Strangler collar: 4 real dangers for the dog in 2025

In short:

The choke collar is ineffective in educating a dog and causes physiological and behavioral sequelae documented by veterinary research.

• proven physical damage: A study conducted on 400 dogs by Anders Hallgren (2011) establishes a direct link between cervical tractions and the appearance of vertebral lesions, adding to the risks of cerebral dischemia (Grohmann et al., 2013) and increased intraocular pressure (Pauli et al., 2006).
• International Medical Consensus: Fecava, FVE and WSAVA recommended in 2024 the total abandonment of aversive tools in favor of positive reinforcement, like BVA and BSAVA (2025) and LAVSAB (2021).
• strict regulatory framework: In France, the National Assembly voted in 2023 for the proposal to ban these devices by 111 votes against 5, providing for fines of up to €3,750 for users and €3,000 for the sale.

Is the choke collar effective for educating a dog?

The choke collar is not an effective learning method. If the interruption of pulling behavior seems immediate, it is based exclusively on pain levitation and inhibition of the motor response. The animal does not understand the expected action; He stops his movement to preserve his respiratory and cervical integrity.

The National Reference Center for Animal Welfare (CNRBEA) confirmed in an official opinion in 2022 that coercive education systematically induces negative emotions and pain, altering the animal’s learning ability. As soon as the pressure on the trachea ceases, the aversive stimulus disappears without any self-control being assimilated.

What are the physiological dangers of the coercive collar in dogs?

Ventral anatomy of the canine neck is vulnerable. Contrary to popular belief, the dog’s skin and chest muscles do not protect the trachea, larynx, thyroid gland or jugular vein against occasional or repeated shocks.

vertebral and joint lesions

In a study of 400 dogs, the speaker Anders Hallgren (2011) revealed a direct correlation between the use of strangler collars or sudden neck tractions and the presence of cervical and vertebral lesions. Microtraumas generate chronic muscle tension and joint shifts modifying the dog’s overall gait.

Vascular and cerebral pathologies

Sudden compression of the blood vessels of the neck leads to serious circulatory dysfunctions. Clinical work published by Grohmann et al. In the journal Veterinary Radiology & ultrasound (2013) documented a case of severe brain injury (ischemia and anoxia) caused directly by consecutive strangulation for the use of a strangler collar.

Intraocular overpressure and respiratory problems

Research conducted by Pauli et al. in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (2006) shows that pressure exerted on the neck by a traditional or throttle collar significantly increases intraocular pressure. This phenomenon poses a direct risk for breeds predisposed to glaucoma or prolapse of the nictitant gland. In addition, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) recall in 2025 that aversive tools cause serious tracheal and thyroid injuries.

Clinical signs of strangulator-related lesions

Owners observing the following symptoms in a dog subject to an aversive tool should consult a veterinarian without delay:

• Repeated cough or groans during episodes of light physical exertion.
• Change of the timbre of the bark or extinction of voice (dysphonia).
• Localized sensitivity at the level of the cervical vertebrae (reaction to touch).
• Vaulted posture or rigidity in the movements of the head.
• Eye redness or transient exophthalmos after the walk.

Comparative analysis of canine walking tools

The table below summarizes the scientific and legal data associated with canine education equipment.

Generates fear, anxiety and behavioral inhibition (CNRBEA, 2022).

Equipment	Impact on cervical anatomy	Documented behavioral impact	Position of veterinary authorities
Strangler or spike collar	Risk of spinal injury, cerebral danoxy and increased intraocular pressure.	Rejected in all circumstances (AVSAB 2021, Fecava/FVE/WSAVA 2024, BVA/BSAVA 2025).
Classic flat necklace	moderate pressure on the neck in case of continuous traction; Not recommended for dogs that pull hard.	Neutral if walking is acquired without physical constraint.	Tolerated for dogs with no traction problem.
Ergonomic Y harness (pectoral attachment)	No pressure on the trachea or the thyroid zone; forces distributed on the rib cage.	Facilitates the redirection of the body without pain or physical stress.	Recommended by the consensus of international behaviorist veterinarians.

What does the law on strangler and coercive collars say?

The legal framework is rapidly evolving in favor of animal protection. The city of Toronto, Canada, paved the way by establishing a ban on strangler and spike collars in 2017 throughout its municipal territory.

In France, the National Assembly voted in 2023 a bill aimed at prohibiting the use of strangler collars without a stop loop, with spikes and electrics, by 111 votes against 5 (and 6 abstentions). This legislative development is accompanied by a strict sanction scale:

• Fine for an individual: €750 during the first offense, increased to €3,750 in the event of a repeat offence.
• Fine for a professional: €3,750 for any canine educator or trainer using these devices.
• Commercial fine: €3,000 for any operation of purchase, sale or sale of a coercive collar.

How to choose a walking equipment that complies with animal welfare?

The replacement of an aversive collar is based on the selection of equipment that preserves the dog’s biomechanics while ensuring the safety of the driver.

Criteria for choosing an ergonomic harness

A suitable harness should not hinder the movement of the shoulders. Prefer Y or H cuts that completely clear the scapulo-humeral joint. The dorsal attachment is suitable for relaxing walks, while the pectoral attachment (front) allows the animal’s body to naturally deflect the leash, without creating a cervical support point.

Budget and replacement equipment

Investing in a quality ergonomic harness and a leash of 2 to 3 meters represents a direct cost of between €30 and €70. This equipment suppresses the need for coercive restraint equipment while reducing the risk of veterinary consultations linked to cervical microtraumas.

International Veterinary Consensus

Major veterinary associations share a clear guideline. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) published an official position in 2021 rejecting the use of strangler, spike and electric collars in all circumstances. In 2024, Fecava, FVE and WSAVA reaffirmed in a joint position the urgency of definitively abandoning aversive tools in favor of positive reinforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Strangler Collar

Does the choke collar hurt the dog?

Yes, the choke collar applies direct and localized pressure to the trachea, larynx and jugular vein. It causes acute pain, anxiety and can cause cervical damage or increased intraocular pressure documented by several veterinary studies.

What to replace a strangler collar for a pulling dog?

The choke clamp should be replaced with an ergonomic Y harness with a front pectoral clip. This equipment distributes the tensile forces on the thorax without compressing the neck, allowing to teach leash walking by positive reinforcement.

What is the fine provided for the use of a strangler collar in France?

The bill voted by the National Assembly in 2023 provides for a fine of €750 for an individual (up to €3,750 in the event of a repeat offence), €3,750 for a training professional and €3,000 for the sale or sale of this tool.

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