Definitely go with the smaller size. Not only for eventual stretching but these collars (mine anyway) are on the large size. I have them fitted on the first few holes and there is a lot of the leather strap flopping on the end. I’ve fitted a small, black, coated, elastic hair band do-dadder on mine to feed the extra leather through and secure it. (probably better ways but I couldn’t think of any).

I would also have to agree with Tracy in that a good saddle soap/leather conditioner helps with the suppleness and water resistance. I just got these at Christmas and I’m sure in a year from now they’ll be fitting and working like a favorite pair of old cowboy boots. I really like them now and can see my appreciation growing as they’re broken in.

And if you’re dealing with highly distractive reaction issues at this point a dominant dog back-up or primary collar may be the way to go. When I first got Vince he was introduced to a prong fairly quickly, which worked well for me. I would not have used a collar like this at that time.

When you talk about using the DD collar, do you mean using it with the intended technique of lifting up untill the dog settles?

Or do you mean using it with a snap like a regular obedience collar?

I would suggest it's intended use but like any training tool must be used correctly to be effective as well as not injure the dog.

Great video and information here: http://leerburg.com/746.htm

Thanks CJ.

I wrote to Cindy once a while back and she also reccommended it for my specific situation. I have just been intimidated by it since people have such varying opinion on the training.

My goal is ultimately to work on all of this with distance, but the area we live in is busy busy all the time. Houses are generally only 15 or 20 feet apart and it seems there are anywhere from 5 to 20 dogs on every single street!

(Have you ever seen Gone, Baby, Gone? That is my neighborhood. The rows of triple deckers in the opening scene is exactly what it is really like)

That's not to even to get into the cat problem.

I try my best, and we won't have an incident for weeks at a time. But it happens often enough that someone will come around a corner with a dog way out ahead on a flexi lead. I'm sure you can guess what happens next.

Ok. We are going to be all set!

I was going to do this order yesterday, but since it won't be shipped until Monday anyway I decided to wait. I'm glad I did.

We have a nice two handled leash, a DD collar, a leather choke and some peanut butter molases treats on the way!

I also found a really good deal on the ruff wear approach backpack online. I can't wait to see if it has the magic calming effect so many people talk about.

If it doesn't, oh well. It just means she gets to carry her own ball and long line down to the park. She will take on the job of being my personal doggie purse!

 Quote: lauren jeffery

When you talk about using the DD collar, do you mean using it with the intended technique of lifting up untill the dog settles?

Or do you mean using it with a snap like a regular obedience collar?

Lauren,
Hopefully, you've re-read the instructions in the link provided. Most think "oh, that's the collar where you lift up the feet and cut off the air supply". Well, on a truly "dominant" dog (unusual, frankly), that may be the case. The instructions also note:

Putting a dominant dog collar dogs with a softer temperament and simply applying upward pressure with the leash (to take all slack out of the collar) is often enough to stop a dogs unwanted aggression. They quickly learn that you have complete control over them.

This is the paragraph that will apply to most dogs. This collar really provides an insane amount of control when fitted properly.

Sounds like you are going to get lots of goodies in the mail next week. Good job!

Tracy

That's why I asked.

Honestly, I don't know if I would ever have the stomach to actually choke her out, no matter what was going on. Even if it was what was called for. So you really don't have to worry about that.

I was just wondering if you guys were indicating upward pressure or a quick and firm to the side snap.

As hideous as it sounds, there have been a handful of times that I have had to bring her up to regain control post-prong correction. I felt absolutely aweful about it, but each time there was absolutely no other choice in the moment.

 Quote: Lauren Jeffery

I was just wondering if you guys were indicating upward pressure or a quick and firm to the side snap.

Putting a dominant dog collar dogs with a softer temperament and simply applying upward pressure with the leash (to take all slack out of the collar) is often enough to stop a dogs unwanted aggression. They quickly learn that you have complete control over them.

No snap involved. It's a calm and deliberate move. JMO.

Thanks Connie.

For the time being it would only be used in genuine emergencies where she might otherwise pull me down. These are few and far between, but it happens.

I'm going to do everything in my power to avoid those situations.