How much of a walk would you recommend for a fairly big collie x.  He's about 1 & 1/2 and can have off-lead walk in nearby park or on beach - although he does tend to run off but does come back!!  Also, can I have some opinions on choke chains?  I don't like them but OH is insisting on trying it out on our dog as he does pull alot and is a strong boy!!

Hi Guest,

Why not join - a bit more info on your dog would be helpful to give specific advice :)  Is he a rescue? (as you don't appear to know his age)  Have you attended any training classes to develop basic obedience? (particularly re-call a must have skill before permitting free running in any environment).

As for choke chains there a huge no-go IMO as they cause pain and distress and teach nothing :(   You should be working on training him not to pull and if needs must in the meantime there are several good head collars or body harnesses which would be more appropriate.

Regards, Teri 

Just had a thought on choke chains. My breed is traditionally shown on a lead with a slip loop at the end - effectively a soft choke chain - and no one ever gives it a second thought :) :)

I do think that chokes have a place eg for breeds that back out of collars (though there I prefer half checks), but not for a dog that doesn't already walk well to heel.

My opinion on choke chains is go get one. Put round husbands neck when you're out shopping and when he walks ahead of you. Pull him on it. He'll change his mind then. As Teri rightly says, Go to a training class with your new dog. It will be good for training and good for socialisation for the dog. An enjoyable evening for both of you. If you put the work in now you will reap the benefits.
When your dog runs off is he coming back when you call him, or does he come back in his own time. If the first is correct I would be careful letting him off until you have a good recall with him, again training would help.
I could be assuming wrong here, but it sounds like you've only just had this dog for a short amount of time. He's still young so I would keep the walks to no more than an hour light work

Most dogs of the type you describe will have their growth plates closed at circa 15 - 18 months and therefore theoretically could have unlimited exercise provided it is increased gradually and that the dog is fit enough to cope.

Choke chains are extremely useful for using to hang baskets by.  As a dog training tool they are at best unecessary and at worse potentially damaging to your dog.

The only way to cure pulling is to train the dog not to pull and there are lots of helpful booklets on the market to assist you, but it does require consistent approach and time.

Alternatively you could mitigate the pulling by using either one of the 10 or so model of headcollars on the market or a harness such as the halti harness which are kinder to the dog when used correctly than a choke chain.

HTH

Hi all..thanks for responses!  Loving idea of putting choke chain hubby, megan57collies!!!  We've had him 2mths - and when in park he comes back when called (by whistling!) but on the beach it's pretty much in his own time as he spends his time in the sea and gets soooo excited about it!!  Yep Teri, Sam is a rescue and they weren't 100% of age in centre..mind you they weren't 100% of alot about him!  Told me he was fond of chasing cars which was why he was left there off a farm!  He has not shown slightest interest in cars since I got him - (maybe just farmers excuse for getting rid of him). We did go to training classes with him - but guess what?!? They recommended a choke chain - I was so disappointed and haven't gone back there since.  I've found another class tho' that is very specifically against choke chains and am hoping to enrol there asap.  Their classes are full at moment but I really like the sound of them as they only take 8 dogs per class! Generally he's been quite easy to train in nearly all aspects except jumping up on us and people coming to house & the pulling on lead but I that's more to do with us and our own lack of consisteny tbh.  He's just so gorgeous and affectionate!  I like idea of headcollars and harnesses and have been trying to persuade OH in that direction!  Now at least I have opinions to back me up in my arguments (sorry discussions(!)) with him!! Also thanks for advice on walking...he is getting at least an hour a day and alot of playing!!!