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Should I get a pinch collar or a muzzle for my shiba inu for the first day of our obedience class? Pulling & dog aggresv

When I adopted my Shiba three weeks ago the shelter told me she'd need training but I'm very nervous for our first day of obedience class because I knew she didn't get along with other dogs, but on the leash she pulls and becomes obsessed with other dogs. My dad recommended a pinch collar. I wonder if I should try one before the class starts - or should I get a muzzle for the first day of class. I don't want her to bite another dog and have the class be a disaster.


Asked by Member 1018598 on Jan 9th 2011 Tagged shibainu, obedience, pinchcollar, training, dogaggression in Socialization
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Indy

I would suggest getting her a halter of some sort. I have found that collars and harnesses of any sort never worked with my maremma, but now I am working him in a halter and he does not pull and is easily controlled if he does. I don't even use a commercial halter, I simply made one up myself and it has worked wonders. There are also a few books available from libraries maybe that can tell you the benefits of halters and assist in training strong dogs with halters.


Indy answered on 1/9/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Riley

I think Muzzles are cruel to put on a dog for any reason..

Pinch collars can hurt dog when they pull..and you try to take control

I would use a Harness..Safe and easy to take control over espceailly in dog training..


Riley answered on 1/9/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Wiley

I agree a Halti or a Gentle Leader are better options than a prong or pinch collar. A basket muzzle may give you the peace of mind you want/need while in class. If you are nervous, your dog will feed off that & may display the exact behavior you do not want.
Muzzles are NOT cruel if they are properly fitted & being used in a responsibe manner. Maybe try to talk to your trainer before the class starts & let him/her know your concerns. They might have some suggestions for you.


Wiley answered on 1/9/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Aster

I would talk to the instructor ahead of time if you can. Some classes have the owners come without the dogs the first class.


Aster answered on 1/9/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


♥ DEOGIE ♥

When Deogie was in obedience class, pinch collars were NEVER allowed in class. Before signing up for the class you should have discussed your concerns with the trainer and possibly worked out a solution before it started. Your dog being dog aggressive may not be welcome or helped in an open class, maybe private lessons would be more helpful for you and her.


♥ DEOGIE ♥ answered on 1/10/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Beanster, CD, RN, CGC

I would certainly call the instructor and tell them your concerns and do as they suggest. In my classes we set up a private evaluation with people who believe their dog will have dog aggression issues.
Agreeing with Wiley, I think... muzzles are a tool with varied uses and are most certainly not considered cruel when used for their purpose and properly fitted. It is far safer (and more humane) to walk a dog that you are afraid may bite with a muzzle than to not walk the dog at all!!!
The average harness provides very little control and gives the dog freedom to pull any which way, and is very easy for the dog to back out of, unless it is specifically designed otherwise such as an easy walk or a no pull harness.


Beanster, CD, RN, CGC answered on 1/10/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Bruno

TALK TO THE TRAINER FIRST! Is your dad a dog trainer? No? Then disregard his advice to get a pinch collar. The trainer should open to discussion about your dog's reactivity- they might recommend private lessons, or set up a barrier of some kind so she can't see the other dogs during class.

Don't try anything before class starts without consulting a trainer- you might make it worse. And a muzzle in class is no good if it's a clicker or positive reinforcement class- she needs to be able to open her mouth to take food rewards.


Bruno answered on 1/10/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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