I've noticed that a lot of you with larger dogs have had to use the choke collar for training purposes. I suppose that may be something I have to look into when I adopt a Terv or GSD, since they are larger dogs than I have ever had. Since I had a smaller dog (eskie), she never needed it, but I agree if they are used properly, safely and for training purposes...then it's ok. I definitely agree that it's NOT something to be left on all the time because of the dangers and hazards that can quickly become an issue for the dog. So, I agree with Rachel, it just depends on the dog.

In a way, I suppose any collar could be a potential hazard. Now, please don't think that I'm against regular collars, because I'm not. My dog had a collar on all the time. I think all dogs should have them for identification purposes and for training and exercising. Just like most things around us, there are potential dangers (whenever you get into a car, there's a potential danger. This is the route I'm taking with this bit, so please don't be offended). A good friend of mine just had her dog pass away unexpectedly. I was so sad for her when she told me about it. I mean, these are the nicest people you'll ever meet and they love both of their dogs. The whole family (they have 2 kids too) was so distraught for quite sometime. Well, they have an outdoor run that the dogs are in when they are away. It's a really nice large run with grass and doghouses and stuff. The dogs are not chained up in the run. Well, a few weeks ago they came home to find their little dog had strangled itself on it's collar trying to get away from the fireworks their neighbors were setting. They found that out later. What a terrible thing to come home to! I can imagine how bad I would feel if I came home to find my 13 year old dog had killed itself! Why these neighbor people were setting fireworks that night is beyond me, but a lot of people mentioned to this guy that all the dogs were going crazy when this was going on. Since this accident, my friends have brought their other dog inside. They never imagined that something like that would happen. I probably wouldn't have either. It's a nice big run, the dogs have their collars on for identification purposes, just in case for some reason they escaped. They put the dogs out for the evening since they would be gone for several hours and wanted them to be able to potty. Who would have known about these other people setting off fireworks and scaring the dogs? They had their little dog cremated and put into a special urn. I could sympathize with her over the loss of her pet, but I couldn't really relate to the circumstances. It was devastating! I didn't really know what to do, but I sent her the story of the Rainbow Bridge, since she hadn't heard of it before.

Logan, sounds like you've found and option to the biting off the collar problem for now. I'm with Jackie in that I'm stumped on that one!! I would probably do the same thing in the house and in the yard, by leaving them off. Not really sure what kind of durable collars are out there since I haven't been in that dept for quite some time. Be sure to let us know if you find a solution!!