I dont think so. Though she is a pretty good heeler without it I feel safer and feel like she is calmer with it on. Disappointed by the bias. 1 1/2 Inch Keeper's Hidden Prong Double Leather Collar Gold and Silver Knots on Black Web with Metallic Gold and Black Leather and Brass Hardware $0.00. This was the same store I had been in days earlier with Bear and could barely hold onto him where he was now sitting next to me at the register!!!! Then, watching YouTube videos last night, I came across Solid K9 Training (Jeff, above in this blog) and discovered that I was using the prong collar ALL WRONG even on my first dog. Good luck with your future training of your puppy! Thank you for the article it helped ease my mind in using this for our pups. She quickly realized she wasnt a dog person and wanted to rehome her. Prong collars have been banned in many countries that have announced them as illegal. It could take months or years, depending on your training. Yes. I dont think its inhumane to use the collar w/o any jerking or quick pulling motions, but if youre one of those people who yanks, or if you have a dog that will abruptly yank, you need to do more than use a prong collar. Her eyes arent red after a walk and she doesnt pant constantly walking now. There is enough research to know they are not humane or safe. Funny how that works. Thats all. She may also just be going through a fear period. He hates them all except treats, of course, but they have zero effect on his lunging and pulling. Thoughts? Can you tell me why theyre being misused? We only introduced it after 31/2 mths at which point Ive learnt to read my dog and I have the knowledge how to manage him and descalate his triggers etc. Note: I just received an interesting email asking if it's possible that some dogs hold grudges against their guardians and trainers who mistreat them with aversive collars and "other abusive training techniques." 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 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 whole heartedly believe the prong collar can change peoples and dogs lives. New Zealand, Austria, Australia, Switzerland, the Canadian Province of Quebec, and many others have made prong collars (and in many cases choke and shock collars) illegal. prong collars This is where a lot of pro-prong people will say But my dog loves their prong which is great, but in the same way youve conditioned them to love that prong? But its illegal for individuals to import them. Just train the right way the first time and dont seek shortcuts.. Many dogs will still pull, despite the discomfort, and are at risk of injury to their necks. Then we started a balanced training class, and they showed us how to use the prong collar. personality. Imagine a sunny day in that idyllic world without electronic and prong collars. Your story along with all the others brave enough to share will helps others in your same situation. Then, when they do something right, or are questioning themselves, the fact you dont pop the leash means that they get a rush of relief. This is the worst tool you can use for a reactive dog. 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 supported by Herm Sprenger, the top manufacturer of prong collars in the world., Anything pain based is not suitable for a reactive dog.. She is happy and waiting for me to put it on. He was a bully breed mutt and 100 +lbs. And although I knew they were just barking and pulling because they wanted to investigate and make friends, staffies barks tend to be quite scary, which Im sure intimidate my neighbors. How do you know what size collar to purchase ? Just remember, the collar needs to be high up on the dogs neck, just below the ears. I have a 5 month old Rottweiler and I need to make sure he does not pull me In the winters . I love hearing all the success stories. Discussion] Prong Collars, they're The Effects of Using Aversive Training Methods in Dogs: A Review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 19 (2017): 5060. Used poorly, the leash can become a source of severe physical and sensory deprivation and harm. However, the first reference to dog collars comes from Ancient Egypt. No matter what treats or happiness we used, she always found a way to push ahead and not pay attention to us at all. Not all prong collars are created equal, the cheap versions can have sharp points and break. Psychology Today 2023 Sussex Publishers, LLC. More sophisticated behavior modification and management technology that is without any violence has been widely disseminated. So now its up to you to decide what you are comfortable using to train your dog. I know some people cringe at the sight of a prong collar, it looks barbaric and cruel. This needs to be done with good training. 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!! He already knew all basic commands, house broken and crate trained. She would get all excited to see me get it out and wait for me to put it on because it either meant going fir a walk or training which meant lots of one on one time with lots of praise and lovins. While establishing a governing body regulating the dog training industry is essential and necessary now, it will take time. Time, time is all it takes. My daughter took him out today on a prong collar and she said he did good. You still need to train your dog. 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! Punishment often appears to work quickly (who wouldnt want to avoid a painful or uncomfortable correction?) I have never had him so much as attempt to lunge on the prong collar. Many people have never seen a prong or pinch collar properly used in dog training. At the moment, different regions are working We're based in South Australia where purchasing a prong collar from outside Australia is illegal, however, it is not banned in some States, one of them being South Australia. We would like to try one more time to change their walking behavior. Russian/West Germany working/showline. My dog has been going through training to be my service dog and I have been researching weather or not its ok to continue using my prong collar with her. 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. I have seen all of those injuries in dogs, and I experimented with many of those tools before I tried the prong. I do believe the prong collar has saved many dogs lives. If you think about the anatomy of the neck, it contains essential things like the windpipe. I have won over a few of my clients here in Monaco & France re. These collars can save a dogs life and make him the gentle fur baby the owner wants. Places That Have Banned Shock Collars and Why You Should But your points make sense to me. We are in 80s and vet says pinch collar will save our lives. Im certain it must at least in part be me. These are common pet dogs. Just put it on when you are getting ready to take a walk. But in some situations all that goes out the window. I love my dogs prong collar. I had to give him a couple of sharp tugs but after that he soon got the message that if he pulled I would tug him back My views of these evil looking collars has changed and I had got to the stage of not taking Sam out for daily walks as I was scared of being injured myself or him injuring or frightening other people. Id love to hear about your success stories on using the prong collar. "), There are few quick fixes with dog training. Exhaust other options Fit it properly Use an experienced trainer (who admits what it is and how it works) Use as designed Pick a quality one (no rubber tips! I just started using one. Sometimes they dont even know this is happening. And trust me, my dog knows how to communicate if he doesn't like something. "As long as we are looking for shortcuts to proper training, both the dog and the guardian will likely suffer long term consequences from a poor choice of training tools, a poor use of these tools and the negative side effects from their aversive properties." I was having a hard time finding others. As you go through the article, see if you can tell why theyre wrong. Thank You!!! We want to help your organization become prong-free too! As subjects go, Prong collars are pretty divisive in the dog world.. We praised and rewarded him and he was getting it so quickly; finally!! But that isnt going to happen in just a few days. 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. You need to measure her neck. Their use is discretionary, optional, or voluntary. Being rather small in size at 5 he darn near out weighed me so it was nearly impossible for me to stop him. The prong collar would be a way to inform the dogs that they have to pay attention to you when you say rather than when they find convenient. Did you know that there is research showing head halters could jerk a dogs head, causing neck or spinal injuries? If you were told you had the option to teach a child how to read by physically punishing them for every word they said incorrectly (option A) or by working incrementally and rewarding the words they got correct (option B), and that you could achieve the same results no matter which way you taught the child, which would you choose? 4 months old is border line too young in my opinion. I am certainly not here to push, either way, just to give the facts and my opinion on what a great training tool it can be when used properly. Way to go Shadow!! Truly modifying behavior takes time and consistency. Im a 68-year-old skinny woman I dont have the strength for this dog and dont know what to do. I do worry about what other people think, even though I shouldnt. I have yet to see one that stops a dog from pulling. A TWITCH influencer has stunned her fans and was temporarily banned from the platform after a terrifying video. Forget a regular collar she did nothing but choke herself out the entire walk. After 3 weeks of work with our 11 month old, highly excitable rescue dog we saw his behavior getting worse and no amount of treats of any kind could get his attention any more. It is very helpful. Prong In full transparency, we do use the prong collar for our dogs. Every interaction made me terrified someone would try to get our dogs kicked out of the neighborhood, especially since staffies are technically dangerous. Is that this information gets shared, lots. Thank you for saving a dogs life! If you correct the behavior before he gets into that state of mind, the prong will work. Thanks. Immediately Im an abuser, bla bla bla. And the difference is quite amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your story! He is clearly lacking in socialization and his behavior and demeanor are indicative of prior abuse. Have watched several videos by Jeff Geller and purchased a Herm Sprenger prong collar. He wouldnt listen to me or the instructor at all. If your dog pulls you when trying to walk him or is leash reactive, I strongly suggest you consider using a prong collar. WebE-Collars & prong collars are banned in several countries in Europe. I have a 4 month old border collie and the prong used gently allows me to walk him. Hell jump at people and dogs who walk by because he wants to visit, he thinks everyone is his friend. Prong Advocacy Kit - SF SPCA Viewfinders, what do you think about the ban on prong collars? He is a rescue who was only 77 lbs when he came to live with me. Use a no-pull, or a choke chain, and train them w/ positive reinforcement. Our dog seems calmer and more self-controlled and pays more attention than all the treats and tugs and words were able to do. So a friend recommended a prong collar, I knew that I had nothing to lose by trying it. Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, Scotland, Sweden, Wales, and some parts of Australia all currently have a ban on electronic collars for dogs. They are not suitable for all dogs, and if used incorrectly, they can cause injury. Shock collars have been banned in many states of Australia after considering the damaging effects of these e collars on dogs. Also we may all live to see tomorrow. There has to be a clear line of communication between you and you dog and the prong is just a quick reminder of the expectation. This isn't the case in England, where they're legally allowed to be used without restriction. The more we can share these real-life stories, the more people can realize that the prong collar is not cruel, but a life saving training tool. I admit I was not paying full attention to him was conversing with a neighbor. Reading this article and the comments made me realize I have to get over what people might think. Its been a life-safer for so many dogs! He has someone home with him 24 hrs a day and has all the love and attention he could want. Im not sure you have the experience to recommend this nor have the dogs best interest in mind. Use exactly the amount of sharp jerk that produces an immediate reaction. Thank you so much for sharing. Pronged Collars Should be Banned Because They are Harmful to Dogs-Fiction! 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 signed us up for an obedience class. Before that, we tried the gentle-leader head harness, which she HATED, and either shut down when we put it on or she would often push through it anyway, to where I worried that she would hurt her neck. What is different about a prong collar is that as the martingale tightens it brings in teeth or prongs. I just ordered a Sprenger 2.25 mm 12 inch prong collar and will let you know how it works out in trainingit should arrive in 2 days. Weve been using a Ray Allen Brand, the prongs go only partially around his neck/the collar. Great, checked that off the list. Ziv, Gal. Some foster dogs come to us without any leash skills and in order for me to be able to walk them with my dogs, I need to quickly teach them how to walk on the leash without pulling, and a prong collar is a great tool for this. Now before you pass judgment, please read on to learn more and then decide for yourself. (My dog is super sweet and not aggressive just stubborn!) Ill let you know how our first walk goes! I use to think they were cruel but now I believe they are an invaluable training tool especially for adult rescue dogs with no previous leash training. All seemed to be going well with the prong except his reactivity to other dogs while on leash seemed to get worse. As soon as the collar goes on I have total control over him. I just rescued a 5 month golden husky mix. Regular collars allow the dogs to hurt themselves if they have no leash manners, and Ive personally seen this many times choking, damage to the neck, etc. I recommend the 3.0 mm size for most medium to large dogs. When shown attention, she licked human hands and dog faces with something that could only be described as joy. He clearly is afraid of the leash. I have a ten month old foxhound that I walk daily in the forest for two miles in rugged terrain. Psychology Today, January 25, 2018. When she looked down, her dog's eye had prolapsed. Is it normal to have a few inches of chain that dont have the prongs, and does that work as well? It also helps me correct her and keep her focused. This surely is a win-win for all. The other thing to remember is the way it works. Thanks for the information. For my willful, hard-headed, inattentive Doberman yearling, thats definitely a prong collar for training sessions now. Suzanne, you are the perfect testimony to how the prong collar can actually change you and your dogs lives. You dont use it to punish, you use it to guide. Positively, constructively and with an open mind) theres a positive solution you can take to achieve the same goal. I follow Jeff Bellman and Skype with him occasionally and love his transparency & honesty about the training tools he uses. We decided to try a prong collar and WOW what a difference it made! Many trainers advise against these types of collars altogether, in part because the risk of injury to dogs is significant. Learn how to fit it and use it properly before employing. They got lucky. WebAustria, Germany, maybe Netherlands and some scandinavian countries. Pay no attention to the idiots who prescribe for your dog without knowing either you or it. And dogs can be abused even without physical contact, so Im leaving out cases of abuse here). I asked him why not? He went on to tell me theyre known for breaking dogs necks. We rescued a 14 month old, 80 pound, muscular, untrained male doberman and walks with him were impossible. Chest harnesses that clip in the front are a better choice for hard-pulling dogs because dogs generally dislike the sensation of being pulled to one side. A large loving pit bull wondered its way up to the shop where I was working and we had decided to take care of it while it was there. I found the prong collar to be far more humane than say a shock collar, a flat collar, or even an ill fitted harness. It does not lend them any credibility. collar They also wondered if this could have long-term "trust issues." Fast forward to today. Additionally he pulled my husband to the ground one time. Dr. Jean Dodds. prong collars He has started jumping, and biting and it seems more aggressive. The pair review the recent Norwegian breeding bans on English Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Marylands newly-passed prohibition on feline declaw surgery, and other recent legal changes in animal law. Its cruel not to be able to walk your dog. With the prong collar, weve been able to quickly train him not to pull on our walks. In fact, there is some evidence that the opposite is true.. To help create a puppy capable of being a confident and adaptable family member and keep puppies out of shelters. It's good to know that when many people learn how bad they really are, they stop using them. Im stating it like this so its super obvious for any trainer coming into this piece to know my stance, this caveat is not necessarily for you, my dear new puppy parent, but I have a commitment to my training methodology and need to openly state this.For reasons explained below, I am not a fan of prong collars, however, in order to give a view into why, this piece is needed. Not that it wont work, but because he is still young enough to teach him not to pull without it. A smart, quick, and gentle tug as he came at me, playfully, but vigorously and painfully, biting and scratching, caused him to halt and look at my face, asking me what I need from him, wanting to interact and please. Lets be realistic, Im not here to change your mind, and you will never be able to change mine. BUT she does need help with socialization. ID tags should not be put on a prong collar, and your dog should not be left in one for long periods of time. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. It is much better than the flat collars we had tried since she doesnt pull now, her trachea isnt under pressure on walks. Animal activists have been attempting to issue a Europe-wide ban on their sale and use, while no movement on a ban has been created in the That is a misconception. Instantly what a difference, no pulling, no zig zag walking. You may get evil looks from other dog owners that just dont understand the power of the prong collar. Sometimes it is NOT the owner, but the dog that needs this collar. The reason why I am so weary of collars is that when dogs pull they can cause a lot of damage. I may look into a Herm Sprenger. The Halti works great to end the pulling but the lead runs on the ground between his legs so he steps on it. Victoria, you and your pup are a perfect example on how the prong collar is such a life-saver! And I also know that the prong collar is designed to be the most humane way to train and to NOT harm our dogs. She agreed to train a lab mix that was petrified of everything and was essentially still catatonic after months of us having her. I was on the verge of having to give him up when I was introduced to the Herm Springer. They out weigh me, so its important to have them under control. Im sure it was the pressure of the flat collars during walks that was causing the problem, and I can only imagine how bad it might have become over time. Now he is under control and gentle. We now use the prong collar to train our own dogs and our foster dogs when needed. Prong Collars Lately, I am getting hounded on social media about responding to a post saying it was a great tool for training. The training program we used 20 years ago used a choke collar, so that is what we were used to. and links therein.) We got her at 8 weeks old. Whilst I dont agree with them, that doesnt mean you have to. Eye contact, "follower" state was much fasterI was connecting with him like his real mother would. And not to mention all that pulling also affects me stresses my joints and feet, strains my wrists, has caused me to slip and fall in icy or muddy conditions, and makes me dread walking these problem dogs. We mediate and control access to the physical and social worlds of our dogs quite a bit. Now we're loose leash and enjoying our walks and adventures. Many civilized countries have outlawed prong collars, recognizing the harm they can do! What can Huge mistake, he was so overwhelmed he was pulling nonstop on our hour walk around the park. Please see ourfull disclosurefor further information. Have you ever seen a dog love wearing a head halter? And How To Ethically Find One, Ray Allen Multi-Function Harness An Honest Review, Ray Allen Nomad I.H.S Harness An Honest Review, Should I Cuddle My Dog? Im not a fan of harnesses, as they provoke pulling. A Twitch star was temporarily banned from the live-streaming platform after zapping herself with a shock collar as part of a bizarre stunt. I dont have to pull on her constantly to keep her in heel. You lost me at suggesting a prong collar for a reactive dog! 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. Hi Lesa, I appreciate your feedback and the fact youve never needed to use a prong is great. Period. No warning, no rhyme or reason as to when it will occur. He did bite me once but that was clearly situational and hasnt happened again. But pronged collars have been a saving grace for both me and the problem walkers. Because puppies learn really easily. This post does contains affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will receive a small commission, but it wont cost you a penny more). But I am also aware of how other people view the prong collar. Many years ago, I had our dog and a foster dog go after another dog when it was icy out and I went flying down on my butt. WebWe're based in South Australia where purchasing a prong collar from outside Australia is illegal, however, it is not banned in some States, one of them being South Australia. For this very reason, many countries with a progressive approach to pet safety and health, such as Austria and Switzerland, have already banned prong collars. The neck and cervical spine are one of the most important energy channels in the body. Prong collars are legal to use in the UK, but they are not typically recommended by behaviorists or trainers. Psychology Today, December 4, 2017. It was life saving for me. Oh! Physical Damage Choke and Prong Collars: Health Concerns Call for Equipment Change in Dog Training Once your dog proper leash etiquette with the prong collar do you have to use it from here on out? Now he is licking me instead of biting, watching me and interacting with me. This also could be possible. if you think wearing a prong collar would hurt, imagine how your dog feels. 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! If you decide you want to try a prong collar with your dog, make sure your purchase the Herm Sprenger brand (this is the exact one I have). But that is true for a flat collar, letting the dog choke itself by pulling so hard the owner cant control him. The use of prong collars and other inhumane practices are set to be banned as part of Queenslands biggest animal welfare law reforms in over 20 years. 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]. And if you follow my guidance with pupdates? Training is a life long learning experience, for dogs and humans! I despise using harnesses because I find they ALWAYS encourage pulling. Humanely training your dog as with children should be a personal choice not one dictated by supposed do gooders and government policies Thanks for your free download I look forward to reading it and sharing! The prong collar, otherwise known as a pinch collar, has changed so many dog owners lives just scroll down and read some of the comments from people that have tried the prong collar and are brave enough to share their experience with you. Should e-collars, prong collars, or choke collars be banned? The prong collar is a life saving tool for many dog owners. I took my unmanageable dog to a basic obedience class and the teacher told me to get one. No. If youre going to miss something, would you rather that your dog misunderstood a reward, or a punishment? We have a 4yo female rescue GSD. As for the comment about it causing pain, no one has ever mentioned their dog cries out, winces in discomfort. Doing this is utterly unacceptable and thoroughly unprofessional. Webtypical flat collar greatly increasing the possibility of damage or injury to the dog. Gentle Leader no longer works and just bought a front hitch harness which also does not work. Your responsibility is to ensure that your dog responds to essential demands. Our shih-poo is VERY smart and learns quick so we know it isnt an intelligence issue. Highnote612 1 yr. ago. The prong collar has always been a life-saver for me and my dog! We rehomed a 8 month old GSD who was full of anxiety and nervousness. Could the use of the collar be creating more fear and anxiety in our already anxious dog? Carol, good professional dog trainers ALWAYS recommend a back up collar for a 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. Pssssst Every single image I could find on my stock photo provider was a prong collar being misused. We all have that. I just switched him back to a no-pull collar, and its working much better w/ training him to stick around and not pull, especially w/ positive enforcement and treats. 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. Im so glad you were able to keep your dog! It can save everyones sanity. But I now see how wonderful they are in training my dog. As soon as the GSD would hear the prong collar, he would sit and wait for it to be put on for his walks and never tugged on me ever again.
