Prong Collar Pros And Cons Pros: Can be effective for dogs who pull, inexpensive and convenient. I have trained and rehabilitated many aggressive dogs as well, and without the use of some sort of training collar, I would not have been successful, and would probably have more scars than I already have. The prong collar can keep up with the most active dog lifestyle Other Features and Benefits Besides that, it is built with a soft material that helps to maintain a healthy coat while keeping it comfortable . Balanced training takes the best of the other two types of training (positive and traditional) and combines them. Cons: Requires training to be used effectively. I have used these collars on my personal dogs and I don’t have a problem with a client that wants to use a prong collar with their dog. For dogs that have tracheal problems, like small dogs that have tracheal collapse, these may be preferred to a collar that puts pressure on the neck. The larger loop slips onto the dog’s neck. Prong (Pinch) Collar. No collar, regardless of type, is going to completely solve all your training problems by itself. S Turn. 4 HOW TO STOP REACTIVITY. Some dogs will still pull despite the prongs and may need a more effective solution like a static collar. Because of the nature of the collar, the pressure when tightened is almost totally around the neck, and not just on the dogs trachea (as would be the case on a buckle or slip collar). Wholesalers You're browsing our US site. Prong collars, or pinch collars, have prongs or spikes on the inside of the collar. Cons: Safety concerns noted above. She did not notice that the dog had grown and the collar had embedded! The following guide will examine the pros and cons of bark collars and help you decide if a bark collar is right for your dog. Change ), difference between dominance theory and leadership in dogs, International Association of Canine Professionals – trainer search. Give your pet the freedom to come and go. | DP pretty much sums up the pros of a prong collar and the cons of the traditional slip or choke collar. ( Log Out /  Some prong collar advocates state that the pinching action of the collar mimics the teeth of a mother dog grabbing a puppy’s neck to make a correction. People say all the time that the prong collar does not hurt. ( Log Out /  3 Answers Sort by » oldest newest most voted. Prong Collar Supplemental. V Turn Complete Part 2. Cons: Some especially stubborn dogs may not be deterred by spray corrections. Training Equipment Pros and Cons Supplemental. What are the pros and cons of them? It can easily fit dogs that have a neck of around 14 inches. A traditional choke can cause damage if misused, but so can a prong collar. The prong, or pinch, collar. With a remote dog training collar, you can correct behavior at a distance with ease. Without getting heavily in to the pros and cons which you will find on other sites, I personally have found a prong collar to be an invaluable tool when walking dogs, a prong will stop any lunging and pulling behavior. The area that the leash attaches to is known as a control loop. These collars have blunt metal prongs that will press on a dog's neck if excess force is applied, as when a dog pulls on the leash. In our comments section we had someone asking about more training collar options, so I’ll start working on these as time allows:-). Electronic dog collars don't reinforce good behavior, such as your verbal approval or affection does. They can help train a dog to not pull on a leash and make for a more controlled walking experience. He can walk with me off leash very well. ©2021 These breeds will also suffer far more fro breathing problems when using a collar. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Personally, I am against using prong collars, choke chains and e-collars. Add A Comment. Pros: Correct dogs without use of static correction. The main disadvantage of the collar is that it can contribute to neck injuries if not used properly. And when a dog doesn’t get walked on a regular basis, it can create bad behaviors at home… such as chewing, barking and jumping. The inner length of a prong or pinch collar consists of metal spikes with blunt tips. The Pros and Cons of Different Dog Collars Static Collars:. Prong Collar and Other Training Equipment . The collar will stop unwanted behavior such as unnecessary barking, running after the mailman, or … Studies have proven that aversive tools like this can cause physical and mental problems in dogs. Sometimes working with a good trainer or veterinary behaviorist will also help solve more difficult behavior problems. The collar LOOKS severe. Come to find out, the owner had left the dogs prong collar on the dog from the time he was a pup. Pros & Cons of Dog Shock Collars (Training and Barking) Cons of Dog Shock Collars. Radio Systems Corporation All Rights Reserved. The Good. Granted this is a bit extreme, and I never would have considered it that someone could make this mistake, but I now never underestimate the idea that someone may not know something like this. After a training period of about 2 weeks, they learn the tone means "no correction" and stay inside the perimeter. Also referred to as “slip” collars, chain training collars and check chains have been around for over 50 years. No training collar is the perfect fit for every dog, every situation, or every pet owner. The collar LOOKS severe. Both shock collars and pinch collars work in the same way as Haltis – they pair the action of pulling with an unpleasant consequence. Despite their cruel appearance, prong collars can be effective training tools when used properly. When visiting your favorite pet supply... Martingale Collar. Very well spoken. Also, the collar is quite durable as it features a steel chrome plating. First of all, I used treat, and also pop when I first use a prong collar, I did not just checked without letting the dog know what was required. Affiliates. I watched a video that tried to explain how prong (pinch) collars work, claiming that they weren't painful. These collars should only be used for training and should not be used as an everyday type of collar. | 1. Generally speaking, prong collars do not fit small, more sensitive dogs. I normally highly recommend that anybody who wants to use them, do so under the eyes of an experienced professional. Searching this subject online will likely turn up a wide variety of opinions and make the choice even more confusing. Advocacy. They make this determination because the dog is not crying out. They were originally made popular by British dog trainer Barbara Woodhouse in the 1960s. These are well made, and the ends of the prongs themselves are much smoother then other brands. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The martingale collar is made with two loops. V Turn Complete Part 1 . Corrections. The prong collar can be a life-saving tool. May not be effective for strong or strong-willed dogs. It helps prevent the collar from tightening too much and injuring the neck. More Comfortable: The number one advantage of the collar is that it is much more comfortable for your dog than the other standard collars. Use it with guidance from an expert animal trainer. Mostly, his skin is protected from the cold metal. Why People Don’t Like Pinch Collars 4. Links and views may lead to companies that may or may not be affiliated with PetSafe or other brands of Radio Systems Corporation. Would you like to visit our International site? They will not stop barking. Training Collars A Vet Gives You The Pros And Cons Of Different Types, help your dog learn the boundaries of your property, distracting correction is given which will stop the activity over time, instead of a static correction, deliver a spray of harmless citronella, train a dog to not pull on a leash and make for a more controlled walking experience. These push into your dog’s neck if it pulls. Most collars touch a dog’s neck with their full surface and length; prong collars on the other hand, have a minimum contact through only the ends of the prongs. Sign up today for the latest news, promotions, and more from Other Training Collars Here are its pros and cons: The Good. The biggest difference between a prong dog collar and other dog collars is the way the collar touches the surface of the dog’s neck. This is probably what you are using at the moment or what you think of when someone says “collar. They don't really pinch, so that name is not really appropriate. Before I get into the pros and cons, I want to explain how prong collars work. FITTING: these collars can be used a few different ways. 5 LONG TERM … To keep your dog safe and confined,  a transmitter sends a signal that makes the collar emit a training tone that gets your dog's attention if they get too close to a boundary. It is not, however, necessary for every dog. 2. Leash Walking Fundamentals. These collars can help your dog learn the boundaries of your property (if used with an in-ground or wireless system) or to help them decrease an unwanted activity like dog barking. Make them TOO loose and the prongs can irritate the neck. There is no damage to his skin, muscle at all. Cons: Effectiveness depends on the dog's ability to learn from the relatively mild correction. Generally they need to be fitting snugly around the dogs neck, but not with the prongs digging in. When you think about it, it’s actually pretty scary having to wear or put it on your dog! I want to say some assumptions in the article is not what I would agree with. There are other trainers that use them on every dog. If a choke collar didn't work, then a prong probably will, however an owner that has to resort to using one is not a very patient individual and cares more about bullying their dog than training it. Training collars are typically used to train a dog to walk on a leash with ease, teach basic obedience, contain your dog in the yard, or to reduce barking. Content is provided as a public service. If you own a Pug, Frenchie or similar dog with more protruding eyeballs then due to the increased pressure that a collar can cause when they pull, collars should be avoided as a risk of causing damage to their eyes is an added problem. Privacy Cons: Can be confusing to place correctly on the dog's head. PROS. This is an excellent blog. Again, proper fit is important, so it’s best to use this collar while supervised by someone that knows how to use them. For me at least, weaning a dog from this training collar is much easier then when with a head collar. These collars work in a similar fashion to the static collars, where they detect an unwanted activity (usually barking) and instead of a static correction, deliver a spray of harmless citronella near the dog's nose to distract him and decrease the activity. Must be charged or have batteries changed periodically. © PetSafe. Well first of all, many dogs do cry out on a prong collar... because prong collars do hurt and often very much so depending on how the owner is using the collar. We’ve assembled the different pros and cons of remote dog training collars, so you can evaluate the opposing arguments and make an informed decision for yourself. Less chance of skin irritation than a prong collar. Pros: Can be effective for dogs who pull. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Does not stop barking. Also, dogs with any sort of tracheal (windpipe) problems should not use these collars, as they can make these conditions worse. Does not stop barking. Muzzle Conditioning Part 2. Pros: Static collars are convenient Prong collars work by putting pressure on a dog’s throat which can lead to severe injuries of their thyroid glands and trachea. Successful dog training takes work, commitment and perseverance. Here we’ll review the pros and cons of the most familiar and often used collars. Common sense and supervision is the key to this collar. 0. answered 2015-12-02 22:21:11 -0600. Pros and Cons of Head (Halter-Type) Collars: Pros: Least chance of tracheal irritation or damage, effective and controlling for dogs who pull. Pros: Static collars are convenient and very effective at eliminating unwanted activity and keeping a dog contained in areas where fences are impossible or unwanted. Their Ultra-Plus Prong collar has taken the world by storm. Set secure yard boundaries for your pets. These collars can help your dog learn the boundaries of your property (if used with an in-ground or... Pros and Cons of Static Collars. Trying to find the best training collar is not as easy as it may seem. It also is easier to switch a dog back to a regular collar once training is completed. Balanced trainers use food, balanced trainers use praise, they also use pressure. On the other side of the pitch, detractors also have their elements to bring on the table… some studies have shown that electrical shock stimulations tend to cause a stress response in dogs, as per their cortisol levels as well as heart rate Once the dog learns to respect the warning tone, no correction is given. When used appropriately however, they can provide a lot of control with large dogs without the uncomfortable sensation of a head halter. Big benefits of dog harnesses There are many situations where a harness is preferable to a collar, and it doesn’t matter whether you own a hefty shepherd, a powerful pitbull, or a toy breed. Must remove from the neck as directions require to avoid irritation. Pros/Cons of Collars The standard collar is the most common choice for dog owners, largely because it is convenient – you can leave the collar on your dog at all times and it carries your dog’s ID tags. I personally use them fairly regularly though there are many situations that I won’t use them for. Cons: Less chance of skin irritation than a prong collar. Laura R. Book a Stay Portland, OR. Also, the collar (as with all training collars) should NOT be left on beyond training time. PROS: These collars can serve as “power steering”. How Does It Work? A buckle collar is one of the most popular collars on the market. « where to find a dog BRAND: I ONLY like the Herm Sprenger brand of pinch collar. Right now we’re comparing the classic dog collar to more complex harness, giving you the pros and cons of each and some tips on how to train on-leash. The concept behind the collar is the same as the use of teeth by another dog. Like many training collars, these should not be left on an extended period, since there is a risk of skin irritation from constant contact with the collar. DOG TRAINING METHODS PROS AND CONS. Many people will "test" a prong collar on their own arm or hand. This is not a correct test, as a prong collar … Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Prongs work, but are dangerous in the wrong persons hands. difference between dominance theory and leadership in dogs ». The difference here is that, while a prong collar has an endpoint of pressure, a choke collar can continually tighten the more a dog pulls, which can lead to a potentially unsafe or even deadly situation if the dog becomes stuck or trapped. This can lead to other serious health problems down the road like hypothyroidism, weight gain, ear infections, hair loss, skin issues and even organ failure. Available in a relatively small size (14-inch length), the … 3 WHY DOGS BECOME REACTIVE. Pros and Cons of This Type of Collar. Choke chains and prong collars. Requires refills of spray and maintaining battery. ( Log Out /  I almost never use the large collars, I like medium collars for most large dogs, and small collars if I really have to. Like the prong collar, these exert pressure on the dog's neck that increases as the dog pulls. While the martingale collar seems to be almost perfect in all respects, it isn’t without its drawbacks. Prong Collar- The design of these collars look intimidating. Inexpensive and convenient. The dog quickly learns commands off the leash and away from the trainer’s direct control, which is especially useful for dogs who are unresponsive to voice or sound commands. 3. It takes very little from the handler to gain control quickly. The same principle applies to barking - if the activity continues, a distracting correction is given which will stop the activity over time. Generally I like to use them for hyper dogs with a propensity for pulling on the leash. The leash is... Head Halter. Is It Safe? Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Also, the collar (as with all training collars) should NOT be left on beyond training time. CONS: the collar (as with ANY collar) can be used incorrectly and those learning to use it should do so with the help of someone who absolutely understands what they’re doing. Effective for dogs that respond to the surprising spray. I will NOT use them for fearful dogs, and have found that they can create aggression problems with certain dogs if not used appropriately. This model from super is a little different though. Prong Collar Pros: Prong Collar Cons: Stays in place very well: The most expensive on this list: Easy to use, very effective: Can possibly “overcorrect” your puppy: Can adjust size with age by adding links: Public opinion: Common Non Training Options Flat Collar. The prong collar is a great training and restraint collar for dogs while walking on a leash. I use a prong collar, and my dog is very eager to train with me. Why Dogs Become Reactive . As with any training collar, it can be abused, or it can be used as an effective training tool. The design limits the collar from continuously closing in on the dog’s neck in the way a typical choke collar does to prevent actual choking and the prongs serve to add a knee jerk reaction from the dog to heel as the prongs provide a pinch. All Rights Reserved. They don’t tend to pop open as much as other brands as well. By Tim Rains • 03 Jan, 2017 • First I will start out this post by saying I am a balanced trainer. Experience Using A Pinch Collar 5. Muzzle Conditioning Part 1. It can cause problems for fearful or aggressive dogs and again, should be used under supervision. CONS: the collar (as with ANY collar) can be used incorrectly and those learning to use it should do so with the help of someone who absolutely understands what they’re doing. I do not suggest using it on a very small dog. The “pinch collar” also called the “prong collar” is a fairly controversial piece of training equipment. I once had a dog come to a private session because the owner complained the dog yelped when she pulled on the leash and collar. Being a fellow trainer, I applaud anyone who understands the use of this collar and use it as a learning tool. There are trainers that will rant and rave about how the use of them says that a handler is abusive at best. The collar … Not very many trainers accept the use of negative reinforcement for fear of abuse and lack of education. Not usable on snub-nosed dogs like pugs or bulldogs. Spray collars can be effective on determined barkers, but are especially well-suited for more sensitive dogs. If they proceed outside the zone of protection, it delivers a static correction - not enough to cause pain, but enough to get your dog’s attention and respect the boundary. PetSafe® brand. Any kind of training should reinforce good behavior with a reward such as a tasty treat or playtime. But with a little guidance you can make the right choice for your pet. Choke chains are designed to help correct bad behaviors, with the tightening of the chain signifying what your dog’s doing is bad. Harness Pros The collar is a safe and effective training tool for your dog. Pros and Cons of Common Dog Collars Buckle Collar. One of the first controversial pieces of equipment in this section, this german collar is very popular with Schutzhund trainers. ( Log Out /  To help you navigate finding the best dog training collar, we’re going to explore a few different types of collars. It can cause problems for fearful or aggressive dogs and again, should be used under supervision. These are not technically a collar and are like a halter worn by a horse, in that they wrap around the bridge of the nose controlling head movement. edit edit tags flag offensive close merge delete. Pros. Thank you for this review. This can help prevent against trachea problems caused by training collars. For more information about the actual pros and cons do a www.google.com search. When he feels it tighten, he will know what’s wrong and stop the behavior. The prong collar may have its pros and cons, but there are so many dog owners that do not take their dogs for walks because their dog pulls, lunges or is leash reactive.