How old is old enough for a prong collar? Please Help!!?

Question

I have a 3 month old boxer, and I've decided to use a prong collar because he is pulling so hard on the leash that he is hurting himself. I just want to know is if you think he is to young. I will say that he is getting better at walking on a regular collar and leash, it's just when we get in an area that he is used to he justs starts pulling. I think its more of him being scared than anything. Suggestions please.

Answer 1

From a dog trainer (or actually a people trainer lol)...your dog is an excellent candidate for a prong collar now. You are already having a problem with him, so it is time to fix the problem.

I also agree with the other poster,and as a dog trainer, that you should seek out a GOOD trainer that can blend positive motivation along with proper fitting, use, and corrections for this collar. Pet-co jockeys (at least in my area) are CLUELESS when it comes to these tools. I watched a Petco trainer slip a prong collar over a dog's head to fit it......WRONG. Proper size, and proper use is key. But you are on the right track. DON'T go it alone.

P.S. I begin training with my dogs AS SOON AS i GET THEM. Most dogs that I work with that NEED this tool can begin as early as 4 months, but I just worked with a 3 month chocolate that needed this particular tool. Dogs retain simple training earlier than 8 weeks of age.

Answer 2

A prong collar is a tool, but shouldn't be permanent. Use it as a training tool and should be used only for a walk and should be fitted by a trainer. I don't think a gentle leader will work fora Boxer, just because their muzles aren't teh right shape for one to work properly. Another tool I would suggest is an Easy Walk Harness. It hits the pressure points. It isn't like a normal harness because it clips in the front.

http://www.premier.com/pages.cfm?id=74

I would really look into some obedience classes. Boxer's can be hyper and it'll help you manage his behavior.

I do suggest correcting this issue as soon as you can so that it doesn't become a habit.

Prong collars and other things simular aren't cruel if used properly as a training tool.

Answer 3

3 months is not too young, my 10 week pup is wearing one-just wearing one, i haven't used it to correct her yet. They make super small ones just for small puppies and toy breeds-they literally fit in the palm of your hand. Now, yours won't need one that small, but if they make them that small, and they are safe to use, your larger pup would be fine.
BUT.... prong collars are for training corrections, not for pulling on a leash. many dogs will hurt themselves, because people use constant pressure during walks. You can use it on walks, i do, but you have to know what you are doing. It might be difficult to fit, but a gentle leader is a miracle for pulling. Boxers can be fitted for them, it is just a little tricky because of the short nose.

ADD: Liachein:
I have put a prong collar on my self, and had someone yank it pretty hard. It doesn't hurt at all!

Answer 4

The problem is not the collar that you are now using, the problem is HOW you are using the collar you are now using. All collars do exactly the same thing, the only thing that changes is the amount of handler input it takes to do it.

The end result is you will have exactly the same problem with a prong collar that you have now. So why not have someone show you how to use the collar you already have.

At three months of age your pups only motivation is food, so take advantage of that and cookie train. Your pup still lacks the cognitive development to properly understand collar corrections anyway.

Answer 5

Everybody had their own personal opinions about Prong Collars. Good or Bad. The bottom line is that a prong collar does not hurt a dog if used correctly. If you do not know what you are doing then do not use it. Go to a trainer who will teach you to train your dog. 3 months is DEFINATELY NOT to young to use a prong collar.

Answer 6

Take your pup to basic puppy obediance class and learn the proper way to leash train your boxer so he doesn't pull. If the collar you have is at the base of pup's neck he can easily pull , it needs to be near the base of the head / throatlatch area . If your boxer is fearful you need to stay calm and reassure him with your attitude and leadership. Puppy class will help with the socialization too---sooner the better.

Answer 7

3 months is kinda young for a prong collar. Just make sure it is fitted to him right. These are very effective tools if used the right way.

Answer 8

the problem is the dog hasn't been trained to walk on a leash. It's a dominance thing. You need to take him to an obedience class for both of you. I can't really tell you the proper technique it has to be shown and to see your mistakes. I say this because I have a rott who is now 1 1/2 and was a retard on a leash when he was young and was going to put him on a prong to break him of this when I noticed the problem was how my wife was walking him which carried over to how he handled for me. Turns out I didn't need to train him but to train my wife.

Answer 9

Never. A prong collar does not solve behavioral issues, it only masks them. Why don't you take advantage of your dog's young age, and take some professional obedience classes with him, so you can learn how to be a good leader with him, and teach him proper behaviors BEFORE bad habits occur.
That is a much better PREVENTION plan than the easy-way-out plan lazy owners use when they buy a prong collar.

If you are dead set on a prong collar, first put it on your neck and try letting someone walk you around. Every time you move one wrong way, really pay attention to the pain your dog will be feeling on every walk you take him while he wears the collar.
You already mentioned that he is getting better at walking on a normal lead and collar, so why not reinforce his good behavior on walks, and when he slips up, like when he gets scared or excited and he tries to lunge, correct him gently on the lead with a very minimal pop of the lead, and tell him to "settle". This is what I use with lungers and when I tell them "settle" I also require a nice "sit" until the distraction passes or he is calm and ready to move again.


I really hope you consider this method, as it will ensure a more well-behaved dog as a whole, and you will not be resorting to such a nasty training collar.
Dogs learn best with positive reinforcement, not force, or pain, or scolding.

Best of Luck!!


To Majestic Moose:

Too bad you cannot control your dog without resorting to such a crutch. I cannot imagine how you feel you need to resort to such pain and correction for such a young dog!
Shame on you.

Answer 10

A prong collar should NOT replace the work/training YOU need to put in. It should be as a last resort, and 3 months was not long enough for you to try other training techniques, especially since you shouldnt begin training methods on a puppy until 10 weeks old.
why so many people against positive reinforcement training?