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Prong Collars for Dogs – Tips for Using a Prong Collar Correctly

Prong Collars for Dogs – If you have a dog whose proving difficult to leash-train, one option that you can consider is using a prong collar. While these collars have a negative reputation among pet lovers. If they are used correctly prong collars for dogs can work wonders.

But before you rush out and buy a prong collar for your dog, it’s essential that you are confident in how to use it in the correct manner. Dog prong collars can be effective as a short term training tool, but when used improperly, can cause pain and distress.

As well can have a negative impact between you and your dog. Building trust and confidence in your dog is you job as his guardian. By taking the time to learn how to use a prong collar correctly can be a benefit for your and your canine best friend.

With this said – If you’re looking for tips on how to use a prong collar for your dog effectively, you’ve come to the right place!

Are Prong Collars Humane?

Before we go into detail about a prong collars, it’s important to look at the pros and cons. As well as gain some common thoughts about prong collars amongst the general public.

One of the most common arguments against the use of prong collars is that they are inhumane, cruel. And using them on your dog can have an adverse effect on the relationship with your dog. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. See why…

Prong Collars for Dogs – Why They’re Designed With Prongs

Prong collars are designed to replicate a common action you see with a mother dog and her pups. The next time you’re around a dog with her pups, pay attention to how she reacts when one of her puppies misbehaves.

In response to a pup’s bad behavior, a mother dogs physically bite her puppies on their necks. This acts as negative signal which lets  her young dog that their actions were unacceptable.

Prong collars are designed to mimic this sensation.

The problem with prong collars for dogs, occur in the way the are used. Many owners and trainers aren’t aware of how to use the collars properly. Or they may use  thm when it isn’t necessary. Using these collars incorrectly can cause major trauma to your dog. This results are evident in when this happens. And, this is where people get the idea that the prong collars themselves are the issue.

Considerations When Using a Prong Collar

When you use a prong collar on your dog, there are some considerations that you should keep in mind. These include:

Dangers of Using Prong Collars on Aggressive Dogs

Prong collars should never be used on aggressive dogs unless you are doing so under the supervision of a certified and credible trainer. Aggressive dogs should be on customized training programs, and improperly used prong collars can serve to make them even more aggressive.

Getting the Right Fit

A prong collar should only close to two to four inches, depending on your canine breed. Any more than that, and it becomes too uncomfortable for your dog Remember – prong collars are not choke collars. And should never be used as such (in fact, you should never use choke collars, period).

Applying The Right Pressure

In general, the least amount of force you can exert should be the most force you ever use when your dog is on a leash with a prong collar. If you need to hold on to the leash with more than two or three fingers, there’s a good chance that you’re using it incorrectly.

Too Loose or Too Tight

The biggest issue with people using prong collars is that they often use ones that are too loose or too tight. If you want to use these collars properly, they should be snug. While keeping in mind since collars go around your dogs neck, if they’re too tight, they can do damage.

These collars are not meant to be slipped over your pup’s head – rather, they’re meant to be worn by unsnapping the collar from around a dog’s neck. Make sure that the prong collar you choose is the right size. If you’re not confident about which size is right for your pet, speak to a professional.

Choose the Right Collar

Another spot where pet owners often falter is when it comes to buying the actual collar. Brands often sell a variety of prong collars, each with its own unique benefits. Before you buy a prong collar, speak to a dog training professional for advice. They’ll be able to guide you on which collar is the best for your needs and will also be able to answer any questions you may still have about these collars.

Never Leave Your Dog Unattended

When using a prong collar, a dog should never be left unattended and should never be tied up, as both can be dangerous.

Don’t Use the Collar for Too Long

Prong collars should never be used for longer than an hour at a time – they are not designed for long-term use and are only meant as training devices that you should one day be able to discard.

Additionally, the collars should never be used as a primary walking collar, as it may result in your pet associating walks with the negative reinforcement of the collar. This, in turn, can result in aggression towards other people and animals. Furthermore, prong collars should never be used for puppies, and are in fact, designed for use by larger dogs.

The truth is, when used correctly, these collars can actually protect your pup. If your dog s extremely excitable, or they’re being walked by someone who has limited experience walking dogs, they can try to bolt. This attempt to run results in your dog pulling on his collar, which, in turn, can result in trachea damage.

Prong collars, on the other hand, significantly reduce the chances of this happening. An effectively used prong collar helps protect you, your pet, and the people around you alike.

How to Use Prong Collars Correctly

When using a prong collar with your pet, here are the steps you should follow:

Introducing Your Dog to a Prong Collar

Introduce the collar to your dog while also giving them treats and attention. This helps familiarize them with the collar and makes putting it on easier. Continue this action until your pet shows no fear or apprehension towards the collar.

Get the Right Fit for Your Dog’s Prong Collar

These collars should be placed high on your pet’s neck, just below the jawbone, and just behind the ears. Make sure the collar is snug around the neck and that the collar isn’t drooping and too loose – droopy collars can injure your pet if the extra links pinch their neck. Practice taking the collar on and off until both you and your pet are comfortable with the process, making sure to treat your dog each time.

Carefully Desensitize Your Dog When You Begin Using Prong Collars

When you put the collar on and take it off randomly through the day it will help to remove any residual anxiety your dog may have toward the collar. In addition, it reduces the risk of your dog associating the collar with the period of time when he needs to be on his best behavior before he becomes a challenge to deal with as soon as the collar is off.

You’ll also want to put on the collar at least 20 minutes before training your dog, and leave the prong collar on for 20 minutes after training is over.

Using a Prong Collars to Train Your Dog 

Once you have the prong collar on properly, you can begin using the collar to train your dog. Make sure you only use the prong collar when you are correcting an unwanted behavior. This way your dog knows which behavior to change. Once your dog learns and make the changes you require, you can slowly transition away from using the collar.

Remember, a dog prong collar is a short term aid while training your dog and not a lifelong solution, nor a permanent collar. Always use positive reinforcement anytime your dog is doing something positive. Have lots of treats on hand.

To Use or Not to Use Prong Collars for Dogs

Prong collars can be a polarizing topic among dog lovers. And can definitely cause some side-glances if you use them in public. However, the fact remains that, if your use a prong collar correctly both you and your dog may see positive results.

Concluding Tips for Using Dog Prong Collars Correctly

So, make sure you’re confident with using a prong collar before putting it around your dog’s neck and speaking to a dog training professional if you still have questions. Once you’re ready, don’t worry about anything other than what is best for you and your pet, and use the prong collar if necessary.

Top 5 Best Prong Collars for Dogs

 

Sources:

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Prong-Collar-on-Dogs

https://leerburg.com/fit-prong.htm

https://spotwalk.com/how-you-should-place-a-prong-collar-on-a-dog/

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/prong_collars_are_they_useful_or_do_they_pose_a_danger