Q: I have a 5-month old female Westie and she is gorgeous and all white. However, we bought a choker to train her to walk properly, and around her neck the hair is turning black from it. Is there something I can do to the choker so that it will not turn black on her hair anymore, or will I always have to clean her every day around her neck? If that is the case, what should I use? She is a Westie and they do have sensitive skin. A groomer told me that it would go away with Oxyclean. For people it might, but what do you suggest? I want to know if there is a way to stop the chain from doing that and if not what is the most appropriate way to clean her in that area every day.

A:

Start by changing to a different type of collar. You could try a head halter if the dog needs extra control, or a regular buckle-type collar if she does not. There are also collars that only pull to a certain extent and then no more. All of these are now preferred by most trainers. If you are set on using a choke collar--I prefer the term "slip collar," since it will not be choking the dog if used properly--then change to a nylon one instead of a metal.

For any training collar, get the help of a dog training instructor to teach you how to use it safely. If it's capable of controlling the dog, it's also capable of doing harm if used improperly.

Any of these changes would bring tremendous improvement in this staining problem, probably solving it completely. If you still have the problem, ask professional groomers for solutions. This dog is going to require lifelong professional grooming, so you'll be someone they want as a customer. They should be happy to answer this question. Before applying any of the suggestions you get from a groomer, give your veterinarian a call to make sure that idea is safe to use.

As I said, though, I expect that using one of these other devices instead of the metal collar will solve the problem. Also look to the dog tags, and avoid aluminum. If there is an aluminum license tag that your dog must wear, see if you can get it covered in clear plastic.