Is there any advise other than your article on the prong collar you can help with please know though that my intention is to use the collar correctly and for the right reasons, i have paid special attention on how NOT to use the collar.. I truly appreciate your blog for its resources and insights. But there is no getting away from the fact that if they didn't cause the discomfort/pain, they wouldn't work. 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!!!! Tail a waggin. If we love our companion animals so very much, the call to treat them kindly should be paramount, and there's no reason why these devices shouldnt be banned in favor of readily available and less aversive force-free alternatives. I want her to learn the actual commands I give her. We just started with a trainer for our 16wk Lab/Shepherd puppy that uses the Herm S prong collar. She actually does really well but is strong with high prey drive. For example, in the state of California, prong collars cant be used to tether a dog. Prong collar was recommended by a co-worker (who received the rec. Taking in and training foster dogs takes a very special person! We are taking it really, really slowly and not forcing her to go anywhere for the walk as far as she is comfortable and I try to avoid triggers but its still stressful for her and I want her to feel more confident. Dog collars can cause a good deal of physical and psychological harm to dogs. I have just had a 1 to 1 training session with a trainer and when he first suggested the prong collar I said NO straight away, but I put the collar around my thigh to see the effect. I think, a prong collar, having the constant fear and discomfort creates a different situation for a smart dog, and when they dont have that worry or fear, they just drop all their training. Thinking it looked barbaric and painful, and not wanting to subject my dog to torture, I put it on myself and gave it a tug before I ever used it on him. She quickly realized she wasnt a dog person and wanted to rehome her. Dr. Jean Dodds says choke or prong collars are not recommended as they can easily injure the delicate butterfly-shaped thyroid gland that sits just below the larynx and in front of the trachea. Hell jump at people and dogs who walk by because he wants to visit, he thinks everyone is his friend. Some dog breeds tend to be wanderers, and an intact dog or girls in heat can be problem too. Not to mention that the window of opportunity for use becomes so slim that these dogs are actually probably really easy to train anyway. After reading the article on prong collars, went and bought one. He only does the right things when he has the prong collar on cause hes smart and knows not to mess around w/ it on. A TWITCH influencer has stunned her fans and was temporarily banned from the platform after a terrifying video. The OSPet offers a prong collar that is ideal for medium and large dogs with the maximum length of the collar at 24 inches and a diameter of 0.14 inches or 3.5 mm. A prong collar is a device that has metal fang-shaped prongs on it that is worn around a dogs neck. Slip leads and choke collars can do the same and cut off air supply. Hes not a bad dog and doesnt have any serious issues just your normal puppy stuff. He is clearly lacking in socialization and his behavior and demeanor are indicative of prior abuse. Positively, constructively and with an open mind) theres a positive solution you can take to achieve the same goal. Scotland The use of electric shock collars was My only complaint is that it is a bit of a bitch to put on and take off. So I would not recommend the prong in your scenario. But are prong collars cruel? WebProng collars arent banned in Australia. In addition to pulling, hed often suddenly and without notice, take off after a bird, a blowing leaf or just a mailbox post that looked appealing. A short time later, Mary saw the puppy and guardian re-enter the park, with the puppy wearing an e-collar. What a life changer. We have beautiful, stress-free walks thanks to this great tool. I just found this page after admitting to a dog-focused friendly advice group on facebook that I REALLY struggle with walking my dog. You can have a dog who listens well, learns well and as a puppy? Consequently, its my advice to not use corrections because theyre too easy to miss. 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. But I also believe that most people that are dead against the prong collar never experienced a dog with any severe reactive behavior issues. Hello, while I dont have a prong collar yet (getting one from work soon) I greatly appreciate your article. And I also know that the prong collar is designed to be the most humane way to train and to NOT harm our dogs. I know some people cringe at the sight of a prong collar, it looks barbaric and cruel. I have since gone on to do board and train with dogs on the side, have taken in numerous problematic foster dogs and trained them for easier placement, and intend to continue doing both so that I can help dog owners and their dogs live calmer, happier lives. We plan on taking him to training classes for sure but the dog is making everyone in the family cry, angry, sad because of the jumping/biting. 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. Dr. Zazie Todd writes, Lack of control over something can in itself be a source of stress. It is like tapping the dog on the shoulder to get his attention. Results were immediate and wonderful with no signs of distress, only a few sounds of surprise. (See "Choose a Dog Trainer as Carefully as You Would a Surgeon" and "Dog Training's Dirty Little Secret: Anyone Can Legally Do It."). 2, I think it can add a little stress during dog-to-dog interactions, especially if the other dog is aggressive. I have tried a few with our foster dogs, and they never truly work. The prong collar helps keep his focus on me and makes it a positive experience for both of us. The prong collar made the below photo possible my 10-year-old daughter riding her bike with our 95lb yellow lab, Bear. Ive come to the conclusion that the people bashing the prong collar never had a dog like yours. If you find that its not working because of the lack of a neck try using a slip lead. Psychology Today, January 25, 2018. 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. And, while it's very clear that e-collars and prong collars are used because they cause psychological stress and pain, many people don't realize that choke collars also can cause a good deal of pain, suffering, and injury to dogs who wear them. They allow pet parents to walk their pup on a leash and they provide a place to hang ID and vaccination tags. Getting a Second Dog Doesn't Always Double the Fun, 7 Ticking Time Bombs That Destroy Loving Relationships, An Addiction Myth That Needs to Be Revisited, 5 Spiritual Practices That Increase Well-Being. If you use the prong collar correctly and correct your dog BEFORE he takes off for the rabbit, then yes. I dont recommend keeping it on 24/7. And if you follow my guidance with pupdates? Now we're loose leash and enjoying our walks and adventures. And it absolutely does!!! Where are prong collars banned? The United States is yet to follow. 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. Because I adopted a 90 pound dog that, once he settled in, became seriously dog reactive in a city full of dogs that walk their owners and have no manners. I took my unmanageable dog to a basic obedience class and the teacher told me to get one. Applying pressure to the windpipe is not good for any dog but can be especially serious in brachycephalic dogs who already struggle to breathe.. He hates them all except treats, of course, but they have zero effect on his lunging and pulling. 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? The UK has also banned shock collars. So far, only a handful of countries have moved to ban shock collars. Its not an issue. Use exactly the amount of sharp jerk that produces an immediate reaction. As subjects go, Prong collars are pretty divisive in the dog world.. Any collar, and training tool for that matter can cause damage to a dog if not used properly. I have a reactive dog when out, other dogs, cars and people but an absolute gent when in the home. Which in the summer months of course is everyone we see. They are not suitable for all dogs, and if used incorrectly, they can cause injury. No matter how prey driven, no matter how strong. Have a read of how to train your dog to walk loose leash. Thank you so much for sharing your story! It totally changed our lives!!! I rescued a German Sheppard who is roughly a year old Nov of 2018. The Prong Collar, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Top 5 Reasons to Take Your Dog for a Walk. No. The guardian did not want to lose control of her dog, so she pulled him back toward her and continued to do so until the dog across the street was out of sight. The collars are adjustable by adding/removing links. But that isnt going to happen in just a few days. I finally bought a Herm Sprenger collar and it was moderately helpful. Try this post, and if you need more help? Really? Negative experiences that they have learned to problem solve with looking mighty scary, scare the other dog away, and then safety is restored. Eye contact, "follower" state was much fasterI was connecting with him like his real mother would. Honestly, I know, Ive taught a great, reliable loose leash (even without the leash) a lot with all sorts of dogs, all sorts of breeds. But I dont want to be cruel, OR injure him. No, Prong collars are not banned in the UK. I can't buy one here in Australia so will have to take a chance of ordering from overseas and hope it doesn't get stopped by Customs. Now, at age 6 it doesnt seem to be as effective. When he hears me pick it up he comes running because he knows were going out. _____. This also could be possible. Teaching pressure & release is fast, easy, and helps build the dogs confidence. . Its cruel not to be able to walk your dog. Although I am thinking I need to do a research project with every type of collar available on the market today! Yes theyre bad, because they have far too large an ability to be misused. I want to share a story about a prong collar and how it changed my life. There is enough research to know they are not humane or safe. Front clip harnesses that simply manipulates the dog into not pulling and does NOT FIX the pulling. Tried the front clip harness but she would still pull so hard she would flip herself over and on to her side how does that not break ribs?! and know that the collar is the least likely choice of training tools to hurt your dog. I didnt outweigh him by much. page. 1 Beaverdam Rd, NC 28804 US (828) 253-3393 Alternatives to Choke Chains, Prong Collars, and Other Aversive Methods Aversive methods such as choke chains, pinch collars, and shock collars can not only lead to painful injuries, they are less effective than more positive training methods. No matter what treats or happiness we used, she always found a way to push ahead and not pay attention to us at all. Oh! They out weigh me, so its important to have them under control. It does not lend them any credibility. But with training he will learn. The kennel I work at is very much 50% training, 50% the tools you use. Rainalo Yes, Yes, Yes!!! Psychology Today, December 4, 2017. We look forward to walks now!! The dog grew quickly to an incredibly strong dog that could easily jump the fence in the backyard. WebHidden Prong Collars. Your story along with all the others brave enough to share will helps others in your same situation. Many people have never seen a prong or pinch collar properly used in dog training. He wouldnt listen to me or the instructor at all. Barely had to use the collar; I mean BARLEY, and we got into the groove. He is a pretty stubborn dog (my understanding is that the breed tends to be that way). I guess Im an animal abuser from what I read, but I would put the care and loving I provide to my dog above 99.9% of what most humans receive. The 2 Most Psychologically Incisive Films of 2022, The Surprising Role of Empathy in Traumatic Bonding. We decided to try a prong collar and WOW what a difference it made! Prong collars are designed to be on your dog for the duration of training only. Can a pinch collar be used on short face dogs such as French Bulldogs,Bostons or Pugs? Is to figure out how to communicate with them. Every walk we took Bear was pulling me so hard no matter what I tried and sadly, I was seriously considering returning him to the shelter. Great article!! When presented with alternative methods, many dog guardians are not only readily willing to discontinue the use of force, but relieved to do so. . He was a bully breed mutt and 100 +lbs. He is a rescue who was only 77 lbs when he came to live with me. I have a 150lbs St Bernard mix, I cant walk her she is stronger then me. I am worried about how my dog owning friends will react to me getting one of these collars, but having seen how easy and gentle yet effective it can be I have decided that I would be silly not to get one, both for her safety and mine, in certain situations. I even sustained a back injury when he took off after a dog on a walk. 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. A dog has to have the following floor space available: Anna, if used and fitted properly, the prong collar is going to be a life changer and youll wander why you waited so long to try it! So make sure to watch the videos in the post about fitting and training. Its a good thing I work out because I can reign her back in but I fear one day shell dislocate my shoulder!! We were very skeptical at first because it does look a bit barbaric. Quebec will institute a ban on choke, This collar is used to treat injured dogs. I admit I was not paying full attention to him was conversing with a neighbor. PostedApril 25, 2019 We rescued a 14 month old, 80 pound, muscular, untrained male doberman and walks with him were impossible. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In addition, the government of Australia I was on the verge of having to give him up when I was introduced to the Herm Springer. I have a strong 100 pound GSD. My question is I know it can be good for walks but can it also be used in training my dog to stop jumping and biting? You can walk your dog around without a collar, harness, leash (please dont do it in public, there are laws in place) and they will listen to you every step of the way.. Unfortunately, I think the rescue society I got her from downplayed the leash issues. It is so much better to be able to walk your dog without the worry of being pulled to the ground! I am emigrating to Germany next year and i do not want to be taking a dog with me that is going to drag me through the streets, barking and being hyper and scaring everyone by giving the impression hes aggressive which he definitely is not.. I have volunteered at numerous rescues that would allow for use of harnesses and Martingale or choke style collars but not 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. However when it comes to walking on a lease he is a puller and aggressive. Shame they dont research the damage done to dogs by flat buckle ! I can only hope that the prong collar helps as I am having a hard time controlling him when people and animals walk within eyesight. The one linked in the article above fits dogs with up to a 18-inch neck. Sometimes it is NOT the owner, but the dog that needs this collar. But since I invested so much money in this trainer I figured I'd give it a try. This essay was written with Boulder (Colorado) force-free certified dog trainer, Mary Angilly, who, in December 2017, started a campaign to ban shock, choke, and prong collars in the city. Russian/West Germany working/showline. We rescued a super sweet lab mix from down south a few months ago. Watch the video on proper fitting and you will be fine. 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]. No one ever claimed it so it became our shop dog and because I opened and closed the shop regularly I was the one in charge of walking him. However, if used in the wrong way, collars can lead to serious or even fatal injury." Hes my first dog and unfortunately socialization was very difficult and so he was highly reactive to dogs. I have yet to see one that stops a dog from pulling. They take the easy route, as opposed to teaching proper, solid cues and commands. 4. I noticed early on that other dog owners or even people who have seen a dog somewhere in their lifetime, have become experts on how to care for MY dog, irrespective of how theyre known me! If you have a stubborn or strongly pulling dog, these collars can change a dogs behavior in literally one short session. 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? However, she told me that she uses a prong collar with her two German shepherds for the same reason and offered to demonstrate on my dog while we were there. I wanted to get one for him when we first started having problems with him but my dad seemed so against it so I decided on not getting one. Sarah, I totally understand your hesitation. Ali has won multiple awards for her dog training, and has had her blog (this blog!) Stay strong and be confident in knowing you are doing everything right! Prong collars, also known as pinch collars, are a type of dog collar that is designed to provide a correction to a dog's behavior through the use of prongs. Thanks. Just last week, while at a local dog park, she saw a very social puppy who was running up to every strange human and dog she passed, excitedly soliciting attention, with a loose, exuberantly waggy body. He pulled his previous owner down their porch steps! When shown attention, she licked human hands and dog faces with something that could only be described as joy. A prong collar is a device that has good and bad points to it, but as well go into later, its ripe for misuse. This will then tighten around the dogs neck while he is hanging and obviously suffocate him to death (I am sure that you do not wish this upon your family pet). They also wondered if this could have long-term "trust issues." I switched him to a prong (Herm Sprenger 2.25mm) and his behavior improved immediately. Should the collar only be used while walking? At what age do you recommend that people start using a prong Collar? I saw a short article on a dog training Facebook page, about prong collars. If you are consistently pulling the collar he may become numb to any corrections. He didnt need to or want to. We tried everything, several different harnesses, chokers, e-collar hed refuse to allow us to even put an Easy-walker or Gentle Leader on him, wed have to chase him and then wrestle with him before wed even get out the door. Hi Carol, the prong collar is known to come apart at the most inconvenient times. You could have taught a loose leash without a prong. Again 99.9% of the time he is a joy to walk & im walking him and my other dog which could greatly overpower me. A shortcut that compromises too much for me to feel comfortable using one or recommending one when there are tried and tested methods that dont require one. This needs to be done with good training. You have that. We have dogs in training classes with prong collars, slip collars, harnesses everything. Also, as the author mention, there are huge differences in the quality of a Pet Smart pinch collar and a Herm Sprenger (the recommended brand). Dogs that I thought were a lost cause QUICKLY cease pulling and are walkable again! Webtypical flat collar greatly increasing the possibility of damage or injury to the dog. You lost me at suggesting a prong collar for a reactive dog! Animal welfare law changes to include prong collar ban 9 May 2022 Tony Keim The banning of prong collars used to restrain dogs is one of suite of proposed changes in the Queensland Governments first review of Legislators cited prong collars violated their Animal Welfare standards by using pain as punishment.. but the fallout can be significant. I have a ten month old foxhound that I walk daily in the forest for two miles in rugged terrain. I have a 15 lb, 1 year old shih-poo who, because he is overly excited, attempt to pull and lunge to meet other people and dogs. Its important to check that all links are secure before putting on your dog. and has a loving heart. Our previous 2 dogs were Chocolates so we knew what to expect in regards to energy levels and exercise needs. When we first adopted Bear he had no leash manners at all. Please see ourfull disclosurefor further information. We recently attended a three week intensive training program for our 4 year old, 50 lb lab mix. Have you read the other comments here? During the first class Shadow had his own agenda and set out to personally meet and greet every student in the class. The prong collar training gets a lot of attention from pure positive or force free dog trainers. 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). Toronto (Canada) attempted a ban on prong and choke collars, and it passed, but was then turned over within the next month. Thank you so much for sharing. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. It takes time and a lot of consistency. WebWhere are prong collars banned? However, loose leash walking has literally been impossible. I bought a Herm Spengler for my 3 year old 100lb. Funny how that works. Suggestions? Quebec will institute a ban on choke, prong, and shock collars in 2020. We found out that her dog, while on a choke collar, started pulling when he saw another dog across the street, so much so that his paws came off the ground. You are most likely reading this because your dog pulls on the leash, is leash reactive or you cant control your dog on leash, right? We could tell it was simply because their want to chase after whatever they saw was stronger than their want for treats. Required fields are marked. Theres a lot of myths and a lack of information because it all comes from a passionate place. Woodrow doesnt mind it at all. I have used every kind of collar for the pups Ive fostered and adopted. Even with a prong? If I did not get his behavior under control I would have to re-home my dog, if I could not walk him that would be cruel and if he hurt me or someone by lunging that would be even worse. It makes all the difference and Blu seldom pulls or lunges. Thanks. I personally never used a prong collar before being introduced to it a couple of years ago. Also, try having your dog wear a cute bandana it covers the prong collar if you are self-conscious about it. Have your new trainer help you make sure the fit is correct and you will be well on your way to having peaceful walks again. A prong would have cleaned him right up. It is so inspiring, it brought tears to my eyes. He had good manners (or so I thought) and was very very love able. Period. I am a firm believer of the pros of a prong collar and I would never get on other then the Herm brand, the rest always break or corrode. And dogs can be abused even without physical contact, so Im leaving out cases of abuse here). After 5 years we still must put it on him when in public even though we still do training in private with him frequently to get him to behave on a regular collar. _____. Just train the right way the first time and dont seek shortcuts.. My new rescue golden girls neck (just below her ears) measures 14. in. We felt like failures having practiced with her every single day several times per day with no success. Hopefully that has changed. Thanks! If used correctly prongs are a great tool and can greatly improve your and the dogs quality of life, I have four bouvier dogs whom i love dearly, but using the regular belt type choker, got me dragged under the wheels of truck, which fortunately stopped at the last second, saving my life and the probably the dogs as well, since i walk all four at once, so all i can say, is your information and positive comments on the use of the prong collar seems to be my only and final choice. Have watched several videos by Jeff Geller and purchased a Herm Sprenger prong collar. In one session she was working roundabout his dog with no issues. it seems ugly and embarrassing. Im certain it must at least in part be me. He likes them, just not enough to be bribed by them. I heard a trainer once describe the prong collar as power steering for dog training, which I think is a great analogy. With this volume of no-nos its so freaking easy to get wrong that can cause damage to your dog physically, mentally, or just to the bond between you and your dog. 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. Thank you for this article! This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I have exacty the same story! Physical Damage Choke and Prong Collars: Health Concerns Call for Equipment Change in Dog Training Many civilized countries have outlawed prong collars, recognizing the harm they can do! He is absolutely gorgeous and has the sweetest disposition. But Id recommend giving it a try, if he seems too afraid, then take a few steps back. Can you use the pinch collar on a 26lb puppy? As a trainer, Mary sees many dogs struggling with fear, reactivity, and aggression toward unfamiliar people and dogs. With the use of a prong collar, you immediately become your dogs source of punishment. From tracking to bite work (agitation work), and even an every day harness! There is no need to be heavy handed using a prong collar. My dog loves going on walks and he always wears a prong collar when we leave the house. With some dogs prong collars are a great tool! I love hearing all the success stories. I decided to share my story because so many people have not. I used a pinch collar on Chester and he and I were happy walkers for 10+ years. Unfortunately, people really just dont understand these collars and that they can actually help prevent damage or injury, and help owners bond and communicate better with their dogs. I follow Jeff Bellman and Skype with him occasionally and love his transparency & honesty about the training tools he uses. 6. We are both currently undergoing some intensive training with a professional who recommended this collar and so far has been the only tool that has allowed me to correct his behaviours, even on the first session we were able to be within a few feet of another dog with no reaction and for me and for him has literally been a life saver. The prong collar is not punishment or pain. She walked normal and actually we all enjoyed our walk instead of dreading it. She was like a different dog! All of the images in this post contain dogs who are wearing prong collars incorrectly. Awe Rachel, this is great news! Came to me weighing 43lbs, greatly malnourished (the rescue had fixed all the medical issues and had to adopt him out, so not complaining) since then, he is well nourished at 68 lbs.still pulls like a fiend sometimes. I recommend prong collars, but only after consulting a certified dog training professional. What theyre made to do, and what theyre not made to do..
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