I adopted Jeffrey when he was 2 years old. Talk about an untrained, wild dog (ok I'm stretching it a little). My 11 yr old would put on her rollarblades and off they would go! It was like a carnival ride for her. I thought about using a choke collar for Jeffrey. I picked one out and headed for the checkout counter and I couldn't bring myself to buy one. I know they can be very effective, but I am such a wimp, I cannot stand my boy to be in any sort of discomfort. I decided to work harder at getting him to obey. It was not easy! He has his moments, but he's pretty good now. I think with me, I'm not looking to have a show quality dog. I want him to obey, but I don't worry about having the most well-mannered dog on the block. I think obedience school is necessary, not only for the owner, but for the safety and well-being of the dog. I refused to go to any school that insisted on choke chains. I am very inexperienced on choke chains. I have never used them. I grew up with dogs and my parents never used them. I guess I have been lucky and never felt the need to use one. I can't say it's wrong, but it's not right for me.

As a side note, my daughter has talked me into buying my first pair of roller blades. I haven't been on skates since I was 19 and I broke my arm. Maybe I should use Jeffrey to pull me around the neighborhood

[This message has been edited by Genia (edited March 16, 2001).]