Prong Collar Question?

Question

I have a female german shepard, she won't behave on walks and if I correct her with a choke chain or try to train her on flat collar there is just no hope. She will no get her attention fixated on anything else even despite the uncomfortableness of the choke collar being yanked. Do you think a prong collar would better help me with that? Im sorta cautcious because i dont want to use it wrng, and i heard they pop off if you yank on them too hard which wouldnt be good if your dog is trying to get another aggressive dog. Also. What size would I get her? Medium or Large?

yes but im only 14 and my parents dont assist me with getting trainers or anything else they basically let the dog do what it wants and such when im not around and if i am they do it anywat and tell me to shut up if i say other wise. so basically i need to train the dog on my own if i want any results.

I dont like the halters though, regular choke collars or prong calls i think personally help the dog keep a heel position off leash more than just being led around by some stupid thing around their nose. no offense.

I have a choke collar but its too loose and wont stay at the top of the head and falls down and is loose. I cant get a smaller size because it wont fit around her head. So im limited really.

I can't see a trainer. THAT is one of hte problems. I dont have the money, i cant drive, and my parents sure dont care enough to spent that much money or drive me there regularly. Around here somet rainers are 190 dollars a visit. like i said im 14 i cant see a trainer.

Answer 1

There are some pretty strong opinions both ways on the use of prong collars and the advice I'm going to give is a personal opinion, but suggested and supported by several trainers I have worked with. I owned a German Shepherd for many years, and have Rottweilers and Cane Corsi - all big dogs who have a high pain threshold and very strong neck muscles.

You can do far more harm dragging, pulling and yanking on a choke-chain than you ever will with a prong collar. Big, strong dogs can often be almost unaware of the pressure you're putting on their necks with a flat collar or choke chain and the result can be damage to their trachea (wind pipe). If your dog makes straining, choking, raspy sounds when pulling at the choke then you're using too much pressure.

The trick with choke chains is to use a short, sharp 'pop' to correct the pulling. Dragging or constant pressure is no use, and dangerous to boot.

You use a prong collar the same way, short 'pop' to correct, but you need far less pressure as the 'prongs' will be uncomfortable enough to stop the dog from pulling without having to drag, yank or haul at him.

An experienced trainer is the best option, but since that is a problem for you, if you can buy a good training book and work at it yourself you should be fine. If you buy a prong collar, make sure it fits over her head, but is neither too loose or too tight when around her neck. If she's a pup you will likely need to buy more than one collar as she grows.

Also be sure never to leave a choke or prong collar on your dog when she's not being walked/trained. They can easily get caught on something and the dog can choke to death. Whenever you're not walking her, just put a flat collar on.

You can find lots of free tips, info. and advice about puppies and dogs at the url below. Best of luck!

Answer 2

If you're 'yanking' on a choke chain you are not using it correctly. Despite the name a choke chain is NOT intended to choke your dog in any way.

You should talk to a trainer about which collar to use and have them fit it for you. If it isn't fitted properly then it isn't going to work at all. You need to have someone who is experienced in the use of these tools to show you how to use them properly or you can do serious harm to your dog. Many trainers will fit a collar and explain how to use it for a very small fee or free of charge.

Edit: http://101-dog-training-tips.com/Dog_Training_Collars/Dog_Training_collar.shtml
This is about the best I can do.. Try to teach him to heel. You should be able to google that one fairly easily. If he's walking in the correct position then it's easier to keep the chain around his jaw line instead of the base of his neck. When you correct the dog you want it to be just a quick 'pop' or snapping motion. No yanking, no tugging, no choking the dog. When she begins to get fixated on something turn her around and go the other way. If possible do this BEFORE she is so focused that she isn't paying any attention at all to you. Be sure to reward the good behaviour.

Answer 3

Prong collars are to easily used incorrectly. Just use a choke chain just under her jaw line. This will prevent her from not noticing it. The base of the neck is full of muscles and the dog will not respond. Watch a dog show and see were the collar is. that is were you want it.

Answer 4

First it's not about the equipment but about the knowledge of using the equipment. Thje equipment doesn't train the dog, the trainer does. The equipment is not "cruel" to the dog the trainer is if the equipment is misused or used ignorantly. You are fortunate to have not needed to use any thing other then positive reinforcement. I'm not sure if you have had more then one dog but you'll find as you are around many dogs your attitude will change on this. The best saying that one of my training mentors used back in the stone age was, "There are as many methods to train dogs as there are dogs to train. The smart trainer picks the method that works best for that dog/owner team.". I'm a balanced trainer that have used everything from a clicker and food to an remote or shock collar in training. What I use depends upon the dog I'm training, what I training it to do, and where I'm at in the training.

Answer 5

Prong collars suck. I've seen enough dogs with prong collars who still do not behave and others who have been injured by them.

Try a more useful training aid like a "Gentle Leader" collar.

When your dog is wearing one their own pulling causes their nose to get pulled down - if that makes sense. They seem to work well and are recommended by the behaviorists I have worked with.

OR - you could take your dog to behavior classes with a certified behaviorist.

Answer 6

You probably have the choker on incorrectly. See a trainer for more tips.