Science Shows Positive Reward-Based Dog Training is Best, What and Who Dogs Want and Need: Love, Not Shocks, Living With a Dog Is Good, If It's Good for You and the Dog. I cannot just take the opinions of others because the day WILL COME that I will be challenged by someone out there who tries to bust people for passing their dogs off as service dogs, when indeed, they are not. We adopted our 5-yr-old 18-lb floof in March, and at first she was coughing and choking all the time. Our 90 pound puppy who gets excited and pulls on walks. Good luck! (It is really hard to stay positive and calm when your shoulder and arm are being ripped away from your body!) I thought prong collars were for out-of-control vicious dogs! Decided to use the old prong collar on a walk to the post office with Bow today ???? Ive heard that putting a prong collar on an aggressive dog just makes them more aggressive. He pulled so hard to the point of choking himself and pulling me over. The prong is simply a tool as if to tap the dogs shoulder to get her attention. This puppy's social behavior was a gift! You can walk your dog around without a collar, harness, leash (please dont do it in public, there are laws in place) and they will listen to you every step of the way.. Teacup puppies are incredibly trendy, because of their small size and cuteness. I have yet to see a dog injured by normal use of a prong collar (of course I only use Herm as well. Herm Sprenger brand (this is the exact one I have), https://positively.com/dog-training/methods-equipment/training-equipment/choke-and-prong-collars/, https://www.rescuedogs101.com/bringing-new-dog-home-3-3-3-rule/, https://www.facebook.com/MajorsAcademyDogTraining/, https://www.facebook.com/SolidK9TrainingRI/, How to make dehydrated sweet potato dog treats, 15 Tips for being a great foster dog parent, Spaying and Neutering Your Dog [everything you NEED to know]. I even sustained a back injury when he took off after a dog on a walk. I didnt even know what that really was until the first week of taking her for walks. I am in your same boat. I recommend prong collars, but only after consulting a certified dog training professional. She jumped up to greet Mary and her owner shocked her for jumping while she was trying to say hello. Reading this article and the comments made me realize I have to get over what people might think. No one ever claimed it so it became our shop dog and because I opened and closed the shop regularly I was the one in charge of walking him. Ultimately, a leash is simply a tool, a kind of umbilical cord between human and dog that can be used well or poorly. We were lead to believe that our Bear was leash trained. My Australian Shepperd is very very active and extremely loveable and he pulls like a German Shepperd. On our first walk, with a 20 minute session he was heeling, sitting, and responding to down and stay commands like never before. Filter by 1 Inch Custom Hidden Prong Embroidered Collar $0.00. And there are two much better alternatives, halters and walk harnesses https://positively.com/dog-training/methods-equipment/training-equipment/choke-and-prong-collars/. Your timid poodle may never need one. For this very reason, many countries with a progressive approach to pet safety and health, such as Austria and Switzerland, have already banned prong collars. What have you got to lose? Its good to note that a dogs neck is 3x more sensitive than a human neck, so we really do not need to use much pressure. Should it be worn during the day and removed at night? Its helped ensure that MY dog is well controlled and attending to me. I really wish I had started using it early in his training program. The trainer showed me how to use it properly and within 10 mins, Sam was walking by my side, not pulling and not jumping up at the 2 trainers I had with me, the difference was remarkable!! Love the prong collarI always thought they were cruelbut they're not. (see Training Methods and Devices for more details) But like you mention, fit is crucial. This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience, which means I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. He had good manners (or so I thought) and was very very love able. The pair review the recent Norwegian breeding bans on English Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Marylands newly-passed prohibition on feline declaw surgery, and other recent legal changes in animal law. Once i got knocked over and broke my pinkie and my cheekbone. With the prong, he is walking next to me instead of pulling and I can walk him easily with one hand. I do agree positive reinforcement is key in fear based cases. It is so much better to be able to walk your dog without the worry of being pulled to the ground! About 30% of the time he will heel/sit/stay with the choke collar but there is no real control without constant pulling on him. Offering him a toy when he attacks me, biting and scratching me, only taught him to attack me in order to get a toy. The neck and cervical spine are one of the most important energy channels in the body. Needless to say Shadow and I were able to participate in class and he wasnt the class clown he was in the first class. Its a tough call. Were hoping its a temporary training tool only, but Im still happy to have found this. I just found this page after admitting to a dog-focused friendly advice group on facebook that I REALLY struggle with walking my dog. Suzanne, you are the perfect testimony to how the prong collar can actually change you and your dogs lives. Many people have never seen a prong or pinch collar properly used in dog training. It literally saved his life. The prong collar is not meant to instill fear. These collars have been the subject of controversy in recent years, with some people arguing that they are inhumane and should be banned, while others claim that they are an effective She actually does really well but is strong with high prey drive. The use of prong collars and other inhumane practices are set to be banned as part of Queenslands biggest animal welfare law reforms in over 20 years. But in some situations all that goes out the window. How, Mary wondered, can anyone be upset with having a social puppy? The prong collar training gets a lot of attention from pure positive or force free dog trainers. A trainer can help with that. I decided to share my story because so many people have not. I admit I was not paying full attention to him was conversing with a neighbor. But that isnt going to happen in just a few days. We got her at 8 weeks old. It hasnt had any negative impact on his love or desire to go on walks. And ask yourself, is it better for your dog to drag you through your walk, choking himself on his flat collar or to have a peaceful walk with your dog walking next to you, enjoying the smells and scenery? Applying pressure to the windpipe is not good for any dog but can be especially serious in brachycephalic dogs who already struggle to breathe.. And never crate the dog with it on. Actually he has never gagged, choked or shown any discomfort to prong where Ive had dogs gag if they pulled hard with flat collar. However they are illegal here so its very difficult to promote them in a public way. I actually have a ton of experience with the prong collar with my own dogs and other foster dogs I have trained. There is no need to be heavy handed using a prong collar. I will answer my own question for youIt works by causing pain and uncomfortableness for the dog, causing the dog to avoid the pain . The prong collar is a life saving tool for many dog owners. Thanks! Thank you for this article. There is enough research to know they are not humane or safe. Leashes restrict dogs' ability to have control of their lives and to make choices. I am trying to gain more knowledge and be a responsible dog owner (esp. But I also believe that most people that are dead against the prong collar never experienced a dog with any severe reactive behavior issues. Time, time is all it takes. I urge you to not shy away from the prong collar just because of what it looks like or what youve heard about it in the past. We were very skeptical at first because it does look a bit barbaric. Even with a prong? 1 1/2 Inch Keeper's Hidden Prong Double Leather Collar Gold and Silver Knots on Black Web with Metallic Gold and Black Leather and Brass Hardware $0.00. It was suggested that we use the prong collar on our 3 month old Bichon/Shih Tzu who just started training. Have watched several videos by Jeff Geller and purchased a Herm Sprenger prong collar. Psychology Today 2023 Sussex Publishers, LLC. My energy is much more calm and I sense his is as well. Not sure what type of training you are looking for, but maybe check out Spirit Dog Training. Remove the prong collar entirely. It can save everyones sanity. I know Id be doing it for everyones safety, including theirs, and not as a way to punish my dog. A dog has to have the following floor space available: She brought to class a prong collar and instructed me how to fit it and how to use it. I just want her to be happy and enjoy the world! Look into Ed Frawley with Leerburg-has many articles, videos, and you can ask his wife Cindy questions, she is a trainer too. Every walk we took Bear was pulling me so hard no matter what I tried and sadly, I was seriously considering returning him to the shelter. | We recently moved to a suburb of Boston where walks are now exercise but also to do her business. But Id recommend giving it a try, if he seems too afraid, then take a few steps back. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I felt like his regular collar was causing him pain because he was pulling against it so much. Why did I need to try all those tools? WebThere are two recommended sizes of prong collars for dogs. I guess Im an animal abuser from what I read, but I would put the care and loving I provide to my dog above 99.9% of what most humans receive. Yet, some dogs are repeat offenders, and those dogs? Collars are known to be associated with whiplash, fainting, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, crushing of the trachea, partial or complete asphyxiation, crushing or fracture of the bones in the larynx, dislocation of the vertebrae in the neck, bruising of the esophagus, damage to the skin and tissue of the neck, prolapsed eyeballs, and brain damage. She is a pretty assertive dog, gets plenty of outdoor time and exercise, and still she is totally happy and excited when we pick up her collar to announce a walk. The woman left her choke collar at the vet clinic and took with her a donated harness. Our shih-poo is VERY smart and learns quick so we know it isnt an intelligence issue. Growing up I had a Doberman who couldnt be walked without it! At first, yes once you take the collar off, he will pull. P.s. When we first adopted Bear he had no leash manners at all. The Thunderleash is clipped on his back so it stays up high where he cant step on it but he does still pull a bit. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Herm Sprenger HS Ultra Chrome Metal Prong Dog Training Collar 162.25mm New Nice at the best online prices at eBay! Depending on what you are using it for, you can keep it on during the day, but take it off at night when the dog is sleeping. and has a loving heart. If I did not get his behavior under control I would have to re-home my dog, if I could not walk him that would be cruel and if he hurt me or someone by lunging that would be even worse. Just last week, while at a local dog park, she saw a very social puppy who was running up to every strange human and dog she passed, excitedly soliciting attention, with a loose, exuberantly waggy body. The OSPet offers a prong collar that is ideal for medium and large dogs with the maximum length of the collar at 24 inches and a diameter of 0.14 inches or 3.5 mm. Unlike when our little baby sees her shampoo bottle she knows its bath time and disappears. Im thinking about buying for my dog a prong collar so your article is very helpful to me. I bought a Herm Spengler for my 3 year old 100lb. No warning, no rhyme or reason as to when it will occur. Hes pretty good on walks but pulls to the point of choking himself. I want to be able to enjoy walking him not only within the neighborhood but along trails this summer. With some dogs prong collars are a great tool! Keep up to date with the Rebarkable Newsletter! Theres a lot of myths and a lack of information because it all comes from a passionate place. He is only c. 30 lbs., a puggle, but very strong. We look forward to walks now!! If you can figure that out? However, its really important that throughout the process of training a dog with a prong collar that we are aware, that we admit that it causes pain or discomfort in order to have an effect. Its important to understand your pup is still adjusting and pushing the limits. Its all a matter of dog and what the owner is comfortable with! The dog doesnt know what behavior to offer. I am also convinced, after having tried every other gentle alternative, that these are a) not effective and b) not kind, because walks with my dog are miserable for us both. I tried different collars and approaches and nothing worked. Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, Scotland, Sweden, Wales, and some parts of Australia all currently have a ban on electronic collars for dogs. Contrary to popular belief, dogs dont have thick skin on their necks, nor does their fur protect them from pressure on the neck. But I am also aware of how other people view the prong collar. If you are consistently pulling the collar he may become numb to any corrections. Adding in a prong collar and correcting their fear (aka. The dangerous dogs act suggests that an individual only needs to be frightened. And, while it's very clear that e-collars and prong collars are used because they cause psychological stress and pain, many people don't realize that choke collars also can cause a good deal of pain, suffering, and injury to dogs who wear them. Sometimes it is NOT the owner, but the dog that needs this collar. Thank you! Which in the summer months of course is everyone we see. I knew that I had to learn how to control him if I wanted to be able to walk him without it being a dangerous task. I have used the prong collar with my Lab. Her classes are pure chaos, as nobody has any control with head halters, harnesses and flat collars. My friend who also trains dogs showed me how to use it properly and it changed our lives! I use to think they were cruel but now I believe they are an invaluable training tool especially for adult rescue dogs with no previous leash training. Woodrow doesnt mind it at all. We are the first time adoptive fur parents of a Yellow Lab Mix. A prong collar will give you a bit of power steering with a larger dog that pulls hard, but its no substitute for training., So if youre training? Then, watching YouTube videos last night, I came across Solid K9 Training (Jeff, above in this blog) and discovered that I was using the prong collar ALL WRONG even on my first dog. Thanks so much for sharing your story Jessica! I have more confidence and she listens effectively. He came out of two regular collars so I get a herm sprenger. It is like an airbag, you hope it never has to deploy, but when you need, it better be there! PostedApril 25, 2019 Hi Dawn, so sorry your pup pulled you over! There are different styles of the prong collar. I may not have a certificate as a dog trainer, but I have attended more training sessions with dog trainers than I can count. All seemed to be going well with the prong except his reactivity to other dogs while on leash seemed to get worse. Yours and the fur baby. Shadow received an award at the end of the class for Most Improved. This essay was written with Boulder (Colorado) force-free certified dog trainer, Mary Angilly, who, in December 2017, started a campaign to ban shock, choke, and prong collars in the city. Lauren, thank you so much for sharing your story. To help create a puppy capable of being a confident and adaptable family member and keep puppies out of shelters. I have used every kind of collar for the pups Ive fostered and adopted. The use of any type of restraint, whether a collar that goes around a dog's neck or a front-clip harness, is elective. The instructor is set against prong and choke collars. Not ideal for small breeds. When used correctly the prong collar will immediately stop your dog from pulling you. Ali has won multiple awards for her dog training, and has had her blog (this blog!) Required fields are marked. Period. Please do more research, because your answer sounded very disturbing. Just started using one and he is very easy to walk with one hand. A TWITCH influencer has stunned her fans and was temporarily banned from the platform after a terrifying video. Prong collars are still legal in the US, but are highly Dr. Jean Dodds. These collars are usually made of metal and are NEVER allowed on authorities therapy pet dog sees. He is a happy go lucky great dog. We rescued a super sweet lab mix from down south a few months ago. Im not a fan of harnesses, as they provoke pulling. Shell lunge right onto a road sometimes which is so scary for me. Also we may all live to see tomorrow. He was supposed to be in a down but got up when my son went by with a musical toy so I gave him a small correction back to his down. My dogs immediately focused on me rather than being ramped up and anxious or hyper. We need to be responsive to whats happening on both ends of the leash, and a walk should involve ongoing negotiations and mutual tolerance between dog and human. He only does the right things when he has the prong collar on cause hes smart and knows not to mess around w/ it on. At this point its stressful just trying to walk for basic excerise and needs. For small dogs you can get the 2.25 mm. When she looked down, her dog's eye had prolapsed. I have a 5 month old Rottweiler and I need to make sure he does not pull me In the winters . Is 3mm what I should use with a lab? They [Prong Collars] are not recommended unless other training methods have been exhausted.. I was horrified the first time I saw these collars for sale and thought they were really cruel! It is not OK. I will post my update soon! Summary of eRumor: This warning about the dangers of pronged collars, a tool used for training dogs, appeared on social media. Thank you so much for your story Terry! When I am conducting group training sessions I introduce the prong collar to each and every one of my classes and I properly fit it around my own bare leg and give it the correct pull as if I were training a dog to demonstrate to my groups how safe and non-damaging the prong collar is. The prong collar, otherwise known as a pinch collar, has changed so many dog owners lives just scroll down and read some of the comments from people that have tried the prong collar and are brave enough to share their experience with you. You may get evil looks from other dog owners that just dont understand the power of the prong collar. They also wondered if this could have long-term "trust issues." Thank you for this article devilifying prong collars. Great, checked that off the list. This also could be possible. We all have that. WebWe're based in South Australia where purchasing a prong collar from outside Australia is illegal, however, it is not banned in some States, one of them being South Australia. Just remember, the collar doesnt train the dog, its a tool to train your training will train your dog. I truly appreciate your blog for its resources and insights. Anna, if used and fitted properly, the prong collar is going to be a life changer and youll wander why you waited so long to try it! Yes that is the entire purpose of the prong, to use it as a training tool. The reason why I am so weary of collars is that when dogs pull they can cause a lot of damage. 100% agree if they were hurting the dogs they would be yelping none stop when walking them. Not once. Truly modifying behavior takes time and consistency. I think most people are afraid to publicly admit the prong collar is a great training tool. He did well about 75% of the time but at some point he figured out that he was bigger and stronger than me and started to lung at people and other dogs (he loves people and dogs what can I say). We have beautiful, stress-free walks thanks to this great tool. If you have a stubborn or strongly pulling dog, these collars can change a dogs behavior in literally one short session. Highnote612 1 yr. ago. We're based in South Australia where purchasing a prong collar from outside Australia is illegal, however, it is not banned in some States, one of them being South Australia. I would not use a prong collar for him. I am so happy you found a way to change the path of you and your dogs life. I had the stigma that the prong collars were abusive. He was much better with not pulling for a period of time when I would take him on a walk, but then he went back to his old ways and now pulls like crazy now even with the prong collar. I highly recommend following a couple of trainers online: https://www.facebook.com/MajorsAcademyDogTraining/ and https://www.facebook.com/SolidK9TrainingRI/ both of these trainers offer a lot of free advice. How Can I Find a Dog Trainer? but the fallout can be significant. This gives respect for the tool, and means that youre less likely to misuse it. If your dog pulls you when trying to walk him or is leash reactive, I strongly suggest you consider using a prong collar. I used a pinch collar 3 times and he learned that quickly and never pulled out of the leash again. The only barbaric thing here Lora, is the human mind. WebIn this Q&A I address the important question:What do I think of countries that ban e-collars? Plain martingale collars dont provide the same type of pressure to catch a dogs attention. Huge mistake, he was so overwhelmed he was pulling nonstop on our hour walk around the park. Im so glad you were able to keep your dog! They take the easy route, as opposed to teaching proper, solid cues and commands. I am a 12 year veteran of professional canine training and hands-down a prong collar is absolutely the safest most efficient way to train your fur babies!! Wish us luck! We told our dog trainer all about this today and he introduced us to the prong collar with lots of instruction about how to gently tug the leash with just 2 fingers to get the dogs attention. Any training resources or advice you can provide would be very helpful! So please Herm Sprenger! Most people wont dedicate themselves enough and likely dont have the right dog for this extreme of a transformation, but they can accomplish a lot more if they tried! He clearly is afraid of the leash. And dont be a jerk and pull on it. Do not allow any pulling from now on. How Psychologically Conditioned Rats Are Defusing Landmines, The Innate Intelligence Observed in the Dying Process. Once your dog proper leash etiquette with the prong collar do you have to use it from here on out? "), There are few quick fixes with dog training. personality. Wow Deanna, what a great transformation story. I used it for training and going for walks. I have been lectured by multiple people and even had someone who found my dog once remove the collar and refuse to give it back. Their use is discretionary, optional, or voluntary. She also volunteers for a local dog rescue and Humane Society. A short time later, Mary saw the puppy and guardian re-enter the park, with the puppy wearing an e-collar. And then comes the debate of aversive vs positive. Our bet recommends it for our lab puppy. Like a child, I believe the structure it provides, is helping to build a better relationship. In my years of dog training (at this point, Ive been involved in training over 1300 dogs and won awards), Ive never found a reason for a prong collar that cannot be resolved with positive training. So no, in theory it should not need to be used for ever. Prong collars are designed to be on your dog for the duration of training only. This is a really popular question, and it's something that a lot of dog owners ask me - because there's a lot of conflicting information out there. This is deliberate! However he is 120 lbs and I am 62 and 140 lbs. My question is I know it can be good for walks but can it also be used in training my dog to stop jumping and biting? 1 1/2 Inch Keeper's Hidden Prong Double Leather Collar Gold and Silver Knots on Black Web with Metallic Gold and Black Leather and Brass Hardware $0.00. I have only used the style that the prongs go all the way around the neck, so I cant speak of the effectiveness of the ones that dont. The absolute best feeling was able to have a family trip to a busy seaside and she walked calmly through crowds, passed dogs, runners and cyclists and she was good as gold. BUT she does need help with socialization. She wore a harness. Great article!! Or can eventually she go off it and into her normal collar/ no leash? Thats all. Yes, the prong trains the dog not to pull and yes eventually your dog will no longer need the collar. And How To Ethically Find One, Ray Allen Multi-Function Harness An Honest Review, Ray Allen Nomad I.H.S Harness An Honest Review, Should I Cuddle My Dog? Weve even had comments from people about how well behaved our dog is. A quick, gentle tug is all thats needed. and know that the collar is the least likely choice of training tools to hurt your dog. I swore Id never use a prong, they are cruel, I thought. They are used as an aversive training tool that enforces punishment in an attempt to make a dog perform desired behaviours. If it werent for the prong collar, our super sweet 70+lb lapdog would not have been able to stay with us. The collar is designed to create even pressure around the neck and distribute the correction so it can be considered kinder than a choke collar, choke chains, or slip leash alternative. Ive used regular collars, choke collars, gentle leaders, harnesses and the prong collar. As a super strong pitty, he can yank a full sized adult over in a half a second to randomly lunge at a person or dog or squirrel. This has been our experience with all three of our rescued dogs as well. She would pull so hard then entire walk with her two front feet in the air. She no longer uses a prong collar to manage her dog and he is easily pulling her down the street as she struggles with her leash and flat collar. I just ordered a Sprenger 2.25 mm 12 inch prong collar and will let you know how it works out in trainingit should arrive in 2 days. A prong collar (also called a pinch collar) is an example of a dog training collar, and usually replaces a flat collar. The warning said that they should be banned and included a photo of a dog with several lacerations on its neck, allegedly caused by a That it appears on google when people search Prong collar for my dog and they have the opportunity to learn. The Ray Allen multi-function harness is designed with a lot of sports in mind. If youre going to use a Mickey is a 45 lb standard poodle and is 6 months old. I have a 4 month old border collie and the prong used gently allows me to walk him. This collar is used to treat injured dogs. Try keeping him on a leash inside the house for a while. I have yet to see one that stops a dog from pulling.
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