Prong Collar?

Question

Many people have suggested that I use a prong collar in my training of Sydney (my Siberian Husky) with her dog-aggression.

I've been reading about them- proper fit, proper position, proper use. We just got one yesterday.

I have confidence in it, as she immediately started to walk less forcefully when we put it on her. I've heard of people having great success.

However....
She lunged a couple times yesterday at the park (once at a squirrel and once at another dog. When she lunged, she let out an audible yelp. To put it in perspective- she's a very "sensitive" girl- if you tap her with your foot, she'll freak out, thinking she was going to get hurt. She also "overreacts" about what she interprets to be a physical threat, when there really is none.

I tried the collar on myself and I didn't think it was pleasant- but I know dogs have a bit tougher skin, so I wasn't worried at first. Am I doing the right thing? I don't want to hurt her.

I don't agree with use of gentle leaders. I don't feel that these are good for training purposes- especially with my dog's specific situation. They're fine for getting your dog not to pull without training- but I want to effectively train her and rid her of her severe problems with other dogs.

I would really appreciate insight from people who have experience with prong collars or dogs who have similar problems.

For those of you who think the prong collar will cause serious injury:

A prong collar will not injure a dog if it's used properly. They're actually safer than most collars because when there is tension, it does not pull on the dog's neck- it applies even pressure by pinching all around- not stabbing.

I'd also like to add that I have used a Halti and Gentle Leader. I used it as a means to maintain control over her so we wouldn't pose a threat to other dogs in the area. Yes, they're effective- but they don't help teach the dog anything. It's pretty much the equivalent of using a muzzle to prevent biting- it does the job but the dog doesn't actually learn not to bite.

Jenna COMPLETELY missed my point. My point was that I don't want to use something that only restricts the dog's capabilities- I am working on training her. You think my dog lacks training and control, while you apparently lack reading comprehension.

Alright Jenna, since you took advantage of my choice to allow e-mail but you won't allow me to send you one, I'll respond here and hope you see it.

I'm sorry I responded the way that I did. You're right- I was being defensive. I felt like a valid point that I made was being shot down because you didn't take the time to understand what I was trying to say. Your answer was appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi, there --

As others have said, dogs will correct themselves on prong collars. Sydney was more than likely surprised by the collar when she hit it. It wasn't pain. You know that Siberians can be babies, and you know that they are very vocal -- so, yes, she overreacted.

The worst thing you can do in this situation is relent because she fusses.

I've used prongs on many of my Siberians, and they learn quickly that hitting the end of that collar isn't nearly as rewarding as staying back with me. Be sure to give plenty of praise and even a treat when she does "restrain herself", and you'll see a huge difference on your walks.

Be strong! :)

Answer 2

I have a 9 month old very exuberant yellow lab that loves to lead, the prong collar does help with this, as it places a little pressure all along the prongs.
So for the not so smart people who think this is a mean and cruel collar, think before you condemn. I made sure the collar would not hurt our pup. The prongs spread the pressure over the entire collar, consider it like laying on bed of nails, the more nails there are the less pressure is exerted on one single place.
Can the same be said about plain nylon buckle collars? no, in fact they can be much more harmful to your dog then a prong collar ever was. "Choke" collars can be just as dangerous.
But like anything, if the user is not properly informed, then of course it can be misused.
It seems like you have done the research, and you should be fine, don't listen to the kooks, who say it's mean, but then let their dog "walk all over them".

You might want to try getting a dog back pack and put weights in it. Since your husky is a working/sled dog, carrying around a backpack with weights may give her a sense of accomplishment, (along with wearing her out) we use 10lbs of ankle weights in her backpack and she doesn't really pull by a block into the walk.

Good luck and good job

Answer 3

I have used the prong collar I know I was told it was safer than the choke collar, It simulates a dog biting their neck and they naturally do not like that feeling. That is some what of a theory behind it. I use the gentle leader now only because I do not need something as strong as the prong collar.And I only used both as training methods. Once the dogs are trained I never have used either again on that dog. You may want to consider contacting a behavior specialist, to deal with the aggression.

Answer 4

To touch on the drama queen aspect of certain dogs... Remember that she is a dog. Real pain and perceived pain are two very different things to humans than they are to dogs. If your dog is highly reactive and highly dramatic this may not be the best collar choice. You and a good trainer too, run the risk of having this dog develop negative associations to whatever may be around when she experiences "pain." Personally, I don't agree with your idea of what a gentle leader is and isn't. The Gentle Leader actually is designed to apply pressure in both of the standard spots that a dog would correct another dog on. The dog's muzzle and the back of their neck. Your dog can correct herself when attempting to lunge. She shouldn't get dramatic with this type of self correction because she shouldn't have any perceived pain. Never use anything longer than a six foot leash with a GL. Whatever you do I wish you luck, just thought I throw in my opinion.

Answer 5

.we have used this collar in order to train our dog.

.she did great on it. some dogs will take longer to actually "work with it". Our girl needed about 2 weeks.
.the collar has the function that the dog pretty much corrects him/herself.

.there is also the option, after a certain time of training, to put the collar inside out, so the links are pointing out. some dogs react to this kind of correction also. this is, after you had the prong on for a little while,tough.
.the other option is to put rubber tips on the links. you can get them at a well equipped pet store or online.
.our girl has very sensitive skin, so we used the tips.

.all in all I think the prong is an effective way of training your dog, if used correctly... which I think you are doing.

Answer 6

Go ahead and stick with the prong collar, they are no more cruel then a regular nylon flat collar. If you know how to use it properly, they are a great training tool for those dogs that need that little extra.

Also don't worry about your Husky. They are drama queens. Every little pain is a major ordeal with a Husky. It's typical Husky behavior 8-). Trust me, I know. I have a Husky and a Malamute and they are both drama queens... lol.

Answer 7

Anyone ever owned a Husky and had success with a gentle leader???? It is possible, but I doubt it. Husky's were bred and selected throughout generations for their ability to pull and thier willingness to perform their job. This is what makes them so happy, hyper and atheletic. You are doing the right thing and she will eventually correct herself like a previos answerer suggested. Husky dogs are very "emotional" and vocal. They react big to even minor stimuli. Keep reading and researching and you seem (from your previous answers and overall attitude) to know enough about dogs so that you should do well. Good luck to you and don't take the insults personally. A gentle leader is great for some dogs, Huskies are not your average dog!

Answer 8

don't worry instead of teh regular choker that just puts pressure on teh trachea a prong collar puts equal pressure on the whole neck. She yelped probably more in surprise than anything. Just give it time.
Also please when the correction is given give a voice command like no leave alone. hopefully this way she can be trained and not need it all the time but she won't learn anything except I can't do that if I have that collar on but the other collar I can.
Good luck and consitency is the rule

Answer 9

My trainer, who has years of experience with SPCA in supervisory position, as well as obedience dog training and trial judging, recommends trying different collars and see what works for both of you and your dog. Emotional responses aside(oh, poor doggie, its inhumane, etc. etc) , he recommends doing whats right for the individual animal. My giant german shepherd almost hung himself on a regular collar, and could care less about the gentle leader. However, he does very well on a tight prong collar. He has a huge neck and very thick skin, and is pretty insensitive to pain.
If your dog is more sensitive, leave more room (extra prongs) on. I had to slowly remove prongs, to make my dog's collar extra tight - otherwise he would not respond to corrections. But also, try different collars and see what works the best with your own sensitive dog.

Answer 10

I think you are doing the right thing, but if you are worried you could try the gentle leader. I would use a prong if I fully understood how to use it. I did read somewhere that after the dog pulls you are supposed to comfort the dog, so the dog does not associate the correction with you doing it. I do not think they are wrong if one knows what one is doing. I have read your answers and questions, so I doubt you would of bought one without a proper understanding. By the way your avater is cutie............Have you checked out leerburg.com?