We had a really lovely day today enjoying watching loads of labs at the Labrador Retriever Club's 100 yr celebration. I happened to notice that very few of the dogs had collars on - most of the owners were using show leads or rope slip leads. On of the trainers demonstrating initial training was most adamant that walking to heel should never be taught using a collar, as the dog will just pull into it. His dog had on a choke chain and the other trainer had a slip lead on her dog. I was under the impression that choke chains were no longer recommended? Another point, having dogs around without collars is all very well in the middle of a large country estate, but surely its unsafe in a less rural setting? Also, what about the legal side? I'd be interested in people's comments.
Cathy.

My dogs don't wear collars (labs) and so inturn don't wear tags. Legally all dogs out and about should have a collar and tag on, but mine will never wear collars again after one of my dogs hung herself with her collar by getting her collar hooked on her litter brothers collar. She survived but I don't wish to repeat the experience.
All my dogs are microchipped and if they got out I would just say they had lost there collar if asked.

Working gundogs, as working sheepdogs do not have to have collars or name tags on because of the risk of the dog getting trapped or strangled.

The rope gundog slip lead is the usual for a working gundog because it can be removed in a fraction of a second if wanted.

Best wishes, John

Thanks, John, that's really interesting. I know absolutely nothing about working gundogs, but watching them work today was fascinating and most enjoyable. However, our new puppy (due later this month :) :) :)) will just be a pet!
Cathy.

No dog is "Just" a pet Cathy. To me, all of mine have been pets right from the first to the last. :)

Training gundog work is a good way to occupy their minds, It's great fun and the dogs love it. But plenty of time to think about that in the months to come.

Best wishes, John

Oh Cathy, all dogs are 'just pets'. Some do other stuff as well.
:)

Well, John I achieved more in my fifties than I would have believed possible - I graduated last year at the age of 59 and I have just completed a TESOL course. So who knows? But whether the local gun dog training group would take kindly to a novice OAP turning up is another question....:D :D :D
Cathy.

Don't worry Cathy, there's a lot of us OAP's around. I was well over 50 when I took and passed my "O" level computing. I was going to go on to "O" level maths but have not had the time since.

Best wishes, John

My dogs do wear collars, and always have, but Nicolla has a very vaild point about their dangers. I think you need to do whatever you feel happiest with, as there are pros and cons on both sides of this subject. :)

liberty

Hi,
Dogs only legally have to wear collars with their owner's details if they are in a 'public place'. A private estate is just that - private. (Your car is a public place when it is on a public road. On your drive it is a private place.)

'Working' dogs are exempt from this law - that is, guide dogs, working sheepdogs, hunting hounds etc.

i use slip leads on my dogs but i would like to point out DO NOT use check chains, (as they are rightly called) half checks or slip leads on any dog under a year old as the neck muscles donot develop properly til later in the growing stage , and using slip leads and similar can cause problems with the windpipe and cause breathing problems to the dog, i use harness on my dogs until they are a year old then slip leads from then on, also when i do use a clip lead i never attach it to the collar that is worn at all times in case if clipping in a hurry you attach to the tag ring by mistake, if the dog because scared or pulls it is then free and able to get in trouble. my dogs collars are also loose enough so that if they become caught whilst playing or if someone they dont know catches them they are able to get out of them
tanya