After our outing I realized how overwhelmed he still gets with new scents and experiences. (My dog is super sweet and not aggressive just stubborn!) Shes one of those rescues that really rescue you. That is a misconception. The prong collar is a life saving tool for many dog owners. The prong could help with the jumping and biting if used correctly. My personal stance? This includes a flat collar. The puppy resumed her buoyant behavior, this time heading toward Mary and her dog, Buster. The pair review the recent Norwegian breeding bans on English Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Marylands newly-passed prohibition on feline declaw surgery, and other recent legal changes in animal law. I can get away with taking her to off leash parks sometimes but I dont always have the time to drive there as Im also mom to 3 kids. Ive recently joined a couple of Service Dog sites and everyone on there says that it IS OK to use a prong collar on a trained Service Dog. Now, at age 6 it doesnt seem to be as effective. Thank you for sharing your story Gemma. What is Positive Punishment in Dog Training? I just switched him back to a no-pull collar, and its working much better w/ training him to stick around and not pull, especially w/ positive enforcement and treats. The dog didnt even attempt to pull, lunge or drag me anywhere anymore. He would drag me all over. The pain and discomfort of of a prong collar isnt going to beat out the bad behavior. So glad it is working for your and your big pup! But are prong collars cruel? I know my dog and one day well eventually work away from the prong collar but hes not there yet. 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. I want him to walk ahead of me on a 20-30 lead along my single file trail. Though she is a pretty good heeler without it I feel safer and feel like she is calmer with it on. It is much better than the flat collars we had tried since she doesnt pull now, her trachea isnt under pressure on walks. Its cruel not to be able to walk your dog. There are many other options to try before using a prong. It is amazing! Among Scandinavian countries , Sweden bans e collars. Have you ever seen a dog love wearing a head halter? We got her at 8 weeks old. He pulls when i walk him half the time. I recommend using a carabiniere for a back up just in case the links come apart. Are Prong Collars Safe for My Dog? - WagWalking A type of collar designed to hurt dogs as behavioural punishment is set to be banned in Queensland. Hi Dawn, so sorry your pup pulled you over! I dont have to pull on her constantly to keep her in heel. I personally never used a prong collar before being introduced to it a couple of years ago. I had the stigma that the prong collars were abusive. WebShock collars have been illegal to use on dogs and cats in Wales for more than a decade. As soon as the collar goes on I have total control over him. Putting a prong collar on him that would make him uncomfortable or hurt him would further harm him mentally. Thanks Karen for sharing your story. My dgt promised to do all the walking and caring for the dog. 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.. Is 3mm what I should use with a lab? He is doing well but, as he is getting older, he is pulling toward other dogs and people. We are the first time adoptive fur parents of a Yellow Lab Mix. I do worry about what other people think, even though I shouldnt. The only barbaric thing here Lora, is the human mind. Thank you! In these places, it is illegal to sell or use shock collars on dogs. But every dog is different. I just want him to be the perfectly trained dog I know hes capable of becoming. They also create danger for pet owners who can easily get snagged by the sharp metal prongs. I followed her to the nearest pet store and purchased a Sprenger prong collar and she fitted it properly for us and instructed me in how to apply it. It also helps me correct her and keep her focused. I'm just afraid I'm going to lose the arm muscle I built up from all that pulling! No Credible Scientific Evidence Justifying . At first, she thought it was OK, but she had a bad feeling about it. 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. It seems like the use of collars is a readily accepted part of dog guardianship. Again 99.9% of the time he is a joy to walk & im walking him and my other dog which could greatly overpower me. They out weigh me, so its important to have them under control. Why was CodeMiko banned? He's become a more confident pup with the prong collar training. I so hate to see good, effective training tools totally demonized. Just saw the first video about how to put it on -on your website. The prong collar has always been a life-saver for me and my dog! Good luck! Hi Carol, the prong collar is known to come apart at the most inconvenient times. I did read Netherlands. Meaning, they are walking well with no correction needed. Right now. Any training resources or advice you can provide would be very helpful! At this point I dont care at all what people will think of me if they see a prong collar on her. ), she completely changed. Whilst Herm Sprenger advise that 5-6 months is the minimum? Do the ends really justify the means? Keep up to date with the Rebarkable Newsletter! Sweet dog who is highly, highly excitable and anxious. (See "Is Your Dogs Collar Dangerous?") More sophisticated behavior modification and management technology that is without any violence has been widely disseminated. Comment below and share with the Rescue Dogs 101 Community that may be unsure on the benefits of the prong collar. prong collars I would not use a prong collar for him. I probably am going to get blisters all over my hands, I had to work so hard to keep him from pulling me. Without leashes, dogs wouldnt be able to go many places with us. Whoopee! 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?. With his prong collar, I barely even have to hold the leash. Our canine companion is usually a part of our life that we love, and humans tend to show affection with a cuddle, An escape artist dog or a hound-ini is another kind of dog that is really stressful to care for. I have yet to find anything in writing that says this is ok. We have beautiful, stress-free walks thanks to this great tool. You have to interpret the action, and tell your arm to move at a certain speed/pace/whatever else and deliver it quickly, or else your dog will not understand what youre correcting., If that window is that small and you make a mistake, would you prefer to be delivering confusing rewards, or confusing punishment?, No. He wouldnt listen to me or the instructor at all. You will need to read the dogs body language. We tried positive reinforcement but he is totally indifferent to treats. Hes sweet smart and strong. I mean, afterall, if youve been using a tool for 30 years with your dogs (or even 3 months) you dont want to find out that youve been doing a bad thing, or that if youve been sucking it up and using a harness, you dont want to find theres potentially an easier option., So, I want to discuss one of those options for you now, so that you, my dear puppy parent, understand what youre looking at when assessing these options for you and your little pup. Use exactly the amount of sharp jerk that produces an immediate reaction. He is now 9 months old, over 90 lbs and still growing! When we go for a walk he is well behaved- until he isnt. Otherwise, they wouldnt work. They take the easy route, as opposed to teaching proper, solid cues and commands. Now I have an American Foxhound, and while she does pull a little bit at the beginning of a walk she settles right in with her harness pretty quick. I somewhat reluctantly use the prong collar because I know I have control regardless of situation & can keep him safe. Thanks! We could tell it was simply because their want to chase after whatever they saw was stronger than their want for treats. 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! So please Herm Sprenger! also, does she always have to use the prong collar? Very pleased with the purchase and have recommended it to other dog owners. Your email address will not be published. The one linked in the article above fits dogs with up to a 18-inch neck. Lab. Familiarise yourself with canine body language, particularly stress signs. OSPet Dog Prong Collar. When he hears me pick it up he comes running because he knows were going out. All of the images in this post contain dogs who are wearing prong collars incorrectly. Unfortunately, I think the rescue society I got her from downplayed the leash issues. Hes large for the breed. Shame they dont research the damage done to dogs by flat buckle ! Living With a Dog Is Good, If It's Good for You and the Dog. I bet Sam is looking forward to enjoying his walks with you just as much as you are! Picking up a prong collar tomorrow. Any advice would be appreciated. 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. Victoria, you and your pup are a perfect example on how the prong collar is such a life-saver! My dog loves going on walks and he always wears a prong collar when we leave the house. started a campaign to ban shock, choke, and prong collars in the city, are known to inflict stress, discomfort, and pain, and potentially have long-term negative effects on dogs. I want to be able to enjoy walking him not only within the neighborhood but along trails this summer. Once your dog proper leash etiquette with the prong collar do you have to use it from here on out? As we were completing this essay, Mary told me the following story that horrified me. Choke and Prong collars have been used to discipline dogs, usually larger and more aggressive breeds. Ill let you know if youre right! 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. 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. Ive come to the conclusion that the people bashing the prong collar never had a dog like yours. Thank you, the bandana is a good idea. We rescued our pit-lab mix as a puppy and underwent training with him for eight weeks, then again when he was a year old and even had the trainer come to our home to work on specific issues. Of course, if you see regression, then make sure that the previous training method is reverted to., This is a really subjective question. We rescued a Brittany Mix not long ago and walking with her was miserable! rated as 2021 & 2022 worlds best pet blog! Psychology Today, December 4, 2017. On walks, sometimes he pulls on leash, other times does not. As a trainer, Mary sees many dogs struggling with fear, reactivity, and aggression toward unfamiliar people and dogs. We rescued a 4 month old 50 lb Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix 5 months ago. Chest harnesses that clip in the front are a better choice for hard-pulling dogs because dogs generally dislike the sensation of being pulled to one side. Barely had to use the collar; I mean BARLEY, and we got into the groove. Should the collar only be used while walking? Suggestions? This is where a lot of pro-prong people will say But my dog loves their prong which is great, but in the same way youve conditioned them to love that prong? I dont recommend keeping it on 24/7. Prong Collars Banned in Queensland Australia Dr. Ernie Ward Depending on what you are using it for, you can keep it on during the day, but take it off at night when the dog is sleeping. Suzanne, you are the perfect testimony to how the prong collar can actually change you and your dogs lives. personality. And if you follow my guidance with pupdates? with kid number two on the way in just a few weeks). This is a really popular question, and it's something that a lot of dog owners ask me - because there's a lot of conflicting information out there. I rescued Shadow, a black Newfoundland, many years ago, that was when I was introduced to the prong collar in an obedience class I took with Shadow. Three jurisdictions in Australia have now banned the use of these collars: Victoria, Tasmania, and Queensland, under their Animal Care and Protection Act 2001. No more shoulder injuries for me. Especially for a breed that everyone seems to be initially wary of. He pulled his previous owner down their porch steps! I decided to share my story because so many people have not. The pulling she used to have has almost been eliminated by the training techniques my trainer taught us. The neck and cervical spine are one of the most important energy channels in the body. I am so happy you found a way to change the path of you and your dogs life. The neck and cervical spine are one of the most important energy channels in the body. 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. Electric shock collars for cats and dogs will be banned in England, the government has announced. What and Who Dogs Want and Need: Love, Not Shocks. I bought the collar at Petsmart. Controversial dog collars to be BANNED in Queensland as they 'use pain as punishment', https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10794119/Queensland-Govt-ban-pronged-dog-collars-state.html, Tagged: #veterinary, #veterinarian, #dvm, #vmd, #veterinarymedicine, #vetmed, #veterinaria, #vettech, #veterinarytechnician, #vetlife, #vettechlife, #vetstudentlife, #vettechproblems, #vettechstudent, #vetschool, #cvt, #lvt, #rvt, #cvpm, #podcast, #veterinarypodcast, #vettechpodcast, #pets, #petparents, #dogs, #cats, #animalpodcast, #petpodcast, #vetstudent, #practicemanagement, Prong Collars Banned in Queensland Australia, Gossip in Veterinary Practice: The Good, Bad, and What to Do About It, Chernobyl Dogs Update with Dr. Jennifer Betz. In large, older, strong, and/or strong-willed dogs, this would point us to the prong collars. Shadow received an award at the end of the class for Most Improved. However, the tool will work no matter where its been placed. 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. 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. Hes pretty good on walks but pulls to the point of choking himself. I have a strong, 1.5 year old, hard headed, 60 pound English Springer Spaniel and he is all over the place on walks. P.S. Good luck. If you do try the prong collar, make sure its high up on his neck, just below his ears. You can do it with patience and guidance.. I have a 150lbs St Bernard mix, I cant walk her she is stronger then me. But when it came down to either his discomfort or my injuries I agreed to try it. Psychology Today 2023 Sussex Publishers, LLC. I still use it, especially on walks and it helps her not pull too hard and injure her neck. Make sure to check back in, cant wait to hear your success story. Once we took her out I was amazed! Free shipping for many products! 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. (see Training Methods and Devices for more details) Its all about communicating with the dog, not about pain at all. My hope? It depends on the severity of his fearfulness. He was really a wonderful dog that I wouldnt have enjoyed with out that collar. Its not illegal to use Sincerely Brian Kelly. 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? We started using the collars and the pulling has gotten so much better. I want my dog to be off leash if we move there. Hi Im 19 and have a 4 month old Great Dane and he is almost 70Ib I started him out in obedience puppy classes and the trainer there recommend to get a harness but he grew out of it so quickly that wasnt able to train much with him but even with the harness he was very difficult to walk because he pulls so hard and he chews on his leash like he wants to walk himself. :/ (Thank you for posting that video!). He was getting worse and worse out of control. Some people You dont need a prong collar. Im not sure you have the experience to recommend this nor have the dogs best interest in mind. He is absolutely gorgeous and has the sweetest disposition. Stand behind your product and tell people openly the truth! Hes the sweet dog I knew him to be. Can you tell me why theyre being misused? Prong Collars I have tried regular collars, a harness, e collar now my last resort is a prong collar. Her eyes arent red after a walk and she doesnt pant constantly walking now. I think our dog is fearful that our son is causing him to get negative corrections. Am thinking of getting a prong collar for my dog because he recently lunged at a cat he saw and pulled me over. haha. This is always very stressful for me and I get there praying there wont be another dog in the waiting room. Thats all. When presented with alternative methods, many dog guardians are not only readily willing to discontinue the use of force, but relieved to do so. Unfortunately, Kodi is one of those dogs that take you for a walk and not the other way around.. so i am wanting to try a prong collar, he gets so over stimulated when we go for a walk its almost unbearable.. pulling, barking, hyper over the top behaviour. Thank you Melanie for sharing your story! Its important to check that all links are secure before putting on your dog. I am in your same boat. The proper positioning for a prong collar is right at the top of the neck, where the skull meets the neck muscle as this is the most vulnerable part of your dog, where the prong collar will yield maximum effect for training and consequently the desired result. 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. Hello, while I dont have a prong collar yet (getting one from work soon) I greatly appreciate your article. Everything Debbie has mentioned suggests not using the prong collar to jerk, yank, or whatever on dogs. Im over that. The warning said that they should be banned and included a photo of a dog with several lacerations on its neck, allegedly caused by a Hi there, I totally agree with you on prong collars. I enrolled her in puppy class and the prong collar has changed my life and the dogs life. When shown attention, she licked human hands and dog faces with something that could only be described as joy. 4 years ago I would have never used it, until my dog trainer trained my dog on it. Ali Smith is the Positive Puppy Expert, dog trainer and is the founder of Rebarkable. Bekoff, Marc. Many civilized countries have outlawed prong collars, recognizing the harm they can do! 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.