Nothing worked until I found this site and started using a prong collar. I was going to buy a front clip harness (for more control as she is either following her nose without listening to me or tries to run away from scary things) but after reading your article Im wondering if a prong collar would be better?. With the gentlest reminder, and no indication that she had felt anything at all, my dog turned straight back to me, looking happy and ready to take notice of me. WebHidden Prong Collars. Anyone else has used it on large dogs? Our goal should be to use these tools to facilitate access to a wide variety of positive physical and social experiences and to allow our dogs as much agency as possible so that they can control and make choices that suit them. I dont think the fear is based on the leash, but something else. He didnt need to or want to. Technically yes. Of course, if you see regression, then make sure that the previous training method is reverted to., This is a really subjective question. It is made up of a metal Ziv, Gal. I just want him to be the perfectly trained dog I know hes capable of becoming. Weve invested a lot of time and money in our training and I feel like we have to go back to the drawing board. Which in the summer months of course is everyone we see. It depends on the severity of his fearfulness. She actually does really well but is strong with high prey drive. Sure someone could use it to hurt a dog if they want to pull tight and nag on the dogs neck. I have tried 2 different harnesses and if he gets really excited he can escape both.once after a groundhog, once when a farm combine crossed in front of us he escaped the harness only 4 times total in a year, but each time was dangerous. I have one dog that doesnt need it anymore, the other (our lab) is a constant puller without it. She is 38 lb. The Ray Allen multi-function harness is designed with a lot of sports in mind. In fact, they do quite the opposite for the latter. Kodi will be 2 yrs old in September this year, originates from a rescue center and has been with me from 4 months of age. 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. Whether or not a dog wearing an e-collar, prong collar, or shock collar is largely happy or living a good life, the reason these devices work is that they cause some degree of discomfort, pain, or distress (regardless of the level of intensity). 2, I think it can add a little stress during dog-to-dog interactions, especially if the other dog is aggressive. A TWITCH influencer has stunned her fans and was temporarily banned from the platform after a terrifying video. Possibly causing neck/throat problems. Im sorry to hear that you havent found a trainer that will work with you. No more choking off the trachea. I think most people are afraid to publicly admit the prong collar is a great training tool. This post is from the perspective of a dog owner (me) that has experience with all types of training techniques, and yes that includes reactive dogs, shy dogs, scared dogs, and happy go lucky dogs. A lot of peer pressure and uneducated people spreading rumors about a training tool they have no experience with. My new rescue golden girls neck (just below her ears) measures 14. in. Oftentimes Prong collars are brandished around as the holy grail of owning a dog. Do your dogs reach a point that you no longer have to use the prong collar? Have you read the other comments here? and links therein.) 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. You should be exhausting other means before resorting to a prong collar.And I know that sometimes it can feel like you have done so, but typically? 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. If you think prong collars are cruel, think about it this way. I spent a year night after night, hours in all weathers, trying thresholds etc to help our dog and while we saw improvement she was still had some reactivity issues. 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 We have read numerous articles and watched dog training videos. We took different routes, different scenery with woods walks and hikes vs. in the neighborhood nothing helped. haha. Did not work at all. In one session she was working roundabout his dog with no issues. From tracking to bite work (agitation work), and even an every day harness! There are different styles of the prong collar. I would also suggest finding a good behaviorist trainer in your area that can help you one on one. This is something that I will be sure to remember because Im planning to buy handmade dog prong collars for my dogs at home. We are switching over to a 1 on 1 trainer very soon hoping it will help with his other problems we are having at home. She walked normal and actually we all enjoyed our walk instead of dreading it. I just started using one. The rescues and shelters are full of dogs that were not trained properly by their owners and so were abandoned. Not that it wont work, but because he is still young enough to teach him not to pull without it. Adding in a prong collar and correcting their fear (aka. Your responsibility is to ensure that your dog responds to essential demands. Im over that. However, loose leash walking has literally been impossible. This muddies the water for guardians seeking help with their companion dogs: If a force-free trainer with whom they worked didnt help them, does that push them to work with a trainer who uses force? Use lots of love and positive reinforcement with a no pull harness. It is so inspiring, it brought tears to my eyes. But for corrections? 6. Summary of eRumor: This warning about the dangers of pronged collars, a tool used for training dogs, appeared on social media. 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! No. Yes it will help you a lot! However, she told me that she uses a prong collar with her two German shepherds for the same reason and offered to demonstrate on my dog while we were there. We recently attended a three week intensive training program for our 4 year old, 50 lb lab mix. But more importantly is the age of the puppy. I swore Id never use a prong, they are cruel, I thought. A word of caution thoughif you do use one expect criticism from others. They certainly can be if misused. I was a bit taken aback, as I didn't expect it and thought it was cruel. Thousands of trainers and Id wager millions of owners train their dogseasy dogs and challenging dogsand manage their behavior without any of this stuff. I have seen all of those injuries in dogs, and I experimented with many of those tools before I tried the prong. I mean, afterall, if youve been using a tool for 30 years with your dogs (or even 3 months) you dont want to find out that youve been doing a bad thing, or that if youve been sucking it up and using a harness, you dont want to find theres potentially an easier option., So, I want to discuss one of those options for you now, so that you, my dear puppy parent, understand what youre looking at when assessing these options for you and your little pup. I have more confidence and she listens effectively. Some people Make sure to check back in, cant wait to hear your success story. Dr. Alix Partnow, a neurologist at VCA Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle, and Grisha Stewart, a Seattle dog trainer and author, answer this weeks questions. This needs to be done with good training. A few thoughts first, you need to not care what other people think. And thank you for all you do. If you can figure that out? Should it be worn during the day and removed at night? I enrolled her in puppy class and the prong collar has changed my life and the dogs life. Some dog breeds tend to be wanderers, and an intact dog or girls in heat can be problem too. I so hate to see good, effective training tools totally demonized. 100% agree if they were hurting the dogs they would be yelping none stop when walking them. 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!! She may also just be going through a fear period. Decided to use the old prong collar on a walk to the post office with Bow today ???? I dont see dog trainer in your credentials, but do see a link to a product which suggests you make money off of your recommendation. A dog has to have the following floor space available: Now what should I do? I felt like his regular collar was causing him pain because he was pulling against it so much. I bought a Herm Spengler for my 3 year old 100lb. Thank you, the bandana is a good idea. Old Medication, New Use: Can Prazosin Curb Drinking? The use of any electrical devices for disciplinary purposes (electrical fence, anti-bark, collars with remote control) is not allowed. Shelby, I love your story! Ill let you know how our first walk goes! Does the prong collar hinder your relationship with your dog? Suggestions? When it comes to young dogs and puppies, one of the most lethal and scary things in the dog world is Parvovirus, or Parvo. WebProng collars arent banned in Australia. He growls a little but I know hes just reacting and not being aggressive. 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 is so much happier on her walks and so am I. WebThere are two recommended sizes of prong collars for dogs. Viewfinders, what do you think about the ban on prong collars? She gets so over excited in this, and a few other, situations that I have real trouble holding her back she has on occasions pulled me over! Mark Furner, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, said the government is delivering on its election commitment to review the I support so much the keep working till you find something that actually works, and make sure you know how to use it before using it. 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]. Shes a 5 year old Great Pyrenees cross that Ive had the joy of owning for a year now. Try this post, and if you need more help? A prong collar worked wonders on my hooligan, made her walk like a lady. Dog lovers are fighting to extend this ban to prong and choke collars as well. Its kinda like tapping your dog on the shoulder to keep his attention on you. No more shoulder injuries for me. Ultimately, a leash is simply a tool, a kind of umbilical cord between human and dog that can be used well or poorly. The collars are adjustable by adding/removing links. Filter by 1 Inch Custom Hidden Prong Embroidered Collar $0.00. As we were completing this essay, Mary told me the following story that horrified me. he wont make eye contact, has to be taken out of his kennel, has to be carried inside after be letting out to go to the bathroom, etc. He was also extremely leash reactive and aggressive towards other dogs in general. I want my dog to be off leash if we move there. We use a mini prong collar and had to adjust the number of links. Below is a step-by-step guide outlining the steps we took and the timeline we used as we worked toward our prong collar ban. Thank you for this article devilifying prong collars. 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! This is the information I'l looking for also. It is like an airbag, you hope it never has to deploy, but when you need, it better be there! Thanks for the information. Many civilized countries have outlawed prong collars, recognizing the harm they can do! This is an awesome example of how great of a tool the prong collar can be under the right training. You are doing everything right, just take it slow. I love a system, and the Ray Allen Manufacturing designed Nomad Interchangeable Harness System really does the trick. also, does she always have to use the prong collar? A couple years of extremely hard work and amazing luck in happening upon a rescue dog with an incredible temperament and work drive, and my goals of having a pet to hike with turned into a lifelong passion for training dogs as a hobby and advocating for responsible dog ownership. Many civilized countries have outlawed prong collars, recognizing the harm they can do! It means that youre not in control. Leashes and collars are tools of control and should be used very carefully, In Unleashing Your Dog: A Field Guide to Giving Your Canine Companion the Best Life Possible, Jessica Pierce and I write that while tools of control are often necessary, we should remain alert to the diverse ways in which they can inhibit a dogs freedoms and the ways these devices themselves can be harmful., Research tells us that the use of force via aversive equipment is not only ineffective but can be psychologically and physically damaging. Twice have hurt my back holding him, and I also have tendonitis in both hands/wrists, so holding on to him when he is distracted can be really painful. Animal welfare law changes to include prong collar ban 9 May 2022 Tony Keim The banning of prong collars used to restrain dogs is one of suite of proposed changes in the Queensland Governments first review of My first dog was a female shepherd-mix rescue and I used a prong collar on her to amazing effect. Thoughts? Dr. Jean Dodds says choke or prong collars are not recommended as they can easily injure the delicate butterfly-shaped thyroid gland that sits just below the larynx and in front of the trachea. We sometimes will put a bandana on our dogs to cover the prong collar. Tried the front clip harness but she would still pull so hard she would flip herself over and on to her side how does that not break ribs?! The training program we used 20 years ago used a choke collar, so that is what we were used to. As soon as the collar goes on I have total control over him. Once your dog proper leash etiquette with the prong collar do you have to use it from here on out? Thanks for your advice and recommend!! Great, checked that off the list. What is Positive Punishment in Dog Training? This sort of state is not a state where learning can occur, its a state where all their options have been removed., The analogy used by a lot of people is imagine your worst fear, and then someone sitting there and forcing you to face it., Prong collars are not suitable for anything fear-based, which is where reactivity falls., Regardless of my training preferences. I actually have a ton of experience with the prong collar with my own dogs and other foster dogs I have trained. Psychology Today 2023 Sussex Publishers, LLC. However they are illegal here so its very difficult to promote them in a public way. We rescued a 14 month old, 80 pound, muscular, untrained male doberman and walks with him were impossible. I can only hope that the prong collar helps as I am having a hard time controlling him when people and animals walk within eyesight. Yes, Yes, Yes!!! Or pulling his owner over, cause owners not to walk their dog? He hates them all except treats, of course, but they have zero effect on his lunging and pulling. Hi Debi, I have a pit Pyrenees rescue and have been in weekly training. Its important to keep in mind that using harmful collars are elective. I have a smart medium drive 5 1/2 month old GSD male pup. My dog like to take off after rabbits . This made walking him difficult as he wanted to get to anyone or anything he saw. Now presume there is a fence (metal picket fence/devils fork) in the dogs way and he decides to jump this but your choke or prong hooks on the live ring. I have used prong collars before with fantastic success. 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. You can do it with patience and guidance.. As you go through the article, see if you can tell why theyre wrong. No trainers want to work with me because I have him on a prong. Sarah, I totally understand your hesitation. I used positive reinforcement in training him to walk since he was 3 months old. The positive training methods consist of a verbal correction, which leads to a treat (definitely food motivated dog). :/ (Thank you for posting that video!). PostedApril 25, 2019 Leash pulling is certainly one of the most frequent points of contention between human and dog, and it may be one reason that many dogs dont get walked: It can become a real headache for someone to try to walk a dog who constantly tugs and pulls and strains. That should tell us something. Im not finding anything in the ADA that says anything about these collars ( any collars for that matter). This isn't the case in England, where they're legally allowed to be used without restriction. Prong, or pinch, collars can look similar to a limited slip or martingale collar, other than they have metal prongs that protrude toward the canines throat when the pet uses the collar. I can even run in the park with him without getting dragged or jumped on. But for a stubborn dog, he may decide the pressure of the prong pulling on his next isnt enough to not go after the rabbit. Have you witnessed a dog pulled so hard on a flat collar that it chokes it self to the point of gagging? I think thats what gets so many people especially with e-collars or prong/choke collars, they just get it thinking it will be a quick fix and have no idea how to use it. I'm just afraid I'm going to lose the arm muscle I built up from all that pulling! Your comments are spot on that trainers are obsessively against this collar so fear there will be no where for me to go to get training if I were to purchase.