what do you think about training dogs with prong collars?

Question

We've got a 12 wk old pup (Australian Kelpie X Ridgeback) that is too young for dog training (16wks) but we've been training her at home. We have just over an acre block, with farm type fencing so this pup needs to be trained well. I agree with Ed Frawley's training method (see link) of using prong collars, I think if used correctly they inflict much less damage than remote collars or chokers.. yet my husband thinks it's unnecessary and cruel. This dog is growing large quickly and with three small kids I really want to train her effectively.. what do you think?
(Pls no smart alec comments about sterilising our pup.. she will be done, as all our animals are, when she's old enough.)
www.leerburg.com

not shock collar, prong collar. It's a collar that has prongs which sit on the dog's neck and gently guide the dog. It is ONLY used for training and taken off at other times.

f4llen4n…: This is a powerful, large breed. We use positive reinforcement constantly.. with rewards and treats. But sometimes she is overexcited and bitey.. at those times I need more than treats.

Answer 1

To the person who thought a prong collar was an electric shock collar: please learn more about dog training techniques.

To answer this question, I think they are brilliant.

Choker collars do just that - they choke the dog. I find these collars, which are inexplicably popular, to be cruel and ineffective, especially for training. I know because I tried. I have a Golden Retriever pup. When I used a choke collar to train him to walk, he'd just pull and choke, pull and choke. The collar was ineffective.

However, when I worked with my trainer and we switched to a prong collar, it worked wonders. The difference is that a prong collar simulates a "nip" that an alpha dog gives to members of his/her pack when she wants them to do something. Using a prong collar correctly (and this is key - learn how or ask someone to teach you how to properly place it on the dog and learn how to use a leash with it - using it improperly could hurt your dog or be ineffective) allows you to give your dog a "nip" to help correct his behavior. I used the prong collars, along with my trainer, to get my dogs to heel, sit, stay, etc.

I also used a can filled with about 20 pennies. These cans are equally effective. One good shake of the can can get your dog to stop jumping, stop barking, to get off furniture, etc. The goal here is that the can is a loud noise, simulating an alpha dog bark. The pup hates the noise and will stop what he is doing.

Remote collars are effective, IMO, after you have trained your dog with a prong collar and now are letting her out on a big ranch area. You want the remote to be used to call your dog (as he may not hear a whistle).

To summarize: Yes - prong collars are great. Just learn how to use them properly (you may want to go for at least a few obedience lessons, if not a full class).

Good luck!

Answer 2

I was having a lot of trouble walking our dog until our obedience class teacher put her in a prong collar. It made a world of difference. With a choke chain, I had to jerk the lead to get her attention. The prong collar, on the other hand, needs just a little tug and she gets the message. So, she needs much less of a correction with the prong. She shows no signs of pain or discomfort when it's on. As I'm sure you know to do, I never leave her unattended while she is wearing the prong collar

If you know how to fit the collar properly and how to use it, the prong collar can be a wonderful training tool. It looks horrible; but when used appropriately, it is not at all cruel. Eventually, it's not needed anymore once your dog understands what is expected.

Good for you starting her training young and for planning on spaying.

Answer 3

They are a TOOL same as a choke, a halti or a remote. It's a poor carpenter blame his tools ---and a poor trainer who blames the collar. Way too many people expect the majic collar to instantly train the dog (which is like expecting your hammer to build a house) I admit the prong is a tad more difficult to abuse (which is why many trainers tend to use it as a solution to the stupid owner) but I've seen that done too. Like any tool the right one makes the job easier, but like any tool - a different one can do the job. I'm suspisious of any training method that claims only one collar is right for every dog, but I won't say any collar has no use either. DO keep in mind your pup can NOT wear a prong 24/7 - so make sure she understands that from time to time she needs to listen not wearing a prong.

Answer 4

When I took in a stray chow mix, she was totally out of control & too strong for me to train her with an ordinary collar. I took her to a pet store to try out harnesses, choke collars, etc & the only thing that worked was a prong collar. I did get the rubber tips on the prongs to avoid damage to her skin. I've been using that collar for 12 years & it still works with little pressure. So much so that my 85 year old neighbor can walk her. So, my answer is yes they are a good training tool & are gentler than choke collars & remote collars. I've seen too much damage caused by remote collars so I would not use one. Just don't leave the prong collar on her unless she's on leash under your control.
And Bravo to you to recognize that the earlier she's trained the better for everyone.

Answer 5

Prong collars can be just fine IF they are properly used. There are many ways to train your dog, this is a valid option. You can get fabric collars that tighten when pulled, very similar to a metal choke collar as well. For family harmony, see if there's a method both you and your husband are happy with. The main thing is you are training her young, so here's a for you. Obedience matters!

Answer 6

I had never heard about them until just then when I checked out that website. It looks nasty but I guess if used properly it would ok. Just make sure that what ever obedience club you are going to join allow them. Otherwise your training will go down the drain. I definitely wouldnt leave the prong collar on your dog all the time in case of getting caught up. If you decide to use it, make sure you learn how too use it PROPERLY.

Answer 7

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aMStl

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 8

A prong collar is OK, but there are other ways... and there are some really excellent dog obedience training courses out there that you can use. Be careful though - there are some pretty bad ones too. Here's one I recommend (a ton of people have had success with this one):
http://dogobediencetraining123.com/course

Answer 9

I have no idea what a prong collar is, I think the best way to train a dog on a leash is with a halti.

Well done on having your dog spayed when she is old enough. 12 weeks is way to young.. I agree that the RSPCA do it to dogs of all ages and I took a dog (kelpie x) from them who was spayed at 9 weeks... She died at 18 months old due to bowel cancer which the vet thinks was due to them nicking her bowel during spaying as she was much to young.

Answer 10

i dont see a problem with the prong collars, but only if it is necessary. i dont think a 16 week old puppy needs a prong collar. try training her without one first. but as she gets older and you think you need one, then make sure you get one that has the rubber tips on it. it is much safer, but still does the job. and make sure you use it properly. good luck, hope everything works out.