the pinch collar, if used correctly, quickly pinches the dog then releases, where as a choker, will choke until released. In situations where positive reinforcement is not working, and choker is not getting the response required, a pinch collar can be used to quickly let the dog know what is expected of them without constantly pulling on the choker.
Thank you for explaning this so well, dia look!
I am the one training jp2854's puppy. With a puppy at her age, I use positive reinforcement for all of her basic commands. I only reprimand for negative actions (ie biting). jp2854 owns a giant breed dog. Though relatively small now, she is already pulling hard on her leash. Before you know it, she will be pulling everyone in the house down the street.
I am against using choke collars though I was misquoted at saying they are a mean way of training. I don't use choke collars because, in my experience, most dogs will continue to pull and choke themselves regardless. These collars have been known to break a dogs trachea. It is for this reason that I teach all of my clients how to properly use a pinch/prong collar if one is needed. I teach my clients when it is appropriate to use one as well as what the potential dangers are.
I am not against someone else teaching with a choke collar as I expect a professional trainer to instruct in its proper use. It just isn't a training tool that I use myself.
I agree with many people here that there are a variety of ways to train dogs, none of which are right or wrong. One example is my lab. He does remarkably well with work on a pinch collar (ie negative reinforcement). I think he would eat my hand off if I used strictly positive reinforcement.
Also, he completely disregards me when food comes into the picture. On the other hand, all of my pit bulls do better with a more positive reinforcement approach. I only walk them on a pinch collar so they don't get the idea that they are part of a sled team and pull me down the street. If I had to choose which dog performs more soundly every time, it would be my lab in a heart beat. I love my pits dearly and they all listen beautifully but my lab has a quicker and happier response (I am talking off leash here so there is no threat to the dog that he will be reprimanded if he doesn't respond).
I hope everyone has a great day and enjoys the weather with their dogs!!!