A Great Prong Collar Artical!

[Guest Anonymous]

[color=blue]Read this on another board and thought I'd post it here! I hope it doesn't start a fight :-? :roll: [/color]

[b]THE PRONG COLLAR REVISITED[/b]
[i][b]fact vs. fiction [/b][/i]

[i]Julia Maclachlan [/i]

Of all the tools used in dog training, perhaps none is more widely misunderstood and maligned than the prong collar (also known as the pinch collar). Many well-meaning but misinformed people assume that judging by its looks, the prong collar is a barbaric device intended to "stab" a dog's neck in order to correct misbehavior. While walking my own dogs on this type of collar I have encountered complete strangers who think nothing of telling me how cruel I am to use such a harsh device. While I am indifferent to this type of comment, I worry that similar incidents will drive responsible dog owners away from using this excellent, effective and kind (yes, kind) training tool on dogs that benefit from it the most. This article is meant to reassure those who are already using the collar or are considering it and more importantly, to educate those who think it is "cruel" or unfair to the dog.

While many people think that the prong collar is a trendy new gadget for the modern dog owner, the fact is that it predates the much more commonly used choke chain. Prong type collars appear in photographs and sketches in European training literature from the turn of the century. Presumably invented by people who relied on their dogs' obedience, responsiveness and good attitude in a time when most dogs had actual "jobs", the prong collar still has a prominent place in the "toolbox" of the modern, balanced dog trainer.

The prong collar works on the concept that evenly applied pressure is gentler and more effective on a dog's neck than the quick jerk and impact of a choke chain or the steady, relentless pressure of a flat collar. While a professional trainer can make a choke chain correction look fast and flawless, it is very difficult for most pet dog owners to master the timing and the release of the correction. Also, even a perfectly executed choke chain correction is a repeated impact on a single spot on a dog's neck. The current trend of the "head halter" system is equally flawed. In an earlier edition of this article, I referred to it as a good choice for dogs with structural problems. In the past few years I have spoken with veterinarians, trainers and owners who took issue with that recommendation based on the potential insult to the soft tissue of the dog's upper neck and the often careless way in which the headcollar is used by people who are assured that it is "humane" and cannot harm their dog. Like every other training tool, it also has its place. However, for a breed already beset with potential spinal and structural problems such as the Doberman, I find myself recommending it less and less. The self-limiting tightening action of the prong collar also makes it a safer bet for strong-pulling dogs. A prong collar can only be pulled so tight, unlike the choke or slip collar, which has unlimited closing capacity and in careless or abusive hands, can cut a dog's air entirely.

Another aspect of the prong collar is its simulation of a natural "correction" that one dog gives another. If you watch a couple of dogs interacting, you'll notice that a lot of mouthing behavior takes place. Dogs have evolved over tens of thousands of years to tolerate the toothy attention of their canine friends and family, usually in play or posturing and sometimes in a more serious mode. The degree of intensity in their mouthing can be inhibited or increased depending on their relationship with a particular dog and the issue at hand. Likewise, the prong collar can be configured in several ways other than the traditional "live ring" setting that most people use. It can be deadened by hooking both the " d"-ring and the "o"-ring together, rubber tips can be put on some or all of the prongs, prongs can be reversed so that there is only pressure on certain areas. Many of the prong collar's loudest critics are unaware of these variations of its use and throw the word "pain" around freely. A close look at the actual prongs will tell a more perceptive person about the concept of "pain" as delivered from a prong collar: the tips of the prong are very blunt. The larger the prong, the milder the pressure. Put a prong collar around your own arm or leg (or neck, if you must!) and judge for yourself. Now take another look at your dogs as they play roughly: the type of mouthing they solicit from one another in fun would send a human being to the emergency room and yet it barely ruffles the fur on their necks. Remember this when you see a prong collar; not only doesn't it "hurt" your own ultra-sensitive human skin, when correctly fitted and used, it is only a fraction of the pressure dogs use with one another.

The prong collar is often referred to as the "hearing aid" collar: a dog properly introduced to it in the hands of a person likewise prepared suddenly understands the expectations upon him. Rather than the nagging of a choke or slip collar or the constant muzzle and poll pressure of a head halter, the dog feels no pressure at all except at a precise instant when he makes an incorrect decision. Because of its ease of use and the usually rapid positive change in the dog's attitude and behavior, the prong is an excellent choice for elderly or physically compromised people with strong dogs, small people with large dogs, and even the tiniest of the toy breeds which risk permanent damage from regular collars. Even dogs with certain structural problems can be worked successfully on a prong collar rather than allowed to drag their owners around on a harness!

So, with all of the good stuff associated with the prong collar,shouldn't every dog wear one? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Some dogs, due to genetics or a poor upbringing, respond poorly to any sort of pressure. Some dogs have spinal problems so severe that no pressure should ever be put on them; these are often dogs who would benefit more from the judicious use of an electronic collar, which uses no overt physical force at all. Very dog aggressive dogs can sometimes escalate their behavior if the prong collar is used primarily as a correction around other dogs. They are often the best candidates for head halters. A good dog trainer will assess your particular dog and your own handling skills before recommending any type of method or equipment. In your search for that trainer, stay clear of those who swear by only one tool, one theory, or one way of doing things. While we balanced trainers have benefitted from their limitations and make lifelong friends and clients of their "failures", they are responsible for many dogs and owners parting ways. Many a dog in the DRU shelter bears the label of "untrainable" from a trainer who was inflexible.

The next time you see a dog being walked or worked on a prong collar, think before you jump to conclusions. Does the dog look fairly happy and comfortable with his handler? Does the handler have control without restraint? Ask people who use them how they like prong collars and why they chose this tool for their dog; they'll probably be relieved that you want to be educated and that you're not going to accuse them of cruelty to animals! If you use a prong collar on your dog, try to educate those who would judge you as "harsh" rather than responding defensively. Most of these people mean well: they are quite willing to learn the truth and will be flattered that you take the time to explain it to them. There will always be erstwhile "trainers" and owners who are ineducable due to their personal opinions or emotions. Try not to worry about what they think: your dog will keep reminding you of what he knows. Since we at Doberman Rescue Unlimited are in it for the dogs first, we endorse the use of prong collars on many of our charges.

Feel free to make copies of this article and share them with your vet, your groomer, and anyone you know who loves dogs

[DogPaddle]

I confess to using a prong collar for leash training. The Zen method soooo did not work - I don't know maybe I suck at it. Loopi didn't work. I'm not comfortable/proficient with choke chains. Martingale didn't work. Zaphod hated his halti/gl so much he actually caused himself injury trying to get it off. Of all the training devices I've tried the dogs seem to prefer the loopi - which didn't actually help and the prong and I have good results with it. I used to use it on all walks and was able to start alternating with flat buckle and gradually use the flat buckle more and more. Unfortunately if people see a dog in a prong they think either:
I'm an evil person
or
My dog is evil

[MajiesMom]

I use a prong collar. It's the only thing I feel comfortable using when I take Magic out because she is dog aggressive. I find that she a lot more aggressive and out of control with a Gentle Leader.
With the prong collar her aggression doesn't esclate and she will mind me with a strong correction on her collar. It's the only thing I've tried that gets threw to her while she's in her "point of no return" aggressive mode. I don't think I could ever use a shock collar I think it really screws them up mentally. I've seen an example of this in a dog aggressive GSD at work who seems to be human aggressive too now since he has been using the collar, I'm pretty sure it's because of the shock collar. Sorry getting way off topic. :oops:

[voodoopitbull]

I will be using (AKA needing) a prong collar on my GSD, Azzo, for training when he gets older.

I've actually tried both a prong and a choke chain on MYSELF (on my wrist and arm) and I find the choke chain to be more painful than the propely used prong collar. I'm referring to the prong collar with rounded edges, not the spiney/sharp edges.

My pit bulls don't need a prong collar for either walking or training, though. I like the prong collars for more difficult dogs...I would never use it on my pits. They're too soft and sensitive for any firm correction.

[science_doc]

I too used a prong collar on Hailey for about the first 6 months I owned her (she was already 4 years old not a puppy), mostly because she was a TERROR on a leash. I think they are excellent tools and in some cases as discussed above necessary for control. What I didn't like was always having to use that collar, I naively thought that I could transition to a buckle collar with no trouble at all and her pulling would majically disappear. That was completely wrong, Hailey learned nothing from the prong collar, I had to teach her to heel before she could walk without yanking my arm out of socket all the time. I realize that those of you with dog experience are going duhhhh, but I have learned that the things taken for granted by many people on this board are the very things that dog newbies like me just don't get. I figured that repetition with the prong collar would make her give up on pulling. That is true, but ONLY when she is wearing the prong collar. In order to prevent pulling with a buckle collar I have to give the verbal commands. Does that always stop her from pulling, nope, but since I have done some obdience and worked really hard most of the walks (2-3 miles 2xper day) are a wonderful experience.

I talked about switching to a gentle leader with our class instructor and she said that it would simpley be another tool and that in her opinion many dogs don't learn not to pull with that either it's just another way to gain control until you have the necessary verbal commands in place (slow, heel, leave it, etc.). I think that prongs and gental leaders and both great tools, but new dog owners need to teach the commands too. By the way, these are just the thoughts of a rambling new dog owner who is slowly learning the ropes of dog ownership, there are many people on the board with way more experience than I have!

[gooeydog]

Here's another good article on prong collars:
[url]http://www.flyingdogpress.com/prong.html[/url]

[Carolk9s]

I am a born again convert to the correct use of a prong collar! After suffering through many years of shoulder and back pain after walking Brittany on either a flat buckle or choke chain collar, after my brother refused to walk Brittany anymore, after years of not letting my mom walk Brittany out of fear Britt would pull mom off her feet, I tried a prong one day. It was AMAZING! I no longer have to constantly correct Brittany, in fact, I don't correct her at all, I let her correct herself if she leans into the prong. The day I put it on her, she started to pull, stopped, then started to pull again. I swear, I saw the light of understanding flick on in her eyes.
If you've ever had a dog that will crouch low in the front to pull hard, that is what Brittany would do. For such a soft, sweet girl, she is a BEAR on any other collar.
As Science-Doc found, this transformation does not carry over, if Britt is wearing the prong, walks are pleasant, otherwise, they are HELL!

[courtnek]

I have personally never used a prong, I use no-pull harnesses, but in a bigger stronger dog than my two I can see where it is useful. No one wants to fight their dogs on a walk...