blunt prongs evenly spaced along its length. With a pull of the leash, the collar tightens, pressing the prongs into the dog's skin and getting his attention in a hurry.
There's no doubt the collar is effective when used correctly, especially on dogs such as Rotties, or others with well-muscled necks. But because of its appearance, the pinch collar often draws nasty looks and comments on its apparent cruelty.
This is unfortunate. For despite its looks, the pinch collar can be less cruel than the more popular slip collar in the hands of people who don't know how to use the latter. That's because a properly fitted pinch collar cannot be tightened beyond the point of pushing the prongs against the skin, unlike the slip collar, which has no limits -- the harder you or the dog pulls, the tighter it gets.
While trainers know the correct way to use the slip collar is to snap quickly and release, a trip to any public park will prove that most dog owners never grasp this concept. Their leashes are kept taut behind pulling dogs, and the collars are tight, so much so that their dogs are constantly gasping for air.
In time, both owner and dog come to believe this is the normal way of walking, and with the most powerful dogs, the slip collar loses almost all its effectiveness as a tool for training and control.
The pinch collar is easier to put on properly, will not tighten beyond a predetermined point and allows control of even the strongest dog. All of which makes it a good choice for some dogs and some owners, as well as a more humane choice than an incorrectly used slip collar. (Although both are inappropriate, and unsafe, as an everyday collar or a collar for puppies. Use a buckled or snap-together collar instead.)
The other choice for large dogs -- a head halter -- also has its image problems, because it looks to many people like a muzzle. When someone sees a 90-pound German shepherd wearing what looks like a muzzle, all the discussion in the world isn't likely to convince that person the dog's not a vicious killer. This is certainly not good public relations for any breed.
But, again, appearance can be deceiving. Head halters are touted as the humane alternative to pinch or choke collars, and rightfully so. They work on the principle of "where the head goes, the body follows" and may make handling a large dog possible for small adults or even children.
Is a pinch collar or head halter -- or for that matter, the more commonplace slip or buckle collar -- right for your out-of-control dog? The best way to find out is to talk to a trainer or behaviorist, who can not only help you make the right choice but also show you the right way to use what you buy and train your dog to make outings the pleasant experience they should be.
CYBERLINKS: When veterinarian James Alfred Wight died in 1995, he left a legacy cherished by animal-lovers everywhere -- his books and stories, written under his pen name, James Herriott. Heather Mazzaccaro's page, http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/3907, is a loving tribute, a must-see for any Herriott fan. Any even greater tribute to Wight may be Mazzaccaro herself -- inspired by his stories, she's studying to be a veterinarian.
Gina Spadafori, the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," is affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or e-mail to Giori(at)aol.com.
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