I was very anti-training tools until I found your videos (as I was told by the positive-only community that they were abusive). After lots of research, I got a prong for my Pyrenees and it helped us so much with her fixation on cat and other dogs! Now we have way better communication and she understands leash pressure a lot better, too. Thank you so much for your content, as your videos have helped me to be a better trainer for my pup 💙
Yes, that's because it looks scary and people will often abuse them by misusing these tools, the most hated ones being shock collars and prongs. I used to be very anti shock collar until I got my very hard headed, very determined, very difficult to train pitbull where I learned how effective these training tools can be. I used the shock collar to teach him yard boundaries, he was a jumper so I used the shock collar (always when I was there) to create an Imaginary boundary in my yard about 5 feet away from the actual fence. It worked and I only had to use the actual shock about twice. After that he knew to listen for the beep.
Apologize in advance for the length of this comment!...Got a 10 month old female Corso.. 99lbs about a month and a half ago when weighed at vet. Now to say I'm a huge huge dog lover is an understatement, I not only adore them, I'm completely fascinated with them. I research them as a hobby. I dabble in training here and there. So I'm no expert... but I'm as least versed enough to know that a corso is not a great first time owner breed.. and it's not my first. I've known this fact for year's, and always wanted a corso as a matter of fact, but I always wanted 3 breeds since I was a boy, a Boston terrier, a Cane Corso (Kah-nay) I know! Lol. Or a boerboel. I also always had dreams of owning a Tibetan or an Alibai, Kengal insert insanely cool breed here I was fascinated with them all! But the 150-175 lb. Corso. Ears cropped up drooling everywhere! Yea that's what I wanted! Lol. So I got the Boston, in 2016... picked him up the night Donald Trump was elected! Nov 9th. 2016. So,.. naturally, i named him Tate! 😉🤷♂️ lol. He was 19 weeks old and handsome as all hell! And well behaved from the jump. So training was non existent. And luckily I never ended up paying the price for that! I had tu put Tate down last Xmas . Rip buddy! Best dog ever! Fast forward 6 months I get the chance to save Mia from a shitty situation. No Ole female corso. Living with her sister their mother and father and 3 cats and 4 kids and 2 parents in a tiny apt in a Boston suburb. And the place, which I worked at occasionally as maintenence for my boss who owned the property.. was kind of a dump. And there was drug and gang activity there and she was just miserable. And I fell in love with her right away! She's not a typical looking corso. She's red. Like a boerboel. And her body looks like a deer! Lmao! But she's adorable. So needless to say, the woman in the relationship, started taking a liking to the lighter meat, if you smell what I'm stepping in,? And I was able too convince her to let me take Mia! For her own good. Those dogs need room to run. And I know her bf hit her! She was very hand shy and incredibly skiddish when i got her. So I don't feel even remotely guilty about smashing his girl in her laundry room while he was "wipin deez necks down!" In a madden video game upstairs with his "blood Brothers!" Lol! How fricken juvenile! Real tough guy! Lol. Gringo was down stairs blowing your girls back out while you played grab ass with your paper gangster homes! Lol. But I digress! Anyways. She's a good girl! Fairly obedient. Not only does what I ask... but she appreciates me too! Now for the dog! 🤭 seriously she's good and listens but one thing I can't control is when in my yard. Which is not fended and off leash... she sees someone walking or walking a dog. She deep growls. Hair on her back goes up and she charges! Right up to them... now as soon as she reaches them.. she does a playful bow, and dance around playfully until I reach her yelling and screaming at her to get back! I'm not worried about what she'll do to someone else, I'm concerned what someone could do to her, and they would be within their right! She's big and menacing looking. But she's a teddy bear. I know this can be corrected.. but I'm worried the prong is the only way that will work? Now where she was abused? I'm hesitant... not only that...I know one thing, if I'm not completely confident when I'm using one with her and I'm doing it incorrectly? Then I'm just torturing the dog for no reason! And that is something I'm not willing to do!
@@robertwhite6696 It's VERY difficult when you get a "re-homed", "stray", unwanted or neglected dog as a juvenile or adult. And when you are dealing with a large breed first you need to thoroughly understand their needs - exercise, nutrition, socialization and find what makes them HAPPIEST and most valued. Many of these dogs are FRIGHTENED, mistrustful, neglected, unloved and reactive as a result. I adopted a "tested schutzhund Czech GSD who bit me, and bit everyone for at least four years. Yes, I needed a lot of patience and understanding to find the balance between positive training and suppression of "bad behaviours " she had NO SOCIAL SKILLS so that's is a HUGE dilemma for owners. With time, she became a trusted, lovely, lovely and a loyal girl and I never used a prong or shock collar - just time , affection, limits and love. I know personally that EVERY DOG requires good socialization, as well as good training. Socialization - the ability to get along with other dogs, animals, people - this doesn't need to be a "party" every day just getting the dog exposed to as much as possible until their confidence and juvenile silly behaviours are "out grown" . I have an almost 18 month, from 8 weeks old) old male GSD who is fantastic, happy, confident, agile and certainly can behave like a doughnut but because he's never been abused he has NO reason to attack. And lucky for me, I'm with him 80% of the time he's outdoors. I'm a GSD breed passionate person.One thing I do use, and this might help you, is buying a long 3/8 orange rope Home depot ( I bought 75 ft. and cut it in half!!) and attach a hook and you go out with him at the beginning and wait until he does his business and then bring him in, I sue treats and I use a lot of praise but you have to put the time in. This will prevent him from the initial running to greet everyone, lets him settle down ( Train "sit" if you're outside and he's distracted by something) and give it a month. He needs to believe in himself that he's NOT bad it just that this behaviour isn't good. PS: Sadly LARGE breeds die sooner. They mature faster so he'll learn faster than some little breed dog. Love him every minute you've got because one day, it's going to to the last and you're going to realize what you had and what you're going to miss.🤗
When I met you, I told you this prong collar changed my life. Just this one piece of equipment changed my relationship with my GSD. It doesn’t hurt him. It doesn’t “make it worse” or encourage aggressive behavior. It lets him know I’m in charge and he TOTALLY obeys me now. Every time. Without this help, I wouldn’t have been able to keep him. I was SO pro-positive before I learned the truth about this collar. Anyone who is worried, please don’t be. I see the light!!!!
Aside from the prong, I try to be 100% positive only (but with strong structure). Some people see my dog with a prong and think I'm an aversive trainer but they are SO WRONG! I firmly believe it is the safest collar for both me and my dog!
Reduced the stress of both my take charge AS when they learned that they didnt need to make the decisions and supported a clear and loving relationship focused on fun which they adore. Weaning them from the collar was easier than I could have imagined when the mark sound remains the same without it.
Agreed! Imo, there's no such thing as positive only training. Any tools, be it leash, harness, or any type of collar we put on our dogs is already aversive. I also think that to only use positive only method is more aversive than any tools. I said this because, not every dog gets what we want no matter how good a handler we are. And to frustrate them without a clear communication is far worse. With that said, each dog is different. There's no single training method that guarantee the same outcome. For mine, I follow the advice of Tom, Robert and Beckman. I also have to mention Nigel Reed who is more twds the other spectrum, but he is really really good because my pup's separation anxiety is now non-existence without me having to do anything. It came naturally once I act more like a leader and guardian to my pup.
My mother decided to get a Great Dane as a 75yo woman.......She was pulled over 3 times already......and then today. Ive been telling her since she got the dog to get a prong collar. Today was the last straw for her to finally listen to me.Thank you for saying it doesnt hurt them.....that was her main concern.
I have two pitbulls and one of my dogs has always pulled so hard when walking on a leash. We have tried everything-from reward only training, to harness, to pulling as hard as we can with a nylon collar to try and correct him. I didn't realize that what my pitbull needed was a prong collar to finally correct him with minimal effort. The prong collar is honestly life changing when used correctly. I was able to walk him around the neighborhood successfully with very few corrections. I'm beyond astonished. Thank you for this video
WOW!!! WOW!!! I just adopted a 10 month German Shepherd. And she is a huge puller on the leash. I just tried out my prong collar. And what a difference. I feel like I have complete control of her. She responded so well to my pop. She even sat down as people walked by. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach us.
Wow!! 2 months ago, I ALSO adopted a 10 month old German Shepherd. I can honestly say we had no idea the ride we were about to go on, but she is SO worth it!!! We just finally switched to the Herm Springer prong collar this week after trying EVERYTHING else and it has absolutely changed our lives for the better. She wasn't pulling on the leash, but we just couldn't get her to stop biting, nipping and mouthing me and my kids. Just a few quick corrections and she absolutely understands now that we don't tolerate that behavior. It didn't hurt her, she didn't yelp, but instead she became very obedient. I am so grateful for Tom and all of you that have chimed in on this topic!!
Tom Goose had become so strong he would pull my arm socket out. I am a b cancer survivor who has had a double mas 13yrs ago so he can’t pull me down. I feel so much more confident now and he checks in with me all the time I am beyond grateful to you. Honest complete game changer
I was anti prong until I started losing feeling in my hands and arms from nerve damage. My dog was awesome on a lose leash until I was bedridden with a relapse. Other people had to walk him. He didn't want to walk for them. But when i was better he pulled horribly being impatient from the freedom he was getting with others. I had to restore my training methods but i was 40% weaker in my arms and body strength. The prong makes up the difference without my arms being pulled out of the socket or causing me to fall. The prong is awesome. Within 15-20 min later you would think I swapped dogs after just the first time on the prong. Yes, the first time the tension touched his neck, he looked around like "what was that." Never a screaming painful yelp even when over excited. One day, his cattle dog buddy caming racing up from behind play. He bowed wanting to play back, I put him in a sit, switch to a flat collar, remove his prong collar so they play. But only after I was confident that he knows to Come when called, what Off and Leave it means! He was only 8mo old then. I'd had him for 3mo only. But he was never given a chance to play w any big dogs but he was with his sister and parents until he was 6mo old. I'm a small 5'2 woman with cane. Just yesterday he slipped out of a new collar I didn't realize wasn't tight enough. I didnt have my prong with me. This was his first time off leash without permission. The ringleader was a female husky 18mo old. The dogs made one quick lap around the very large open yard. I move rather slowly from my medical issues I moved about 25 ft closer to the dogs, while quickly tightening the collar another 1.5 inches. Most people dont realize a huskys head and neck are very similar in size which makes them great escape artists. I called his name and said Come once! He came right back, directly into my hands so I could grab his collar, leash him and he sat without me saying anything. Everyone witnessing it was shocked. He caught his breath and gave him treats. This was his first time meeting this female dog. I was told she runs free out in the country all the time and takes down full grown sheep. The rest of the day she not only came up begging him to play even more but I wasn't going to let him back off leash. I put him on a 20ft cable so they could still interact while supervised without the big run. I figured out all her talking and behavior was pure jealousy. If I'd pet my boy, she would push in to be petted too. But she would then body block him by fully getting as close to my legs for all the attention. Thankfully my boy shows no sign of jealousy. He sat and watched me groom her undercoat with brushes which she was so attention starved she milked up every second. I groomed him after so he didn't feel left out. It was an awesome day and all the training paid off. When playing she would tell him no when she didn't want him climbing on her, and they both stopped if I said no or off. She responded and respected commands very quickly and mellowed out. I wish I could have met with the owners and brought her home. But one husky is enough for me. My boy is fixed and never once mounted her or hugged her. Because he listened to her and they both listened to my commands.
I do remember when we were planning to get a dog i was already researching TH-cam for a good trainer that given tips and tricks will sound logical and understandable. I was very happy when I found Tom Davis. You really changed my point of view on prong collars! And I can't imagine life without it now. Our dog is Anatolian shepherd and she has a lot of power, without prong we would be dragged everywhere. Now she never pulls, she listens for commands and even she can be of leash with remote collar on. I'm very happy and cannot recommend you more for everyone. You truly are the the pro dog trainer ❤
Thank you Tom! I was the first example of a PULLING DOG in your video today, and I can tell you all the prong collar changed my life and BUSTER’S life as well! No more fights, and we enjoy our walks together now, Tom is just the best…!
Thank you so much for the video on how to use this. I’m a 65 year old great grandma and just recently rescued a 9 month old Border Collie. He was literally dragging me every time I walked him. He gets so excited when he sees another dog or a person that he jumps and twists around until his collar would come off. He’s also drug me to my knees and scraped them up when I wasn’t paying attention. My niece raises King Corso’s and they use prong collars to train them. She just sent me one and I watched your video before using it. I then took him for a walk and could not believe the difference 😮!! He started pulling on it like he has with his regular collar and I snapped my wrist like you showed and boy it worked like magic!! I subscribed to your videos and turned the alarm on for notifications. One grateful GR8 Gma right here ✋🏼👍🏼.
I was always too scared to use a prong collar until I saw your tutorial videos. It has completely changed walking my huskies. Please post more, I appreciate your videos so much!!!
Thank you for this video. I rescued a German Shepard 1 year ago and using the prong collar with her gave me the first glimpses of the potential both her and I had to be able to grow in her training. That along with more research into training (both through your videos and other resources) has gotten us to a point where now she regularly gets compliments on her obedience. Being reactive to other dogs, the obedience along with this as a tool has made a world of difference in both her life and mine. Thank you for all that you do
I have a reactive, aggressive pit bull mix who is a leash puller nightmare. I have been brought to tears on many occasions on what to do with/how to handle him. As lovable as he is with us, it’s everyone and everything else that sets him off. I am going to get this collar and follow your videos and pray that this first step will begin his transformation.
Good luck with your dog, I sincerely hope it works out. That's a tough spot, and can be a big source of frustration. I'm certain the collar will help, it did with mine.
I’m in Australia and watch your videos back to back. I waited for 8 years to be in the right life position to buy my dog, I now have a working line GSD. Wish I was in the US to do one on one training with you but since I’m not, the Zoom would be AWESOME.
Thank you for this very useful information.I am a dog walker and I Am always asking my clients to use the prong collar. Instead of my trying to explain that it is not a torture device I now send them a link to this video. I am so glad I found your channel
Tom I am a self taught trainer and I use your tips every day to help change/improve my clients lives with their dogs! I have introduced the prong collar to several pet parents with reactive dogs or "deadly" pullers and have seen so much improvement with all cases. Thank you so much for educating me and helping me make a difference in my city !
Thank you Tom! Learning from you gave me the confidence and tools to adopt a 3yo Aussie with severe reactivity issues. With your methods and the proper use of the prong collar as a communication tool, He's a normal, happy dog who's loving life and getting lots and lots of belly rubs for being a good boy!
I absolutely love your videos! I got my rescued GWP at 8 months old and almost 80lbs. She knew NOTHING except to go outside to the bathroom. I've watched all of your videos and have made great strides with walking. She has a long way to go, for sure. The prong collar is the only thing that works with her, but I highly doubt I'll ever be able to walk her without one.
Love the video. Super explanatory. Both my dogs walk on a prong now after watching your videos about them. A year ago, before I found your channel, if someone told me I would walk my dogs on prong collars I would have told them that would never happen. By watching these videos it helped to educate me on how to properly use it, why to use it, when to use it, and so much more. I now will be out places a see dogs who do not have the correct prong for them, or the owner isn’t using it correctly, and cringe because it isn’t how the collar is meant to be used. I want to be a trainer one day to help more dogs and people properly use the right tools for them and their relationship.
Big help thank you. I have a 1 year old, 160 pound Corso that pulls on walks and can get aggressive at times. I purchased the HS collar and will watch your videos to make sure Im training him correctly
Thank you Tom! I adopted a 1.5 year old GSD in January. He is the first male GSD I've had and he had developed many bad habits with his previous owner. I started watching hours of videos to try and figure out what is going on since I've not had issues like these before (aggressive reactivity to dogs, people, noises). Your videos are by far the best. I started using a prong collar after watching several of your other videos and they make a huge difference. I have been using a "knockoff", but will move to the Herm Sprenger as you suggest in this video. Again many thanks for the videos - wish you were closer - I"m from a small town Southwest of Atlanta, GA
@@glenj.taylor2938 what size hs would you try on a 14 mo old 55lb husky w dense fur. Fur length at base of neck is 1.5 inches. I have a knock off prong but I would like to switch.
@@mandeehusky I have a 50 lb German shepherd/Basenji mix (shorter hair, 16" neck) and a 55 lb German shepherd/Husky mix (about same length fur as yours, 18"neck). I use the 2.25 HS on both of them. I had to get a few extra links to fit them properly. Works perfectly. Hope this helps!
Prong Collar was a game changer for my Rescue German Shepard at 8 months old. With a regular collar she would literally choke herself out pulling. She is more relaxed and it is so much safer with the prong collar. She is more focused - checks in with me while walking, and rarely gets distracted. Thanks for the video it was great help - we still have a long ways to go.
Love the tutorials! More please! Thank you Tom, without your many educational videos on the prong, my life and my dogs lives wouldn’t be the same. While I initially believe it was a tortuous piece of equipment, once I started watching you, I realized it’s a great tool and one I needed to train with. I have 4 very large dogs and when they see the prongs coming out, they all get so excited-knowing a training session or a “go bye-bye” is coming. You are saving dogs’ lives!
That's so great to read, thanks for sharing. I have a friend who has had Dobies his whole life and the Prong collar was a game for him as well. This video is a good one and I'm looking forward to sharing it with others.
It totally looks like a torture tool! I've owned an HS prong since 2017 because I had previously heard that it would help with my reactive dog. I used it once or twice, then stopped because I wasn't using it right and I felt like I I was hurting her. I saw Tom, in one of his videos, fit and demonstrate the prong and gave it another try only 1-1/2 years ago. It changed everything! But first, I fit it on my own neck and tugged it hard a few times to make sure it wouldn't hurt. Weird, I know, but I had to make sure it would be safe for my dog. And it was! 🙂 Now we both look forward to our walks. It's so cute the way she calmly sticks her neck out for me to fit in, then dances in circles, knowing a walk would come next. Thanks Tom! 👍👍👍
Thank you so much for all this info. Without your assistance, I would have naturally probably purchased one of the largest prong collars to place around my 70 pound Mal. Instead, I took your advice and bought the 2.5 mm and it works perfectly.
Thank you for educating people on the proper technique for the prong collar. Dogs deserve our time and attention like any other relationship we have. With a little effort, the loyalty and enrichment dogs can bring to our lives comes back to us tenfold!
I tried everything with the dog I adopted from the shelter. She is a German shepherd and had really bad pneumonia and probably would have been put down. So I adopted her but she was soooo reactive and crazy on walks and I live in the city so walking daily is a must for her. With the prong collar on she’s a an angel and learning how to walk on a leash and not be reactive to other dogs. Both her and I can enjoy our walks and time together now. If this didn’t work I would have had to take her back to the shelter. The prong collar was such an easy solution and pretty much saved her from the shelter and is going to let her and help her live her best life with me
Thxs tom u rock. U definitly changed my dogs life between prong and the 280c. We are getting better every day. Between ur videos and ur pro team been very nice training again. Thx u so much.
I never thought I’d use a prong collar, but now I have a 230 pound English Mastiff and he is nearly double my weight. I have tried all sorts of training…and I am praying that this will be the tool that sets us free from not being able to go for walks because of his strength and size. Thank you for the great tips and training.
We started with a prong collar on our pup about a week ago, but I'm still struggling to get it fitted properly. I keep going from what feels too tight, to it slipping down his neck. I keep rewatching videos, then trying again. Thank you for making this video to help with this process!
The Prong collar tuned my walks from nightmare to heavenly. I worked with an excellent trainer too. People tell me those collars are cruel but they don't understand how they work thank you for your videos❤
I have watched about eight different videos on prong collars from different trainers. Yours was the most informative in fact more informative than all of the other videos put together. You are an incredible dog trainer and you know how to train people as well. That really matters.
Thank you! I am fostering my sons dog, pitti & cane corso, right now. She's a little over a year old and hasn't been really socialized. We've had a trainer for about 6 weeks and sadly he just quit showing up without notice. We don't want to give her up or rehome her because she's we believe in HER. I wasn't 100% sure how to use the pronged collar my son got me and your video really helped give me the confidence & education to help her live her best life. I'll be doing my best to train her while using your videos. Thank you again!!
I am finding this very helpful. I officially live in Lubbock, Texas. I travel, while in Montana, I have now a shelter dog named Locke (pron: low-key) 7yrs old 74lbs. She is good with me, hoping to get her where she knows there is more love out there, instead of being aggressive towards any person, some are close friends.
Thanks for this great video! One remaining question I have is how snug is too snug for fitting the prong collar? These how-to videos are so helpful - I also love the longer format videos of you working with your clients!
I was told that you should be able to fit 2 fingers comfortably, each under a set of the prongs. I find that can be a bit tight but the dog seems to be very sensitive to subtle movements, 3 seems ideal, 4 is loose and less effective. This is for my fingers though, and my dogs neck seems to expand and contract quite a bit with her movements, so I check regularly and adjust if needed.
I’m trying this today. I’ve had so much Anxiety and somewhat scared to use the prong collar on my Rocky. Thank you for this video. It motivated me immensely. No Bad Dogs 🥹
I adopted a 1 yr old lab, pit mix. Im 59 and hes a bit too much for me. I jyst bought a prong collar to help and am watching you videos to learn how to use it. So helpful. Thank you. Tracey, Costa Mesa, CA
As always great video. Thanks to your educational, I’ve really had to change the minds of friends and family about the prong. Everyone thinks it’s a torture mechanism. I would love to see a video on dealing with an overly excited dog. Tons of videos about aggressive dogs towards people and other dogs, but few on dogs that lose their mind at the thought of meeting another dog or person. Thanks!
Here in Germany it's not allowed to use one. We've got some famous dog trainers on tv and they say (like you mentioned in your comment your family did) it's a torture machine for dogs. Also the e - collar. You can buy it in Germany but you're not allowed to use it, it's illegal. Also slip leash without a " stopping point "( I just don't know the word in English) For example this " famous dog trainers " told a small lady to use a harness instead of a collar for her very big, pulling dog she just can't handle...🙈
Love this how to! So many people use prong collars incorrectly and get the incorrect ones for what they need. Please do more to help educate more people about these devices and that they aren’t harmful unless used incorrectly!
Great stuff! I have been mostly only allowing my pup to correct herself (while leash pulling) because I was concerned about improperly correcting her and potentially hurting her. This really cleared it up for me. Can't thank you enough for this one. More training tips/how-tos like this please!
I used to think a prong collar was one of those outdated training tools. I didn't realize the idea was that with a normal collar(or harness), when a dog pulls, they are feeling the pressure in one place, and dogs will often lean into that place of pressure, even if it hurts them. With a prong collar, the pressure is distributed around the neck, so the dog doesn't know what way to pull, and will stop.
I have a German shepherd/Rott mix who is 21 months old and 100 pounds. He is leash aggressive, and I bought a prong collar. However, after watching this video, I see that I have been using it improperly. This video helped with control on the very first walk. Still, a lot of work is needed, but now the collar will work as designed. Thank you.
My dogs neck is truly between sizes. One less prong on the 2.25 and it’s slightly too small. One more and it’s slightly too big. Is it better to go too tight or too loose?
I have a 7.5 month old pittie pup and she PULLS. I'd been trying to avoid the prong collar but last night I caved and bought one. This video made me feel more prepared to use it. Thanks! I'm from Toronto, Canada
My husband and I love your videos. We rescued a German Shepherd that only knows sit and down when inside only. This will be a game changer since he is so strong and pulls like crazy. Thank you for your amazing tips and educational videos.
Just got a prong collar for my 4 month old Dobe based on your recommendation AND what a difference. I actually had it on wrong and my neighbor who also has a dog set me straight. thank you for your tutorials!!
I’m SO thankful for all of the free education you provide. I have devoured it all to help me with my working line GSD pup. The prong collar has been an incredible tool for us. I live in South Africa and most people here are positive reinforcement only, but I needed more for my pup. Had a friend bring out a collar for me from the USA and it has been life changing. And I feel confident using it because of your videos and more. Thank you! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
This is wonderful! I use a prong for train and I’ve had so many people say how cruel I am. If we’re not working then I turn the collar off and while I’ve tried to educate people, I can tell there’s no life behind the eyes. I feel that a well trained animal is a mostly safe animal. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful experiences.
My boy is 6 months (50lbs) old blue heeler/shepherd, I'm training him to be my service dog. I am hypoglycemic and have chronic debilitating migraines as well as a laundry list of other health issues. The probe collar was suggested and was also told to look up vidon how to use it and this was the first one so I watched it. Look forward to seeing all the rest of the videos
I use prong collars with my gsd and my wolfdog, at first it worked perfect very responsive. But recently I've noticed they haven't been as responsive. Your video has just worked as a refresher and now they are back to being responsive thank you
Owned many dogs. This is the first prong collar. Makes an enormous positive difference. Watched your video to make sure I know everything I need to know about the collar. Good video; easy to understand; thorough. Thanks!
I have trained dogs for many years. Always positive. Recently i purchased my 10th vizsla. He is a really hard dog. He lived with his siblings for the first 5 months of his life. Had no rules. I have use both an ecollar and a prong on him. He is changing into this great fun guy. Ty for these videos. I had no idea how to use a prong. You are a terrific trainer.
Rescued a 6 month old German Shepherd, she is now three years old. Took her to training when I first got her, using a flat collar. She did well and proves to be a velcro dog. I have had open heart surgery and an accident breaking leg so we have not been training or walking for over a year so I'm looking forward to using the prong collar and see how that goes I think she should respond well love all your videos time you remind me of the Koehler method that I train my Afghan Hound with. Yours is more precise and bond focused..Love it!
Thanks to your video I went and bought one. Using your technique worked perfectly on my dog. Total night and day difference in walking. Thank you for making this video.
This tool is everything! Especially for those of us with limited hand strength and large dogs. I train my puppies with a prong from a very young age and ALL of them jump with glee when I present a prong for them to wear because they know we are going somewhere or doing something together. I almost always use the 2.25 but sometimes will use the 3.2 on my heavy coated standard poodles. This tool and being consistent and fair in your training and making your dogs a part of your family are key to enjoying your pack! Thanks, Tom, for helping people understand how to use this tool and better communicate with their dogs!
I admit I was unsure on using a prong, but after watching your videos, I worked with a trainer that helped me use it safely, and it is making all the difference in handling my reactive dog! Thank you for sharing to help dogs and their owners!
I am thankful for your videos! We have a new family member who is a 7 yo GS. The humans and Kobe have some things to learn. When I got him I attempted to raw dog, pun intended a walk around the block-it was wild. We have resorted to a trolly in the yard, but we are working towards an actual walk with obstacles. He prefers not having animal friends-very reactive. His gas pedal is something like Top Fuel-and floored. We are on a mission.
As someone who is for correction tools and has used them in the past, this video is absolutely amazing. It is so detailed, showing the different corrections and how to reward with timing. I really wish I came across this years ago, when I had my pit. Now with my doberman, I am researching and dedicating a lot more to understanding the why behind the corrections. Thank you so much for providing us with these tools!
I tried a normal leash, slip leash, then finally, a prong collar. This was a game changer for me and my rotty. The very first time I put it on her she instantly changed. It was like she knew it was there. Best money I have spent to date on my dog.
Thanks Tom. Just picked up my rescued four year old Boerboel on 3/31 and he's so sweet, but he does pull a little and he's very strong. Herm sprenger collar is coming today, can't wait to work with him !
I’ve been watching you and the other K9/Aggression based trainer for a month now. I finally got a prong collar and took my dog out. I spent THIRTY MINUTES with him and he’s already a different dog on the leash. He wasn’t bad, but he did pull. Now he’s attentive to me, has about a 2-3’ bubble he stays in, but I can correct him to my side easily. A bit more work and I bet he will stay at my side. This is a TEN YEAR OLD dominant dog in my pack. They can always learn to be better, just like us.
I have a 15 month old GS who, on a flat collar is a real puller. He needs to smell EVERYTHING and of course does not pay strict attention to me. I am a 66 year old 150 lb woman and I’m afraid that if he sees a deer (and of course it runs), the prey instinct kicks in and he’s off to the races! I exercise him by playing fetch, which he LOVES, 40-60 minutes a day. (20 minutes 2-3 times per day)We work on recall and sit and stay and leave it while we are “playing”. Currently he has an e collar that I use when I’m not out with him which is not often. I am really interested in learning to use a prong collar so that we both can be happy campers and eventually walk on a loose lead. Thank you for your videos; they are most encouraging!
I am embarrassed to say that I was once one of those dog owners which deemed the prong collar as being 'cruel' due to it's appearence. I did feel apprehensive to try it incase I hurt my dog but watching this video has given me hope that it is safe! My staffy is a puller and struggles to grasp the walk to heel command. She is currently on a slip used as a face halti but I am sooooo tempted to try the prong collar to see if it completely eliminates the pulling altogether! Thank you for uploading this video, education really is key to success!
I tried everything with my dog for over a year of her life consistently on walks. Front clip harness, slip lead, head halter with treats and toys as rewards and NOTHING ever worked until I decided to get the prong and spent the time watching hours worth of videos of how to properly use it and now she’s a completely different dog and our walks are a lot safer and she’s more focused on me now during walks which is essential. Not to mention she’s a pit mix and it’s nice for people to see a well behaved pit and not one that’s out of control.
Yes! Finally a video I can send to people when they ask about the prong! I’ve had many people say they have one for their dog and it doesn’t work or they’ve asked me how it works and I couldn’t explain it well enough. This video helps immensely with that! Thank you!
I was told by si many trainers and dog owners how bad these were. That they hurt the dogs and it was abusive. I tried it on my rottie when he was about a year old because he was soooo strong and pulled me during walks even though he walked well with the leash. I know it doesn’t make sense but he listened with the leash but was much stronger than I am! It changed our walks! It did not hurt him. He never flinched when I used it but he slowed down his speed of walking where I could keep up. Hikes in the woods that I dreaded became fun! It was a life changer and so glad I tried it! I don’t think they’re good for all dogs but big powerful dogs…..there fantastic and I recommend them to friends with malanois rotties and German sheperds!
We have a 90 pound (all muscle) Czech german shepherd who is a wonderful dog, but for a myriad of reasons has become reactive. I weigh nearly the same as him, and I know him not getting walks and to enjoy the world is hurting is happiness. After pretty much his whole life of positive training and a few trainers, it's come to a point we have, have to get him some structure. Just ordered our first prong, wish I could have trained him without it but we are out of options. Thank you for the informative video it's proving invaluable for me to learn.
Hi, retired US Marine living in Hiroshima, Japan. Got 2 6-month old Doberman puppies that are great when off leash and have learned their recall very well. But walking them together is like being pulled by a train. Hopefully your prong collar video will help get this under control, because they're still growing and while I'm benefitting from the exercise, I'd really like to take calmer, controlled walks from time to time.
I watched u with a dog one day and u used a prong collar and watching what u did made me buy 1 for my German shepherd from same people u use and wow what a difference it made with my dog right away love the videos leam from the uk
I love the way you explained how the Prong collar is used. I use the HS prong collar on both my 2 year old GSD and 6 year old Rottie and it's a life saving tool. We had a local trainer educate my husband and I on how to use it and he explained it just like you did in this video. I will be sharing this video so that more people are educated on these tools. - From Ontario Canada
This video was very helpful for my Golden Retriever who pulls hard and has been through lots of training. I didn't fit the collar snug enough so properly fitting the collar made all the difference!
I have been using HS products for many decades and upgraded to HS Prong collar a decade ago. I use the HS Prong collar on all my dogs. I love that click lock that is now available so much easier for my damaged left hand to maneuver. This last month caught my neighbour with her "rescue" pup of maybe 7 months old, she was strangling the pup with a dollar store choke chain on backwards and walking the dog on the right side. She has an unknown phobia about her left side. Took me a good while to communicate to her the damage she was doing, and how a prong collar is safer for her especially walking a dog on the right side. She is in awe of how I have trained all my dogs, especially my Cane Corso's. The. next week I saw her with a black HS prong collar & leather leash. Surprisingly she listened. Now, she just has to listen more and pay for obedience classes, she refused to pay me to teach her. She is absolutely clueless, and has extreme cases of untrained/aggressive dogs that are fearful dogs.
I just found your channel. I have a 6 month old European Doberman that is an absolute joy to have, but I am not the young man I used to be when I first fell in love with the breed. He is my 4th and by far the most intelligent and stubborn...lol! Thank you for the videos and help sir!
I was using a plastic pinch collar on my 2.5 yr old cane corso. I’m going to switch to 2.25 prong to use now and came to your videos to remind me of fit and a refresher.
I have a GSD and I have had 3 rotator cuff surgeries and Zoya pulling is not an option. It is the best training tool. Makes our walks a whole lot better.
I have an 85 pound three-year-old Labradoodle. He is awesome and lovable but he is too strong. I have tried everything I repeat everything to get him to stop pulling on leash and jumping up on people, etc. etc. and he has taken me down literally to the pavement Where I have hit my head more than once five times this past year. I’ve only heard prong collars are horrible for dogs, but I am really willing and open to working on this with this type of method. Looking forward to hearing more from your videos.
Hi Tom, I’ve been watching you for a few years and all of your training makes sense. I am a disabled veteran and I enrolled myself and my very young German shepherd. They insisted after a few weeks, to loosen the prong collar. It did not work for me at all to use it that way on such a young GS. I felt like a complete failure in the program, and we did not advance. I decided to quit because I was so stressed when I was there, and I didn’t want my dog to feel stress as well. I’m planning on watching more of your videos again to re-program myself. Thank you for all you do.
I was very anti-training tools until I found your videos (as I was told by the positive-only community that they were abusive). After lots of research, I got a prong for my Pyrenees and it helped us so much with her fixation on cat and other dogs! Now we have way better communication and she understands leash pressure a lot better, too. Thank you so much for your content, as your videos have helped me to be a better trainer for my pup 💙
Yes, that's because it looks scary and people will often abuse them by misusing these tools, the most hated ones being shock collars and prongs. I used to be very anti shock collar until I got my very hard headed, very determined, very difficult to train pitbull where I learned how effective these training tools can be. I used the shock collar to teach him yard boundaries, he was a jumper so I used the shock collar (always when I was there) to create an Imaginary boundary in my yard about 5 feet away from the actual fence. It worked and I only had to use the actual shock about twice. After that he knew to listen for the beep.
Crucial point "she understands leash pressure" Hmm, this really hit home - thank you
Apologize in advance for the length of this comment!...Got a 10 month old female Corso.. 99lbs about a month and a half ago when weighed at vet. Now to say I'm a huge huge dog lover is an understatement, I not only adore them, I'm completely fascinated with them. I research them as a hobby. I dabble in training here and there. So I'm no expert... but I'm as least versed enough to know that a corso is not a great first time owner breed.. and it's not my first. I've known this fact for year's, and always wanted a corso as a matter of fact, but I always wanted 3 breeds since I was a boy, a Boston terrier, a Cane Corso (Kah-nay) I know! Lol. Or a boerboel. I also always had dreams of owning a Tibetan or an Alibai, Kengal insert insanely cool breed here I was fascinated with them all! But the 150-175 lb. Corso. Ears cropped up drooling everywhere! Yea that's what I wanted! Lol. So I got the Boston, in 2016... picked him up the night Donald Trump was elected! Nov 9th. 2016. So,.. naturally, i named him Tate! 😉🤷♂️ lol. He was 19 weeks old and handsome as all hell! And well behaved from the jump. So training was non existent. And luckily I never ended up paying the price for that! I had tu put Tate down last Xmas . Rip buddy! Best dog ever! Fast forward 6 months I get the chance to save Mia from a shitty situation. No Ole female corso. Living with her sister their mother and father and 3 cats and 4 kids and 2 parents in a tiny apt in a Boston suburb. And the place, which I worked at occasionally as maintenence for my boss who owned the property.. was kind of a dump. And there was drug and gang activity there and she was just miserable. And I fell in love with her right away! She's not a typical looking corso. She's red. Like a boerboel. And her body looks like a deer! Lmao! But she's adorable. So needless to say, the woman in the relationship, started taking a liking to the lighter meat, if you smell what I'm stepping in,? And I was able too convince her to let me take Mia! For her own good. Those dogs need room to run. And I know her bf hit her! She was very hand shy and incredibly skiddish when i got her. So I don't feel even remotely guilty about smashing his girl in her laundry room while he was "wipin deez necks down!" In a madden video game upstairs with his "blood Brothers!" Lol! How fricken juvenile! Real tough guy! Lol. Gringo was down stairs blowing your girls back out while you played grab ass with your paper gangster homes! Lol. But I digress! Anyways. She's a good girl! Fairly obedient. Not only does what I ask... but she appreciates me too! Now for the dog! 🤭 seriously she's good and listens but one thing I can't control is when in my yard. Which is not fended and off leash... she sees someone walking or walking a dog. She deep growls. Hair on her back goes up and she charges! Right up to them... now as soon as she reaches them.. she does a playful bow, and dance around playfully until I reach her yelling and screaming at her to get back! I'm not worried about what she'll do to someone else, I'm concerned what someone could do to her, and they would be within their right! She's big and menacing looking. But she's a teddy bear. I know this can be corrected.. but I'm worried the prong is the only way that will work? Now where she was abused? I'm hesitant... not only that...I know one thing, if I'm not completely confident when I'm using one with her and I'm doing it incorrectly? Then I'm just torturing the dog for no reason! And that is something I'm not willing to do!
@@robertwhite6696 It's VERY difficult when you get a "re-homed", "stray", unwanted or neglected dog as a juvenile or adult. And when you are dealing with a large breed first you need to thoroughly understand their needs - exercise, nutrition, socialization and find what makes them HAPPIEST and most valued. Many of these dogs are FRIGHTENED, mistrustful, neglected, unloved and reactive as a result. I adopted a "tested schutzhund Czech GSD who bit me, and bit everyone for at least four years. Yes, I needed a lot of patience and understanding to find the balance between positive training and suppression of "bad behaviours " she had NO SOCIAL SKILLS so that's is a HUGE dilemma for owners. With time, she became a trusted, lovely, lovely and a loyal girl and I never used a prong or shock collar - just time , affection, limits and love. I know personally that EVERY DOG requires good socialization, as well as good training. Socialization - the ability to get along with other dogs, animals, people - this doesn't need to be a "party" every day just getting the dog exposed to as much as possible until their confidence and juvenile silly behaviours are "out grown" . I have an almost 18 month, from 8 weeks old) old male GSD who is fantastic, happy, confident, agile and certainly can behave like a doughnut but because he's never been abused he has NO reason to attack. And lucky for me, I'm with him 80% of the time he's outdoors. I'm a GSD breed passionate person.One thing I do use, and this might help you, is buying a long 3/8 orange rope Home depot ( I bought 75 ft. and cut it in half!!) and attach a hook and you go out with him at the beginning and wait until he does his business and then bring him in, I sue treats and I use a lot of praise but you have to put the time in. This will prevent him from the initial running to greet everyone, lets him settle down ( Train "sit" if you're outside and he's distracted by something) and give it a month. He needs to believe in himself that he's NOT bad it just that this behaviour isn't good. PS: Sadly LARGE breeds die sooner. They mature faster so he'll learn faster than some little breed dog. Love him every minute you've got because one day, it's going to to the last and you're going to realize what you had and what you're going to miss.🤗
question z we s❤s❤
When I met you, I told you this prong collar changed my life. Just this one piece of equipment changed my relationship with my GSD. It doesn’t hurt him. It doesn’t “make it worse” or encourage aggressive behavior. It lets him know I’m in charge and he TOTALLY obeys me now. Every time. Without this help, I wouldn’t have been able to keep him. I was SO pro-positive before I learned the truth about this collar. Anyone who is worried, please don’t be. I see the light!!!!
Aside from the prong, I try to be 100% positive only (but with strong structure). Some people see my dog with a prong and think I'm an aversive trainer but they are SO WRONG! I firmly believe it is the safest collar for both me and my dog!
Reduced the stress of both my take charge AS when they learned that they didnt need to make the decisions and supported a clear and loving relationship focused on fun which they adore. Weaning them from the collar was easier than I could have imagined when the mark sound remains the same without it.
Agreed!
Imo, there's no such thing as positive only training. Any tools, be it leash, harness, or any type of collar we put on our dogs is already aversive. I also think that to only use positive only method is more aversive than any tools. I said this because, not every dog gets what we want no matter how good a handler we are. And to frustrate them without a clear communication is far worse. With that said, each dog is different. There's no single training method that guarantee the same outcome. For mine, I follow the advice of Tom, Robert and Beckman. I also have to mention Nigel Reed who is more twds the other spectrum, but he is really really good because my pup's separation anxiety is now non-existence without me having to do anything. It came naturally once I act more like a leader and guardian to my pup.
Has it stopped or will it stop a dog reacting to another dog?
@@samali4327 of course it will but you have to do lots of research on how to use it for reactivity.
My mother decided to get a Great Dane as a 75yo woman.......She was pulled over 3 times already......and then today. Ive been telling her since she got the dog to get a prong collar. Today was the last straw for her to finally listen to me.Thank you for saying it doesnt hurt them.....that was her main concern.
I have two pitbulls and one of my dogs has always pulled so hard when walking on a leash. We have tried everything-from reward only training, to harness, to pulling as hard as we can with a nylon collar to try and correct him. I didn't realize that what my pitbull needed was a prong collar to finally correct him with minimal effort. The prong collar is honestly life changing when used correctly. I was able to walk him around the neighborhood successfully with very few corrections. I'm beyond astonished. Thank you for this video
which brand/model and gauge size do you use?
WOW!!! WOW!!! I just adopted a 10 month German Shepherd. And she is a huge puller on the leash. I just tried out my prong collar. And what a difference. I feel like I have complete control of her. She responded so well to my pop. She even sat down as people walked by. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach us.
Wow!! 2 months ago, I ALSO adopted a 10 month old German Shepherd. I can honestly say we had no idea the ride we were about to go on, but she is SO worth it!!! We just finally switched to the Herm Springer prong collar this week after trying EVERYTHING else and it has absolutely changed our lives for the better. She wasn't pulling on the leash, but we just couldn't get her to stop biting, nipping and mouthing me and my kids. Just a few quick corrections and she absolutely understands now that we don't tolerate that behavior. It didn't hurt her, she didn't yelp, but instead she became very obedient. I am so grateful for Tom and all of you that have chimed in on this topic!!
Tom Goose had become so strong he would pull my arm socket out. I am a b cancer survivor who has had a double mas 13yrs ago so he can’t pull me down. I feel so much more confident now and he checks in with me all the time
I am beyond grateful to you.
Honest complete game changer
I was anti prong until I started losing feeling in my hands and arms from nerve damage. My dog was awesome on a lose leash until I was bedridden with a relapse. Other people had to walk him. He didn't want to walk for them. But when i was better he pulled horribly being impatient from the freedom he was getting with others. I had to restore my training methods but i was 40% weaker in my arms and body strength. The prong makes up the difference without my arms being pulled out of the socket or causing me to fall. The prong is awesome. Within 15-20 min later you would think I swapped dogs after just the first time on the prong. Yes, the first time the tension touched his neck, he looked around like "what was that." Never a screaming painful yelp even when over excited. One day, his cattle dog buddy caming racing up from behind play. He bowed wanting to play back, I put him in a sit, switch to a flat collar, remove his prong collar so they play. But only after I was confident that he knows to Come when called, what Off and Leave it means! He was only 8mo old then. I'd had him for 3mo only. But he was never given a chance to play w any big dogs but he was with his sister and parents until he was 6mo old. I'm a small 5'2 woman with cane. Just yesterday he slipped out of a new collar I didn't realize wasn't tight enough. I didnt have my prong with me. This was his first time off leash without permission. The ringleader was a female husky 18mo old. The dogs made one quick lap around the very large open yard. I move rather slowly from my medical issues I moved about 25 ft closer to the dogs, while quickly tightening the collar another 1.5 inches. Most people dont realize a huskys head and neck are very similar in size which makes them great escape artists. I called his name and said Come once! He came right back, directly into my hands so I could grab his collar, leash him and he sat without me saying anything. Everyone witnessing it was shocked. He caught his breath and gave him treats. This was his first time meeting this female dog. I was told she runs free out in the country all the time and takes down full grown sheep. The rest of the day she not only came up begging him to play even more but I wasn't going to let him back off leash. I put him on a 20ft cable so they could still interact while supervised without the big run. I figured out all her talking and behavior was pure jealousy. If I'd pet my boy, she would push in to be petted too. But she would then body block him by fully getting as close to my legs for all the attention. Thankfully my boy shows no sign of jealousy. He sat and watched me groom her undercoat with brushes which she was so attention starved she milked up every second. I groomed him after so he didn't feel left out. It was an awesome day and all the training paid off. When playing she would tell him no when she didn't want him climbing on her, and they both stopped if I said no or off. She responded and respected commands very quickly and mellowed out. I wish I could have met with the owners and brought her home. But one husky is enough for me. My boy is fixed and never once mounted her or hugged her. Because he listened to her and they both listened to my commands.
Just got a pit bul/lab mix puppy, started using the prong collar and I noticed the difference right away. Thank you
Happy for you :)
I do remember when we were planning to get a dog i was already researching TH-cam for a good trainer that given tips and tricks will sound logical and understandable. I was very happy when I found Tom Davis. You really changed my point of view on prong collars! And I can't imagine life without it now. Our dog is Anatolian shepherd and she has a lot of power, without prong we would be dragged everywhere. Now she never pulls, she listens for commands and even she can be of leash with remote collar on. I'm very happy and cannot recommend you more for everyone. You truly are the the pro dog trainer ❤
This is easily one of the best videos I've seen on the prong collar! Nice work!
I like how condensed this is, straight to the point. Very helpful to refresh my knowledge for the shelter dogs I work with.
This helped me convince my wife to use one for our 1yr old GSD who's super dog aggro and I can't thank you enough!
Thank you Tom! I was the first example of a PULLING DOG in your video today, and I can tell you all the prong collar changed my life and BUSTER’S life as well! No more fights, and we enjoy our walks together now, Tom is just the best…!
It is illegal to youse that tool in my country Denmark, 😮
@@aethanix1819
I have read that in other comments and I'm curious enough to look up why.
Thanks for the reminder.
Thank you so much for the video on how to use this. I’m a 65 year old great grandma and just recently rescued a 9 month old Border Collie. He was literally dragging me every time I walked him. He gets so excited when he sees another dog or a person that he jumps and twists around until his collar would come off. He’s also drug me to my knees and scraped them up when I wasn’t paying attention. My niece raises King Corso’s and they use prong collars to train them. She just sent me one and I watched your video before using it. I then took him for a walk and could not believe the difference 😮!! He started pulling on it like he has with his regular collar and I snapped my wrist like you showed and boy it worked like magic!! I subscribed to your videos and turned the alarm on for notifications. One grateful GR8 Gma right here ✋🏼👍🏼.
I was always too scared to use a prong collar until I saw your tutorial videos. It has completely changed walking my huskies. Please post more, I appreciate your videos so much!!!
Happpy for you!
HS Prong collar was a total game changer for my dog. These videos are a gold mine for anyone willing to learn.
This information needs to be spread to every dog owner out there.
Mr Finn just turned 5 months today. Great Dane and we start training tomorrow thanks to your videos. Ty man… Keep them comin
Thank you for this video. I rescued a German Shepard 1 year ago and using the prong collar with her gave me the first glimpses of the potential both her and I had to be able to grow in her training. That along with more research into training (both through your videos and other resources) has gotten us to a point where now she regularly gets compliments on her obedience. Being reactive to other dogs, the obedience along with this as a tool has made a world of difference in both her life and mine. Thank you for all that you do
I have a reactive, aggressive pit bull mix who is a leash puller nightmare. I have been brought to tears on many occasions on what to do with/how to handle him. As lovable as he is with us, it’s everyone and everything else that sets him off. I am going to get this collar and follow your videos and pray that this first step will begin his transformation.
Good luck with your dog, I sincerely hope it works out. That's a tough spot, and can be a big source of frustration. I'm certain the collar will help, it did with mine.
How did it work out??
I’m in Australia and watch your videos back to back. I waited for 8 years to be in the right life position to buy my dog, I now have a working line GSD.
Wish I was in the US to do one on one training with you but since I’m not, the Zoom would be AWESOME.
Prong collar is a life saving tool. So grateful for your videos and your efforts at educating the dog community. Thank you From London UK
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you for this very useful information.I am a dog walker and I
Am always asking my clients to use the prong collar. Instead of my trying to explain that it is not a torture device I now send them a link to this video.
I am so glad I found your channel
Tom I am a self taught trainer and I use your tips every day to help change/improve my clients lives with their dogs! I have introduced the prong collar to several pet parents with reactive dogs or "deadly" pullers and have seen so much improvement with all cases. Thank you so much for educating me and helping me make a difference in my city !
We had difficulty walking our new 4year old rescue. She had bad walking habits and the prong collar has helped us tremendously.
Thank you Tom! Learning from you gave me the confidence and tools to adopt a 3yo Aussie with severe reactivity issues. With your methods and the proper use of the prong collar as a communication tool, He's a normal, happy dog who's loving life and getting lots and lots of belly rubs for being a good boy!
I absolutely love your videos! I got my rescued GWP at 8 months old and almost 80lbs. She knew NOTHING except to go outside to the bathroom. I've watched all of your videos and have made great strides with walking. She has a long way to go, for sure. The prong collar is the only thing that works with her, but I highly doubt I'll ever be able to walk her without one.
Yay! So happy for you
Love the video. Super explanatory. Both my dogs walk on a prong now after watching your videos about them. A year ago, before I found your channel, if someone told me I would walk my dogs on prong collars I would have told them that would never happen. By watching these videos it helped to educate me on how to properly use it, why to use it, when to use it, and so much more. I now will be out places a see dogs who do not have the correct prong for them, or the owner isn’t using it correctly, and cringe because it isn’t how the collar is meant to be used. I want to be a trainer one day to help more dogs and people properly use the right tools for them and their relationship.
Big help thank you. I have a 1 year old, 160 pound Corso that pulls on walks and can get aggressive at times. I purchased the HS collar and will watch your videos to make sure Im training him correctly
Thank you Tom! I adopted a 1.5 year old GSD in January. He is the first male GSD I've had and he had developed many bad habits with his previous owner. I started watching hours of videos to try and figure out what is going on since I've not had issues like these before (aggressive reactivity to dogs, people, noises). Your videos are by far the best. I started using a prong collar after watching several of your other videos and they make a huge difference. I have been using a "knockoff", but will move to the Herm Sprenger as you suggest in this video. Again many thanks for the videos - wish you were closer - I"m from a small town Southwest of Atlanta, GA
I have a bit of experience with HS Prong Collars and other brands and I will say the HS are 100% worth the investment.
Congrats on your new beast.
@@glenj.taylor2938 what size hs would you try on a 14 mo old 55lb husky w dense fur. Fur length at base of neck is 1.5 inches. I have a knock off prong but I would like to switch.
@@mandeehusky I have a 50 lb German shepherd/Basenji mix (shorter hair, 16" neck) and a 55 lb German shepherd/Husky mix (about same length fur as yours, 18"neck). I use the 2.25 HS on both of them. I had to get a few extra links to fit them properly. Works perfectly. Hope this helps!
Prong Collar was a game changer for my Rescue German Shepard at 8 months old. With a regular collar she would literally choke herself out pulling. She is more relaxed and it is so much safer with the prong collar. She is more focused - checks in with me while walking, and rarely gets distracted. Thanks for the video it was great help - we still have a long ways to go.
Love the tutorials! More please!
Thank you Tom, without your many educational videos on the prong, my life and my dogs lives wouldn’t be the same. While I initially believe it was a tortuous piece of equipment, once I started watching you, I realized it’s a great tool and one I needed to train with. I have 4 very large dogs and when they see the prongs coming out, they all get so excited-knowing a training session or a “go
bye-bye” is coming.
You are saving dogs’ lives!
That's so great to read, thanks for sharing.
I have a friend who has had Dobies his whole life and the Prong collar was a game for him as well.
This video is a good one and I'm looking forward to sharing it with others.
It totally looks like a torture tool! I've owned an HS prong since 2017 because I had previously heard that it would help with my reactive dog. I used it once or twice, then stopped because I wasn't using it right and I felt like I I was hurting her.
I saw Tom, in one of his videos, fit and demonstrate the prong and gave it another try only 1-1/2 years ago. It changed everything!
But first, I fit it on my own neck and tugged it hard a few times to make sure it wouldn't hurt. Weird, I know, but I had to make sure it would be safe for my dog. And it was! 🙂
Now we both look forward to our walks. It's so cute the way she calmly sticks her neck out for me to fit in, then dances in circles, knowing a walk would come next. Thanks Tom! 👍👍👍
Same here! Just sound of taking the prong collars off the coat rack being both my dogs running, looking forward to a walk.
Thank you so much for all this info. Without your assistance, I would have naturally probably purchased one of the largest prong collars to place around my 70 pound Mal. Instead, I took your advice and bought the 2.5 mm and it works perfectly.
Thank you for educating people on the proper technique for the prong collar. Dogs deserve our time and attention like any other relationship we have. With a little effort, the loyalty and enrichment dogs can bring to our lives comes back to us tenfold!
I tried everything with the dog I adopted from the shelter. She is a German shepherd and had really bad pneumonia and probably would have been put down. So I adopted her but she was soooo reactive and crazy on walks and I live in the city so walking daily is a must for her. With the prong collar on she’s a an angel and learning how to walk on a leash and not be reactive to other dogs. Both her and I can enjoy our walks and time together now. If this didn’t work I would have had to take her back to the shelter. The prong collar was such an easy solution and pretty much saved her from the shelter and is going to let her and help her live her best life with me
Thxs tom u rock. U definitly changed my dogs life between prong and the 280c. We are getting better every day. Between ur videos and ur pro team been very nice training again. Thx u so much.
I never thought I’d use a prong collar, but now I have a 230 pound English Mastiff and he is nearly double my weight. I have tried all sorts of training…and I am praying that this will be the tool that sets us free from not being able to go for walks because of his strength and size. Thank you for the great tips and training.
We started with a prong collar on our pup about a week ago, but I'm still struggling to get it fitted properly. I keep going from what feels too tight, to it slipping down his neck. I keep rewatching videos, then trying again. Thank you for making this video to help with this process!
The Prong collar tuned my walks from nightmare to heavenly. I worked with an excellent trainer too. People tell me those collars are cruel but they don't understand how they work thank you for your videos❤
Thank you! We didn't realize ours was too big. It works so great now.
I have watched about eight different videos on prong collars from different trainers. Yours was the most informative in fact more informative than all of the other videos put together.
You are an incredible dog trainer and you know how to train people as well. That really matters.
I’ve been waiting for this one. We use a prong, but you had a couple of great tips that will help us use it more effectively. Thanks for what you do!
Thank you! I am fostering my sons dog, pitti & cane corso, right now. She's a little over a year old and hasn't been really socialized. We've had a trainer for about 6 weeks and sadly he just quit showing up without notice. We don't want to give her up or rehome her because she's we believe in HER. I wasn't 100% sure how to use the pronged collar my son got me and your video really helped give me the confidence & education to help her live her best life. I'll be doing my best to train her while using your videos. Thank you again!!
You've changed my opinion on prong collars. Thanks!
I am finding this very helpful. I officially live in Lubbock, Texas. I travel, while in Montana, I have now a shelter dog named Locke (pron: low-key) 7yrs old 74lbs. She is good with me, hoping to get her where she knows there is more love out there, instead of being aggressive towards any person, some are close friends.
Thanks for this great video! One remaining question I have is how snug is too snug for fitting the prong collar? These how-to videos are so helpful - I also love the longer format videos of you working with your clients!
I was told that you should be able to fit 2 fingers comfortably, each under a set of the prongs. I find that can be a bit tight but the dog seems to be very sensitive to subtle movements, 3 seems ideal, 4 is loose and less effective. This is for my fingers though, and my dogs neck seems to expand and contract quite a bit with her movements, so I check regularly and adjust if needed.
I’m trying this today. I’ve had so much Anxiety and somewhat scared to use the prong collar on my Rocky. Thank you for this video. It motivated me immensely. No Bad Dogs 🥹
I adopted a 1 yr old lab, pit mix. Im 59 and hes a bit too much for me. I jyst bought a prong collar to help and am watching you videos to learn how to use it. So helpful. Thank you. Tracey, Costa Mesa, CA
As always great video. Thanks to your educational, I’ve really had to change the minds of friends and family about the prong. Everyone thinks it’s a torture mechanism.
I would love to see a video on dealing with an overly excited dog. Tons of videos about aggressive dogs towards people and other dogs, but few on dogs that lose their mind at the thought of meeting another dog or person. Thanks!
Here in Germany it's not allowed to use one. We've got some famous dog trainers on tv and they say (like you mentioned in your comment your family did) it's a torture machine for dogs.
Also the e - collar.
You can buy it in Germany but you're not allowed to use it, it's illegal.
Also slip leash without a " stopping point "( I just don't know the word in English)
For example this " famous dog trainers " told a small lady to use a harness instead of a collar for her very big, pulling dog she just can't handle...🙈
Love this how to! So many people use prong collars incorrectly and get the incorrect ones for what they need. Please do more to help educate more people about these devices and that they aren’t harmful unless used incorrectly!
Great stuff! I have been mostly only allowing my pup to correct herself (while leash pulling) because I was concerned about improperly correcting her and potentially hurting her. This really cleared it up for me. Can't thank you enough for this one. More training tips/how-tos like this please!
Your videos have made my rescued 70 lbs leash pulling reactivate dog into a well-mannered pup. 🎉
I used to think a prong collar was one of those outdated training tools. I didn't realize the idea was that with a normal collar(or harness), when a dog pulls, they are feeling the pressure in one place, and dogs will often lean into that place of pressure, even if it hurts them. With a prong collar, the pressure is distributed around the neck, so the dog doesn't know what way to pull, and will stop.
Bingo. Education is huge
I have a German shepherd/Rott mix who is 21 months old and 100 pounds. He is leash aggressive, and I bought a prong collar. However, after watching this video, I see that I have been using it improperly. This video helped with control on the very first walk. Still, a lot of work is needed, but now the collar will work as designed. Thank you.
My dogs neck is truly between sizes. One less prong on the 2.25 and it’s slightly too small. One more and it’s slightly too big. Is it better to go too tight or too loose?
I think this video and channel may be what I've been hoping for. I'm 73 and have 2 GSD'S. Thank you!
🫶🏻
I have a 7.5 month old pittie pup and she PULLS. I'd been trying to avoid the prong collar but last night I caved and bought one. This video made me feel more prepared to use it. Thanks! I'm from Toronto, Canada
Talked with my vet today who suggested a prong collar. Learned a lot from watching this video
My husband and I love your videos. We rescued a German Shepherd that only knows sit and down when inside only. This will be a game changer since he is so strong and pulls like crazy. Thank you for your amazing tips and educational videos.
Just got a prong collar for my 4 month old Dobe based on your recommendation AND what a difference. I actually had it on wrong and my neighbor who also has a dog set me straight. thank you for your tutorials!!
I’m SO thankful for all of the free education you provide. I have devoured it all to help me with my working line GSD pup. The prong collar has been an incredible tool for us. I live in South Africa and most people here are positive reinforcement only, but I needed more for my pup. Had a friend bring out a collar for me from the USA and it has been life changing. And I feel confident using it because of your videos and more. Thank you! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
This is wonderful! I use a prong for train and I’ve had so many people say how cruel I am. If we’re not working then I turn the collar off and while I’ve tried to educate people, I can tell there’s no life behind the eyes. I feel that a well trained animal is a mostly safe animal. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful experiences.
I admit I was against the prong collar due to being misinformed until I began watching your videos. Thank you for educating me!
My boy is 6 months (50lbs) old blue heeler/shepherd, I'm training him to be my service dog. I am hypoglycemic and have chronic debilitating migraines as well as a laundry list of other health issues. The probe collar was suggested and was also told to look up vidon how to use it and this was the first one so I watched it. Look forward to seeing all the rest of the videos
I use prong collars with my gsd and my wolfdog, at first it worked perfect very responsive.
But recently I've noticed they haven't been as responsive. Your video has just worked as a refresher and now they are back to being responsive thank you
Hope it clarifies
Owned many dogs. This is the first prong collar. Makes an enormous positive difference. Watched your video to make sure I know everything I need to know about the collar. Good video; easy to understand; thorough. Thanks!
I wasn't using my collar correctly and now I will. Thank you!
A complete game changer for my GSD ,he walks lovely now and pays more attention to me .
Since we are using prong collar, it’s changed a lot, but we felt that a mix of using different tools are the best for us
I have trained dogs for many years. Always positive. Recently i purchased my 10th vizsla. He is a really hard dog. He lived with his siblings for the first 5 months of his life. Had no rules. I have use both an ecollar and a prong on him. He is changing into this great fun guy. Ty for these videos. I had no idea how to use a prong. You are a terrific trainer.
Rescued a 6 month old German Shepherd, she is now three years old. Took her to training when I first got her, using a flat collar. She did well and proves to be a velcro dog. I have had open heart surgery and an accident breaking leg so we have not been training or walking for over a year so I'm looking forward to using the prong collar and see how that goes I think she should respond well love all your videos time you remind me of the Koehler method that I train my Afghan Hound with. Yours is more precise and bond focused..Love it!
Thanks to your video I went and bought one. Using your technique worked perfectly on my dog. Total night and day difference in walking. Thank you for making this video.
This tool is everything! Especially for those of us with limited hand strength and large dogs. I train my puppies with a prong from a very young age and ALL of them jump with glee when I present a prong for them to wear because they know we are going somewhere or doing something together. I almost always use the 2.25 but sometimes will use the 3.2 on my heavy coated standard poodles. This tool and being consistent and fair in your training and making your dogs a part of your family are key to enjoying your pack! Thanks, Tom, for helping people understand how to use this tool and better communicate with their dogs!
I admit I was unsure on using a prong, but after watching your videos, I worked with a trainer that helped me use it safely, and it is making all the difference in handling my reactive dog!
Thank you for sharing to help dogs and their owners!
I am thankful for your videos! We have a new family member who is a 7 yo GS. The humans and Kobe have some things to learn. When I got him I attempted to raw dog, pun intended a walk around the block-it was wild. We have resorted to a trolly in the yard, but we are working towards an actual walk with obstacles. He prefers not having animal friends-very reactive. His gas pedal is something like Top Fuel-and floored. We are on a mission.
As someone who is for correction tools and has used them in the past, this video is absolutely amazing. It is so detailed, showing the different corrections and how to reward with timing. I really wish I came across this years ago, when I had my pit. Now with my doberman, I am researching and dedicating a lot more to understanding the why behind the corrections. Thank you so much for providing us with these tools!
Thank you so much for this video. My foster dog Ollie is a very strong puller. I’m going to try using the prong collar. Say a prayer.
I tried a normal leash, slip leash, then finally, a prong collar. This was a game changer for me and my rotty. The very first time I put it on her she instantly changed. It was like she knew it was there. Best money I have spent to date on my dog.
Yup!!!
Thank you for this video. Trying this for the first time on my 13 month old male GSD.
Thanks Tom. Just picked up my rescued four year old Boerboel on 3/31 and he's so sweet, but he does pull a little and he's very strong. Herm sprenger collar is coming today, can't wait to work with him !
Hope it helps
@@tomdavisofficial would love that one on one session!
I’ve been watching you and the other K9/Aggression based trainer for a month now. I finally got a prong collar and took my dog out. I spent THIRTY MINUTES with him and he’s already a different dog on the leash. He wasn’t bad, but he did pull. Now he’s attentive to me, has about a 2-3’ bubble he stays in, but I can correct him to my side easily.
A bit more work and I bet he will stay at my side. This is a TEN YEAR OLD dominant dog in my pack. They can always learn to be better, just like us.
from Toronto
your videos about the prong collar changed my life with my GSD 🙏
I have a 15 month old GS who, on a flat collar is a real puller. He needs to smell EVERYTHING and of course does not pay strict attention to me. I am a 66 year old 150 lb woman and I’m afraid that if he sees a deer (and of course it runs), the prey instinct kicks in and he’s off to the races! I exercise him by playing fetch, which he LOVES, 40-60 minutes a day. (20 minutes 2-3 times per day)We work on recall and sit and stay and leave it while we are “playing”. Currently he has an e collar that I use when I’m not out with him which is not often. I am really interested in learning to use a prong collar so that we both can be happy campers and eventually walk on a loose lead. Thank you for your videos; they are most encouraging!
I am embarrassed to say that I was once one of those dog owners which deemed the prong collar as being 'cruel' due to it's appearence. I did feel apprehensive to try it incase I hurt my dog but watching this video has given me hope that it is safe! My staffy is a puller and struggles to grasp the walk to heel command. She is currently on a slip used as a face halti but I am sooooo tempted to try the prong collar to see if it completely eliminates the pulling altogether! Thank you for uploading this video, education really is key to success!
Working with my 11 month old untrained GSD we got 5 weeks ago. Love your videos!
I tried everything with my dog for over a year of her life consistently on walks. Front clip harness, slip lead, head halter with treats and toys as rewards and NOTHING ever worked until I decided to get the prong and spent the time watching hours worth of videos of how to properly use it and now she’s a completely different dog and our walks are a lot safer and she’s more focused on me now during walks which is essential. Not to mention she’s a pit mix and it’s nice for people to see a well behaved pit and not one that’s out of control.
Yes! Finally a video I can send to people when they ask about the prong! I’ve had many people say they have one for their dog and it doesn’t work or they’ve asked me how it works and I couldn’t explain it well enough. This video helps immensely with that! Thank you!
I was told by si many trainers and dog owners how bad these were. That they hurt the dogs and it was abusive. I tried it on my rottie when he was about a year old because he was soooo strong and pulled me during walks even though he walked well with the leash. I know it doesn’t make sense but he listened with the leash but was much stronger than I am! It changed our walks! It did not hurt him. He never flinched when I used it but he slowed down his speed of walking where I could keep up. Hikes in the woods that I dreaded became fun! It was a life changer and so glad I tried it! I don’t think they’re good for all dogs but big powerful dogs…..there fantastic and I recommend them to friends with malanois rotties and German sheperds!
We have a 90 pound (all muscle) Czech german shepherd who is a wonderful dog, but for a myriad of reasons has become reactive. I weigh nearly the same as him, and I know him not getting walks and to enjoy the world is hurting is happiness. After pretty much his whole life of positive training and a few trainers, it's come to a point we have, have to get him some structure. Just ordered our first prong, wish I could have trained him without it but we are out of options. Thank you for the informative video it's proving invaluable for me to learn.
Hi, retired US Marine living in Hiroshima, Japan. Got 2 6-month old Doberman puppies that are great when off leash and have learned their recall very well. But walking them together is like being pulled by a train. Hopefully your prong collar video will help get this under control, because they're still growing and while I'm benefitting from the exercise, I'd really like to take calmer, controlled walks from time to time.
I watched u with a dog one day and u used a prong collar and watching what u did made me buy 1 for my German shepherd from same people u use and wow what a difference it made with my dog right away love the videos leam from the uk
I love the way you explained how the Prong collar is used. I use the HS prong collar on both my 2 year old GSD and 6 year old Rottie and it's a life saving tool. We had a local trainer educate my husband and I on how to use it and he explained it just like you did in this video. I will be sharing this video so that more people are educated on these tools. - From Ontario Canada
This video was very helpful for my Golden Retriever who pulls hard and has been through lots of training. I didn't fit the collar snug enough so properly fitting the collar made all the difference!
I have been using HS products for many decades and upgraded to HS Prong collar a decade ago. I use the HS Prong collar on all my dogs. I love that click lock that is now available so much easier for my damaged left hand to maneuver. This last month caught my neighbour with her "rescue" pup of maybe 7 months old, she was strangling the pup with a dollar store choke chain on backwards and walking the dog on the right side. She has an unknown phobia about her left side. Took me a good while to communicate to her the damage she was doing, and how a prong collar is safer for her especially walking a dog on the right side. She is in awe of how I have trained all my dogs, especially my Cane Corso's. The. next week I saw her with a black HS prong collar & leather leash. Surprisingly she listened. Now, she just has to listen more and pay for obedience classes, she refused to pay me to teach her. She is absolutely clueless, and has extreme cases of untrained/aggressive dogs that are fearful dogs.
My dog is in the room while I listen to this. The jingle of the prong collar gets my shepherd all excited. This means walk time for him!
I just found your channel. I have a 6 month old European Doberman that is an absolute joy to have, but I am not the young man I used to be when I first fell in love with the breed. He is my 4th and by far the most intelligent and stubborn...lol! Thank you for the videos and help sir!
I was using a plastic pinch collar on my 2.5 yr old cane corso. I’m going to switch to 2.25 prong to use now and came to your videos to remind me of fit and a refresher.
I have a GSD and I have had 3 rotator cuff surgeries and Zoya pulling is not an option. It is the best training tool. Makes our walks a whole lot better.
I have an 85 pound three-year-old Labradoodle. He is awesome and lovable but he is too strong. I have tried everything I repeat everything to get him to stop pulling on leash and jumping up on people, etc. etc. and he has taken me down literally to the pavement Where I have hit my head more than once five times this past year. I’ve only heard prong collars are horrible for dogs, but I am really willing and open to working on this with this type of method. Looking forward to hearing more from your videos.
Hi Tom, I’ve been watching you for a few years and all of your training makes sense. I am a disabled veteran and I enrolled myself and my very young German shepherd. They insisted after a few weeks, to loosen the prong collar. It did not work for me at all to use it that way on such a young GS. I felt like a complete failure in the program, and we did not advance. I decided to quit because I was so stressed when I was there, and I didn’t want my dog to feel stress as well. I’m planning on watching more of your videos again to re-program myself. Thank you for all you do.