Prong Collar Training: Is it for Your Dog?

Training your dog with a Prong collar is not a decision to be made without careful research and understanding. Prong collar training can be a tremendous help in correcting behavior with your dog.

What is Prong Collar Training?

A dog prong collar is made of interlocking metal links. Each of these links has two prongs that protrude inwards. When you place the collar over your dog’s head, the prongs sit against his neck. And when the dog performs an incorrect behavior, the trainer corrects it by tugging on the leash, which in turn causes the prong collar to tighten and pinch the dog’s flesh.

The use of prong collar training is actually a popular subject in debates of many animal welfare organizations, as numerous dog trainers are strongly against the idea. The intention of prong collar was only for dogs who failed to respond to other training methods – aggressive dogs, requiring stronger, more authoritative corrections.

Proper Use of Prong Collar Training

Many dog owners are misguided in the use and fitting of Prong collars. Here are some facts to know for proper Prong collar use:

Prong collars must be put on and taken off before and after daily training sessions. They should never be left on your dog all the time.
A snug fit is required. Remove enough links so that the collar fits snugly.
Positioning of the Prong collar is critical. It must sit right behind the ears and up under the jaw and NOT down at the shoulders.
Links should always remain under the dog's chin for more effective training.
Connect the leash to the dead-ring for normal dog training. This will allow the Prong collar to remain the same size during training and provide less force.
The Prong collar should be placed on your dog 20 minutes before training and it must be removed 20 minutes after the training.This will allow your dog to become comfortable to the collar and not directly link the corrections during the training with the collar.

When to Use Prong Collar Training

Regardless of your position on prong collar training, many are still using it today. So if you are considering purchasing one, take the time to learn its correct use. Remember never slip a prong collar over your dog's head. You will run a very real risk of causing eye damage if the dog suddenly jerks its head. These collars are meant to be attached by removing a clip and then reconnecting in the same way.

Also, prong collars are not designed to be permanent collars. You should not use the prong collar all the time, your dog might develop a tolerance and you'll have effectively eliminated any training value the device may have provided. Only use it only for dedicated dog training sessions. Just use a regular collar in typical days. Never leave the collar on your dog when not being trained.

In essence, Prong collar training itself is not cruel on any dog, as long as it is done properly. As with any training method, caution and genuine care must work hand in hand with the training device for a successful dog behavior training. Don't be afraid to utilize whatever training method seems to work best for your dog, including prong collar training.

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