You are doing everything right, just take it slow. WebE-Collars & prong collars are banned in several countries in Europe. Im so glad you were able to keep your dog! I am trying to gain more knowledge and be a responsible dog owner (esp. Stay strong and be confident in knowing you are doing everything right! You noted that you have used these devices for a quick fix when you need foster dogs to walk along side yours You also made notes about how to introduce the dog to the prong collar, and with the use of reassuring gestures and being patient with the animal, along side the use of treats why would the prong collar be needed? 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. Many dogs will still pull, despite the discomfort, and are at risk of injury to their necks. If you want to advocate for using aversive tools, thats fine, but lying and telling people that the prong doesnt hurt , only makes you look ridiculous . And never crate the dog with it on. Otherwise, they wouldnt work. A prong collar should sit right behind the ears and I raised him w/ a no-pull harness, and he quickly out grew that behavior. But I will never be completely relaxed walking her if shes going to lunge and bark at every person, bike, dog we see on our walks. Comment below and share with the Rescue Dogs 101 Community that may be unsure on the benefits of the prong collar. They also wondered if this could have long-term "trust issues." It was so bad before that I actually would dread having to take him for his walks and I loved him so much because he was a beautiful loving dog but he literally hurt me on his walks but after we tried the pronged collar and he walked so calmly and correctly I couldnt wait to take him on his walks. I am also convinced, after having tried every other gentle alternative, that these are a) not effective and b) not kind, because walks with my dog are miserable for us both. Pulls a lot, lunges after wild rabbits and some other dogs etc. Hi Debi, I have a pit Pyrenees rescue and have been in weekly training. However, the first reference to dog collars comes from Ancient Egypt. It's good to know that when many people learn how bad they really are, they stop using them. Thanks. Possibly causing neck/throat problems. Just put it on when you are getting ready to take a walk. I bought a Herm Spengler for my 3 year old 100lb. She would get all excited to see me get it out and wait for me to put it on because it either meant going fir a walk or training which meant lots of one on one time with lots of praise and lovins. 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. At what age do you recommend that people start using a prong Collar? Marc Bekoff, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. So happy that your tool worked out for you and your dobie. I think our dog is fearful that our son is causing him to get negative corrections. So far, only a handful of countries have moved to ban shock collars. The dog didnt even attempt to pull, lunge or drag me anywhere anymore. I follow Jeff Bellman and Skype with him occasionally and love his transparency & honesty about the training tools he uses. So many people think the prong collar is terrible, yet the flat collar is okay? I have used the prong collar with my Lab. Got a wonderful lab mix last summer; believe he's never been trained or on a leash. For example, in the state of California, prong collars cant be used to tether a dog. We could tell it was simply because their want to chase after whatever they saw was stronger than their want for treats. 4 months old is border line too young in my opinion. Good luck with your future training of your puppy! 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. I didnt even know what that really was until the first week of taking her for walks. She quickly realized she wasnt a dog person and wanted to rehome her. Our bet recommends it for our lab puppy. Positively, constructively and with an open mind) theres a positive solution you can take to achieve the same goal. The reason is that your dog might get spooked by something (fire works, thunder or whatever) and decide to make a dash for it. I have a 120 lb Great Dane Mastiff mix. Still a long way to go but this collar has put us on the right tracks. Ali Smith is the Positive Puppy Expert, dog trainer and is the founder of Rebarkable. For some dogs it is more than just patience. I can even run in the park with him without getting dragged or jumped on. I was horrified the first time I saw these collars for sale and thought they were really cruel! He already knew all basic commands, house broken and crate trained. 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.. The prong could help with the jumping and biting if used correctly. A smart, quick, and gentle tug as he came at me, playfully, but vigorously and painfully, biting and scratching, caused him to halt and look at my face, asking me what I need from him, wanting to interact and please. Does the prong collar hinder your relationship with your dog? Just read some of the success stories in the comments. 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. It is so inspiring, it brought tears to my eyes. A trainer can help with that. You may have pure positive trainers tell you there are more humane ways to control your dog. My daughter took him out today on a prong collar and she said he did good. He had good manners (or so I thought) and was very very love able. Your email address will not be published. I would think they would still work as long as you have the collar up high on the neck. Not ideal for small breeds. Dogs Watch Us Carefully and Read Our Faces Very Well. This post is from the perspective of a dog owner (me) that has experience with all types of training techniques, and yes that includes reactive dogs, shy dogs, scared dogs, and happy go lucky dogs. 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. A good behavior trainer is best in situations like this. Prong collars are designed to be on your dog for the duration of training only. P.s. Why do so many people choose to use various devices that make direct contact with a dog's neck and are known to inflict stress, discomfort, and pain, and potentially have long-term negative effects on dogs? Webtypical flat collar greatly increasing the possibility of damage or injury to the dog. It was like I was walking a totally different dog altogether. Thank you so much for sharing your story. We were lead to believe that our Bear was leash trained. Old Medication, New Use: Can Prazosin Curb Drinking? We started using the collars and the pulling has gotten so much better. Is it normal to have a few inches of chain that dont have the prongs, and does that work as well? And remove links for smaller necks. Is that this information gets shared, lots. So, out comes my trusty prong collar. Controversial prong dog collars were recently banned by the government of Australias most popular tourist destinations, Queensland, home of the Great Barrier Reef and Gold and Sunshine Coasts. I have a strong, 1.5 year old, hard headed, 60 pound English Springer Spaniel and he is all over the place on walks. But there is no getting away from the fact that if they didn't cause the discomfort/pain, they wouldn't work. It depends on the severity of his fearfulness. Oftentimes, breed is an excuse Oh, hes a German Shepherd, he needs a prong or hell be out of control well no thats not really true is it? 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. I bought a prong collar for my 12-year-old unfixed rescue dog, pitbull. he wont make eye contact, has to be taken out of his kennel, has to be carried inside after be letting out to go to the bathroom, etc. "), There are few quick fixes with dog training. You lost me at suggesting a prong collar for a reactive dog! He came out of two regular collars so I get a herm sprenger. I do actually have a prong collar, the trainers at his class suggested it. Forget a regular collar she did nothing but choke herself out the entire walk. 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. And although I knew they were just barking and pulling because they wanted to investigate and make friends, staffies barks tend to be quite scary, which Im sure intimidate my neighbors. We rescued a Brittany Mix not long ago and walking with her was miserable! Yes theyre bad, because they have far too large an ability to be misused. I recently entered the world of dog ownership by adopting a rescue. These tools of control are often necessary, but we should remain alert to the diverse ways in which they can inhibit a dogs freedoms and the ways these devices can themselves be harmful to our dogs and to us. I whole heartedly believe the prong collar can change peoples and dogs lives. I had the stigma that the prong collars were abusive. Ill let you know how our first walk goes! As we were completing this essay, Mary told me the following story that horrified me. When it is pulled tight the prongs create a pinching effect, which causes pain or discomfort for the dog. I have a 7-month-old Doberman who has been in training classes since he was 3 months old. I have used prong collars before with fantastic success. It is amazing!! Front clip harnesses that simply manipulates the dog into not pulling and does NOT FIX the pulling. The prong collar sounds just what we need. So, the reason he has to be carried into the house is that he wont move when he has a leash on. My energy is much more calm and I sense his is as well. Thank you so much for sharing. 3. I have a ten month old foxhound that I walk daily in the forest for two miles in rugged terrain. Its important to check that all links are secure before putting on your dog. Yes, Yes, Yes!!! Give it a chance, try it out and see what a difference it can make with your relationship with your dog. Ive heard about this collar from a Whoodle group Im in but am concerned that I wont use it properly and will hurt her. I used it as you explained back in 1999, maybe for 3 months and periodically as needed over a years time. When it comes to young dogs and puppies, one of the most lethal and scary things in the dog world is Parvovirus, or Parvo. Wasted $100 at PetSmart (clicker training ????). By the way, the vet also said to only use the Herm Sprenger brand. Im stating it like this so its super obvious for any trainer coming into this piece to know my stance, this caveat is not necessarily for you, my dear new puppy parent, but I have a commitment to my training methodology and need to openly state this.For reasons explained below, I am not a fan of prong collars, however, in order to give a view into why, this piece is needed. 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! She is 38 lb. Additionally he pulled my husband to the ground one time. Legislators cited prong collars violated their Animal Welfare standards by using pain as punishment.. She is a quick learner with all the usual commands and is due to graduate her first round of puppy training classes this Sunday. Russian/West Germany working/showline. (See "Choose a Dog Trainer as Carefully as You Would a Surgeon" and "Dog Training's Dirty Little Secret: Anyone Can Legally Do It."). Use lots of love and positive reinforcement with a no pull harness. I probably am going to get blisters all over my hands, I had to work so hard to keep him from pulling me. Suggestions? (My dog is super sweet and not aggressive just stubborn!) He would drag me all over. Theres rarely a time where a prong is genuinely needed in a good relationship with your dog. Im certain it must at least in part be me. The prong collar (similar to a choke chain or slip lead) works on constriction. The prong collar I bought when he was 1yr old (Sprenger) trust me I've tried everythingthe prong collar worked the best for communication along with his obedience commands. Have you read the other comments here? But theyre not.. Thank you for this article! I signed us up for an obedience class. I finally bought a Herm Sprenger collar and it was moderately helpful. As soon as the prong collar is on her, she is in full listen mode. Prong collars are still legal in the US, but are highly 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. She actually does really well but is strong with high prey drive. The dog will be much happier in fact. Stand behind your product and tell people openly the truth! Ive noticed several times that ours become lodged and arent connected all the way, leading to it easily being able to break apart when the dog pulls. And she did it using a prong collar. Once we took her out I was amazed! It in fact dates the police academys training techniques back to the 1990s, along with their computer systems and their approach to the law is that something you really wish to stand with?, The My dog loves his prong, and gets all excited when he sees it is simple classical conditioning, such that your dog recognises that means training or walkies, that doesnt mean that they feel positive about the experience when the prong tightens around their neck., I mean, I can train your dog to see a lemon and think its the best thing in the world it doesnt mean theyll like the taste of lemon.. If fitting is not the problem, then next review the way you are correcting his pulling, do not pull or nag on the collar, it should always be a quick tug or snap of the collar. My advice would be to give it a try w/ a professionals guidance to see if it could solve your dogs leash pulling habit. I bought the collar at Petsmart. Misuse covers: poor or incorrect placement on the dog. poorly fitted collars or incorrectly sized. incorrect timing of corrections allowing dog to self correct. used in the car (especially to secure in the car) worn in a crate Attempting to solve incorrect problems with a prong long durations wearing a prong when used on the underaged when used on shy dogs when used on scared dogs when used on aggressive dogs when used whilst not defined training sessions when used whilst unattended when used with anything other than a short leash. Wish more people would stop and educate themselves to see the value in them! I have yet to see one that stops a dog from pulling. It is like tapping the dog on the shoulder to get his attention. A prong collar is a device that has good and bad points to it, but as well go into later, its ripe for misuse. The prong is the best, the dogs pull much less, even with other dogs, cats and squirrels to distract them. Reminder, not all prong collars are created equal. 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. _____. Many civilized countries have outlawed prong collars, recognizing the harm they can do! How do you know what size collar to purchase ? He is a pretty stubborn dog (my understanding is that the breed tends to be that way). 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. Offering him a toy when he attacks me, biting and scratching me, only taught him to attack me in order to get a toy. and eventually? When we first adopted Bear he had no leash manners at all. However when it comes to walking on a lease he is a puller and aggressive. Its an adaptation of choke chains, the links become larger and there are teeth on each link that encircle the neck. She is so much happier on her walks and so am I. 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! The Have you witnessed a dog pulled so hard on a flat collar that it chokes it self to the point of gagging? He was on the road to becoming an uncontrollable pet who would be doomed to being kept outside when the grandkids come to visit, or visitors come into the home. You dont need a prong collar. 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It also helps me correct her and keep her focused. My question is if the prong collar would scare him even more, causing more distrust, or if the boundaries of the collar would actually make him feel safer? Its not illegal to use It could take months or years, depending on your training. I did training and watched several videos regarding the use of the collar and in less than 2 week the lunging was OVER. The neck and cervical spine are one of the most important energy channels in the body. Hi Lesa, I appreciate your feedback and the fact youve never needed to use a prong is great. 2, I think it can add a little stress during dog-to-dog interactions, especially if the other dog is aggressive. The content in this post is a breath of fresh air. I cannot just take the opinions of others because the day WILL COME that I will be challenged by someone out there who tries to bust people for passing their dogs off as service dogs, when indeed, they are not. But I am also aware of how other people view the prong collar. In an essay called "What is Positive Punishment in Dog Training?" Bam. Prong collars have been banned in many countries that have announced them as illegal. Thanks for sharing this. He was really a wonderful dog that I wouldnt have enjoyed with out that collar. What can If you can figure that out? I want her to learn the actual commands I give her. I have been lectured by multiple people and even had someone who found my dog once remove the collar and refuse to give it back. I have tried a few with our foster dogs, and they never truly work. This isn't the case in England, where they're legally allowed to be used without restriction. Actually he has never gagged, choked or shown any discomfort to prong where Ive had dogs gag if they pulled hard with flat collar. 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. The neck and cervical spine are one of the most important energy channels in the body. I swapped over to a prong collar, and got him to behave, and pull and run after other dogs less, but it doesnt stick when I put him on another collar. . Consider the woman about whom Mary wrote who chose to leave her choke collar at the veterinary clinic after her dog suffered from a prolapsed eye. On the other end of the spectrum, there are also dog trainers who are force-free and rewards-based who lack the education and knowledge base to be effective concerning choices of neck restraints. During the first class Shadow had his own agenda and set out to personally meet and greet every student in the class. I love hearing all the success stories. Meaning, they are walking well with no correction needed. Like anything Im sure using it wrong or without training can be bad but using it as training tool correctly can be a great benefit and my dog has responded amazing to it., I just started training with the prong collar, I immediately see a difference in my pitt/boxer mix. Sometimes they dont even know this is happening. This includes a flat collar. So as I did my research as a new dog mom, I see all the ominous warnings of the pinch collar. He is a happy go lucky great dog. She seems not herself when she has it on in the house during the day do not want her sweet personality to go away with using this collar. I should say that my dog is quite highly trained and in a training environment excels at quite advanced exercises. If it works to stop a behaviour, it must be because the animal found it aversive (if they liked it or didnt notice it, it wouldnt reduce the frequency of the behaviour).". The prong collar is NOT cruel, it saves dogs lives. For this reason, more and more trainers and veterinarians are recommending that a dog be walked or run on a chest harness. WebAustria, Germany, maybe Netherlands and some scandinavian countries. I wouldnt recommend trying one without researching how to properly use it but it works really well for some pups. Needless to say Shadow and I were able to participate in class and he wasnt the class clown he was in the first class. It used to be he wouldnt move at all when we set him down, but now he runs to go outside it runs away from us when were outside (we have a fenced in yard so he cant get away). The studies seem to show that choke collars are dangerous but not prong collars. Thanks. I have used one with a boxer, a half rottweiler/half lab, and a half boston terrier/half lab. Physical Damage Choke and Prong Collars: Health Concerns Call for Equipment Change in Dog Training It has been a life-saver. These are then used when you want to apply a Correction (also called a leash pop) that press into the skin around your dogs neck to apply discomfort or pain in order to communicate that your dog has done something incorrectly. 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. This collar is used to treat injured dogs. I had it too low on the neck and much too loose. But that isnt going to happen in just a few days. That is a misconception. All dogs will show signals that he is about to lung or go after prey, such as excitement, whining, eye contact, etc. Do not allow any pulling from now on. If hes really excited treats have no value, even hot dogs. I guess I am one of those 100% pure positive dog trainers and yes their is a more humane way to train the dog. These trainers believe that the prong collar is cruel and should be banned. And trust me, my dog knows how to communicate if he doesn't like something. Exhaust other options Fit it properly Use an experienced trainer (who admits what it is and how it works) Use as designed Pick a quality one (no rubber tips! | 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. Hello, After doing my research and coming across this website, Im ready to try a prong collar with my rescue Nala. We just have to apply it. When asked why they use a particular type of restraint, people often say something like, Its the thing to do, or someone who knows about dogs told them to do so. My personal stance? She no longer uses a prong collar to manage her dog and he is easily pulling her down the street as she struggles with her leash and flat collar. I have walked him w/ the prong collar here at home several times since our session and he is not pulling or lunging. Prong, or pinch, collars can look similar to a limited slip or martingale collar, other than they have metal prongs that protrude toward the canines throat when the pet uses the collar. Whilst Herm Sprenger advise that 5-6 months is the minimum? Your email address will not be published. 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 Thank you for this resource.
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