PRONG COLLARS GOOD OR BAD

[DELILAHS MOM]

It was suggested to me to get a prong collar for my 5month old rotti Delilah. I need to know more about them and what are they exactly good for. My 5month old has a jumping problem that I seem to have a hard time correcting. She just won't listen to me. I read on here about other people's rotti's and how well trained they are. I want the same for my Delilah I was told that a prong collar is good for correcting behavior. I need some suggestions on prong collars and how to use it.

[norcal420]

I switched Chevy from a choke chain to a prong collar about 3 mos. ago. Big difference. He used to pull on the leash during walks, but no longer. When your dog pulls, the prongs push into their neck, causing them to slow down. Chevy only yelped once from the surprise of the prongs, not the pain (at least I think so). Quickly the dog learns not to pull and a heel becomes very easy . . . not sure about the jumping problem, I'm still working with Chevy on that.

DR & Chevy

[Echowe]

If used the prong collar correctly, it is a wonderful tool. Do a search on prong collar under training and you'll find all sort of info on it.

[judy v]

The pinch or prong collar can be a marvelous tool, provided you take the time to learn how to use it correctly. Keep in mind that anytime your leash becomes taut, the collar is not being used effectively. Just as a horse becomes desensitized to the barbed wire fence he is leaning over, a dog can become desensitized to a pinch collar. Find someone to help you. While five months seems to be a little young, it is really hard to tell without seeing the problem. There are many, many variables in training. Good luck in your problem solving, and take care.

[WorkinDogz]

I agree with Judy.

Any training tool is only as effective as the operator.

I would suggest that at 5 months; the dog is ready for a Beginners Obedience Course

[Hurricane]

Hurricane just recently started pulling while on the leash. I use a leather collar and a 6' lead. When he would start to pull, I would give a little jerk and release. For any who ride, I refer to it as a half-halt, just like the one I use on the horse. Now, when we went to the park for our weekly swim, something bad happened. We were working our way down the hill to the creek. Cane decided he wasn't staying with me, but instead running to hubby and Tornado. I was already precariously balanced and when he jerked me, I fell and twisted my knee and ankle a little. I didn't bother keeping the leash in my hands, as I knew where he was going and didn't want to seriously hurt myself in a fall. I'm considering changing collars, hoping to gain some of his leash respect back. I'm experienced with a choke chain, but not at all experienced with a prong or pinch collar. Should I stick with what I know? I've read quite a few comments against choke collars, in favor of the prong, but I don't even know how to fit a prong,and fear that I may mis-use it through ignorance. Kinda like spurs, harsh bits, and stud chains get mis-used on horses. What do you guys think? I also wanted to ask about working him back into the leather collar if I change. I'd prefer to use a correctional collar as a tool, and not make it a permanent change. Perhaps I should go with the choke in conjunction with the leather collar? I've done most of my training with Shelties, and Tornado was never a puller in the first place.

[This message has been edited by Hurricane (edited November 01, 2000).]

[jewel]

To hurricane: A prong is what we riders call a "bit with a chain under the chin" its there when you need it. I use one and at first i thought that it was cruel and inhumane, but I gave it a go, and I sware by them They look horrid, but the effect from them is much more effective and humane then a choke collar. As for your guy jumping, I would try this: get the dog to stand in front of you, make him jump on you, call him up (have a helper) and when he does, get the helper to yank DOWN on the collar, say NO at the same time. Make sure you pull dowm. Anyother way would be useless. I have never used this method my self, never had that problem. but my trainer told someone that in a class. It might be worth a shot!

[jmysgrl]

I too use the prong, I have found it to sometimes be self correcting with Dweezle when we are walking.You have some very good advise on this thread on this type of collar.
If the thought of the prongs intimidates you like they did me, ask about rubber tips that can be slipped on the prongs of the collar. I personally felt better about using them. It's just a matter of personal preference. I do like the prong/pinch better than choke for training. Just remember as with a choke, never put your furkid out on any kind of tie out with the prong/pinch or unintentinal sadness could occure.

[Hurricane]

Jewel, I have seen riders really abuse leverage bits, and of course, the horses suffer for it. But! I just learned that my neighbor has used a prong for her GSD, so if it comes to needing it, she can help me fit one properly and show me how to use it! I would never turn a beginner rider loose in a double bridle, and I was very hesitant to consider the prong without someone available to show me it's proper use. It's encouraging to find out that once the respect is learned, I can go back to using a regular collar. :-)

[jewel]

As long as you can properly use the collar, it is very effective, and in the wrong hands it can be very defective. Such as riders, but you also must keep in mind that horses and dogs are different. (about 1000lbs+) I still use mine, but I'm slowley weeding her off of it. And it will take some time. Good luck!

[JO ANN OLIVER]

My Bear wears a prong collar when we go for our walks or really when we leave the house.
We were out for several hours Sunday walked all over the place...He is a real gentelman with it on...It worries me so I keep checking it...But it seems fine

J.Oliver