Are dog choke collars cruel?

Dogs are not allowed to walk around freely dogs were demanded to wear some kind of equipment that we can hook the leash. Making a walk with the dog is quite challenging due to this very unnatural demand. Without proper training, dogs are likely to pull their owner around during the whole walk. 

Choke collars are designed to punish by choking or hurting the dog. If the dog gets out of position, the handler quickly delivers a leash jerk, also referred to as a leash pop or leash correction a sharp tightening followed by an immediate release of the collar.

They can cause serious physical and emotional damage to dogs and should never be used. 

The metal spikes of prong present in the collars pinch the skin of dog around the neck area when they pull and sometimes it can scratch or puncture them also.

Over a while, this causes dogs to develop scar tissue (which has no feeling) or build up his tolerating capacity of painful pinching feeling and so continue to pull making walks even harder.

With smaller dogs, pulling is manageable, small dogs can sometimes pull surprisingly hard. Choke or prong collars were the only way to manage dogs and train them to walk on a leash without pulling. 

Many guardians and dog professionals still depend on these to control their dogs.  According to certain guidelines, they are acceptable and important training tools for good following the rules. 

Injuries Choke Collar cause:

• The thyroid gland of the neck is just below the voice box close to the collar sits. Just one yank can cause injury to a gland that controls many of the body's functions.
• The gland gets traumatized and becomes swollen whenever a dog pulls on the leash.
• When this happens, the gland is 'destroyed by the body's disease-fighting system tries to remove the swollen thyroid cells.
• The destruction of these cells leads to hypothyroidism, which causes loss of energy, weight gain, skin problems, hair loss, ear infections and organ failure.
• Choke collars also affect other areas of the body include the eyes.
• This type of pressure can cause serious injury to dogs already suffering from eye, glaucoma, or eye injuries.
• Hypothyroidism can cause trauma to the thyroid gland in the neck.
• Ear and eye issues as a result of long or big pressure on the neck.
• Behaviour problems are caused by pain or other physical injuries from the use of a collar.
  

The kind and safest option for taking a dog for walking and who tends to pull front leash attachment that is a harness.

When a dog lunge or pulls himself while wearing the harness, the attachment which is present in the front redirects them back towards the dog walker.

With giving positive rewards to your dog, walks can be a pleasant experience for both human beings and dogs.

There are many varieties and different designs of collars available in the pet shop from which you can choose the one that reflects a dog's personality. The collar looks good and serves beyond identification and decoration. All collars are appropriate for different types of dogs.

Martingale Collar
The Martingale is made to tighten just enough to get the dog's attention, which is one reason it's an ideal collar for training purposes. 

Martingale collar is a safer alternative to the choke collar, it should not be kept on your dog while they are unsupervised, it should only be used when hooked to a leash or lead.

Flat collar
The standard collar for dogs has a buckle or quick-release closure and a ring for attaching identification tags and leash and is available in many colors and designs.

A flat collar should fit properly on your dog's neck. It should not be tight as to choke your dog or so loose that they slip out of it easily. The thumb rule says that you should be able to get two fingers underneath the collar.

Head Collar
The head collar is almost the same as a horse's halter. One strap of the collar fits around your dog's neck sits high on the head, just behind the ears. The other strap forms a loop around your dog's muzzle. The leash attaches to the ring at the bottom of the muzzle loop.

The head collar is good for strong and energetic dogs who may jump or pull. Head halter is not meant to be used in jerking or pulling forcefully but rather to steer your dog in the direction you need them to go.

It may take some time, lots of treats, and patience to make your dog feel comfortable after wearing a head collar. Put it on for a short time along with giving them lots of treats until your dog is comfortable in the collar.

Conclusion
The proper way to use a choke collar requires the owner to use only gentle jerks when correcting the dog. A safer alternative to a choke collar, and one that most dog owners consider to be more human and secure.

FAQS
Do choke collars hurt dogs?
Choke and prong collars are designed to punish dogs for pulling by causing pain and discomfort. They can cause serious physical and emotional damage to dogs and should never be used.

When should you use a choke collar on a dog?
Choke collars are used in many of the training situations as pinch collars, mostly in maintaining calmness outside the home and with aggressive dogs. Choke collars can be helpful with larger dogs or dogs with aggressive habits; again they should not be used on small or delicate and necked breeds.

Why should you not use a choke collar?
Improper use of choke collars can result in a crushed or bruised trachea, a crack, or dislocation of the neck bones, among other injuries. A choke collar that is too big around the dog's neck makes it is easier for them to chew the chain, which can also cause damage to their teeth.