Any training resources or advice you can provide would be very helpful! Many countries, including Austria and Switzerland, have made it illegal to use prong collars for canines. Are just such huge 2000 2022 Rebarkable LLC. I asked the vet if she could give me some gentle tranquillisers to use on such occasions, just to calm her down, but the vet was very reluctant to do this. No more shoulder injuries for me. 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. Thank you for providing this resource, however nothing would change my mind about it, ever! Thank you, I dont have one, but found this in a Google search: Source: precisionk9training.com. 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. Make sure you buy the Herm Sprenger brand I recommend. This is an awesome example of how great of a tool the prong collar can be under the right training. . The prong collar is not punishment or pain. You can purchases extra links if you have an extra large dog (just make sure to get the right mm size for the collar you have). Could the use of the collar be creating more fear and anxiety in our already anxious dog? Wow Deanna, what a great transformation story. 2. If you correct the behavior before he gets into that state of mind, the prong will work. I have a 5 month old Rottweiler and I need to make sure he does not pull me In the winters . Kodi will be 2 yrs old in September this year, originates from a rescue center and has been with me from 4 months of age. You can do it with patience and guidance.. Should e-collars, prong collars, or choke collars be banned? But are prong collars cruel? P.S. For example, shock collars, sometimes called e-collars or electronic collars, are banned in the United Kingdom, but they are legal in the United States. I love my dogs prong collar. 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! I want him to walk ahead of me on a 20-30 lead along my single file trail. We told our dog trainer all about this today and he introduced us to the prong collar with lots of instruction about how to gently tug the leash with just 2 fingers to get the dogs attention. Her eyes arent red after a walk and she doesnt pant constantly walking now. Familiarise yourself with canine body language, particularly stress signs. It is amazing!! Most of us have seen dogs straining so hard against their collar in their excitement to move forward that they can hardly breathe and sound a bit like Darth Vader. 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. On walks, sometimes he pulls on leash, other times does not. This made walking him difficult as he wanted to get to anyone or anything he saw. After class the instructor told me that she would bring a collar to the next class that should help with him and asked that I come a little early so she could show me how to use it. Hes the sweet dog I knew him to be. These collars can save a dogs life and make him the gentle fur baby the owner wants. The first of its kind, the flagship plan aims to ensure the UK is leading the way in animal welfare and includes a ban on the use of electric shock collars, a move which has been long-campaigned for by The Kennel Club. Like a child, I believe the structure it provides, is helping to build a better relationship. I have a ten month old foxhound that I walk daily in the forest for two miles in rugged terrain. WebPerhaps it was the way the cave people restrained their wild dogs from running away. We are switching over to a 1 on 1 trainer very soon hoping it will help with his other problems we are having at home. Its not illegal to use Please see our, how to train your dog to walk loose leash, How Much are Teacup Puppies? Susan, thank you for sharing your story and I have a feeling this is going to change you and your dogs lives for the better! Marc Bekoff, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. I love a system, and the Ray Allen Manufacturing designed Nomad Interchangeable Harness System really does the trick. 6. Make sure to check back in, cant wait to hear your success story. The dog must learn to pay attention and do exactly what you sayfor your sake and its. Thank you for saving a dogs life! This collar is used to treat injured dogs. Shock collars have been banned in many states of Australia after considering the damaging effects of these e collars on dogs. Shadow received an award at the end of the class for Most Improved. My dgt promised to do all the walking and caring for the dog. Actually he has never gagged, choked or shown any discomfort to prong where Ive had dogs gag if they pulled hard with flat collar. We just have to apply it. 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. A word of caution thoughif you do use one expect criticism from others. The prong is not meant to yank, pull or choke a dog. We praised and rewarded him and he was getting it so quickly; finally!! Thanks. She needs her exercise and fresh air and i will never deny her of that because of my own fears. You will need to read the dogs body language. I would think they would still work as long as you have the collar up high on the neck. WebAustria, Germany, maybe Netherlands and some scandinavian countries. 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. As soon as the prong collar is on her, she is in full listen mode. The prong collar controversy is real! page. England Shock collars are banned in Wales, but with the help of a new proposal, the cruel devices may be banned in 2. Thanks Karen for sharing your story. A prong collar should sit right behind the ears and If you decide this is your right path, just make sure that youre going into this as prepared as you can, because you owe it to your dog to do so. 100% agree if they were hurting the dogs they would be yelping none stop when walking them. I finally gave up on my fears, and holy cow I was in control. Dogs will definitely be verbal if they are uncomfortable or in pain!! I am with a training group right now, not training with them at present. Why are these collars still so popular in 2019 when we know better? With some dogs prong collars are a great tool! Why was CodeMiko banned? 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. Is It Time to Ban Shock Collars for Dogs In All Situations? The Effects of Using Aversive Training Methods in Dogs: A Review. I asked him why not? He went on to tell me theyre known for breaking dogs necks. Most dogs that are terrified of things have never been exposed to them rather than having been beaten by/with the thing theyre exposed to. But do you suggest a prong collar for my Great Dane? He did bite me once but that was clearly situational and hasnt happened again. You can have a dog who listens well, learns well and as a puppy? We also tried the plain slip-chain/choke chain collar (per my Mother in laws recommendation), and found that she still pulled and choked herself despite us -trying- to use it responsibly and kindly, OR she would back out of it and completely slip away. Kilian you are very welcome. Many thanks for your advice and recommendation. Picking up a prong collar tomorrow. Leashes restrict dogs' ability to have control of their lives and to make choices. I guess I am one of those 100% pure positive dog trainers and yes their is a more humane way to train the dog. The prong is the best, the dogs pull much less, even with other dogs, cats and squirrels to distract them. Two, Find a trainer that will work with you and the prong collar. It was a lifesaver for me and he was a true angel to walk with it. There are different styles of the prong collar. Positively, constructively and with an open mind) theres a positive solution you can take to achieve the same goal. And there are two much better alternatives, halters and walk harnesses https://positively.com/dog-training/methods-equipment/training-equipment/choke-and-prong-collars/. 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. However, some suppliers seem to be able to get them and sell them. There are many different types of dog harnesses. We have tried positive reinforcement with food items, turning to head a different direction when he pulls (hoping he will learn to follow the human), and have tried at least another half dozen other recommended methods. My dogs get excited when they see the prong collars come out, it means they are going for a walk and cant wait to get the collar on! The reason why I am so weary of collars is that when dogs pull they can cause a lot of damage. If ur looking to get one please please please invest In a sprenger and not a cheap version as these have point ends that will do damage and please seek a reputable professional to show you how to use it properly.its meant for slow gradual increases in pressure not quick hard yanks. As a Chewy affiliate I earn commissions for qualifying purchases. You are doing everything right, just take it slow. It also helps me correct her and keep her focused. Yes, Yes, Yes!!! The pulling she used to have has almost been eliminated by the training techniques my trainer taught us. But with training he will learn. Keep doing what you are doing . Try the stop and go method first, by not moving forward anytime there is any tension on the leash should teach him not to pull. It's pretty effortless. I have a year old Great Dane mix. Also, the result of positive training isnt dependent on the presence of the device which is definitely a good thing., The other reason I would advise against prong collar usage is because of the time in which you have to apply the correction., You have 2 seconds to capture a behaviour, right or wrong, reward or correction., With positive reinforcement, you can use a marker word, and reward to give you a little longer for the treat/play reward. Whilst I know that the potential for misuse is not a reason to call something bad, its mainly a method of training that I see no reason for.. Taking in and training foster dogs takes a very special person! My dog trainer helped us find the most comfortable prong collar and fit it properly behind Blu's ears. She introduced me to the idea of using a prong collar as a training tool which I initially had strong concerns about having never seen one in use and having just lost a dog to laryngeal damage issues. These collars have been the subject of controversy in recent years, with some people arguing that they are inhumane and should be banned, while others claim that they are an effective tool for training and managing a dog's behavior. 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? I have needed to figure out how to contain this pup that will weigh as much as me at a full grown 130lbs. It made a difference! I bet Sam is looking forward to enjoying his walks with you just as much as you are! WebProng collars work by causing discomfort (pain/punishment) when the dog pulls against it. Hi! Thanks for this info. Debi, this is a wonderful article, thank you. Why would he still be so excited to go on walks if the prong collar was so terrible? I am in your same boat. Lets be realistic, Im not here to change your mind, and you will never be able to change mine. The puppy resumed her buoyant behavior, this time heading toward Mary and her dog, Buster. Whoopee! I went into the city to give him some new experiences besides our boring suburb walks and didnt use the prong collar. Weve even had comments from people about how well behaved our dog is. ) Dont forget to train them off of it. Were hoping its a temporary training tool only, but Im still happy to have found this. Be patient and give your dog the ability to learn. I just want her to be happy and enjoy the world! Will the collar help all that? No. Disappointed by the bias. According to a review article published by Gal Ziv, the results show that using aversive training methods (e.g., positive punishment and negative reinforcement) can jeopardize both the physical and mental health of dogs. He gets to decide to eliminate that discomfort by not pulling. We use a mini prong collar and had to adjust the number of links. 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. The studies seem to show that choke collars are dangerous but not prong collars. If you choose to use a restraining collar, why do you do so? I have a 2 year old, big strong 50kg male rottweiler who my ex was supposed to have trained, but only really had him off the lead, Sam doesnt listen to a word I say when were out walking and literally drags me, causing me injury. (see Training Methods and Devices for more details) We would like to try one more time to change their walking behavior. He was also extremely leash reactive and aggressive towards other dogs in general. I whole heartedly believe the prong collar can change peoples and dogs lives. 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! Mary writes, "I've seen situations like this more times than I can count at local dog parks and trails. Give it a chance, try it out and see what a difference it can make with your relationship with your dog. (See "Is Your Dogs Collar Dangerous?") So now Im looking to eliminate the lunging at joggers, bikes, people walking towards us with or without dogs and the occasional car that she decides is a threat?? Our previous 2 dogs were Chocolates so we knew what to expect in regards to energy levels and exercise needs. Our goal with the program was full obedience. They out weigh me, so its important to have them under control. Please see ourfull disclosurefor further information. This is something that I will be sure to remember because Im planning to buy handmade dog prong collars for my dogs at home. The one linked in the article above fits dogs with up to a 18-inch neck. For example, in the state of California, prong collars cant be used to tether a dog. In my years of dog training (at this point, Ive been involved in training over 1300 dogs and won awards), Ive never found a reason for a prong collar that cannot be resolved with positive training. We rescued a super sweet lab mix from down south a few months ago. The reason is that your dog might get spooked by something (fire works, thunder or whatever) and decide to make a dash for it. In large, older, strong, and/or strong-willed dogs, this would point us to the prong collars. I spend more than 40 hours a week writing, researching and helping dog owners, I can not do it for free and still feed my family. WebThere are two recommended sizes of prong collars for dogs. Our shih-poo is VERY smart and learns quick so we know it isnt an intelligence issue. Have you ever seen a dog love wearing a head halter? 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. I can walk right past other dogs and people and he looks at them and keeps in stride with my pace. They got lucky. For her leash training she starts with a slip leash but if a dog is particularly difficult shell switch to the prong collar. But its illegal for individuals to import them. When we adopted our 95 lb lab, he had no leash manners at all. The correctional collars are illegal to import in the country but are only banned in Victoria currently. Very pleased with the purchase and have recommended it to other dog owners. Hi Dawn, so sorry your pup pulled you over! Required fields are marked. It does not work by causing pain when used properly. 12. Is the prong collar training my dog not to pull and then when he no longer pulls then well no longer need to use the collar? Thanks for the information. Reading this article and the comments made me realize I have to get over what people might think. Are you supposed to leave the spike collar on all the time? I'm just afraid I'm going to lose the arm muscle I built up from all that pulling! As with other training devices, when used under supervision and in combination with proper behavioral training, these collars can be quite effective. I used to be someone who thought the prong collar was evil and harmful.. until I met a former LEO K-9 trainer who taught ME how to use one, properly, on a GSD. He is a rescue who was only 77 lbs when he came to live with me. I have not used one so cant recommend anything specific, but you can find them on Amazon: https://amzn.to/32rG40v. So no, in theory it should not need to be used for ever. It takes time and a lot of consistency. I have found your article online about using prong collars.. well, i am at my wits end with my darling Border Collie. We were very skeptical at first because it does look a bit barbaric. Have you read the other comments here? Thank you for telling your story Melanie. So yes, Prong Collars can have the ability to be very harmful, very easily. He is doing well but, as he is getting older, he is pulling toward other dogs and people. In addition, the government of Australia Its a large part of what drove me to write this blog post was because people are using these tools and are not actually looking at the whole page, reading all the information and are consequently making poorly informed decisions., Or, theyre making their decision based on the word of a trainer who is practicing with outdated techniques which is a really easy mistake to make.. Why did I need to try all those tools? 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. For instance, our sweet River does so well with other dogs and people at the dog park, but once shes on the leash shes much more reactive. My advice would be to give it a try w/ a professionals guidance to see if it could solve your dogs leash pulling habit. My daughter took him out today on a prong collar and she said he did good. (It is really hard to stay positive and calm when your shoulder and arm are being ripped away from your body!) Reminder, not all prong collars are created equal. Prong collar is the only way, Headcollar training harness with a front point Balance harness etc etc. It is made up of a metal The use of any electrical devices for disciplinary purposes (electrical fence, anti-bark, collars with remote control) is not allowed. He will be an 80 pound dog. 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). Specifically, they state that prolonged or extreme pulling of ANY collar can lead to damage. All seemed to be going well with the prong except his reactivity to other dogs while on leash seemed to get worse. Thank you for this resource. It is like an airbag, you hope it never has to deploy, but when you need, it better be there! I have physical disabilities and any pulling from my 62 pound Labradoodle will hurt me. 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. Now presume there is a fence (metal picket fence/devils fork) in the dogs way and he decides to jump this but your choke or prong hooks on the live ring. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. This can create a scenario in which, at best, a dog doesn't offer any behaviors due to fear, and at worst, a dog who becomes more reactive, worried, and overtly aggressive, leading to bites.". He pulled his previous owner down their porch steps! Especially for a breed that everyone seems to be initially wary of. If it hurt him in any way I seriously doubt he would come running for me to put it on him. 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. After our outing I realized how overwhelmed he still gets with new scents and experiences. Though she is a pretty good heeler without it I feel safer and feel like she is calmer with it on. A prong collar will give you a bit of power steering with a larger dog that pulls hard, but its no substitute for training., So if youre training? I weigh less than 120 pounds and did not consider prong collars until we got a giant dog. I can see how someone would see it as dangerous or harmful. We took our oldest daughters Welsh Pembroke Corgi to a trainer. Many civilized countries have outlawed prong collars, recognizing the harm they can do! I will make a couple of notes: 1, It was a bit of a trick to fit the thing at first, especially since she has long fur. 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. He eventually started showing extreme aggression towards dogs including my other two rescues. Its crazy how the internet is overwhelmed with posts claiming how dangerous these collars are when I find they have done wonders for both me and the dogs Im walking, all without hurting them. 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. Pronged Collars Should be Banned Because They are Harmful to Dogs-Fiction! What a great story Donna, thank you for sharing. but the fallout can be significant. 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. Its especially discouraging because most articles Im reading argue against prong collars. I support so much the keep working till you find something that actually works, and make sure you know how to use it before using it. No, Prong collars are not banned in the UK. He was a bully breed mutt and 100 +lbs. Weve been using a Ray Allen Brand, the prongs go only partially around his neck/the collar. Slowly, youll transfer all the leash to the harness or collar, and leave the prong collar on, but unattached (still for short periods please, and under constant supervision!) It's always good to remember that a dogs neck is delicate and can be injured by violent jerks on a neck collar and even, presumably, by sustained hard pulling. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. It minimizes the drag strain of the harness and is an ideal alternative to prong collars. At the moment, different regions are working I do believe the prong collar has saved many dogs lives. Sweet dog who is highly, highly excitable and anxious. Many trainers advise against these types of collars altogether, in part because the risk of injury to dogs is significant. He pulls when i walk him half the time. What is different about a prong collar is that as the martingale tightens it brings in teeth or prongs. My latest furbaby the half boston/half lab was so smart that all the positive training methods only trained him to misbehave. He did well about 75% of the time but at some point he figured out that he was bigger and stronger than me and started to lung at people and other dogs (he loves people and dogs what can I say). I found the prong collar to be far more humane than say a shock collar, a flat collar, or even an ill fitted harness. I used a pinch collar on Chester and he and I were happy walkers for 10+ years. What can Before he never watched me. The dog didnt even attempt to pull, lunge or drag me anywhere anymore. When presented with alternative methods, many dog guardians are not only readily willing to discontinue the use of force, but relieved to do so. The collars are brutal due to the fact that they typically lack a quick release mechanism. Did You Know Anxiety Can Enhance Our Relationships? I didnt even know what that really was until the first week of taking her for walks. 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 have walked him w/ the prong collar here at home several times since our session and he is not pulling or lunging. haha. 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.. Barely had to use the collar; I mean BARLEY, and we got into the groove. I just cant say enough positive about the usefulness of a prong collar. Try keeping him on a leash inside the house for a while. Just train the right way the first time and dont seek shortcuts.. The prongs simulate another dog's mouth, which makes sense if you've ever taken your dog to the dog park. I somewhat reluctantly use the prong collar because I know I have control regardless of situation & can keep him safe. Used well, it gives dogs access to their world and can be a critically important freedom enhancer. The veterinarian was ultimately able to save the dog's eye. A petite woman in her mid-40s walks her 100 pound rottweiler with some difficulty. The Halti works great to end the pulling but the lead runs on the ground between his legs so he steps on it. But I urge you to give it a try, as youve read by all the comments below, the prong collar can be life changing. The people are told to wait for the dog to offer the behavior. I will write as unbiasedly as I can, and be informative and factual, allowing you to make your own decisions. But every dog is different. I probably am going to get blisters all over my hands, I had to work so hard to keep him from pulling me. No matter what treats or happiness we used, she always found a way to push ahead and not pay attention to us at all. 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. Thanks! She agreed to train a lab mix that was petrified of everything and was essentially still catatonic after months of us having her. The use of any type of restraint, whether a collar that goes around a dog's neck or a front-clip harness, is elective. Front-Clip Harness. Were embarking on our first walk tomorrow!! I was going to buy a front clip harness (for more control as she is either following her nose without listening to me or tries to run away from scary things) but after reading your article Im wondering if a prong collar would be better?. I have a 120 lb Great Dane Mastiff mix. So, out comes my trusty prong collar. When you adopt a dog that pulls so hard you can not walk him, then come talk to me do you want to go through a 6-12-18 month (or more) positive-only training program so this dog can finally take a walk in a public space? The 2 Most Psychologically Incisive Films of 2022, The Surprising Role of Empathy in Traumatic Bonding. Ali Smith is the Positive Puppy Expert, dog trainer and is the founder of Rebarkable. Fine, but I promise you (challenge me if you want! Im sorry to hear that you havent found a trainer that will work with you. Have you witnessed a dog pulled so hard on a flat collar that it chokes it self to the point of gagging? Good luck! A world of difference. I have a 140 BRT, and he is only 14 months old. Tail a waggin. A few thoughts first, you need to not care what other people think. She was a once in a lifetime soulmate of a dog. You need to correct the behavior at that point. And I also know that the prong collar is designed to be the most humane way to train and to NOT harm our dogs. Viewfinders, what do you think about the ban on prong collars? Doing so exposes your dog to an inordinate amount of danger, damage and risks that just are not worth talking about.