i think collars can be a touchy subject; it can be like talking about religion or politics. i hope everyone takes this thread with an open learning mind, like i've seen in many other discussion threads here. i know we've all seen something good, bad, scary about certain collars. and there are getting to be so many to choose from!
Angelsmama, i'm wondering you have taken Angel to any training classes [PetSmart, local community center, professional trainer]? What do you walk her in currently?
I grew up using a plain choke collar on many show Mastiffs. I didn't have a problem with any of them. But I have seen them used improperly and therefore ineffectivly.
   I have seen people using prong collars while walking down the street. some of these people did it for show; like 'i have a pit bull so want to show how manly i am by using this collar'. I have seen dogs with this collar on pulling at the end of their leash as if they have a plain buckle collar on. Again, if it's used improperly it will be ineffective.
   Of all the various contraptions I have seen people use on their dogs, I think the head Halti [head collar] is one I've never seen rendered ineffective. [But I'm sure someone out there has.]
I strongly feel that any collar or harness you get should be thought of as an aid. If you don't learn how to size it correctly or use it correctly, it won't work. Some dogs/owners require more time/training to get used to something new, some require less. But also, given time, dogs can find a 'loop hole' if they want to and figure out how to use the chosen aid to
their advantage.
   My biggest suggestion to you is to take a class, if you haven't done so before. PetSmart is accessible to most people. If you have taken Angel to a class, perhaps she (and you
) need a refresher course.
   My 2nd biggest suggestion to you is "snap and release". That is how most aids are designed to work. You have to decide where you want her to walk [for example: her shoulder at your leg]. When she is there, she should be rewarded [voice, petting, treat, whatever she responds to without getting too worked up] periodically (more often while learning this). When she
starts to leave that place [speeds up or slows down], give her a warning (I use voice for this; encourage if they slow, sharp 'ah' if they speed). The idea here is to keep her attention on you but you have to return the favor, especially in the beginning. If she continues to walk faster or slower, then a quick leash correction to get her attention back. Do not try to pull her to you; that encourages a tug-of-war and does not earn respect. A quick correction is a sharp, short yank followed by an immediate release. As soon as you get her attention back, you help her identify where she should be and immediately reward her. I believe this method is basically true no matter what you have the leash attached to.
   My 3rd big suggestion is consistency & patience. I cannot stress it enough. Both in yourself; both among family members. And they are all the more important when trying to teach something new.
I use the above method with all my dogs & horses and they all know what I expect of them. I have also taught others to do this with their dogs and have seen great improvement in manners.
   I met a woman with a large German Shep (Rocky) and 3 small kids. Rocky ruled the house and the woman dreamed of her littlest being able to walk him. I took her to PetSmart, we bought a plain choke chain, then went to an empty lot where I showed her the above steps. Within a few minutes, Rocky was no longer pulling and well on his way to learning where he was expected to be on a walk. She did this a few times a week for 5+ minutes (whatever she could spare). Within 2 weeks, she started letting her kids walk him. Now, he is an even bigger part of the family and has a better all around understanding of what is expected of him.
I do hope this helps. I look forward to hearing what you decide to do and if it works for you.
Best Wishes,
