Types of Collars
What collar to use in training is perhaps the most controversial subject
in the dog training world. Use your common sense. Assess your dog's size and
temperament, decide what your training goals are, and don't use a sledgehammer
to crack a walnut. There’s a wide variety of collars out there to choose
from... flat collars, choke collars made from leather, nylon, or chain, and
finally, there is the pinch collar, also known as the prong or spiked collar.
At first glance, it might seem that the most humane collar to use is the
flat collar or one of the light choke collars, as these look the least
threatening and appear to be the most comfortable. However, a flat, thin
collar can inflict more damage to your dog's throat and neck, so he could
ultimately be better off with the choke collar which will evoke a faster
response. That being said, proceed with care as the dog can misinterpret the
correction on the choke collar as a stranglehold and unnecessarily become
rebellious or afraid.
Many handlers start every dog on a flat collar as the first step on the
training ladder. The next rung up is a choke collar, and finally you work up
to the pinch collar. Remember, the pinch collar is not an instrument of
punishment or correction; its function is to shock an inappropriate instinct
and then arouse or stimulate an appropriate one. When the dog learns to be
positively motivated by a light tug on a flat collar and then a stronger tug
on the choke collar, he can be introduced to a light jerk on the pinch collar.