Most dogs pull heavily on leash for four common reasons: The easy fix to your dog’s pulling problem would be if he is simply wearing the wrong equipment. If your dog pulls you when trying to walk him or is leash reactive, I strongly suggest you consider using a prong collar. With that being said, the definition of safety can fall into different categories: The answer to both questions above, according to a number of scientific studies, is a resounding no. According to a study posted in 1992 to the Animal Behavior Consultants Newsletter, studies suggested that the use of prong collars, choke chains and shock collars are physically dangerous to dogs. Pros. They reduce the pressure on the dog’s chest and instead guide him back to you when he tries to pull ahead. PetSafe Easy Walk No Pull Front Clip Harness, My Dog Spot currently offers virtual training courses, Returning to Work After Covid-19: Your Dog and Separation Anxiety, The Prong Collar Debate: A Trainer’s Opinion, How To Protect Your Dog From Fleas and Ticks this Summer, Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Pasadena, A Pet Parent's Guide to Managing COVID-19 and Social Isolation. The cons to traditional training are: its too rough in the initial stages of training, dogs can show less enthusiasm towards training. I personally never used a prong collar before being introduced to it a couple of years ago. These negative associations can lead to more fear and anxiety in the dog which can ultimately lead to the dog pulling and lunging harder at what he now perceives as negative triggers despite being in pain. So, what do you do if you want to effectively teach your dog to stop pulling on leash? Like chain slip collars, metal prong collars must be used with caution and removed when not in use. 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. Now, the cons are that most people can't train with any tool, period, and that ANY adversive tool in such hands - from a verbal "ah-ah" to an e-collar to a squirt bottle - tends to result in a dog that is stressed with no behavioral improvements and none of the learning that you want to take place. And if you feel you would like more extensive help with your dog, feel free to reach out to us. Other Training Collars Recent studies have confirmed that the use of prong collars, choke chains and shock collars are emotionally damaging to our canine counterparts and are not only therefore a danger to them, but also to us. These links have blunt ends that are designed to pinch the dog’s skin when the collar tightens – for example, the collar will tighten when a dog is pulling or lunging. The choke collar is placed just behind the dog’s ears and constricts or tightens when the trainer pulls on the leash. The Pros of Electronic Collar Training Adjustable Levels of Intensity. But we all need to know the truth about prong collars before passing judgment. It’s easy to want to judge a dog owner who places a scary looking device around their dog’s throat especially if you are pro positive reinforcement and don’t believe in aversive training. 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. edit edit tags flag offensive close merge delete. The prong collar controversy is real! Is It Safe? I love my dogs very much and I know in my heart that I am not a bad dog mom. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You will hear strong opinions about prong collars on both sides, for and against. The collar LOOKS severe. It wasn’t too long ago when many experts believed in the Alpha Dog Theory and used this as the foundation for dog training. Despite their cruel appearance, prong collars can be effective training tools when used properly. Safety and cleanliness have always been a top priority at My Dog Spot. I’d love to hear about your success stories on using the prong collar. It is our ongoing policy to wash hands and use sanitizer between each visit. It does not need to be used roughly to effect a response, and is a useful correction tool when the dog is high in drive; in protection for instance. Shock Collars: Pros and Cons. This is because a prong collar uses momentary pain to stop unwanted behavior. Your email address will not be published. Experience Using A Pinch Collar 5. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. But, after attending a seminar with a balanced dog trainer and doing a lot of research, I realized what a great dog training tool the prong collar can be. Just remember, the collar doesn’t train the dog, it’s a tool to train… your training will train your dog. 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. Share. Try using positive reinforcement and reward based training that focuses on rewarding the behavior you do want from your dog rather than the behavior that you don’t want. Yes, it is still safe and we would recommend trying to keep your dog on its regular schedule as much as possible. Pros & Cons of Dog Shock Collars (Training and Barking) Cons of Dog Shock Collars. Dog board and training services are generally in-depth and might include a few training sessions in one single day. For more information about the actual pros and cons do a www.google.com search. These breeds will also suffer far more fro breathing problems when using a collar. These trainers believe that the prong collar is cruel and should be banned. This results in discomfort and sometimes even pain depending on the strength of your dog’s pull. Harness Pros 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. sometimes even aggressive behavior in dogs. A proper fit is critical. The theory suggested that domesticated dogs behaved with a pack-like mentality and that in order to have a dog obey you, you must establish dominance in the home. 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. It is, after all, a better alternative to not walking and exercising the dog at all. Many people have never seen a prong or pinch collar properly used in dog training. When used in this circumstance the use of a prong collar is perhaps the safest option for them. by Lily Reiche | Jun 22, 2020 | Tips, Training | 0 comments. WE ARE STILL SERVICING YOU AND YOUR PETS DURING COVID-19. You are most likely reading this because your dog pulls on the leash, is leash reactive or you can’t control your dog on leash, right? Cons of Dog Training Collars: The cons or disadvantages of these electronic Dog Training Collars are mainly focused on their use of electric waves, i.e. Well, this is where the controversy arises. To view the pros and cons of please visit the respective section of our BarxBuddy Guide to Dog Training. Prong collars work by putting pressure on a dog’s throat which can lead to severe injuries of their thyroid glands and trachea. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Ad - popquiz v6c4 used car3 16x9 1 - 5minVSL. But for some, choosing to use a prong collar may simply be choosing the lesser of two evils. I do worry about what other people think, even though I shouldn’t. You may have pure positive trainers tell you there are more humane ways to control your dog. They make this determination because the dog is not crying out. Pros and cons of pinch or prong collars. Do These Programs Really Work? The prong collar training gets a lot of attention from pure positive or force free dog trainers. I admit I have not tried them all. Prong collars are designed to tighten when your dog pulls against you during walks which causes pressure on your dog’s neck and pushes the prongs into your dog’s skin. Furthermore, this same study suggests that training your dog using aversive training methods and equipment such as prong collars has even been found to jeopardize the human-dog bond by breaking trust and creating avenues for more fearful and sometimes even aggressive behavior in dogs. The benefits of prong collars are: Immediate responsiveness from the dog What are the pros and cons of them? Many positive reinforcement trainers, animal rights activists, and amateur dog enthusiasts have come together to petition for a ban on using aversive training equipment on dogs, including the use of prong collars. Front clip harnesses that simply manipulates the dog into not pulling and does NOT FIX the pulling. Is causing intentional pain and discomfort to a dog humane? 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. 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. There are many different types of dog harnesses. 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. See how the water can get murky? Shopping. Pros & cons of prong dog collars As with most dog training tools, there are both the good and bad sides to the prong collar. This is not a correct test, as a prong collar … This allows you to add or remove links to adjust to your dog’s size. Prong Collar Pros And Cons Pros: Can be effective for dogs who pull, inexpensive and convenient. We now use the prong collar to train our own dogs and our foster dogs when needed. How Does It Work? As with any training collar, it can be abused, or it can be used as an effective training tool. This could include children, other dogs, and strangers. 0. answered 2015-12-02 22:21:11 -0600. For example a dog owner with a strong and anxious dog may feel it is safer for everyone (the dog included) to wear a prong collar on walks as opposed to risk not being able to control the dog and have the dog become aggressive towards another person or pet. In the process of training, they will learn of new tricks faster and ultimately be more disciplined . When dealing with a dog who is a heavy puller, you may need to undergo some leash training with your dog to help him relax during walks so the experience can be more enjoyable for the both of you. Establishing dominance often meant having a firm hand with your dog. At pick up and drop off, we will use our own leashes to walk or transport your pups so that your leashes are not handled by anyone other than you and when returning your dog, we will make sure that your dog has been wiped down from head to tail including all four paws. The prong collar can be a life-saving tool. There are back clip harnesses, which promote pulling (think about sled dogs). Join us as we take an objective look at the pros and cons of aversive training versus reward based training and discover how prong collars work, why they are still recommended by some trainers, and what science has to say about their overall effectiveness and safety for our four-legged friends. It does NOT damage the trachea when properly used. Generally speaking, prong collars do not fit small, more sensitive dogs. It features adjustable chains that are total 22 inches in length. Give it a chance, try it out and see what a difference it can make with your relationship with your dog. Because prong collars do indeed stop dogs from pulling. 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. According to a study posted in 1992 to the Animal Behavior Consultants Newsletter, studies suggested that the use of prong collars, choke chains and shock collars are physically dangerous to dogs. The pros for traditional training are: great reliability, dogs are more respectful and attentive to you when there are rules. The question arises, can these trainers really expect every day dog owners (most with very little knowledge of canine anatomy or psychology) to know how to use this equipment “properly”? With the prong collar, we’ve been able to quickly train him not to pull on our walks. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. It is unfortunate that some people just aren’t willing to see past that book cover, and see what the prong collar really is… a very humane dog training tool. These days, most electronic collars come with the flexibility of a vibration or beep... Quick Results. Required fields are marked *, WE’RE OPEN!! Prong or Pinch collars have interlocking metal links. It doesn’t teach a dog which types of good behaviors the owner wants from him. It is designed to NOT hurt your dog. The prong collar is a great training and restraint collar for dogs while walking on a leash. Many people will "test" a prong collar on their own arm or hand. 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. For more information on your pet and COVID-19 read our current blog: Your email address will not be published. Often, it only takes a few shocks to alter and improve a dog's stubborn or unwanted behavior. Why People Don’t Like Pinch Collars 4. Pros and Cons of a Pinch Collar - YouTube. The fact is, the prong collar, when fitted properly, is designed to be the most humane way to train and to NOT harm your dog. The collar … 1. I call it my "power steering"! Less chance of skin irritation than a prong collar. Add A Comment . She also volunteers for a local dog rescue and Humane Society. The softer material and lesser force of the martingale collar against a dogs neck is the reason for such a lesser amount of criticism. The purpose of this, according to Leerburg Training, is not to cause pain, but when applied with a quick correction should take the breath away from a dog just enough to stop unwanted behavior. But since prong collars do seem to work and work quickly many owners and trainers continue to use them. And a Gentle leader or head collar that goes around a dogs muzzle… is that really comfortable for your dog? Cons: Safety concerns as above. That said, prong collars have become widely villainized in recent years in spite of their success. The Bad. However, this is usually very wrong! This usually required the use of discomfort, pain, and punishment during training sessions to elicit submissive behaviors from a dog. If you own a dog that annoys the entire neighborhood with his nuisance barking, than you might already have spent some time searching for that magic solution and eventually come across some web sites featuring dog citronella collar as the most humane and most effective anti bark collar. I know some people cringe at the sight of a prong collar, it looks barbaric and cruel. As a reward-based training company here in Pasadena, we at My Dog Spot certainly have our opinions about the use of aversive training equipment, but should prong collars, choke chains and shock collars be banned altogether? Certain products create serious controversies as to whether or not the use of them is ethical for dog owners. Tap to unmute. 2. Prong collars work by putting pressure on a dog’s throat which can lead to severe injuries of their thyroid glands and trachea. In order to work … Other trainers might turn to training tactics based on coercion to get quick results, or even use choke collars, shock collars or prong collars. 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. Dog Citronella Collar – The Pros and Cons. People say all the time that the prong collar does not hurt. The advantage of the prong collar over the choke collar is that the circumference is limited so that it is impossible to compress the animal's throat. stimulations, vibrations and ‘shock waves’. This is why front clip harnesses and Halti harnesses work so well. Now before you pass judgment, please read on to learn more and then decide for yourself…. Furthermore, studies also found that prong collars and choke chains while initially effective in stopping dogs from pulling on leash, may actually be ineffective in the long run. Each type delivers a distinct stimulus to deter unwanted behavior. Both shock collars and pinch collars work in the same way as Haltis – they pair the action of pulling with an unpleasant consequence. Herm Sprenger brand (this is the exact one I have). Using the above equipment to get your dog to stop pulling on leash will certainly help, but it may not solve the problem entirely. Many dogs have a natural instinct to pull against a harness that is putting pressure on their chest or back. In fact, dogs who are already reactive on walks and who already suffer from leash anxiety were found to become more anxious and agitated upon prolonged exposure to uncomfortable and painful prong and choke collars, with the collars leading to greater stress in dogs and therefore leading to a higher risk for potential aggression and bites on owners. Cons For the Martingale Collar. There are few quick fixes with dog training. The harnesses we recommend are all harm-free, reward-based, and backed by positive reinforcement experts who understand the psychology of dogs and why they behave the way they do. Proper placement of the prong collar according to these trainers is up behind the ears along the jawline. A prong collar, also known as a pinch collar, is made of a series of metal spikes, prongs, or wedge-shaped points that pinch the loose skin of the dog’s neck when the trainer pulls on the leash. Also, the collar (as with all training collars) should NOT be left on beyond training time. Some trainers firmly believe in the efficacy of prong collars if and when used properly. Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Service  |  Disclaimer. Unlike slip collars, the amount of pressure applied to the neck can be controlled, minimizing the risk of injury. You may get evil looks from other dog owners that just don’t understand the power of the prong collar. According to a study done by the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, aversive training methods using punishment and pain were actually found to harm dogs not only physically, but mentally as well. When we first adopted Bear he had no leash manners at all. But what about the emotional toll prong collars and choke chains take on dogs? Watch later. Copy link. Laura R. Book a Stay Portland, OR. But is this pain and discomfort caused by the collar humane and safe? 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. Although I am thinking I need to do a research project with every type of collar available on the market today! P.S. Luckily, this theory has since been debunked and is now considered by many to be an outdated method of dog training. That said, keep in mind that not every harness is right for every dog. He pulled his previous owner down their porch steps! 3 Answers Sort by » oldest newest most voted. I have tried a few with our foster dogs, and they never truly work. The prong collar made the below photo possible… my 10-year-old daughter riding her bike with our 95lb yellow lab, Bear. Pinch collars will help your dog listen better and behave well. In order to help your dog stop pulling on walks, you must first try and understand why he is pulling in the first place. Studies have proven that aversive tools like this can cause physical and mental problems in dogs. These types of collars, which are controversial because they use pain and discomfort to discourage dogs from pulling on leash, are still widely popular amongst many dog owners and are often even recommended by professional dog trainers to quell the problem of a pulling dog. Some of our favorite dog harnesses to help stop dogs from pulling on their leashes include: Each of the above harnesses are available for purchase on our website and can be ordered in your dog’s particular size. These pros have made these dog training collars famous and popular among the users. Personally, I am against using prong collars, choke chains and e-collars. —Jennifer Cattet, " Choke collars, prong collars or flat collars are harmful training tools.") In addition to these ordinary precautions our walkers will now wear a new pair of sanitary gloves for each appointment. Probably not. And I also know that the prong collar is designed to be the most humane way to train and to NOT harm our dogs. Reminder, not all prong collars are created equal. The prong collar puts universal pressure around the entire dog’s neck, kind of like a mother dog does with her puppies. The water is less murky here, as we have science backing recent studies to explain the potential dangers behind the use of prong collars and choke chains. Furthermore, the use of the prong collar means that the dog is more protected from potentially being euthanized due to biting out of fear or exhibiting leash anxiety that can lead to aggression. With a remote dog training collar, you can correct behavior at a distance with ease. In our comments section we had someone asking about more training collar options, so I’ll start working on these as time allows:-) The “pinch collar” also called the “prong collar” is a fairly controversial piece of training equipment. If you’re unsure of which harness would be right for your dog, don’t hesitate to reach out to My Dog Spot’s founder and dog trainer Lily Reiche to get her professional opinion. Walking a dog that pulls on leash is not only frustrating but it can also be dangerous so it is common for concerned pet parents to look for simple solutions with many turning to what many might consider controversial training equipment like prong collars and choke chains. I urge you to not shy away from the prong collar just because of what it looks like or what you’ve heard about it in the past. 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. But the prong collar is a great training tool to communicate with your dog. Another advantage is that any pressure on the dog's neck is spread out over a larger area than with most buckle collars, and with all choke chains. The prong collar may have its pros and cons, but there are so many dog owners that do not take their dogs for walks . However, if your dog is pulling due to being overstimulated, under-exercised, or due to anxiety then you will need to implement additional training into your routine walks. It can cause problems for fearful or aggressive dogs and again, should be used under supervision. Pinch Collar Education. But I am also aware of how other people view the prong collar. Debi McKee is a mom of three kids, three dogs and the creator of Rescue Dogs 101... where she guides you in your journey of adopting and raising a rescue dog every step of the way. So now let’s ask another important question. The discomfort caused by a prong collar is enough to stop a dog from pulling quite quickly, leading the owner to feel satisfied with their dog’s “good behavior” on outings while wearing it. And while these types of training techniques may work initially, they can have long term and even permanent effects on a dog’s overall mental health. Electric Collar for Dog Training: Pros and Cons, Application Features An electric collar is a special device equipped with an electrical element, a control panel is included. 3. And ask yourself, is it better for your dog to drag you through your walk, choking himself on his flat collar… or to have a peaceful walk with your dog walking next to you, enjoying the smells and scenery? It is designed to facilitate human efforts while training a dog.