More on collar for aggressive dog?

Question

Continuing from: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070928051743AA4qRof

She has very thick fur so will this lessen the effectiveness of a prong or pinch collar?

We can't avoid other dogs, there are at least 50 others just in the building we live in. The apartment is next to a park so almost everyone around the park also has a dog- and this is where I'll have to walk her. That's why I'm kind of desperate for a quick fix to a problem that doesn't have a really appropriate quick fix.

As far as electric collars, I've never been in favor of them. But if anyone has good things to say about them, I'd like to hear about them and how to go about using them.

Can anyone offer any additional info about prong collars? I don't have experience with them and don't want to make any mistakes.

Thanks to all who answered the other question and thanks in advance for help with this one!

Answer 1

My vet actually owns a very dog agressive dog. She suggests using a "Halti" or gentle leader. Most pet stores will sell them. It will take a little time to get used to it, since dogs don't typically respond well in the beginning. With more use, you will see that you have more control of your dog. They are very humane and about the only way that I can walk one of my dogs (mainly for pulling on the leash). I am not a fan of prong collars at all, it only seemed to create more pulling on the leash from my dog. But then again, my dog is not the smartest in the bunch.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The fur will not be an issue with a prong collar, it will with an electric collar. I used to shave the necks of many dogs that were on electric collars. I am not a fan of them and some dogs respond with negative behavior when these are used- I would too if someone shocked me.

If you can't avoid other dogs I would also put a basket style muzzle on her- this eliminates the chance of biting if another dog is too close or another owner isn't paying attention.

I use a prong collar on our Rottie and he does really well with it. The key is getting it to fit correctly and be placed properly.
I would suggest a consultation with a trainer and possibly enrolling in a training class.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

I would recommend a trainer. Until you are able to do so just use a normal training/choke collar. These collars are misused & technically I do not like to call them choke collars. If a training collar is used correctly it does not choke the dog. You need to put the collar on & pull it up near the back of the head. This is where it is most effective, it is about having control, not choking. If placed correctly it limits head movement & gets your dog to pay attention to you. All you need is to give it a tug with a firm command. turn dog away from the activity that has them anxious & put them in sit stay. Be firm, but calm & confidant. However, I believe you need training. Training takes time, dogs learn through repetition, so be consistant. Try using collar in a calmer situation so you & your pet are comfortable before you attempt it in a chaotic or tense area. Good luck.

Edit** I just read many of the other answers & I need to say, that check/choke & prong collars are not for everyday use. These are training collars & if used correctly will teach your dog to walk with you in a calm manner. After your dog has been taught the correct way, you will most likely not evr need them. However, with pups they can revert & may need a refresher, so keep all training collars on hand.

Answer 4

I would say that a quick fix is not a good solution in your case. By getting a prong collar you are most likely going to make an agressive dog even more hostile toward other people and dogs by putting him in pain on walks. I would get a professional trainer and fix the problem altogether rather than trying to use a prong collar.

Answer 5

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AoVTMUTv3OgSq17skViAOx7ty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20070402092713AAHb8J4

Read this article about the effective uses of the Electric collar and then decide for for your self. The prong will not hurt the dog nor will it pierce its neck, but, she will definately feel it which is what you want. The coat has no effect on in, but, the E collar would have to be fitted around the hair to be effective. Again, pring collar for every day, E collar if that fails.

Answer 6

I would try working with the prong collar- make sure you fit it to her actual neck, not her fur. When used properly, they are very effective- I was hesitant to use it myself, but became a believer when working with an intact male pit bull who had aggression issues- we spent weeks skirting the perimeter of a Schutzhund training group and correcting via the prong everytime he even looked at another dog and started with the hair going up or preparing to lunge. Part of the process is to learn the first cues your dog gives that she is even thinking about lunging, and correcting at that point. Once we reached reliable behaviour around dogs that were very well trained and not a risk for inciting my boy's aggression, we progressed to working around average man on the street dogs. With consistency we progressed to being able to bring him in the show ring with a bunch of other intact males on nothing but a skinny little show lead.

Answer 7

You need to SEE A PROFESSIONAL TRAINER - do NOT attempt to use a prong/pinch collar without one fitted correctly and without you knowing how to utilize one.

If you dog lunges really hard - the prongs can puncture the dogs neck.

The electronic collars are good for correcting behavior when the dog is not on leash. Not a good solution here.

Have you tried clicker training - this will help with the trust bond between you and the dog - when you have a good trust/respect from the dog then they are more likely to have less fear, etc.
http://www.owningdogs.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=15

See a professional PLEASE!

Answer 8

Ask a VET! Certain collars can actually hurt dogs physically and make surgery a necessity as well!