Posts

Prong Collar for Dogs

Do you know what a prong collar for dogs is? Have you thought of buying one? Maybe you already own a prong collar and want to understand how they work. If you answered yes to any of these questions, read on as we uncover the myths and facts about prong collars, and how they actually work. If you have never seen a prong collar, and are just seeing one for the first time, you may have a lot of questions so let’s get you some answers!. What Is a Prong Collar? So what is a prong collar for dogs, exactly? A prong collar if used correctly is actually a training collar used to communicate with your dog on a walk. This collar is used for training purposes, commonly used if you have a dog who is a heavy puller on leash. Prong collars come in a variety of different sizes and are all covered with prongs, which are little bars that sit on your dog’s neck. The main use of the prong collar should be to create another line of communication between you and your dog. We’ll go more in detail in down b...

Prong / Pinch Collar Explained

Everything You Need to Know Some people call it a prong collar, others call it a pinch collar. Either way, it remains one of the more controversial dog training tools. I’ve used prong collars for years very successfully and taught countless clients how to use them effectively. Never before have I put all of this information into one training video or post, but I wanted to do it for you, my members. So, read on! Remember, this may NOT be the right tool for your dog, but you should have the ability to try it and see. The prong collar is a tool that allows fair corrections on a dog once the dog is conditioned to the collar. I explain that in this video as well as the proper sizing. I put the collar on myself so you can see how virtually painless the collar is when used properly. Of course, used improperly the collar can cause damage, but so can any other collar.

How to Use a Prong Collar on Dogs

A prong collar is a training collar used to teach dogs leash manners. Prong collars are different from choke collars in that they use prongs rather than metal links so when the collar contracts the loose skin around a dog's neck is actually pinched in the process. Prong collars are designed to provide negative reinforcement when a dog pulls by mimicking pack behaviors used to assert authority, such as gentle nipping or biting of the neck. Such collars are not meant as permanent walking collars and need to be used properly and under the supervision of a trainer in order to be effective. Choosing a Collar     Step 1 Talk to a certified dog training professional.     1     Talk to a certified dog training professional. A prong collar is not simply another piece of walking equipment like a harness or a gentle leader. It is a training device. A prong collar should not be used without consulting a professional dog trainer.[1]         A cert...

Why I Use Prong Collars on Every Dog

Right now, I am working with a lovely woman and her lab. The other day, she asked me, “Steve, why is it that when you pull the leash while my dog is wearing the prong collar , my dog’s tail wags? This is the opposite of what I’d expect. I mean, if someone told me that a leash correction could make my dog happy—well, I’d have said they’re crazy.” It sounds counterintuitive, I know. But this is the kind of stuff that people who have been training for years know about. And it’s the kind of knowledge that the know-nothings with their worthless certifications and pointless studies don’t. The truth is, dog training is turning into this insane world, with the loudest voices coming from the people with the least amount of knowledge. I have clients coming to sessions telling me that they haven’t practiced because they get verbally abused and harassed. We have hecklers that interrupt sessions and call us abusers. My website has gotten hacked because people don’t like what I have to say. There a...

Should I Use a Prong Collar on My Dog?

 When people get a new dog, they know they need a leash and collar. But first-time dog owners never start with a prong collar. This is because the subject of a prong collar only comes up if a behavioral problem develops. Then, a friend or local dog trainer tells them they need a prong. That's when they do a little research and find this article. On the right dog, prong collars are a great training tool. I describe them as putting power steering on your leash. They allow small people to control large dogs. They produce behavior changes at a correct level that is often 90% less effort than what is required on a flat collar. The first impression people have when they see a prong collar is “It looks like some kind of a torture tool.” Like every single dog training tool, they can be abused. But that's not a good enough reason to not use it in your training protocol. A slip collar or even a flat collar can also be abused as well. But when prong collars are used correctly, they can ac...

The Prong Collar, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

I know some people cringe at the sight of a prong collar, it looks barbaric and cruel. The prong collar training gets a lot of attention from pure positive or force free dog trainers. These trainers believe that the prong collar is cruel and should be banned. Are Prong Collars Cruel? But are prong collars cruel? The prong collar controversy is real! But we all need to know the truth about prong collars before passing judgment. You are most likely reading this because your dog pulls on the leash, is leash reactive or you can’t control your dog on leash, right? The fact is, the prong collar, when fitted properly, is designed to be the most humane way to train and to NOT harm your dog. Many people have never seen a prong or pinch collar properly used in dog training. I personally never used a prong collar before being introduced to it a couple of years ago. The prong collar, otherwise known as a pinch collar, has changed so many dog owners lives… just scroll down and read some of the com...

The Prong Collar: An Amazing Dog Training Tool When Used Correctly

 Like many, I learned about balanced dog training and the use of aversive tools like the prong collar and e-collar after exhausting the use of positive reinforcement only training with a challenging dog. Prior to using them, I misunderstood how the tools work, due to widespread misinformation about their usage. After talking with many friends, professional trainers, and watching many videos, I decided to give it a try with my dog. It was a night and day difference. After a one-hour training session, I went from dreading walking her to enjoyable, calm walks. When used correctly, the prong collar is a fantastic tool that helps bridge the communication between a dog and their handler. Remember, dogs don’t speak English and we don’t speak dog. Think of the prong collar as the translator. The prong collar comes with a lot of pushback from animal rights groups due to the way it looks and the misinformation spread about the tool. This article explains how the prong collar works and how ...