Dog Training Collars Guru

A resource for dog training collars

Choke Collar

The choke collar is also called a choke chain, slip chain, or check chain. A choke collar consists of a length of chain or nylon rope with rings at either end such that the collar can be formed into a loop around the top of the dog’s neck, just behind the ears. The ring which connects to the leash goes over the back of the dog’s neck, not under. When the leash is attached to the dead ring the choke collar does not constrict on the dog’s neck. When the leash is attached to the live ring the chain slips tighter when pulled and slips looser when tension is released. Dog training occurs via a quick gentle jerk with an immediate release. This is called a check (hence the name check chain), leash pop, snap, or correction, and is used to alert the dog that it has done something undesirable.
The reference to choking is due to the fact that the choke chain typically has no limit to how far it can constrict on the dog’s neck. The name "choke chain" is deceiving however, as proper use of this training device does not involve choking the dog. Even so, it is important to note that improper use of a choke chain can result in injury and even death of the dog, for the aforementioned reason. Dogs should never be left alone with a choke chain on in case the live ring catches on something.