Prong or Pressure Collar

[VON KIRCHER]

We have just purchased one for use with Zeus. So far it has been great. Just putting it on him, not even with the lead, he is at complete attention. We walked through Petsmart right after buying it and he was amazing, a real Representative of the Breed.

Any suggestion or cautions with our continued use would be great.

[Rocky's_mom]

I have a prong collar for Rocky. The only time I put it on him is when we are doing serious training. If he got caught somewhere...and some prongs went in his neck, I would never forgive myself. That's my caution :D

[VON KIRCHER]

Totally agreed. :D Before we put it on him, I thought, "what am I about to do to my 'little guy'?" I will only put it on him while training and in a croweded area.

[Rocky's_mom]

I don't know what it is about prong collars, but it really makes his mind think. I think once he see's the prong collar out, he gets into his 'i'm in training' mode. It's really nice.

[flyballmom]

Prong collars on everybody at my house! Charleigh even pulls with it ON when she really has a bug up her butt (like a cat across the street, squirrel in the park, blowing leaf or piece of trash) but one quick pop with the leash and BACK into line she goes! She gets excited when she sees it come out, it means we're going to do something FUN!

[VON KIRCHER]

When walking what is the best way to heel? If I give it a tug, Zeus will get into a sit position. Then he won't really want to get going again. It's strange because none of this happened that day in Petsmart, its just happening now when working one on one.

[Patty1231]

Try putting a treat in front of his nose, say heel, and step off with your left foot. He should follow your lead - if he does, give him the treat. As far as sitting, he's probably just not sure what you are expecting of him. He'll learn, be consistent.

[TrishB]

You have to remember that a correction 'pop' with a prong collar is a tougher correction than the same pressure applied to a choke. Therefore, it makes sense that your dog might say "WHOA!! I didn't mean it!!" and shut down a bit from this new, tougher correction.

Using a horse term, you need to have 'soft hands' with a prong collar. You can't use the same pressure as with a choke. So be sure that when he's learning that you're only in very familiar situations and you're setting yourself up for success.

Instantly putting on a prong and going into a crowd wouldn't be fair. You need to learn about it and so does he. Should you go into that crowd and he suddenly get a full, heavy, prong collar correction may give him reason to dislike crowded situations.

Take your time. The prong collar, although very effective, takes time to learn and master. Good luck :)

[VON KIRCHER]

TrishB, I totally agree. I am making an effort to have a very light touch with it. Believe me, when it comes to Zeus, the last thing I would want to do is set him up for failure, or cause him pain. Thanks for the advice, hearing that will make me even more aware while training. :)

[TrishB]

No problem!

I equate a prong collar to a 'tougher bit' in a horse. It is a tool - and yes, it will command more respect. But it is very easy to go over board with it.

Look at fine dressage horses. The bits that most use, would be torture devices in uneducated hands! Tongues have almost (and some have) been severed! :(

However, in educated hands, the slightest nuance is communicated softly and the action given willingly. :) That is the point - nuance and softness rather than jerk and drag.

A prong is the same. A wonderful tool that commands respect in order to be effective, from both dog and handler. :)

[Collapso]

When I started Intermediate Obedience class with Maggie, she was still pulling too hard on the standard choke collar. With the prong collar, I got her immediate attention and much better control with a LIGHTER :) touch. I only use it during training sessions so that she doesn't become too used to it. I'd never put her in her crate with it on. Too much of a possiblility of snagging on the wire.

----------------------------
Bob

Maggie, 2 yo, CGC, Rescued & Recycled

[LavenderRott]

My beagle mix wears a prong collar for her walks. She is so focused on everything but me that no other collar would get her attention. She loves to see the collar come out and she walks great when it is on.

[Carol Burke]

Prong collars are wonderful training aids and do need soft hand as Trish pointed out. Another thing that anyone using a prong collar has got to be aware of is how to properly fit and use the collar. I can't tell you how many prong collars I have seen fitted incorrectly.

The collar needs to be as high as possible on the neck and it needs to be snug enough to stay high, otherwise it is useless.

[Ilovemypuppy]

The collar needs to be as high as possible on the neck and it needs to be snug enough to stay high, otherwise it is useless.

Suzanne Clothier disaggrees with that placement and says it can cause a lot of damage ...please read here article on prong collars at this link....

http://www.flyingdogpress.com/artlibreg.htm

[Skip]

Originally Posted by VON KIRCHER

When walking what is the best way to heel? If I give it a tug, Zeus will get into a sit position. Then he won't really want to get going again. It's strange because none of this happened that day in Petsmart, its just happening now when working one on one.

There is a difference between "heeling" and "walking with manners". I save "heeling" for only certain times (specific training, competition). For general walking with me (such as when going for a walk, hike, in a petstore, etc..) I expect the dog to remain close (on a loose leash), but not in a tight, structured heel position. Actual "heeling" for the dog should be a very precise, focused position for the dog and (in my opinion) should not be used for general walking. The dog will enjoy the walks more.