Are Those Choke-Chains Cruel?
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
September 1, 2010 6:56pm CST
Now, I've never owned a dog but I do like them..maybe not as much as cats but cats are what I'm used to owning, so that's that.
However, I have noticed - whenever I've walked anywhere, that some dog owners resort to really pulling their dogs back towards them, therefore the choke chain (I think that's what they're called) does just that, bloody well nearly chokes the dog.
I always feel a bit uneasy whenever I witness this kind of treatment. It doesn't matter what breed of dog it is. It could be a small dog, it could be a Rottweiler, but in all cases the owner seems to use this choke chain to gain power over the dog. I can't stand that horrible gasping sound the dog makes either.
I once saw a labrador (a breed I adore) being yanked all over the place by the owner as he or she wasn't stuck to the owner's leg like a leech. Do you know what I mean?
If I see this happening again should I say something or not? I just hate walking by without intervening, it's like ignoring a couple arguing, or something.
I blame Barbara Woodhouse myself. I know she's been dead a while but no way would she get away with stuff she used to do on telly, nowadays...including the choke chain yanking thingy.
I always feel a bit uneasy whenever I witness this kind of treatment. It doesn't matter what breed of dog it is. It could be a small dog, it could be a Rottweiler, but in all cases the owner seems to use this choke chain to gain power over the dog. I can't stand that horrible gasping sound the dog makes either.
I once saw a labrador (a breed I adore) being yanked all over the place by the owner as he or she wasn't stuck to the owner's leg like a leech. Do you know what I mean?
If I see this happening again should I say something or not? I just hate walking by without intervening, it's like ignoring a couple arguing, or something.
I blame Barbara Woodhouse myself. I know she's been dead a while but no way would she get away with stuff she used to do on telly, nowadays...including the choke chain yanking thingy.2 people like this
7 responses
@purplealabaster (22094)
• United States
2 Sep 10
I am probably going to be the minority on here, but I use choke chains on my dogs ... well, the big ones anyway. I know that they make regular collars for larger dogs, but the regular collars were bothering my dogs and irritating their necks. The Vet is actually the one that recommended the choke chains, because they are not as tight and allow more motion, which reduces the chafing and irritation. I don't use them to control the dogs, though, which is the difference, although if one of my larger dogs wanted to go someplace, it would be very difficult to stop them, even with the choke chain, because they are weigh between 120 and 130 pounds! Still, my dogs walk perfectly fine, and the choke chains are not needed for control but for their own comfort.
I have seen choke chains with spikes or protrusions on them, and I definitely think that those are cruel. When the chain is tightened, not only does it "choke" the dog but also the spikes or protrusions "bite" into the dog's skin. That is something that I would never get, and I do think that those people should be reported for cruelty.
@purplealabaster (22094)
• United States
2 Sep 10
Oh, I don't have a problem handling them at all, but thank you for the suggestion, Saphy. As I stated, the choke chains are not needed to control them but rather they are for their own comfort. They actually loosen up and are not as constricting around their necks, which gives them better mobility and does not rub against their fur and necks every time that they move.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Sep 10
For the purpose you mention I reckon choke chains are a good idea as I've seen them on dogs where they are nice and loose and the owner just lets the dog walk properly. So, in that instance they are a great idea. My cat had a collar and it fell off in the house. I don't think she liked it so I've not bothered placing it back on..and she prefers it that way. I do too!
I've not heard of those spikes before..how nasty. I'm amazed they are sold in the first place. I can't see them being in Pets At Home over here, I don't think they'd be allowed.
1 person likes this
@AmazedSweetie (63)
• United States
5 Sep 10
There is a specific kind of choke chain that i have seen that I HATE! It's a collar with studs coming out to go INTO the dogs neck. They say it will 'control' the bigger viscous breeds...THAT is a very in-humane way to control a dog. I can't believe they even sell them!!!
@allknowing (130292)
• India
8 Sep 10
We had a Bull Terrier who though is known to be ferocious we brought him up with love and he became the most docile of all pets we had, hardly needing a leash!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
6 Sep 10
That's awful! Not sure if those are sold here in the UK but I don't own a dog so I've not had cause to look at collars and such-like. I can't say I've ever seen them on any dog I've seen outside anywhere..which I suppose is just as well.
Not sure if those are sold here in the UK but I don't own a dog so I've not had cause to look at collars and such-like. I can't say I've ever seen them on any dog I've seen outside anywhere..which I suppose is just as well.@AmazedSweetie (63)
• United States
7 Sep 10
I have seen them a lot in bigger cities in the US. Mainly around Pit Bulls...
@rogue13xmen13 (14403)
• United States
2 Sep 10
That's why I think that harnesses are better to use for animals than choke chains. If you want to walk your dog, just use a harness, those are way better, I have one for my cat, and it doesn't hurt him.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Sep 10
Yes, I've seen harnesses in our local Pets At Home shop..including the cat ones. I was tempted but I shall wait until we move (if ever) so that she can get used to being outdoors more.
@scarlet_woman (23465)
• United States
4 Sep 10
i think they are.especially the way some owners use them.
the ones that really get me though are the shock collars and pads.
i don't care how little the shock may be,i don't see how you could love your pet and use such a thing.
@scarlet_woman (23465)
• United States
4 Sep 10
my mom used to put a leash on me back in the day speaking of (admittedly,she had to)..
and oh my god did she get dirty looks.
funny thing is,they sell them now for children.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
4 Sep 10
The thing is if parents tried to control their kids in this way there'd be uproar so I can't see why it should be any different for animals. I think it's pure laziness on the part of (some) owners. They just can't be bothered training them properly.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (58958)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
2 Sep 10
I do feel those choke chains are inhumane to animals. And, While I do understand the thinking and logic behind the things, doesn't mean they should be used. I do know when chains are used, training takes place in how to use them. However, that does not mean people actually listen. In reality, people should show a little more respect tward people, which they don't. Its sad, but its reality.
I would say something to the owner. However, I would stop there. I would not report it to animal services (at least now this country) because animal services here don't help the animals. They take them away, and often the animal ends up being put down.
I don't know how it is for you in your country, but unless the animal control and services actually help the animals, then I wouldn't do anything. Well anything more then making a comment to the owner about it.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Sep 10
I see these people when I'm out and about so it's generally in Town, therefore I don't know them. They could even be from outside Carlisle for all I know. I often see them at pedestrian crossings. Telling a stranger off is all well and good if I know what to say in advance.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Sep 10
I don't like the shouting that goes on either..totally unnecessary. A combination of being yanked about on the chain and the shouting..it's no wonder the dogs are terrifed of their owners!
@allknowing (130292)
• India
7 Sep 10
Not all who own dogs are animal lovers.Some consider it to be a status symbol and when that happens they will do anything to make their life comfortable with an animal around and if a choke chain could do that they will own one.
There are waist leashes that are very comfortable and never choke a dog.
