We brought our pup home on Tuesday, and of course we all think he's gorgeous! My daughter wants to start a training club with him asap, and we thought we had found the perfect one - few minutes from home, chap with 25 years experience, etc etc. until he said the "choke chain" words. Now, at the risk of starting a huge debate on this, what is the current thinking on these? I am a first time dog owner, and hear so many conflicting opinions that my head is spinning.

If the trainer insists on choke chains being used I advise you to look elsewhere

I've had dogs & been a trainer for over 40 years & haven't used a choker for over 25 years

i agree, i would never use them for ordinary training, the obedience class i wont go to wont allow them at all. i only ever use check chains for showing and even then they are the fine ones that are not very strong, as my 2 year sibe demonstrated one day , he decided it was too hot for showing, pulled, snapped the chain and ran out of the ring! good luck with your new pup!
kelly

I personally wouldnt use one - I dont think they are necessary.
I would rather persevere than use one and hurt my dog :(
Lel

No,no ,no - you have a baby a puppy who needs to learn to walk on his/her lead with you and you can do that without a check. I've seen someone teach their pup to walk on his lead by encouraging him with a squeaky toy - the toy keeps the pup's attention. In my limited experience with my first dog choke/check chains cause more problems than they solve as the dog pulls, the check tightens and he gers used to the feeling and it dosen't have the desired effect, leading to escalating correction(tugging) and fear for the pup. Good pup classes use positive methods ( rewards) and should be FUN for everyone. Know what you mean by conflicting opinions but I ask myself "am I really going to do this every day ....." before following advice and if I don't feel comfrotable with it I don't do it. Good luck with your little pup.