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 it can help modify your dog’s behavior in a humane and effective manner.
What is a Prong Collar?
A prong collar is a dog training tool used by some dog trainers to teach loose leash walking and basic beginner obedience.
They can be great for behavior modification in reactive dogs to help redirect them from their triggers. Petite people with very large or strong dogs also find them incredibly helpful.
The prong collar has a series of pronged metal links whose open ends lay flat on the dog’s neck. Its appearance has led to the common misconception that it is a torture device, however, when used correctly, it is an extremely effective training tool for teaching a dog to understand what is being asked of them.
Prong collars can also be called “pinch” collars, not because it pinches the dog’s neck, but because you have to pinch the prongs together to open the collar to put it on your dog. This name likely also leads to its bad reputation.
When used correctly, the prong collar is actually the best tool for protecting a dog’s trachea because it applies an equal amount of pressure around the dog’s neck, compared to a flat collar, or even a martingale, which puts pressure directly on a dog’s throat. This can lead to collapsed tracheas.
In his book, The Well Adjusted Dog, Dr. Daniel Kamen, a veterinary chiropractor states:
“The improper use of collars is the number one cause of cervical (neck) subluxations in dogs…The flat collar is the most common type, and can be dangerous if misused…It should not be used for obedience training…a frustrated owner who has difficulty controlling his pet will pull the dog in such a manner as to cause tremendous cervical muscle tightening, thus producing subluxations.”
How Does a Prong Collar Work?
Before you go and buy a prong collar and put it on your dog, I urge you to work with a professional dog trainer to learn proper use, technique, and sizing.
You don’t just put it on and go for a walk, letting your dog pull and self-correct constantly.
That won’t do anything except cause a lot of discomfort and confusion, creating a negative association with the tool. It’s not a magic wand!
Prong collars apply pressure evenly around a dog’s neck to teach them how to turn off pressure, giving them a very clear understanding of unwanted behaviors.
They are useful tools for teaching dogs how to walk nicely on a leash and to learn basic obedience, like sit, down, and place.
You can also use them to start the basis of recall.
Unlike a flat collar, harness, head halter, or even a martingale collar, the prong collar applies even pressure. Further, it releases quickly once the dog gives into the pressure.
Prong collars only require a small amount of force to communicate the behaviors you want from your dog.
Use a High-Quality Prong Collar
It’s important to use a high quality prong collar, otherwise a poorly made one will hurt your dog and can puncture their skin. Herm Sprenger prong collars are the highest quality and recommended by every dog trainer I know who uses them.
Herm Sprenger collars are designed with blunt ends that do not cause the dog pain, while the center plate creates symmetry to create the even pressure around the neck.
The prongs gently apply pressure around the dog’s neck, providing negative reinforcement when the dog pulls.
The only time the Herm Sprenger may not be the best option is for very small dogs. In that instance, you will want to use a Kimberland Collar.
How to Place a Prong Collar on a Dog
Proper fit of the prong collar ensures optimal communication and minimal discomfort for your dog. Consult a trainer to help with fit.
It should be placed high on the dog’s neck, just behind the ears. The collar should fit snugly, but not excessively tight. You may need to remove or add extra links to obtain the right fit.
The Herm Sprenger plate should be at the base of the dog’s throat, just below their chin, and the chain should be in between their ears.
You want to make sure that the chain forms a triangle and isn’t twisted, otherwise it won’t work properly.
Make sure that the collar does not droop because it can get caught easily, pinch the dog’s neck, and they can easily back out of it and escape.
Most dogs will use the 2.25 mm prong collar, where very large and strong dogs, like American Staffordshire Terriers (commonly mistaken as Pit Bulls), Dobermans, Mastiffs, etc may need to use the 3 mm prong collar.
Very small dogs, under 15 or so pounds can use the Micro Prong from Kimberland Collars.
Accurate sizing and width depends entirely on the dog, so please consult a professional trainer before purchasing one.
My favorite accessory for the prong collar is a Katie’s Buckle. Pinching the collar to take it on and off can be cumbersome, especially in cold weather or if you have small hands. Katie’s Buckles solve that problem!
Prong Collars are not Cruel, and Here’s Why
Aversive tool adversaries argue that prong collars and e-collars cause pain to a dog and damage the relationship between the owner and the dog.
This simply isn’t true.
Usually, the “horror” stories activists describe are meant to villainize these tools, making them out to be weapons of cruelty.
Antagonists of the prong collar focus more on its appearance and name and few have actual experience using the collar.
There is a single image that has been making the rounds on the Web for years that depicts a dog with deep prong collar marks on its neck.
This isn’t due to correct usage.
It is due to a negligent dog owner who has left the collar on permanently on a dog. It’s likely that this dog was tied up 24/7 and putting constant pressure on the collar.
The same thing could happen in a flat collar, harness, or even your own socks if you didn’t take them off for weeks on end.
The prong collar is a training collar. It should be used during training and not left on all the time.
We use Aversive Tools Every Day
The fact is, we use aversive tools every single day. We also use dangerous tools every single day. Some, in fact, are murder weapons.
Need some examples?
- Your alarm clock is an aversive tool that makes sure you get to work on time.
- Your car dings until you put your seatbelt on to ensure you’re safe in an accident.
- The knife you use to cut your food each meal can also be used to kill someone.
- A fire alarm saved my brother and sister-in-law’s lives when their house caught on fire.
- Driving our cars is the single most dangerous activity we do on a daily basis.
It’s easy to twist things out of proportion to make them look bad and sound factual. The reality is, when used correctly, prong collars perform a job effectively and humanely.
Any tool–leash, prong collar, flat collar, harness, your own hand, etc, when used incorrectly can cause harm.
The Science Argument Against Prong Collars
The same extremists also argue that the use of aversive tools isn’t “science-based.”
Again, this isn’t true.
Prong collars are a tool that follows the rules of operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is a method of learning that uses reward and punishment to teach behaviors. Humans learn through operant conditioning, and so do dogs.
Humans and dogs alike learn to make behavior choices based on the consequences for that behavior.
Attributed to B.F. Skinner, the principles of operant conditioning state that behavior followed by reward is more likely to occur. Contrarily, behavior followed by unpleasant consequences is less likely to be repeated.
The Four Quadrants of Operant Conditioning
Balanced dog training teaches a dog desired behaviors using both reward-based techniques and aversive corrections. Tools such as prong collars and e-collars utilize quadrants outside of positive reinforcement that help effectively communicate desired behaviors to the dog.
The technique incorporates actions taken from the four quadrants of operant conditioning which are outlined in the image above.
Here are a few examples for both humans and dogs:
- Your dog sits, you say “yes” and give them a treat. (Positive Reinforcement)
- Your dog jumps on you, you ignore them or turn your back. (Negative Punishment)
- You are caught speeding and the police officer issues you a ticket. (Positive Punishment)
- You arrive home late from curfew, so your parents take away your phone (Negative Punishment)
- Your dog pulls on the prong collar, which releases as soon as they stop pulling (Negative Reinforcement)
Issuing Corrections with a Prong Collar
Once a dog has learned a command to fluency, the prong collar can be used to issue appropriate physical corrections. Corrections help redirect poor behavior and remind the dog of the task.
A quick leash pop on the prong collar mimics the correction a mother dog will give her pup or a dog will give to another dog if they’re doing something they don’t like.
Corrections (or punishment, if we think back to the four quadrants) teach the dog consistency in a variety of environments.
Again, fluency is key. If your dog isn’t calm inside your house, you can’t just take them to the farmers’ market with you and expect perfect behavior.
You have to be fair to your dog. This means setting them up for success before you start using the prong collar for corrections.
How Long Will My Dog Have to Wear the Prong Collar?
This is a very common question among new users of the prong collar and there is no cut and dry answer.
It all depends on your dog and the amount of time you spend working with your dog.
I still use prong collar with Sitka when we go for walks, and we started training in spring of 2020. He can be pushy and likes to be in front when we walk, so we continue training that heel and wearing the prong collar.
He is also leash reactive, so the prong collar helps me navigate certain situations that might trigger his reactivity.
I know some friends that have switched to a slip lead, others use a flat collar. Some switch between different tools. It’s all about what works best for you and your dog.
The goal of using a prong collar shouldn’t be to stop using it as soon as possible, it should be to use it until your dog doesn’t need it anymore. Keep in mind that that day might never come and that’s totally fine.
Have you used a prong collar with a dog? What was your experience?
Do you have a different understanding of the prong collar after reading this article?
After a lot of research we decided to use a prong collar on our pitbull. He is very energetic,pulls and is very reactive to anything that moves. He is doing well with it. He doesn’t like to put it on but once its on he reacts to the collar and the corrections given very well. Still tends to pull when the family goes together. He maybe over excited but still reacts to the corrections when applied.
I’m glad you’ve had success with the prong collar! It can be really helpful for folks with strong dogs, like pitbulls!
How does one find a good dog trainer who is experienced and knowledgeable with prong collars? The ones around here all use positive reinforcement techniques and/or special collars, harnesses, leads, etc. We’ve failed with stopping our 34 pound rescue from reacting to other dogs using those.
This article should help! https://longhaultrekkers.com/7-tips-for-finding-a-professional-dog-trainer/
@Jeanette, CPDT here. The harness is not the ticket to stopping fear reactivity. The training is the ticket. Ensure the trainer is a CPDT. You can use resources such as the Pet Professional Guild to find someone in your area. Science-Based positive reinforcement training is the only way to go however, it’s important to ensure the trainer has proper credentials. It’s legal in the US for anyone to call themselves a dog trainer without any actual certification themselves. Lastly, good dog training is also good owner/human training, understanding canine behavior and language and committing to every moment with your dog as a teaching moment, much like raising children. We don’t set aside a few minutes or hour in a week to teach our kids how to walk, talk, potty train, eat with cutlery, etc. It’s non-stop,, every moment with them until they learn the skill. Dr. Sophia Yin has a great book called ‘How to Behave so Your Dog Behaves.’ Dr. Patricia McConnell also has a booklet you can get on Amazon kindle called ‘The Cautious Canine’ I’ve left a comment on this blog about the dangers of prong collars and they are not considered best practice by professionals but it’s pending so probably won’t be published as it is a criticism of this article.
Surprise, Holly! I approved your comment. I agree that the training is the ticket and that good dog training is about teaching the dog what you want, every moment until they learn the skill. Isn’t that cool that we agree even though we believe in different methods of training? I think it’s cool.
I used a prong collar on my 7 month old Dutch shepherd. It made a lady out of a hooligan. I used it as long as it was needed, as I did and e-collar. I proofed her on chickens, deer, coyotes and javelina. She currently has 11 titles and the the best dog I ever owned or trained.
So awesome to hear that you had such great results with your Dutch Shepherd!
After a few years of being stressed out and not sure how to tran our leash reactive Bouvier that darted all over the place, we sent him to a balanced trainer 4 week board and train that taught him and us to use with prong and e-collars. I was scared and concerned about using the aversive techniques.
We got him back a over a week ago and my fears were totally misplaced… I actually feel like I can communicate with him now and he understands! So happy we did the training, the change is amazing! He walks in a great heel when asked to, is sooo much calmer in general, and is way way less reactive. Walking him is now fun!
He’s still reacted in a few more intense situations situations like 2 large dogs rushing at him from behind a fence but he’s so much better in general. He also calms himself back down in seconds compared to minutes. It’s only been 5 weeks of training so I don’t expect him to be perfect already. But I suspect in a few months he’ll be pretty close.
He also now pretty reliably recalls off leash, which we didn’t ever think was possible.
And through all that, his personality at home and off leash is still basically the same goofy dog we love – just a bit calmer and a lot more obedient.
So huge believer in “balanced” training now. Read a lot of things on your site before sending him to the board and train. Keep it up!
Hey Nick! I’m so happy to hear that you had such great success with your board and train. I felt the same way after introducing the prong collar the first time. It was like we could have an actual conversation!
As a CPDT and certified behaviorist I’m appalled to see someone promoting this. It goes against all best practices in our field following the guidance of veterinary medicine and applied animal behabior science. This is not a case of different opinions, it’s a case of best practices and dangerous attitudes. What are your credentials? What professional certifications do you have and what professional guilds or associations are you a part of? It’s unfortunately legal in the US and beyond to call oneself a dog trainer without any actual certification and all too often self styled trainers with good intentions make dangerous recommendations. Promoting ‘tools’ such as prong collars or shock collars demonstrates either lack of professional certification or actually having the credentials but holding on to outdated theories from yesteryear. If you’re so confident in these tools, put them around your own neck and have someone ‘gently’ and ‘correctly’ use them on you and see how pleasant it is. I’m perfectly serious. If you wouldn’t do it to yourself or a child, you shouldn’t be doing it to a dog. I used to enjoy this blog back when it was about cycling. This is my first time visiting the site in a few years and I’m horrified about what your doing. Well intentioned pet parents will listen to you as their research generally consists of googling and reading blogs like this. Anyone reading this, I recommend looking into proper experts such as Dr. Patricia B McConnell, Paul Owens, Turid Rugaas, and the late Dr. Sophia Yin. An excerpt from Dr. McConnell’s website with citations: “But here we are in 2017, and prong collars are still being used. It should be clear that I’m not a fan. That probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone. The reasons not to use a prong collars are many: 1) They use “positive punishment” (positive does not mean good here!) to suppress behavior, which is associated with an increase in behavior problems [Herron et al Appl An Beh Sci 2009], an increase in aggression, and can diminish the trust between dog and owner, 2) they don’t teach the dog what you do want, and 3) they can cause physical damage to the neck, including to the sensitive thyroid gland, the spine, and the muscles of the neck. If you haven’t seen it yet, there’s a good article in Whole Dog Journal about this issue.” The whole dog journal she references is here:https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/care/collars-harnesses-leashes-muzzles/can-a-collar-damage-a-dogs-thyroid/
Hey Holly! First of all, thanks so much for visiting my blog and leaving not one, but two comments. Not only did you help me make some dough, but you also boosted my rank in Google and now more people will be able to learn about what a great tool the prong collar can be for their dog. I appreciate it!
I know you were worried that I wouldn’t approve your comment, but it does a great job of highlighting the exact misinformation and lack of knowledge I discuss in my training articles. So, let’s break them down, shall we?
1. Letters behind someone’s name don’t necessarily indicate their level of knowledge or skill. I look for proof of skill, not letters behind a name.
2. Promoting tools like prong and e-collars has nothing to do with credentials. It just has to do with method of training.
3. I have put these tools around my own neck. I also ask my clients to do the same so they understand what it feels like. Have you?
4. Now getting to the “if you wouldn’t do it to a child” argument, I’m guessing that you also wouldn’t make a child shit outside or eat from a bowl on the ground. That’s because they are a child and not a dog. As much as we love our dogs like children, they are not actually the same!
5. I think Patricia McConnell is great and I have read her books. Turns out, I can respect and admire someone AND not be in agreement with every single thing they say. Isn’t that neat?
6. “Positive” never means “good” in operant conditioning. It means the “addition of.” I’m surprised that this side note was made on McConnell’s website and that you agreed. That’s a big red flag for me if I were looking for a dog trainer. Again, kinda odd that you don’t know that given that you’re a certified dog trainer and all. Since you quoted McConnell, I trust that you also read the quote from Dr. Daniel Kamen in my post?
Anyhoo, I’m going to keep on promoting these tools because they work well for my training goals and many others have told me that they’ve helped their dogs as well. And I think that’s great!
@Jen Sotolongo, Thank you for this article! I have had a number of dogs that required different types of training. One benefited greatly from correct use/training with a prong collar. She was a large 70lb untrained older rescue that bonded with me very quickly. She weighed more than half of me and was very strong. I tried EVERYTHING and it was not until a dog trainer suggested the prong collar and correct usage that we were finally able to be successful. (had 10 happy years with her) One of our current dogs, easily trained loose leash without issue but the newest member, a bit more of a challenge. I agree that the right tool, with the right dog, is a Godsend. Correct technique, patience, consistency are key, no matter the tool.
I love when people are amazed how well the prong collar helps with super large, strong dogs! It’s such a great tool and I’m so glad to hear that you had success with your rescue!
@Jen Sotolongo,
Amen!!!! Obviously Holly is completely misinformed about the pronged collar. I’m a true believer in the pronged collar. We have one for our Great Pyrenees. I worked with a trainer from Suburban K-9. He was wonderful. He introduced us to the Sprenger pronged collar and explained at length how it mimics what the mother does to her puppies when they are misbehaving. I never knew that until he explained it to us and that the pronged collar uses the same technique. I wish people would do their homework before posting such nonsense. Kudos to you for actually putting the collar on yourself and for continuing to believe in your training methods. I am not against other types of harnesses and collars but with the advice of our trainer, and the fact that the Great Pyrenees breed is very large I felt that this works best for us. Thank you for your expertise and defending the pronged collar. It is not an outdated tool nor is it harmful.
Thanks so much for your comment, Sally and I’m so thrilled to hear that you had success with your Pyr and the prong collar! They are truly wonderful communication devices and I think that if people were more open, they’d see that for themselves. I barely have to put any pressure on dogs, no matter the size, strength, or how much they pull!
@Holly, The question is have you put it on your neck? I have and it certainly isn’t painful. It is meant to get a dogs attention and that is what it does! I have been involved with dog rescue for 30 years and have dealt with every kind of aggression, fear and overly strong and happy dogs. My biggest regret is that I bought into the bullshit about prong collars just because of how they looked.
Thankfully I hired a knowledgeable trainer at our rescue kennel who suggested using a prong on a couple of our extremely dog aggressive dogs. WOW! What a game changer! Not only are they more responsive, we have built a mutually loving a respectful relationship! Dogs I wasn’t sure we would find a home for, have been adopted and are thriving in their homes!
I have two of my own dog reactive dogs that I had almost given up walking, except at times of the day when we weren’t likely to run into may other people and dogs. I tried the prong collar on them and we can walk anytime and enjoy it! My relationship with my dogs is even stronger!
I also have two pit mixes I am fostering, rescued in a cruelty seizure a year and a half ago. They are/were terrified of everything, wasn’t even possible to walk them. Now we are going on walks and they are getting a chance to experience the world finally!!
Ironically, I have a harder time putting collars on these dogs than I do a prong collar! Not once have I seen any of the dogs cowar when putting one on, never seen their tail between their legs or their posture change negatively. Instead I get my dog to give me loving looks and watch his tail wag! I have not witnessed any negative behavior associated with using these collars…and trust me I’ve watched for it!!! I am all about positive reinforcement and training and will shout the praises of prong collars from the top of a mountain!
People stopped thinking of dogs as dogs and treat them as human children. We need to first remember they are dogs, and their momma taught them to be dogs. We project our feelings as human on them, and expect them to be perfect. We have a crisis with dogs being dumped in shelters for behavior… It’s our behavior and perception that needs to change! Ignoring what positive responses people and dogs have from using the prong collar is ignorant, especially when it is based on looks.
Prongs are not necessary for every dog or every situation, but work wonders when needed!
HAIL TO THE PRONG!
@Jen Sotolongo, My response to @Holly-
The question is have you put it on your neck? I have, and it certainly isn’t painful. It is meant to get a dogs attention and that is what it does! I have been involved with dog rescue for 30 years and have dealt with every kind of aggression, fear and overly strong and happy dogs. My biggest regret is that I bought into the bullshit about prong collars just because of how they looked.
Thankfully I hired a knowledgeable trainer at our rescue kennel who suggested using a prong on a couple of our extremely dog aggressive dogs. WOW! What a game changer! Not only are they more responsive, we have built a mutually loving a respectful relationship! Dogs I wasn’t sure we would find a home for, have been adopted and are thriving in their homes!
I have two of my own dog reactive dogs that I had almost given up walking, except at times of the day when we weren’t likely to run into may other people and dogs. I tried the prong collar on them and we can walk anytime and enjoy it! My relationship with my dogs is even stronger!
I also have two pit mixes I am fostering, rescued in a cruelty seizure a year and a half ago. They are/were terrified of everything, wasn’t even possible to walk them. Now we are going on walks and they are getting a chance to experience the world finally!!
Ironically, I have a harder time putting collars on these dogs than I do a prong collar! Not once have I seen any of the dogs cowar when putting one on, never seen their tail between their legs or their posture change negatively. Instead I get my dog to give me loving looks and watch his tail wag! I have not witnessed any negative behavior associated with using these collars…and trust me I’ve watched for it!!! I am all about positive reinforcement and training and will shout the praises of prong collars from the top of a mountain!
People stopped thinking of dogs as dogs and treat them as human children. We need to first remember they are dogs, and their momma taught them to be dogs. We project our feelings as human on them, and expect them to be perfect. We have a crisis with dogs being dumped in shelters for behavior… It’s our behavior and perception that needs to change! Ignoring what positive responses people and dogs have from using the prong collar is ignorant, especially when it is based on looks.
Prongs are not necessary for every dog or every situation, but work wonders when needed!
HAIL TO THE PRONG!
Thanks for advocating for this amazing tool! I’m so glad to hear that your rescue uses them! I really think dogs would be so much more ready for homes if more rescues embraced these tools rather than sending out dogs with issues to unsuspecting homes! I kinda want to make a shirt or sticker that says Hail to the Prong. 🙂
@Holly, Yes, this person would not be allowed to train dogs in many countries.
It’s true and really a shame.
@Jen Sotolongo, I think it’s great too! 😁👍
@Holly, why did you feel the need to comment, not once, but twice, to spread lies based on misquoted science studies? 🤔
Just happened to read this article. Have a friend that just acquired a 1yr female rottie, 90lbs. The wife is very petite. I have had 5 german shepherds. Both male and female. Have a 3yr male presently. Every trainer or class I have been to with my dogs have required a pronged or “power steering” collar. Believe you me, these are the best things ever. My boy howls with delight when he sees the collar and leash come out for his walk. Cannot imagine not using one. Trying to convince our friends this is the only way to go, with a dog that pulls constantly. They think it is a torture tool. Thanks, for a great article, jackie
Hey Jackie! So glad to hear that you’ve had such great success with the prong collar! I love the comparison to power steering, because that is very much what they do! While I don’t think they are the *only* way to teach a dog not to pull, I do believe they are the most efficient and effective way!
This site just lost all value for me after this article. Prong collars are torture instruments, period.
No need to announce your departure, but out of curiosity, do you use a knife to prepare your food each day? Who I am kidding! There’s no way you do, since knives are murder weapons, after all.
I have used a prong collar for 3 days on my 1 yr old strong and stubborn lab and it has been a night and day difference from his harness. Amazing!
Yay! I’m so glad to hear that you’ve had such quick success with the prong collar!
Thank you so much for the valuable information! In two weeks training begins for my female German Shepherd and a prong collar was recommended. I didn’t know much about them, but they do look scary so I was instantly worried. Your article changed my perspective. Your analogies were wonderful and really helped me to see the value in this training tool.
Oh, I am so glad to hear that you found the article helpful! I hope that the prong collar works well for your GSD! It’s truly a game changer for walks and communication in my experience!
I have a 2 yr old Havanese who is incredibly reactive. I sought help from an amazing dog trainer in Feb of this year and in May she suggested (if I felt comfortable) trying him with a prong collar. The difference is INCREDIBLE our walks together are now relaxing and enjoyable for both of us. This was only introduced once my trainer felt we had had enough training and that I was able to use the prong collar correctly.
I have tried him without the prong and he is still reactive so for now it is the prong life for us. And he is definitely happy to wear it.
YEAH! Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m so happy to hear that it’s going well and your dog’s reactivity is more manageable with the prong!
I don’t know if you might be able to help me, or guide me in the right direction for some answers, but here it goes. My wife and I just took in a German Shepherd Dog that was in a neglected and abusive home. She is very young at this point approximately 6-8 months. She has fearful tendencies that we are working through. Not sure if it is in her nature (GSD’s are relatively reactive dogs) or from her upbringing. Either way she listens very well in the house and when there are limited distractions, but once distractions are added she does not respond. She starts to completely disengage from us. On walks that means completely freezing in the street. I have tried the positive only technique where you use a treat to lure her in a direction. Unsurprisingly she didn’t care about the treat, the squirrel was much to interesting. I then did some research about training through some of those issues and came across the prong collar. I purchased the Herm Sprenger 2.25 with some extra links just in case. I wanted to make sure I could get the best fit around her neck. I then took 1 day of her just seeing the collar and hearing the collar and giving her some treats related to the collar. I then gave her about 1.5 days with her wearing the collar no leash attached or anything to get used to it. At least that is what I found online. She seemed totally good with it, until I started to teach her the corrections with it. I started with applying minimal pressure to get her to move in a direction and then treated her and released pressure once she went in that direction. After about 3 or 4 times of that she started biting the leash and then nipping at my hands. She refused to respond to commands and really shut down. I stopped the training as soon as I saw her frustration with it. Later that day I went to try again and she ran away from the collar. I am not sure if maybe this is the wrong tool. I could also maybe have made a mistake in introducing it. If you could provide any input at all it would be greatly appreciated! I just want to make sure I can properly communicate “No” with her safely and effectively. Right now she is a cute 45 pound dog that likes to go in her direction on walks. When she gets to 80 pounds, that won’t be nearly as cute. Lol.
I’m so glad you’re taking the steps to give your pup the training they need. Based on what you’ve described, it sounds like a couple things are going on here. First, it sounds like you’re going too fast, too soon. Your dog isn’t listening to you outside because they’re not ready for that step in training yet. Now the prong collar is a great tool to help with communicating with your dog in higher stimulation situations, and given the struggles you’ve described with your introduction to the prong collar, I would highly recommend working under the direct guidance of a trainer. They will show you how to properly use the collar, issue necessary corrections when it’s required, and how to teach your dog the language of pressure and release. Because the tool is new and you are new to using the tool it sounds like, you’re going to lack some knowledge and confidence in its use and application. That’s where a pro will be super helpful!
@Jen Sotolongo, I have enjoyed reading your article and everyone’s comments. I have just begun working with a trainer to introduce the collar after two years of R+ Training. I agree that Eryck should work with a trainer to properly learn how to use the collar in training, however I would really like to hear his question and concerns better addressed by you. His dogs reaction is the number one concern I and many people have in using this tool.
Fair enough, Nicole! Here are my thoughts:
First, Eryck noted that he and his wife picked up a dog from a “neglected and abusive home.” I’m curious if that’s actually true or a story that came with the dog because it’s a rescue. I’m not implying that Eryck is making anything up, but it is very common for rescue owners to make up stories about abuse and neglect, when that’s not necessarily the case. Creating such a story around the dog can make the owner more hesitant to create rules and structure, crate train, discipline, etc. because they feel sorry for the dog’s past. Dogs are very resilient and if the dog was indeed abused and neglected, then what is going to make her feel safe are the very things that we avoid: rules, structure, and discipline. Those things are not exclusive from providing love. They go hand in hand.
Next, regardless of whether she was abused and neglected, OP says she’s fearful, so you have to go really slowly with fearful dogs and build their confidence. She’s also a GSD and they can be very anxious dogs, which sounds like she is. Without having been there to see for myself how exactly he introduced the prong collar to her and started introducing her to pressure/release, here are some thoughts based on what could have gone wrong:
1. Maybe the collar doesn’t fit properly
2. I’m not sure if she understands marker words and/or has been taught yes/good/no marker words so that she understands fully what they mean
3. Biting at the leash and nipping at the hands sounds like protesting to me, which I’d stop with a “tsh!” sound. It also indicates to me that there is too much leash available to the dog, so my guess is that the handler is holding the leash too far away from the dog. She shouldn’t have any ability to be able to bite the leash.
4. She shouldn’t need commands in the introduction stages, commands come once the dog fully grasps what’s being asked of them. I’m also not sure how or where he was doing the training. Were they indoors? Somewhere stimulating? Was he doing 180° turns and continually moving? Was he marking at the right moment? How was he delivering the treat? There’s a lot of small things that go into teaching pressure release that make a difference!
5. OP made a good choice by stopping when she shut down. When he says that she ran away later, that indicates to me that he didn’t have her on leash first (with regular flat collar and lead) so she gets to practice running away from the thing that she doesn’t like.
Like I said, these are all possibilities of things that could have gone wrong based on the little information I have. I believe Eryck did his homework before introducing the tool, which is great, but without having been there myself, I can’t say for sure what could have gone wrong, hence why my quick answer was to work with a professional! I hope this helps, Nicole and Eryck!
After battling the thought for almost 2 years, we have decided to try a prong collar with our 60lb dog(with a trainer of course). The first session he did well with the collar. Lots of positive treats for good behavior. This article help calm some of my fears. I still believe it should be the last resort but after my guy pulled me off my feet and I fractured 2 ribs, it was time.
Dog pulling injuries are not all that uncommon! I’m glad you’re ok and that the prong collar is working well so far!
Thank you for this article. I was just shamed on social media for using a prong collar on my bullmastiff. We had tried every collar and harness possible, but unfortunately he still pulled me over and darted after anything, causing me a lot of soreness and skinned knees. I want him to go on walks with us so the prong collar was our last resort. I mean.. who wants to get a dog that can’t go on walks with you? Anyways, it helps tremendously. He no longer pulls me over. No more injuries. No more darting. When he hears the clink of the collar, he gets incredibly excited. I would assume if it was hurting him, he’d have the opposite reaction? Anyway. Thank you for calming me!
I’m so sorry that you were shamed for using a tool that helps you with your dog. The people that shame others for using training tools and methods they don’t like don’t have the same goals or tolerance. If some people don’t mind being dragged down the street by their dog, that’s their choice!
We have a 6 month old husky mix that pulls like crazy on her leash, she is also deaf. I took her to a trainer and she suggested the prong collar. At first I was horrified, I had been led to believe that positive only training was the way to go. I reluctantly let her put the collar on my dog. What a huge difference it made immediately. I went to her a few times to teach me how to use it. I purchased the one she recommended. My dog does very well with it, although she doesn’t like me putting it on. I have been reluctant to use it in public because of all the negativity associated with it. I think I just need to get over it, and use it more often, she will still pull without it on. Thank you for a wonderful article!
Woo hoo! I love hearing these stories! I had the same experience with a dog I had previously and it was truly mind blowing and life changing. If you plan to hike off-leash with your husky, I also highly recommend e-collar training. It’s a fantastic way to communicate with deaf dogs!
I’m one of those petite gals with an 80lb pitbull mix. It definitely helps on walks, keeping her from starting off after distractions and, consequently, pulling me off my feet. I also use it when she’s on her zipline because she snapped one line completely and broke clasp of two collars by hitting the end of the line at a run. I was highly concerned that she would hurt her neck/throat doing that. Using this collar has worked wonders deterring her from testing the line. She’s happy, well adusted, and it doesnt bother her at all until it pulls taught, then she stops. Works as intended.
I’m so glad that you’ve found it helpful for calm walking and for zipline use!
We rescued a GSD from a shelter in Egypt last April. She had never been on a leash before and pulled like a truck, having me on my knees several times. Then there was the reactivity to other dogs which was off the charts. We were planning a winter down south in an RV park where just about everyone has at least one dog, and I was so stressed about the prospect of the lunging, spinning and barking, that we nearly cancelled.
We dropped a lot of money on a ‘behaviourist’ who told us how great she was at animal psychology but after 4 weeks there was zero improvement. She even suggested that our dogs behaviour problems were so severe that we should be considering medication which would have brought her a lifetime of sedation.
We then sought help from the rescue organisation thinking she might have to be rehomed. In one day, our issues were resolved! We took a trip to a city park where we walked with a pack of GSDs (all rescues), and our mentor suggested the Herm Sprenger collar. Having listened to our behaviourist nonsense, I was completely against it, but gave it a try. Wow. I’ve read comments on here talking about night and day, and that is so accurate. Within 5 minutes (seriously), she was walking to heel, ignoring other dogs, and for the first time out on a walk, her tail was swishing and she just seemed to love being outside.
I cried. This was the girl we’d hoped for.
I had read all the books mentioned in previous comments, listened to audio and watched the videos, and was brainwashed into a completely incorrect perception of what a prong collar was.
Anyway, fast forward to today, when she wants to go for a walk, she nudges her collar, jingling it until I put in on her. She is the best girl in the RV park, loves every moment of a walk, greets her friends along the way, and shows no aversion to her collar whatsoever.
Your article was so spot-on, I had to comment, as I was one of those who used wildly inaccurate and biased information to make my early choices. I could have ended up with a highly medicated dog or at worst opted for behavioural euthanisation which was also suggested.
I did let the behaviourist know we had chosen to use a prong collar, and cancelled all future appointments. She never gave us the courtesy of a reply.
I’m so glad that you’ve found success with the prong collar. It’s truly amazing how well and quickly it works. I also hope that you find a trainer that supports your choice of tools!
Thank you for the article, I started a training class with my puppy back in July. Our trainer uses the prong collar from day one if it’s possible, it really doesn’t hurt one bit as long as you use it properly! He’s now 8 months and one of the better behaved dogs that constantly gets compliments. I still get negativity from friends but I only use it when we go on walks or we do training. He begs for it to go on when we do, somehow I’m told that’s a negative response lol
The prong collar is so amazing and I’m glad that you’ve seen such wonderful results for your pup.
Good grief. Thank goodness I live in one of the countries which has banned them, and we have no problems communicating with our dogs. But then again we send our kids to school without fear of mass shootings either.
Strange how countries with high animal welfare rules have fewer on rescue centres, fewer euthanised and fewer dog attacks. You don’t need pain to train
Good grief. Thank goodness I made a choice for my own dog and didn’t just assume that what I hear about tools I’ve never used is true. But then again, everything they say on the Internet is true, so I guess it must be so. Strange how people who have never experienced something are more closed minded than those who seek a solution to their problem. And I agree, you don’t need pain to train.
I recently adopted a black pit mix who was also heart worm positive. She was so sweet and submissive when meeting my older rescue. I thought she’ll never be adopted with the black dog syndrome, pit mix and HW+, but we had love at first site! Fast forward to her completing heart worm treatment. Now that she doesn’t feel sick from HW, her personality came out. She’s extremely strong and dog reactive towards any dog that’s not her brother! Looked into trainers and one states up front they use prong collars. I hesitate because what I’d heard about them, but decide to give it a try because she’s unlike any dog I’ve owned in the past. I had extreme anxiety and fear taking her for a walk, but now she’s amazing. She sits up tall and happy when I grab her prong collar because she knows she’s about to get lots of treats and enjoy some kind of adventure! The reactivity is manageable now. I have put the prong collar around my arm and squeezed it as much as I could and it’s NOT painful. It simply applies pressure… so do massages, but we like those!! I’m now a confident dog owner. I was also nervous about what others would think. When it’s cold and icy we walk at Lowes store and the sweet older ladies working come up without hesitation to give her treats. Ive not heard one comment about it. We are more bonded than ever and her behavior is amazing at home, I don’t have to use her prong collar where she’s comfortable with her surroundings because she knows what is expected of her! Thank you for educating others about collar.
I’m so happy to hear that the prong collar has been such a helpful tool with your pup’s reactivity! It’s truly amazing how well and how quickly it works with just the tiniest amount of pressure. I also used to worry about what people would say when they saw me out with my dog on his prong and e-collar and in the four years I’ve had him, no one has ever said a word.
I had my hip replaced and was worried about walking my doodle and being pulled. I sent her to The Canine Coach the trainers I used when she was a puppy and after 5 days at “camp” the prong worked wonders. Saga is happy and excited when she sees me grab her collar and leash and stands very still to let me put it on and take it off.
Whoo hoo! I love to hear that. Sounds like you got the right tool just in time!
I have a 3mm prong for my absolute tank of an English bull terrier and he has calmed down significantly and no longer pulls every direction. He is reactive to nervous or highly strung dogs, especially if he’s not familiar with them, this has also become much less. I seldom need to apply any corrections now and only use it if we go somewhere where he could become reactive. He knows the sound it makes when I give it a shake and he gets so excited to put it on.
It is a great tool I have used on and off for nearly 20 years and only some of my dogs that required it. The majority having been rescues with massive reactive issues, some needed it and some didn’t, every dog is different. It’s a tool like any other, it can work wonders or it can be abused.
Thanks for sharing your experience, John!
So, in other words, you would be banned from training dogs in Europe. Nice to know you are not a professional trainer.
I would and it sucks. It’s kinda like when a bunch of law makers and lobbyists who are not dog trainers make laws about things they know nothing about.
I’ve found that Herm Sprengers make a positive world of difference with reactive dogs and heavy pullers. I acquired a pitty that was bred for fighting and was very reactive in his youth. With a flat collar he literally dragged me down the street and crashed me into a telephone pole! With the Herm sprenger, we could enjoy a calm, controlled walk. He quickly figured out the collar was his gateway to a walk and would come running when he heard it jingle and would help put it on.
Yes! They’re amazing tools that work almost instantly!