This is only my opinion. If there was only 1 prong, of course it could hurt. But prong collars have several prongs, usually not sharp, but rounded. This creates even pressure (not pain) to quickly correct negative behaviors. The pressure coming from several prongs at once distributes even pressure. The dog is corrected and quickly learns it's up to them if they want pressure around their neck. This is why most dogs learn fast. This is not a torture device. Many dogs are given away or euthanized when their untrained behavior turns into aggression. Many people, including children, get injured or knocked over from dogs jumping on them. Many untrained dogs on leashes can possibly take off, jerking the leash out of their owners hands, ending up running away.. the dog can end up getting hit by a car, injuring other people.... Training a dog from the get-go provides the dog with an obedient and happy life. If you use one, great. If you prefer other training methods, great. Nobody is forcing you to use one. Do what's best for your dog and instead of spending time and energy judging people who use this training device correctly, put that time and energy into your own dog.
You really need to try one before making your mind up, I thought the same before being placed in a situation where my dog was uncontrollable. They work well. I would NEVER put anything on a dog that would hurt them. but I was desperate and willing to try. Most trainers only use them on dogs that are over the top, and as soon as the dog feels that LITTLE pinch they spot. As he stress on the clip, it's training device not a collar. It worked, I've used them in past training classes and have been amazed in the results.
This isn't "helping" your training...it makes the dog anxious....and if it's a dog around other dogs afraid of them...attacking out of fear = pain = even more fear and pain...It's not good..even if you use it correctly...
I understand prong collars work thats they problem. There are collars that do the same thing so why use the prong collar? Prong collar are an old way of training. they work if you are lazy and makes training easy that's why people use them. Every prong collar user your dog will die if you don't use it. it takes 30mins to train a dog not to run don't be lazy. WOW
The picture in question was not caused by a prong collar. That was a bulldog named Blu who was a highschool mascot and was stolen by a rival school. They turned his spiked collar inside out and that is what caused those holes in his neck.
Listening to his dad talk so candidly about "well intentioned but unintelligent people who have no experience" is a whole statement that can be applied to so many people and groups online right now in so many different topics of silence and sociology and yet here I am finding the right words for it in a dog training video from 4 years ago that showed up in my recommended at 7am.
I was doing some research on prong collars because I wasn't sure whether or not to use one or whether or not they are cruel and I noticed something. Those who advocate for them are experienced trainers, and those who call them cruel aren't.
Very well said. And for those balanced trainers who use a prong properly to condition and train a dog know very well, the pressure to condition becomes minimal vs. a dog choking itself and hurting it's trachea on a flat collar.
@@Fatdogsaregooddogs I’ve never once heard a veterinarian call them cruel. Never But to address your comment further… though I wouldn’t rank one over the other , as they are entirely different professions , I would 100% say that a trainer was more qualified to say whether or not a training tool was “cruel”. Though that’s not to say a vet couldn’t weigh in with a valued opinion on what sort of strains or pressures something might have on the dog physically .
@@Fatdogsaregooddogs I have never once heard a vet call them cruel, in fact my vet advocates for prongs very highly. trainers and vets are in two totally different professions and I would definitely take a trainers advice on training tools over a vets. Two different professions. Unless a vet is also a professional trainer, and either went to school for training or studied under several different trainers I would never take advice from a vet on how to train my dogs and what I should use to train my dogs. That information should ONLY trusted in trainers. I hope this helped and have a great day. :)
jesusbeltran45 - I didn’t see your comment till after 2 weeks of have one . It’s one of the best things I’ve done for my dog and me . It fixes so many different behaviors.
The thyroid problem claim is actually a hypothesis of a couple of vets who wonder if pulling on flat collars (not prong collars) and the constant pressure localized in the front of the neck where the thyroid gland is located could potentially be causing long-term inflammation that might be contributing to more thyroid issues in dogs. There's no research at this time to support that theory, and the other possibility is that dogs are living longer so we're actually getting a chance to see these problems popping up, but that argument is typically against flat collars and not prong collars.
I know a doberman who had those marks on his neck from the prong. But it was because of an allergy to the mettle in the collar. His owner switched him to a copper prong collar and the marks went away. His owned has been using the collar on him for many years since.
my dog got small holes on her face from continous use of a plastic slow ester bowl, we couldnt figure out why she was getting so many rashes until she ate slow enough to switch to a metal bowl and they went away. dogs get allergies all the time so I can see that
Do you need to use a prong collar for years? I was under the impression that this is a training tool that you'd use for maybe a few months to a year and then never need again. Not speaking from experience, I've never used one. I'm legitimately asking the question.
@@imnotmike it depends on the dog, and owner. If your goal is to have a lose leash walk on a flat collar it just takes a lot more work. I think a trainer on instagram said it best. "Your dog walks better with a prong on, do you drive better with a cop behind you?"
Great video. I was totally against these collars. But then I watched your video on how to properly use them. I own a very energetic American Pitt Bull Terrier. I adopted him when he was already 2 years old, and he hadn't had much training before. I tried all of the positive training techniques. Nothing worked. But then after watching your videos, I got a prong collar. Instant, success! Thank you.
My dog is a pit mixed I tried everything to walk him. I finally broke down and got a prong collar and it turned my life around with my dog. My dog is now good even with a harness or flat collar I only put it on him when going to walk and he was learning. I am so glad I listened to this guy and not all the JUST USE TREATS comments and methods
i adopted a 2 year old mastiff that never had his prong collar properly fit. i never knew how they were supposed to work until i stumbled upon this content. i look forward to finally having a way to correct the nasty habits he has, like jumping on people he meets.
Alexis Adler treats and commands work completely fine as long as you work with them from a young age and do it constantly, getting a dog is like have a baby, you can’t just set it to the side and deal with it later
What's most impressive about the prong collar demo is you're able to speak clearly and aren't in agony as those prongs are clearly digging into your neck.
I just recently started using a prong collar on my german shepherd and wow what a great difference! I honestly was going nowhere with other methods. He would get so excited and take off. I hated it because he was just choking himself out. I could hear him coughing and gagging and it was just not enjoyable to go anywhere. It's been close to a week now with the prong collar and I'm rarely having to correct him. He's learning fast and he's understanding that behaving will get him what he wants. People are just not well informed and that's on them. I'm a 1st time dog owner and I've done a ton of research, looking at dog training videos from every perspective. The "positive only" training is messed up because with that title, you're to assume that anything else is negative which is wrong. Prong collars IS positive training. My dog is happy, I'm happy, we can go on further walks, there's no crying and tugging, and he understood how to behave from the 1st time I used it. Learn how to use the equipment correctly! Don't be a lousy owner. If you choose not to use one that's fine too, but don't bash what you don't know, you make yourself look bad
Same thing here. I hated taking him on walks. It felt like I was punishing him, and I know he hated it. Now he sees the collar, and gets super excited. Does that sound like an abused dog? People have good intentions, but they have no idea.
That’s what my 74lb golden retriever puppy would do. Literally pull, gag and choke. It was awful to hear! I sent him to a training facility and they are using a prong collar on him as well as an e collar. The results are amazing. I went to this video to be reassured that the prong collar is okay. But I can’t deny the results. He is an entirely different dog! Next they will train him off leash. He’s been at the facility for only 3 weeks and such significant improvement! I guess I need to trust that the trainers know what they’re doing. He walks so calmly now right at my side and heels when I stop. Amazing! Before he would pull and almost knock me over! It was so in pleasurable to walk him I dreaded it! Any thoughts on e collars. The trainers used this too.
@@nicolewong6393 but, you can include positive training with treats as soon as the pup is executing the heel. The correction is timed appropriately and rewarded when the communication gets through...
I've used a prong collar on my Golden mix, about 45 pounds, from the day I got her until the day she died - 18 and a half years old. As a responsible dog owner, I researched collar options before I even adopted her. I knew the prong was the way to go. Let me repeat: 18 and a half years this wonderful dog lived happily with me. Clean bill of health from the vet all her life, until inevitable old age led to kidney failure. No tracheal damage, no skin damage, no pain, no nothing. She'd see that collar in my hand and run up to me, eager to go outside. If you think it's cruel, you don't understand it, or don't use it properly. I have now adopted another dog who is, sadly, a fearful dog. A year as a stray and in a shelter and then a sanctuary and having had pups and she is a mess. She was locking down on a leash, never having been walked before. Later, I heard that she had been dragged on lead to get her to move. Ugh. I have my work cut out for me, but will never give up on this sweetie. I put the prong collar on her and she moved forward instantly. It's only been 2 weeks but she is also now moving forward to me when she see the prong collar in my hand. If an extremely fearful dog can benefit instantly from a prong collar, and learned right away that it does not hurt and is more comfortable than being dragged with a flat collar, every dog can benefit from the prong. It grows tiresome to have to explain the prong and why it's better to everyone who doesn't get it but tough for them. I'd never hurt any animal, let alone my best companion. I selected the prong almost 20 years ago for my dog and now my new dog is learning faster, better and safer with it, too. It's got nothing to do with wanting your dog to look "tough." If you selected it for that reason, you've made a mistake. It's all about what's physically and mentally best for your pet.
Hi! I sent my 10 month old golden retriever puppy to a training program in ct for 5 weeks because he was out of control. So many behavioral issues I couldn’t handle myself. And he was only getting larger at 74 lbs at 9 months old. (He is a Canadian golden retriever and those are larger than American goldens.) We visited yesterday to see his progress at the 3 week mark and noticed they had a prong collar on him. I wasn’t aware they would use this. He also has an e collar which I was aware of and was okay with. I’m a bit jarred about the prong collar. The trainer assured me that it’s safe but I’m just not sure. You sure it doesn’t hurt the dog? I will say he used to pull so much on leash I would almost fall to the ground. Now he walks on leash with a loose leash right by my side and next they will be training him off leash. I just need reassurance that I’m not hurting my dog by using a prong collar. Please share your experience further! I’d love advice! Again he is at a dog training facility bc with Covid we got so behind on dog training and socialization due to everything being shut down. We had so many behaviors to correct. We got him in March 2020 and two weeks later everything shut down. Please advise if you have the time to do so. I want reassurance that I’m not hurting my dog. Please and thank you! Thank you if you respond and for taking the time! I’d appreciate it! :D
@@Portia1416 unfortunately, I can't imagine saying anything the video doesn't say or the tons of info online about prong collars. You were even told it's safe and effective. I think it's great that you are committed to doing what's right for your dog but we often need to put aside our personal, human perspective and realize dogs respond differently to stimuli than we do. A prong on a person seems cruel. On a dog, it's not. It mimics the sensation of a mother dog's mouth as she carries and teaches behaviors to them. To be blunt, you seem like you want to be against it and are going to continue to be despite the video you just watched. If so, you can rest assured that you do not have to use one if you object. There is a lot more to training and bonding and communicating with a dog than collar choice but teaching with any collar is essential. It's a tool to speak with your dog. The prong, for me, rapidly accelerates that process. I find choke collars and e collars inappropriate but that's me. I'll be blunt once more. Your fears of hurting the dog are a detriment to training. The dog needs to feel safe with you and that starts with bold, calm, confident leadership skills. No collar will make up for an owner who cannot project confidence to a dog. Being nervous about it immediately diminishes your confidence and the dog knows it. This is said to help you and the dog. An e collar does not give directions to the dog that comes from you. The dog doesn't know you are controlling it unless you make that clear. It just does not teach in a way they understand naturally. But by all means, pick the collar you feel good about but first, tell yourself that you are in charge of the dog and it's your love for the dog that gives you the confidence to lead regardless of the tool you use to help you communicate with him. And of course, train for obedience as well as fun tricks. The worst thing you can do is not be confident. Nail that and the rest is easy. Good luck whatever you choose but no, properly fitted and utilized, the prong is safer than the rest. Oh, it's for walks and training. Not for continuous use. My dog loves it. Sits proud when I put it on her and she gets a kiss on the nose when it's in place, then off we go. Good luck with everything.
@@Portia1416 OF COURSE IT HURTS THE DOG!!!! If it didn't, it would not work! If you're okay hurting your dog, then keep using it. Otherwise, find another trainer.
@@canisamator7937 How does it hurt the dog, explain? A prong creates even pressure, do you know what pressure is? Did you watch the video? Do you know how to train a dog using leash pressure?
I tried a prong collar on in Walmart, wouldn’t put nothing on my dog I wouldn’t try myself, and it wasn’t really that bad. Uncomfortable when tighten for sure but not life threatening or really painful. When my Dane reaches his “testing” phase I’ll definitely get him one.
As others mentioned do not buy a prong collar from Walmart, Petco, Petsmart etc... some of these are cheaply made. The proper collars have a rounded prong with no sharp edges. The good ones (Sprenger) are not expensive and can easily be ordered online.
I put one on myself and pulled, felt no pain at all and almost no discomfort even- and I have a very low pain threshold. I am a "dog trainer-in-training" as it were, coming from the positive reinforcement camp and I'm super excited about all of the positive ways to train loose-leash walking. I also don't want to be close-minded however, because I want to learn everything I can. I am just not sure I understand the calling of these devices "torture devices" or "hurtful". How about we all keep sharing information as we learn instead of our emotions running so high that we can't hear anything? Can we discuss these collars with our vets? That's a good idea, right? I am suspicious that a lot of folks have a psychological aversion to how these look. That is understandable, but how about we learn?
I've been doing my research and I'm hearing about great results using a prong. I'm eager to try this out with my 10 mo old GD. I had to quit using a flat collar by the time she was 5 mo. She could pull me over and she would choke herself enough that it scared me. So I'm convinced the prong is a better option. I just need to learn how to properly use it before we give it a go. Do you have a TH-cam video teaching proper use?
Thank you for this video and for explaining how this collar works! I’m also a professional dog trainer who swore I would never use one of these collars, and that they were abusive. But then I actually tried one, I got with a fellow trainer who knew how to work a prong collar properly and I was amazingly surprised. I was completely bias on a tool I never even bothered to touch, when the truth is this tool is absolutely not abusive. When combined with obedience commands this collar really can be a huge relief for a lot of owners! Any tool in dog training used in the wrong way can be abusive, but that doesn’t mean you try and ban a tool that has saved several dogs lives. What his father said is 100% right, prong collars have saved many dogs from being put in the shelter. Some owners get puppies just because they are cute, they aren’t thinking into the future of that puppy growing up and becoming much stronger. Then the puppy is too much for someone to handle and they all of a sudden they don’t want the dog anymore. That’s what should enrage people, the fact that people are buying dogs and giving them up when things get tough.
I'm with you. Retired trainer here and also have seen them work a treat. People spread the horror pictures on social media so quickly, but not the success stories. Want everything band they don't understand and don't take the time to learn about.
Would the prong collar have to be used on every walk from then on, or can you switch to a flat collar leash once the dog has learned how it should behave?
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I know its a little late to comment on this video but, maybe they should see some photos of slices into dogs necks from regular collars and ropes etc that have been left on too long and become embedded.
Not only that but it ALMOST looks like that picture WAS a case of an embedded collar. Only in this case? It was a prong instead of a flat or a chain or a rope.
Went to the store to get my lab puppy a prong collar they had them stashed away in the bottom corner of the collar shelf almost behind the till where you can’t see them, when I asked the employee to point me in their direction her demeanour went from happy to help to a monotone “oh... they’re over here” as if I was some monster. I proceeded To ask questions as to why they hide them where no one can see them, she explained that they didn’t like to advertise then because they aren’t a “humane” thing. I spent the next 20 minutes in the store talking to her about prong collars and how when they are used properly they don’t actually cause pain. On the way home I was so bothered by how someone at a pet store could be so uneducated about this tool. I grabbed my 5 month old lab and brought him to the store in a flat buckle collar and showed her him as he jumped and pulled towards any toy or bone he could see. I threw a prong collar on him showed her how to size it up and within 10 minutes I had my dog under control, he would still get distracted and divert his attention but she was absolutely amazed by how quickly and little correction it took for me to Regain his attention. It was a great teaching moment and she thanked me for coming back, to show her. Since then, I’ve gone in and seen her educating customers about how to properly use a prong collar on a dog as a training device. Please everyone when ever people give you a dirty look or make a remark about the negatives of the collar take that moment to offer education to them
Fernando Lopez I wouldn’t doubt that it happened, teaching a dog is easy especially a puppy because they will react to the prong as if it were it’s mom’s correction.
@@Nahstee even if it was a farfetched story, stuff like this happens. the moral of the story is to encourage us to educate people about things that are misunderstood, not to make OP look good
Thank you for this video! Wish I could send this to all the folks that look at us cross. Not being able to control my dog is dangerous. Not exercising and stimulating my dog is neglect. Allowing my dog to run a muck is a disservice to her. A prong allows me to work with her. Some day I won't need it but for now I do. We got her at 2 y/o, 75 lbs, reactive and never leashed trained. We tried positive training, head halti (she's too crazy and could injure her neck), front clip harness (was messing up her gait), martingale, etc. She would strangle herself with a flat collar. Positive training is great but can take months. People that live in close proximity to others don't have months.
I think most people forget that it's not only about putting a prong collar on a dog and start yanking and pop the leash (which is was most unexperienced people do). Introduction of the tool is important and teaching dogs how to undo the pressure of the prong.
I know this is a bit off topic but do we all remember that period time when people put harnesses on their children and attached them to leashes so they wouldn't run away.
Ashlyn Hunter , your comment is dead on; I remember those harnesses on small children and I use to think to my self it looks like the parent is trying to control/guide a pup.
I would like to know the differences between a choke collar (one that is a chain with two rings at the end) and a prone collar? Is one more affective than the other?
Thank you for this video! I have never had a large dog but have recently purchased a German Shepherd months ago. I have tried redirecting, reversing, stopping until leash is loose and giving treats. The dog is still fairly young but I recently have come to the decision that I can not walk the dog any longer which breaks my heart. The reason for this is that the dog is literally choking itself with the flat collar. Why the dog continues to try to do so I do not know. Also my arm is being yanked to the point that it is painful. I have tried not putting the leash around my wrist and bunching it up and no matter how hard I squeeze my hand the dog is able to to pull it through my hand (painful). I had heard about prong collars and was hesitant so I decided to research and educate myself. What would be bad is NOT taking my dog for a walk anymore because that wouldn't do anyone any good. I should not fear my dog that I love nor should the dog have to sit and wither away because no one can walk him. I appreciate your time in trying to educate the public on the reality of what a prong collar does and is intended for while debunking myths and bad pet ownership.
My wife and I started rescuing and training Great Danes about 22 years ago. Our first trainer quickly taught us about *proper* use of a prong collar and we've used them since. Only 1 of the last 4 danes had any kind of serious behavioral issues, (fear aggression) which we did work through. I our latest GD has resource guarding so I've been improving my trainer skills. I can not believe in 20 years prong collars (and e-collars) have become such a hot button issue. It does seems like people without intimate knowledge on training are pushing for these bans and such. I wish people would trust the experts more...but...that is the age we live in.
But what are the advantages of using this compared to a harness? Also so many people mis use this product so it SHOULD NOT BE SOLD to people that don’t know how to fit or use them
Unfortunately, I just saw a person with her dog on a prong, and she was holding onto the leash tightly, consistently, not loosening it no matter what the dog did, including laying down. People do stupid things with prong collars.
I just started using a prong collar on my dog (we had big problems with aggression and biting). I put in on my neck and pulled on it - it doesn't hurt. It's a little uncomfortable, but it doesn't poke or pinch.
Well done guys for dealing with the uninformed in a very respectful,intelligent way. Any tool used incorrectly is bad news which is why as dog trainers we ensure correct usage of any tool. Thank you :)
A A ... I don't usually reply to comments that include pejorative adjectives and "name-calling" to describe those who they disagree with. That being said, I'm intrigued by your statement about there being a consensus among educated people against prong collars. I'm not saying I disagree with you on this point, but I am curious how you came to this conclusion, since it is contrary to my experience. Is this simply your opinion or do you have any factual basis for this claim?
A A ... Many thanks for your comprehensive reply. And yes, I am doing quite a bit of research on this topic as I have just adopted a 4 month old pup that I am training. My only experience with the use of prong collars was 10 years ago when I engaged a personal trainer to help us train one of our two dogs that we were having difficulties walking off-leash in the woods. During the first lesson, she had me walk our (approximately 10 month old rescues on leash. My pups were their usually unruly selves, but not wildly so. She explained that the first lesson would be how to train for good leash behavior. Mostly, it was training me how to use the leash correctly. Next, she explained that she would use a prong collar for this training. I kinda winced at this. She went on to explain that far too many people use this type of collar incorrectly and went into more details, including how to fit the collar correctly. Then she fitted one of my dogs (the relatively more unruly one) with the collar, took the lead and proceeded to walk him along the sidewalk. He started his usual unruly behavior and she gave him a few gentle tugs sideways. I remember she walked back and forth along the sidewalk, turning in both directions and within a couple of minutes had the pup calmly walking beside her with a loose leash. She did the same with the second pup, although he objected a couple of times when tugged at first. After about 5 minutes of walking, the second pup obediently followed through various turns and stops with no pressure on the leash. When she was finished, she told me to walk each dog separately. Each behaved remarkably well and most of the "corrections" were to me for keeping too much tension on the leads. I walked each of these pups for 5 or 10 minutes each. The next step was to remove the prong collars and walk them the same way. Remarkable! Both pups were well-behaved on the leash, even when walked together. I've never used the prong collars since that first lesson. Never needed to.
A A Many thanks for your reply. And I don't intend this to be argumentative, but I saw no pain evident when our two dogs were trained using a prong collar. Maybe my experience was unusual or exceptional? It breaks my heart to see any animal in pain. Yet, all too frequently I see people walking their dogs with the traditional collars where the dog is literally choking itself from being restrained. I dearly love my dogs and I believe they trust me more than anything. I am convinced that positive reinforcement is the optimum training approach but even in the natural dog world, you will see (admittedly rarely) brief but clear negative reinforcement, be it a gentle nip, a harsh growl or a physical push, so I am reluctant to subscribe to a totally positive reinforcement regime. Cheers.
I'm sorry that you feel that way. I didn't feel that I was being aggressive in posting my admittedly anecdotal information. I accept that anecdotal information is just that ... not proof of anything. It was simply my experience. And I don't claim to have keen observational skills. I'm a simple dog owner that loves my dogs and perhaps delusionally, feel that my dogs are well-trained, obedient and love me. Perhaps my experience is contrary to your approach but it is as truthful as I can describe it. I'm not saying it is right for everyone and I'm not explaining it to say your approach is incorrect. Perhaps you are more experienced than me. And I have read your posts fully and you make some good points, so kindly do not take offence. There are many others who will be more fully informed by our discussion. Thank you sincerely.
oMG these people are nuts. I have 3 20lb terriers that I trained to heel loose leash together. Also have a friend that got pulled down by her dog on gravel and had to have stitches. She told me she would never use a prong collar. I use a herm sprenger and learned watching TH-cam dog trainers.
So sick of fools comparing children to dogs, a canine/animals to humans, 🤦♀️. The same people who do that must enjoy having ill mannered dogs running around being the alpha.
I don't think properly raising a dog is that different from a kid. ✓ boundaries ✓ structure ✓ communication system ✓ mutual trust and respect And so many more. It's just that these values are underrated in dog ownership AND parenting.
I have people tell me if I would not do it to my kid then I would not do it too my dog, well I would give my kids chocolate but not my dogs, I would not put a leash or collar on my kid, but I put it no my dog, I would not train my kids to go to the bathroom outside but I train my dog too,
@@BlutoServicePup you going to compare a cat to a dog next? Maybe a whale to a ostrich? I mean just using your logic you make it seem like all animals have the same type of mindset. Baka
I just ordered a prong for my pitbull mix 9 month old. he used to be amazing in walks but he started to become very anxious as he would see more bikes and scooters etc. it is to the point he wont even leave my driveway without trying to escape his collar or harness. I thought prong collars were horrible for dogs until i learned that they can help w confidence and that leaving my dog in that scared and anxious state of mind was even worse! I really hope it works bc he used to really enjoy long walks
Just picked my 2 bullmastiffs and my neo x dane from a trainer who had no choice but to use this i was at first not happy but he showed me the proper way to use this and stressed it is only when the dogs are not responding and are putting them self at risk should I use one my as many have have said dangerous animals are now walking calm and at ease instead of pulling like steam trains and without it bothering them and our walks are stress free
And may I add there necks with the half choke collars were so badly marked I could nt take them out now they don't even need a lead but due to breed I must have on lead
Question: if use prong collar to train my dog to loose leash walking, does it mean the dog will always need the prong collar to walk? I'd like my dog to learn to walk beside me and eventually transition to flat collar or even no leash for hiking. Is the prong collar recommended in this case?
Best video ever! I swear by prong collars for my pullers because they don’t know collapse the trachea! Hopefully people will change their outlook on these amazing collars.
I'd also like to mention that it's a very good point about timing. Timing is hard to master and if your timing is off the training isn't going to be as effective. Putting the timing into the tool (in this case, the prong) seems very helpful because then there's no possibility of correcting at the wrong time and confusing the dog.
We adopted a young (under a yr) strong powerful dog from a shelter. She tested positive for dog aggression. Fine with people kids and cats. I informed the shelter we camp alot. Most camp grounds have lots of dogs around. The vets at the shelter recommended i buy and LEARN how to PROPERLY use a prong collar for walking and busy environments. Thanks for making theese videos
Right? Every time I get dirty looks, I just want to ask the other dog owner if they wanna trade...here try walking a young 75 lb GSD that came from the country and had never been trained let alone leashed.
Don't get a dog you can't physically handle then. And I've walked three rottweilers and an APBT all trained for sled dog sport as well as weight pulling in half harnesses. Because they were taught when to pull and when not to i could walk them by myself as a teenager. Imagine that, actually training the dogs instead of punishing them
I have been using a Halti (gentle leader) for my service dog but I would like to switch to a prong. My parents disagree and think they will hurt my SD. Do you have any advice?
I have a standard poodle service dog in training and using other things actually made her gear shy, ESPECIALLY using a head harness. She started associating her working gear with the head harness and started hiding from her gear. I switched to a prong and after a few weeks of working on her gear shyness? And she didn't have anymore issues. She MUCH prefers a prong over anything else.
Thank you so much for making this video, I just wish more people would get informed before passing such harsh condemning judgment on those who choose to use the prong because this is the training method that works best for their dog given whatever their situation may be. We went to the dog park for the 1st time today with our husky & though most people didn’t seem to bat an eye or at least didn’t let us know it, there were the few people that looked at us as if we were the most disgusting things they’ve seen. And we use our prong exactly as you mention & she walks beautifully & once we knew she was acclimated to her surroundings and the other dogs we were able to take it off so she could run around and play and didn’t have to put it back on her to walk out. She’s 10 months old and we use this to help her learn a good heal, we also have yorkie’s who we’ve only used flat collars & harnesses with and we can hardly get them out our front door with out barking at everyone & everything as well as pulling so hard it makes it much harder to walk them vs walking our almost 70 pound husky & they are 8 & 5 pounds.
Do you put prong collar around front of neck or rear of neck. I watched Frank Davis who trains Belgium Malinois and recommends the back of the neck/head, so D ring is under right ear or left. Thanks Jeff. 👍🏼
**Warning Long post**** Thank you so much for making this video. We have a rescue dog from the animal shelter and he is a wild one! He has successfully wiggles out of his flat collars and no-pull body harness by getting in front of you, placing is front body in the lower stretched prone position and aggressively pulls and pulls until he wiggles out and breaks free. He’s a black lab mix who just turned a year old and is 86 lbs. He is beginning to just be too much to handle. I’ve invested in several different flat collars and no-pull harnesses but they are all only temporary fixes until he turns on his aggression and stubbornness and again wiggles out of them. He’s a very good learner but once training is over he goes back to normal. I’ve been very hesitant to buy a prong collar because of all the negative controversy surrounding the safety of them. When Boe was about 5 months a neighbor saw us walking and he told me then I should get a prong collar because even he was starting to see my dogs overly hyper and opposing aggressive nature. But I was afraid it would hurt him so I said “no I’m not putting that on my baby!” But I think I’m regretting it now. Please help! How do I size one for him? His neck measurement is about 17.5 to 18”
When people have specific training questions we recommend that they go to our website and post those questions in the ASK CINDY on the front page of leerburg.com . Cindy has been training dogs since she was a teenager and has competed in several dog sports at a regional and national level. She was also a vet tech and owned a boarding/training and grooming business for many years as well as breeding working Dobermans and Belgian Malinois under the kennel name Kaiserhaus. Questions posted to ASK CINDY are answered almost every day. They are also recorded in our systems if a dog owner has additional questions Cindy will review the previous Q&As and this helps her give better feedback and assistance. leerburg.com/newcontact.php
I though I was gonna be an all positive trainer when I first got into training after working a few weeks interning with a balanced trainer I change my mind fast I started to see how effective these tools can be we had a difficult dog come in that was pulling his family around like crazy they couldn’t get him to stop we first started using leash pressure on his martingale nope leash pressure didn’t even effect his behavior we finally work up to a prong collar and it took him a few days but he finally started to walk on a lose leash only using slight pressure I would rather see a prong collar on a dog than a dog in the shelter because they can’t walk on a leash and their owner can’t handle them It’s the don’t blame the tool blame the fool I do believe chad Mackin said that on dog trainer conversations pod cast
Okay so idk if you’re still around or are able to answer questions, but I have a few. I’m not a dog expert nor do I own one that I need to train, I’m just curious. Are there any off-brands that would provide a “prong collar” that would hurt your dog? I don’t mean an actual high quality collar that works, but something that would cause harm to the dog. How do prong collars compare to electric collars or chest harnesses for dogs? Are electric collars safe/humane? Would prong collars cause a lot of harm to the dog if the owner continued to pull on the leash a bunch? More than flat collars? Thank you :D
I have a question. Why are some freestyle dog dancing dogs and oci (European obedience competition) so well trained and fail very little with no use of force to train them. I own a Belgian malinois and a tervueren, do mondioring with them , a border collie with who I'm training for oci , a poodle, two Spanish water dogs (one of them is in the breeds work trials) and a working line German shepherd (in training for ipg) and don't use prong or ecollars in training obedience, bite work or everyday manners. Does the use of prong collars make the training and learning easier? Are they completely necessary? Is it really that useful?
@@ivyrose779 reward based training. I use markers to let them know when they a right or wrong. I don't have a named method. My method is a gathering of different tools I learned in seminars, videos and everyday training. I make sure his motivation is good and his state of mind is fearless and relaxed. I don't want my dog have any fear of a correction, just motivation to make him want to do things right
Thanks for this educational video, i deeply appreciate the detailed explanation of how to use prong collars. I now have deeper understanding of what its for! Seems like a bed of nails sitting upright, it wont puncture you because the surface area is dispersed across an entire area and the pressure isn’t on a single point so it definitely makes more sense to use.
Just picked up my 1st prong collar yesterday after struggling with my pitbull Belgian malinois mix for a year with daily positive reinforcement training alone. he finally understands what I expect from him. I have popped the leash twice. His compliance is almost perfect, his heel is almost perfect, and finally he doesn't jump on people. that's where he got all the pops from is jumping. Hes now a SAFER animal. Jumping is so incredibly dangerous a microsecond of discomfort to the dog has saved everyone he will come into contact with from dangerous painful jumping and scratching.
Sir, I REALLY wish more people watched your videos and viewed this (prong collar) objectively. I'm a HUGE dog lover and a disabled Marine veteran who's training my own service dog right now. I've been skeptical (just being honest) about prong collars for a long time BASED on misinformation. After watching your video (and a couple others, but not many) I've concluded that walking my dog on a FLAT collar is actually abusive, even though unintentional. Notice, I said abusive, not MORE abusive. I do have a sincere question though. Why is it that dogs respond to the pressure of a prong collar, BUT do not respond the same way to the pain that comes with a flat collar (evidenced by their choking)? My dog did this the other day when I took her for a walk on a bike trail. ALL the responses that you read in this video are just beyond reprehensible. The internet DOES provide a "luxurious cushion" where people are enabled to say things they wouldn't dare say face to face. PLEASE continue what you're doing and thank you for taking the time to post this video. Sincerely.
Thank you for such a sane and thoughtful comment. Well said. Thank you for your service and I'm so sorry for your disability. I'm sure your service dog is very loved by you!! 💕💕🐾🐾 Excellent question you pose here! I'm curious as well. 🤔
As a trainer of Search and Rescue dogs with the Sheriff's office and through my medical background I'll venture an educated answer. A prong collar provides immediate nerve stimulation (prongs against skin and pinching) while the choking only happens if the dog pulls hard enough for long enough. Choking is also less consistent; choking does not happen each and every time the dog pulls while the prong sensation does happen each and every time. Also we have to give up our human perceptions. Humans realize the harm of choking, while a dog does not see the eventual consequence. Dogs really don't mind hacking and coughing (or it would be easier to train them not to pull). But they do have a reliable avoidance of a pinch and poke as shown by correct training with the prong collar.
This is a great video. I recently learned how to correctly use this tool, and feel comfortable using it now with my rescued 100lb GSD. She is reactive towards other animals and dogs she doesn't know. She also pulls on leash. I have tried other methods. My decision for this tool was made this weekend after I was hurt for the 2nd time when she lunged after another dog. I was sitting, and she caught me off guard, and was yanked out of my chair. The last thing I want is for her to get hurt, or hurt another dog. I rescued her, and she rescued me. I want the best life for my sweet girl. 🐾
Same exact thing for me Christina - we adopted a 95 two year old gsd unsocialized male last month- harness, martingale, flat, and my third shepherd- he’s so reactive to other dogs and kids on a bike and took me down twice - so yea we have used prongs before correctly and every trainer I spoke to now all positive - told Me it makes it worse. We r using it correctly and it’s the only thing that has been working and he’s making progress every day
Great video. When I got our first dog (a rescue) he was perfect except when walking. He would pull very hard and it sounded as if he were choking. We took him to a couple different positive only trainers and their methods only worked in a controlled environment. Extremely frustrated, I did a fair amount of research and the prong collar came up. Buying into the stigma against prongs I was extremely hesitant to use one. I decided to keep an open mind and purchased a prong collar and studied up on how to use it. After introduced the prong to my dog, fitted it properly, and let him wear it for an hour to get use to it, i began working with him. Ever since that day, we have had hundreds of calm meaning full walks. In fact, when he hears the jingle of the collar, he immediately comes running to me enthusiastically. I put the collar on him and we go on out way. The people who wrote the terrible comments to you should seek professional psychological help, but for the more rational people watching this, any tool can be a bad tool if u don’t use it correctly. If you are having a hard time walking your dog, keep an open mind, educate your self, and give the prong a try. Your relationship with your dog will change for the better very quickly.
My husband and I got our first rescue a year ago and she's the sweetest, smartest dog we know. However, she's a cattle dog, so she instinctively has a high prey drive, making walks during the spring and summer miserable because she wants to chase after every bike she sees. We've been training her for months on how to walk nicely by using treats, going through multiple front clip harnesses, and using the gentle leader. She absolutely detested the gentle leader, even with the praise and treats that we used, and it just became too frightening e she would thrash in it. With the harnesses, they would never fit her correctly and she always looked uncomfortable. I wish I would've considered the prong collar much sooner to save us from using methods that actually made her feel even more insecure during walking. Just got one recently and her behavior improved so much! She looked happier and calmer on our walk, allowing us to walk farther than usual. I'm glad to hear that the prong collar worked out for you! I'm hoping this will be the same for us as we continue with this collar.
I want to thank you for all of your videos .. your videos changed my mind and I just received the Herm Spenger Prong Collar.. I have a male 90 lb GSD and this tool is so helpful! Thanks again!!!
As a disabled person when I walk my dog I can’t have it run down the road cuz I won’t be able to catch up and the dog chocking itself on a flat collar doesn’t make it any easier
Dont get a big dog if you don't have the physical capability to handle that animal. Shop for what fits you NOT what you want. Hate to be rude Im sorry that you are disabled but dont get a dog you cant handle.
So glad I found your video because I have no experience with a prong collar and I am shopping for one to try with my Pittski. He’s a rescue and I got him when he was over a year old so he didn’t have much experience with walking on a leash and he’s a really big boy! I try so hard to take him exciting places and give him fun stuff to do but I honestly dread it because I’m panting for air, exhausted, and sometimes even hurt by the time we leave. I hope that this will help with the pulling so that I can do my part with the training. Anyway, your video gave me all the information I need to actually buy one and I found some others that help you learn how to properly train with one! I just viewed a video from a “professional trainer” before your video and he actually said “you idiots who think you can train a dog with a prong collar….” so I was relieved to find your video which was respectful and informed without sounding like a pompous Douche bag either. I admire your professionalism and the other trainer I saw should check out your videos and hopefully learn how to interact with other humans. 😀 Great job! I liked and subscribed of course!
Have a training question? Reach out to Cindy via our Ask Cindy Portal on our website. She answers emails daily and will be able to give you specific advice and recommendations. leerburg.com/newcontact.php
How young is too young for the prong collar. I have a female american bully who is almost 5 months. Used a harness and flat collar and she isn’t responding to them now.
Im thinking of getting a prong collar for my 4 yr old corgi golden retriever. Whenever we go on walks he always pulls and im afraid that I'll choke him so I have to go with the speed he's going.
The photo looks like the dog was tied up in the yard with a prong collar (NOT WHAT IT'S FOR). Similar damage is found on dogs that are tied up on any collar, except it's long gashes instead of holes. *Don't leave your dogs tied up.* Simple, no?
yep. The holes are either from a reaction to the metal through prolonged use or worse, the collar was fitted and left on too tight when the dog was younger and was never adjusted. Abuse either way. PS I am a prong fan.
my dog is a rescue and had to have a flat collar surgically removed from her neck bc she was left in the yard for so long and eventually pulled until she broke free. yet no outrage when you mention flat collars!
Was the dog in the photo actually result of a misfitting collar or a collar left on too long? Or was it from possibly an allergic reaction? When I saw the photo, my first thought was that the dog was maybe allergic to the metal or material of the collar. If it’s from a collar that’s too tight or leaving the collar on too long, then the owner definitely shouldn’t own dogs. Simply for the fact that they should’ve noticed it at minimum when they gave the dog a bath. So they may not have bathed the animal regularly enough to notice it in the first place which in of itself is a bad sign
My dog is getting too strong for me too walk he pulls me to the point that I fall i have tried stopping and starting everytime he pulled and rewarded him when he walks but he rarely shows interest in them even ham or chicken dosnt distract him. So at this point I really don't know what to do can anyone help
So glad to see a video correcting some of these myths. I had bought into these myths myself and have a problematic rhodesian ridgeback ahonhas made massive strides in only 3 weeks. I sought professional training from a trainer who tailors training to each individual dog separately. If super positive only tdaining isnt working for a dominant and headstring dog, she uses more effective tools. When i showed up affer she had spent a week working with him and saw a prong collar on him i was quite put off. But she educated me by putting the collar on her neck and having her assistant trainer give her a few pops. She then put it on my arm and had me give it several yanks. Anyone who has tried this is immediately aware that it evenly distributes pressure all the way around and is 100% more humane and safe than a flat collar. It's true, these do not hurt at all and an only offer some quick discomfort. 3 weeks later and im able to walk my happily wagging dog through a busy outdoor restaurant in the middle of brunch service with food and hustle and bustle everywhere. She also made sure i know how to size it as he grows and that he's only to wear it while I'm working with him. It's funny and sad really that the same people who think this is abuse will chop a healthy dog's nuts off in an invasive and medically unnecessary surgery, depriving a dog his essential hormones, causing a lifetime of health detriment, in an attempt to make a dog more trainable. That is abuse.
Nice vid. I have a black german shepherd and he's powerful. I'm a 6ft 250lb guy and I can handle his pulls but my wife cannot. She didn't like the idea of a prong collar at first but after getting a Herm Sprenger collar and showing her how it works she is god with it. When I first used it with my GSD, I noticed immediately that it added some pressure when my dog pulled and could see that I didn't need to pop the collar. On top of that, when my dog feels the pressure, he stop pulling and it's made it a lot easier for my wife to walk the dog. So, I'm fine with using a prong collar and yes, I've put it on my self. I actually pulled it pretty hard and it isn't painful at all but, I don't leave it on my dog longer than a walk. So, everyone can have their own opinion on this matter but I know how to use it right.
I have a very powerful 100 pound GSD and I tried pure positive training techniques for loose leash walking from 3.5 months old to 16 months old and he would still have some pretty big issues even though he had improved it was becoming dangerous around distractions. I wish I had used a prong collar sooner I've been using one for just under 2 months now and the difference is staggering. Even when my prong (with a swivel hook as I'm not able to open the prongs myself so got one with a clasp) accidentally opened the other day I was able to just continue the walk on his flat collar now he is better understanding leash pressure. He still has a ways to go before we can just walk him on his regular collar all the time but this tool was life changing when sized, fitted and used properly
So per this video I got a sprenger collar, watched your fit video, and took my reactive dog out on a walk. He reacted to a reacted to a dog and the collar popped his back and he whimpered loudly like a dying animal in seemingly great pain. Any idea why this might be?
@@nuggetthehamster7072 Thanks ya he does act dramatic in certain situations where he is scared like when my husband tries to rough house with him. I wouldn't call him a fearful dog but he is on that spectrum and and is on the sensitive side.
Agreed with Nugget, but there's also a number of reasons this could be happening. First of all, have you checked how you put on the prong? the collar should be up on the neck, where the base of the skull meets the neck and you can look up videos on how to properly do one of those. you said you already did but i'm just double checking in case you meant something else. the prong collar should also be tight enough that it's not falling but not super tight. it should just stay in place. you can test the stability by having a quick play session with your dog. Second, how was your correction? was it rough? did you really yank on the collar? the prong should not be yanked on, but a gentle correction to the dog. if you yank the dog, it's bound to be very uncomfortable and possibly painful since dogs' skin is way more sensitive than ours. if we yanked a prong collar on our neck it would only be pretty uncomfortable, but for a dog it would be much worse. Third, you said the dog's back made a popping sound. It's been two weeks, but check your dog's back. can you put pressure on his spine? This could be serious, and you should take your dog to the vet since the popping sound would not be natural. he could have some back problems. if all these are a definite 'no,' he was most likely being dramatic. you should definitely check with his vet if you are uncertain though, and i strongly advise you to check with your vet either way because of the pop in his back.
I saw pronged collars years ago & thought they were barbaric. After recently seeing many dogs trainers on TH-cam use these pronged collars to good effect , I've changed my opinion. I've bought one, my dog is responding really well to the changes. Please keep an open mind, you may learn something.
My name is Mia, Im a 3.5 year old super high drive GSD Mali cross from working lines and I mean the world to my human. He very reluctantly put a prong collar on me when I was about 7 months old on the advice of a trainer, because despite me being a good girl who has been off leash (away from roads) since I was 12 weeks old, have fantastic recall and zero reactivity, I do get pretty revved up to get to wherever it is we're going and cant get there quick enough which means that on a flat or a fur saver collar I can just drag my human to the park even though im choking out. It took the trainer a couple of training sessions to talk him into it because hed never seen one or heard of one before and thought they looked barbaric. Finally he relented and allowed the trainer to fit me with a prong and proceeded to show him how to fit it and how to use it. You know what, within five minutes I learned that if I dont fight the prong it wont pinch and dig in. I learned within days how to match my humans pace even though I still wanted to get where we were going faster than he did. Over a period of time I learned to listen to my humans request to walk tight (informal heel) without him getting all stressed.
This was really helpful. I don't like bad mouthing things I know nothing about unlike a lot of people. This was a very helpful video. There are actually training halters for horses with this same type of idea. It is knots instead and no one has whined about it. I guess people like dogs more than horses. I am thinking of getting a prong collar for my reactive 1yr old doberman/ cattle dog mix. He was a rescue and was obviously never socialized with dogs or people. He has come a long way in 2mo but the leash has been his biggest struggle. I got him a thicker collar because I was worried about him hurting his neck. I think the prong collar is more of a natural consequence tool. Some dogs are too tough for it though. My nieces cane corso just pulls right through it.
I recently gotten a 2 month old husky pup and I'm teaching her the basics training like sit, stay and come. Although I have a long way to go because she is still trying to used to her new home and name lol. Right now she's is at the teething stage and her nipping/ biting hurts. It got me thinking about the future because she's going to be a big dog I'm afraid I won't be able to handle her. After watching this I think I'm going to consider getting a prong collar.
I did my research, and although I don't see prongs cruel as I used to, it's just not the training method I'm aiming at to practice. I'm still probably gonna stick with R+ training, that's something I enjoy the most, but whatever training tool works for you and you know how to use it, then anything works
Hi! Can someone link evidence of other types of leads having negative effect on the dog? The video talks a lot about the flat collars being dangerous, which I find comprehensible, especially if you really can't make your dog never pull, so I'm more specifically looking into gentle leashes, which wrap around the mouth. I'm asking that because it seems that the video really insists that prong collars are the only humane method to leash your dog.
Thank you for the great explanations! These people cannot be reasoned with. Hopefully the people on the fence keep an open mind. The relationship with your dogs are so much better when they understand rules and boundaries!
Up until recently, I was someone that was leery of using a prong collar due to being misinformed. I thought they were sharp and caused pain so was very hesitant to give one a try. Our 8 month old English Lab is (or at least was) a terrible puller and, being much larger and more stubborn than our previous dogs, made it very difficult for my wife to walk him. Heck, it was even tough for me to enjoy walking him as he would criss-cross and yank every which way. We tried a gentle leader and front-pull harnesses and various training techniques but nothing worked. I knew how bad choke collars are so decided to look into a Herm Sprenger prong collar. Thanks to videos like this one, I learned that prong collars are much safer and way more effective training tools for strong pullers than other collars. The FIRST time I walked my Lab with a prong collar, after doing 20 min of backyard training/acclimating him to it, his behaviour was fixed. I couldn't believe how *little* correction or pressure I had to give him. He didn't struggle or whimper or choke - the prong collar just helped remind him to pay attention to me. I was truly blown away and our walks are now very pleasant. When he sees the collar he gets super excited because he knows he's going for a walk. I also tried the collar on myself before using it with my bud and prong collars do NOT hurt when used correctly. I gave myself a few corrections, like in this video, and there was no pain or damage to my skin - just pressure. The pressure is just very distinct and quickly gets a dog's attention without choking or causing pain. I'm all for Herm Sprenger prong collars now - they are very safe and effective tools.
Thanks for this video. Our dog is a pitbull and she's sweet just loves running on her slow paced walks. She's bigger than me and this collar help. Her son doesn't use the collar because he walks well without pulling
Flat collars can crush a trachea had this happen at work with a clients dog. Harnesses can cause muscle injuries and back injuries and encourage pulling. Haltis/ gentle leaders/ head harnesses can cause neck injuries.
This generation has been "Programmed" for centuries to become stupid...period! The "pet" business has become an elite as a consequence and people will continue to be like this. I bought one of these for my pitbull puppy and as soon as I hooked him up 50% of leash pulling disappeared and after any correction, my Uriah kept his walk with a happy tail (not tight under his hips) now we communicate through the leash with almost no words and his loyalty and happiness has increased...a complete different dog after I bought this tool...
My dog has been pulling on a leash for 2 weeks with a regular buckle collar. I have tried seriously everything to get her to stop. I seriously bought a prong collar today SHE HAS STOPPED PULLING ON FIRST WALK WITH PRONG COLLAR. She tried to pull on the prong collar today twice and HAS not done it at all on the next 2 walks we did she learned from the first experience. I plan to keep this in effect for about 2 or 3 more weeks to imprint in her mind and then i am hoping I am use the buckle collar and she will never need the prong collar again! THIS WORKED LIKE A CHARM WITHOUT having to pop the leash.
Thanks for this video, I doubt myself sometimes! You’re right there is only one bad photo and that has been doing the rounds for years, I read that he had the prong on his dog with a very long lead and the dog ran after a cat or rabbit the dog came to an abrupt stop when he came to the end of the lead and injured its neck, the neck was cut and became infected but didn’t take the dog to be treated for days later. I have tried harnesses and head collars and all my 3 dogs hate them and run away when I try to put them on, when they see the prong they come straight to me for a walk. I’m in uk and prong collars are not prevalent which’s a shame because it would stop a lot of the dogs I see being walked on flat collars pulling and gasping for breath. The reason I keep trying to use other methods such as head collars is simply because of the bad press they get, even though I’ve used one on 4 dogs now for over 14 years!
i think that prong collars can be an effective training device, but the problem comes when people don’t use them properly. i saw someone keep constant pressure on it and the dog was crying.
@@rattiegirl5 I used to believe that Victoria Stillwell was an amazing trainer until I did more research. Victoria hates them because she doesn't know it. As her being a purely positive trainerI don't see her ever giving it a second glance. In videos where she talks about hating prongs and any aversive tools she is clearly showing poor training tools that are not good and safe. Most purely positive trainers don't like prongs and refuse to give them a chance, tunnel vision. Victoria also doesn't have great experience in training dogs that need tools like these. She has also gone back in recent years said that things she did in her show she no longer agrees with and would not do now. As she grew and learned she saw some of her training tactics weren't good and I bet anything that if Victoria gave prong collars a chance she would finally advocate for them. :)
"to all of you who are trying to justify these collars . Why has Amazon UK BANNED THE SELLING OF THESE??" oh, i don't know PETER, why have so many places banned the right to OWN A PITBULL?????? IT'S BECAUSE PEOPLE WHO ARE UNEDUCATED PURCHASE EQUIPMENT AND MISUSE IT OR ADOPT A BREED THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO TRAIN. sorry for the yelling, i wanted to get my point across. i like the video my friend.
Thank you for responding so calmly and concisely to hateful, ignorant comments. Education is the only way to do away with stigma and improve the lives of dogs and dog owners everywhere, and you guys are doing a great and thorough job.
When my 6yr old (75lb) husky mix was diagnosed as hypothyroid, I started doing research into causes. There are some theories (no studies that I've found) that since the thyroid gland is at the front of the throat where leash pressure would be highest, that large dogs who pull hard and are walked on flat collars, would be at higher risk. I've only had him since he was 2 and know his 1st owner had him chained up outside, so it's possible. If a prong collar is used correctly and less force is applied than would occur on a flat collar, it seems the prong collar would be safer. There is however actual scientific evidence that spay and neuter, esp before 1 results in a 3-fold increase in hypothyroidism. You guys should do a video on all the health risks that have been associated with early spay and neuter so ppl put pressure on their vets and rescues to do ovary and testes sparing surgeries (hysterectomy/vasectomy) to control fertility w/o affecting the health of the dog. I rescued my other dog at 12 wks and she had already been spade. I wouldve found a different rescue if I had known about all the horrible health and behavioral consequences. www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf
I just started using a prong collar for my border collie. I had been useing a gentle leader for her (long story short) a dog trainer I went to when she was a puppy. Said that it was the best thing to use. (I didn't like the dog trainer, neither did my dog). So I used the gentle leader thinking was best, until I realized how many nerves were in a dogs nose, and how you can do alot of damage using gentle leader (but that another long topic for another day) I am feel so much better using a prong with my dog. Everything I have been trying to teach her with gentle leader, walking on the leash, and no pulling. She finaly gets with the prong. The first time I put it on her, I let her walk in to it, with out giving her a correction. She looked at me like "oh you want me beside you, okay!" Yes, I will say my dog is supper hardheaded and stubborn. But using a prong collar at traing tool has helped so much.
This is only my opinion.
If there was only 1 prong, of course it could hurt. But prong collars have several prongs, usually not sharp, but rounded. This creates even pressure (not pain) to quickly correct negative behaviors. The pressure coming from several prongs at once distributes even pressure. The dog is corrected and quickly learns it's up to them if they want pressure around their neck. This is why most dogs learn fast. This is not a torture device.
Many dogs are given away or euthanized when their untrained behavior turns into aggression. Many people, including children, get injured or knocked over from dogs jumping on them. Many untrained dogs on leashes can possibly take off, jerking the leash out of their owners hands, ending up running away.. the dog can end up getting hit by a car, injuring other people....
Training a dog from the get-go provides the dog with an obedient and happy life.
If you use one, great. If you prefer other training methods, great. Nobody is forcing you to use one. Do what's best for your dog and instead of spending time and energy judging people who use this training device correctly, put that time and energy into your own dog.
You are completely right
You really need to try one before making your mind up, I thought the same before being placed in a situation where my dog was uncontrollable. They work well. I would NEVER put anything on a dog that would hurt them. but I was desperate and willing to try. Most trainers only use them on dogs that are over the top, and as soon as the dog feels that LITTLE pinch they spot. As he stress on the clip, it's training device not a collar. It worked, I've used them in past training classes and have been amazed in the results.
I just used a prong collar on my dog i couldn't control her and they work better than a flat collar pros to you keep up.with the good videos
This isn't "helping" your training...it makes the dog anxious....and if it's a dog around other dogs afraid of them...attacking out of fear = pain = even more fear and pain...It's not good..even if you use it correctly...
I understand prong collars work thats they problem. There are collars that do the same thing so why use the prong collar? Prong collar are an old way of training. they work if you are lazy and makes training easy that's why people use them. Every prong collar user your dog will die if you don't use it. it takes 30mins to train a dog not to run don't be lazy. WOW
The picture in question was not caused by a prong collar. That was a bulldog named Blu who was a highschool mascot and was stolen by a rival school. They turned his spiked collar inside out and that is what caused those holes in his neck.
This should be pinned
Omg that is disgusting! I hope the people involved received a harsh punishment. Great correction for misinformation though.
Blue, female Bulldog mascot of Centennial High School in Las Vegas in 2000. If anyone is interested in the story.
Is there a source for this? Would love to have that so I can send it to people that cite that picture
Listening to his dad talk so candidly about "well intentioned but unintelligent people who have no experience" is a whole statement that can be applied to so many people and groups online right now in so many different topics of silence and sociology and yet here I am finding the right words for it in a dog training video from 4 years ago that showed up in my recommended at 7am.
I was doing some research on prong collars because I wasn't sure whether or not to use one or whether or not they are cruel and I noticed something. Those who advocate for them are experienced trainers, and those who call them cruel aren't.
Very well said. And for those balanced trainers who use a prong properly to condition and train a dog know very well, the pressure to condition becomes minimal vs. a dog choking itself and hurting it's trachea on a flat collar.
Those who call them cruel are vets who go to school and have qualifications in treating animals . Is a “trainer” higher than a veterinarian?
You summed this up perfectly!
@@Fatdogsaregooddogs I’ve never once heard a veterinarian call them cruel. Never
But to address your comment further… though I wouldn’t rank one over the other , as they are entirely different professions , I would 100% say that a trainer was more qualified to say whether or not a training tool was “cruel”. Though that’s not to say a vet couldn’t weigh in with a valued opinion on what sort of strains or pressures something might have on the dog physically .
@@Fatdogsaregooddogs I have never once heard a vet call them cruel, in fact my vet advocates for prongs very highly. trainers and vets are in two totally different professions and I would definitely take a trainers advice on training tools over a vets. Two different professions. Unless a vet is also a professional trainer, and either went to school for training or studied under several different trainers I would never take advice from a vet on how to train my dogs and what I should use to train my dogs. That information should ONLY trusted in trainers. I hope this helped and have a great day. :)
To anyone watching in 2019 Herm Sprenger is one of the best brands for a prong collar
just ordered one, im so excited to get to training
jesusbeltran45 - I didn’t see your comment till after 2 weeks of have one . It’s one of the best things I’ve done for my dog and me . It fixes so many different behaviors.
I need a Herm Sprenger my prong collar is too big I think
Yes because it has the rounded ends. Works like a charm
jesusbeltran45 No prong collar is good.
The thyroid problem claim is actually a hypothesis of a couple of vets who wonder if pulling on flat collars (not prong collars) and the constant pressure localized in the front of the neck where the thyroid gland is located could potentially be causing long-term inflammation that might be contributing to more thyroid issues in dogs. There's no research at this time to support that theory, and the other possibility is that dogs are living longer so we're actually getting a chance to see these problems popping up, but that argument is typically against flat collars and not prong collars.
this makes sense. Would like to see if it goes any were with studies.
I know a doberman who had those marks on his neck from the prong. But it was because of an allergy to the mettle in the collar. His owner switched him to a copper prong collar and the marks went away. His owned has been using the collar on him for many years since.
Certain dogs do have allergies to different types of metal. We have a video on choosing the right type of metal :)
my dog got small holes on her face from continous use of a plastic slow ester bowl, we couldnt figure out why she was getting so many rashes until she ate slow enough to switch to a metal bowl and they went away. dogs get allergies all the time so I can see that
Do you need to use a prong collar for years? I was under the impression that this is a training tool that you'd use for maybe a few months to a year and then never need again.
Not speaking from experience, I've never used one. I'm legitimately asking the question.
@@imnotmike it depends on the dog, and owner. If your goal is to have a lose leash walk on a flat collar it just takes a lot more work.
I think a trainer on instagram said it best.
"Your dog walks better with a prong on, do you drive better with a cop behind you?"
If the collar works as a training tool why does it need to be put on all the time. Sounds more like a clutch then a training method.
Great video. I was totally against these collars. But then I watched your video on how to properly use them. I own a very energetic American Pitt Bull Terrier. I adopted him when he was already 2 years old, and he hadn't had much training before. I tried all of the positive training techniques. Nothing worked. But then after watching your videos, I got a prong collar. Instant, success! Thank you.
My dog is a pit mixed I tried everything to walk him. I finally broke down and got a prong collar and it turned my life around with my dog.
My dog is now good even with a harness or flat collar
I only put it on him when going to walk and he was learning.
I am so glad I listened to this guy and not all the JUST USE TREATS comments and methods
i adopted a 2 year old mastiff that never had his prong collar properly fit. i never knew how they were supposed to work until i stumbled upon this content. i look forward to finally having a way to correct the nasty habits he has, like jumping on people he meets.
Alexis Adler treats and commands work completely fine as long as you work with them from a young age and do it constantly, getting a dog is like have a baby, you can’t just set it to the side and deal with it later
MadisonZaLazyPirate X3 what do you mean about this?
Instead of going to a professional you slapped a pinch collar on him. Great ownership right there.
What's most impressive about the prong collar demo is you're able to speak clearly and aren't in agony as those prongs are clearly digging into your neck.
I just recently started using a prong collar on my german shepherd and wow what a great difference! I honestly was going nowhere with other methods. He would get so excited and take off. I hated it because he was just choking himself out. I could hear him coughing and gagging and it was just not enjoyable to go anywhere. It's been close to a week now with the prong collar and I'm rarely having to correct him. He's learning fast and he's understanding that behaving will get him what he wants. People are just not well informed and that's on them. I'm a 1st time dog owner and I've done a ton of research, looking at dog training videos from every perspective. The "positive only" training is messed up because with that title, you're to assume that anything else is negative which is wrong. Prong collars IS positive training. My dog is happy, I'm happy, we can go on further walks, there's no crying and tugging, and he understood how to behave from the 1st time I used it. Learn how to use the equipment correctly! Don't be a lousy owner. If you choose not to use one that's fine too, but don't bash what you don't know, you make yourself look bad
Same thing here. I hated taking him on walks. It felt like I was punishing him, and I know he hated it. Now he sees the collar, and gets super excited. Does that sound like an abused dog? People have good intentions, but they have no idea.
That’s what my 74lb golden retriever puppy would do. Literally pull, gag and choke. It was awful to hear! I sent him to a training facility and they are using a prong collar on him as well as an e collar. The results are amazing. I went to this video to be reassured that the prong collar is okay. But I can’t deny the results. He is an entirely different dog! Next they will train him off leash. He’s been at the facility for only 3 weeks and such significant improvement! I guess I need to trust that the trainers know what they’re doing. He walks so calmly now right at my side and heels when I stop. Amazing! Before he would pull and almost knock me over! It was so in pleasurable to walk him I dreaded it! Any thoughts on e collars. The trainers used this too.
Prong collars are not positive training as there is no positive reinforcement. Things such as treats, pets, or play are positive training.
@@nicolewong6393 but, you can include positive training with treats as soon as the pup is executing the heel. The correction is timed appropriately and rewarded when the communication gets through...
I've used a prong collar on my Golden mix, about 45 pounds, from the day I got her until the day she died - 18 and a half years old.
As a responsible dog owner, I researched collar options before I even adopted her. I knew the prong was the way to go. Let me repeat: 18 and a half years this wonderful dog lived happily with me. Clean bill of health from the vet all her life, until inevitable old age led to kidney failure. No tracheal damage, no skin damage, no pain, no nothing. She'd see that collar in my hand and run up to me, eager to go outside. If you think it's cruel, you don't understand it, or don't use it properly.
I have now adopted another dog who is, sadly, a fearful dog. A year as a stray and in a shelter and then a sanctuary and having had pups and she is a mess. She was locking down on a leash, never having been walked before. Later, I heard that she had been dragged on lead to get her to move. Ugh. I have my work cut out for me, but will never give up on this sweetie. I put the prong collar on her and she moved forward instantly. It's only been 2 weeks but she is also now moving forward to me when she see the prong collar in my hand. If an extremely fearful dog can benefit instantly from a prong collar, and learned right away that it does not hurt and is more comfortable than being dragged with a flat collar, every dog can benefit from the prong.
It grows tiresome to have to explain the prong and why it's better to everyone who doesn't get it but tough for them. I'd never hurt any animal, let alone my best companion. I selected the prong almost 20 years ago for my dog and now my new dog is learning faster, better and safer with it, too.
It's got nothing to do with wanting your dog to look "tough." If you selected it for that reason, you've made a mistake. It's all about what's physically and mentally best for your pet.
Hi! I sent my 10 month old golden retriever puppy to a training program in ct for 5 weeks because he was out of control. So many behavioral issues I couldn’t handle myself. And he was only getting larger at 74 lbs at 9 months old. (He is a Canadian golden retriever and those are larger than American goldens.) We visited yesterday to see his progress at the 3 week mark and noticed they had a prong collar on him. I wasn’t aware they would use this. He also has an e collar which I was aware of and was okay with. I’m a bit jarred about the prong collar. The trainer assured me that it’s safe but I’m just not sure. You sure it doesn’t hurt the dog? I will say he used to pull so much on leash I would almost fall to the ground. Now he walks on leash with a loose leash right by my side and next they will be training him off leash. I just need reassurance that I’m not hurting my dog by using a prong collar. Please share your experience further! I’d love advice! Again he is at a dog training facility bc with Covid we got so behind on dog training and socialization due to everything being shut down. We had so many behaviors to correct. We got him in March 2020 and two weeks later everything shut down. Please advise if you have the time to do so. I want reassurance that I’m not hurting my dog. Please and thank you! Thank you if you respond and for taking the time! I’d appreciate it! :D
@@Portia1416 unfortunately, I can't imagine saying anything the video doesn't say or the tons of info online about prong collars. You were even told it's safe and effective. I think it's great that you are committed to doing what's right for your dog but we often need to put aside our personal, human perspective and realize dogs respond differently to stimuli than we do. A prong on a person seems cruel. On a dog, it's not. It mimics the sensation of a mother dog's mouth as she carries and teaches behaviors to them. To be blunt, you seem like you want to be against it and are going to continue to be despite the video you just watched. If so, you can rest assured that you do not have to use one if you object. There is a lot more to training and bonding and communicating with a dog than collar choice but teaching with any collar is essential. It's a tool to speak with your dog. The prong, for me, rapidly accelerates that process. I find choke collars and e collars inappropriate but that's me. I'll be blunt once more. Your fears of hurting the dog are a detriment to training. The dog needs to feel safe with you and that starts with bold, calm, confident leadership skills. No collar will make up for an owner who cannot project confidence to a dog. Being nervous about it immediately diminishes your confidence and the dog knows it. This is said to help you and the dog. An e collar does not give directions to the dog that comes from you. The dog doesn't know you are controlling it unless you make that clear. It just does not teach in a way they understand naturally. But by all means, pick the collar you feel good about but first, tell yourself that you are in charge of the dog and it's your love for the dog that gives you the confidence to lead regardless of the tool you use to help you communicate with him. And of course, train for obedience as well as fun tricks. The worst thing you can do is not be confident. Nail that and the rest is easy. Good luck whatever you choose but no, properly fitted and utilized, the prong is safer than the rest. Oh, it's for walks and training. Not for continuous use. My dog loves it. Sits proud when I put it on her and she gets a kiss on the nose when it's in place, then off we go. Good luck with everything.
@@Portia1416 OF COURSE IT HURTS THE DOG!!!! If it didn't, it would not work! If you're okay hurting your dog, then keep using it. Otherwise, find another trainer.
@@canisamator7937 How does it hurt the dog, explain? A prong creates even pressure, do you know what pressure is? Did you watch the video? Do you know how to train a dog using leash pressure?
I tried a prong collar on in Walmart, wouldn’t put nothing on my dog I wouldn’t try myself, and it wasn’t really that bad. Uncomfortable when tighten for sure but not life threatening or really painful. When my Dane reaches his “testing” phase I’ll definitely get him one.
Walmart doesn't have Herman Sprenger Collars, and in my experience, they have often sharp and not rounded tips on the prongs.
Never ever use a prong from Walmart etc. IT HAS to be Herm Sprenger.
As others mentioned do not buy a prong collar from Walmart, Petco, Petsmart etc... some of these are cheaply made. The proper collars have a rounded prong with no sharp edges. The good ones (Sprenger) are not expensive and can easily be ordered online.
@@mygiguser or get the thick plastic tips to put on the prongs
I put one on myself and pulled, felt no pain at all and almost no discomfort even- and I have a very low pain threshold. I am a "dog trainer-in-training" as it were, coming from the positive reinforcement camp and I'm super excited about all of the positive ways to train loose-leash walking. I also don't want to be close-minded however, because I want to learn everything I can. I am just not sure I understand the calling of these devices "torture devices" or "hurtful". How about we all keep sharing information as we learn instead of our emotions running so high that we can't hear anything? Can we discuss these collars with our vets? That's a good idea, right? I am suspicious that a lot of folks have a psychological aversion to how these look. That is understandable, but how about we learn?
I've been doing my research and I'm hearing about great results using a prong. I'm eager to try this out with my 10 mo old GD. I had to quit using a flat collar by the time she was 5 mo. She could pull me over and she would choke herself enough that it scared me. So I'm convinced the prong is a better option. I just need to learn how to properly use it before we give it a go. Do you have a TH-cam video teaching proper use?
Thank you for this video and for explaining how this collar works!
I’m also a professional dog trainer who swore I would never use one of these collars, and that they were abusive. But then I actually tried one, I got with a fellow trainer who knew how to work a prong collar properly and I was amazingly surprised. I was completely bias on a tool I never even bothered to touch, when the truth is this tool is absolutely not abusive. When combined with obedience commands this collar really can be a huge relief for a lot of owners!
Any tool in dog training used in the wrong way can be abusive, but that doesn’t mean you try and ban a tool that has saved several dogs lives.
What his father said is 100% right, prong collars have saved many dogs from being put in the shelter. Some owners get puppies just because they are cute, they aren’t thinking into the future of that puppy growing up and becoming much stronger. Then the puppy is too much for someone to handle and they all of a sudden they don’t want the dog anymore. That’s what should enrage people, the fact that people are buying dogs and giving them up when things get tough.
I'm with you. Retired trainer here and also have seen them work a treat.
People spread the horror pictures on social media so quickly, but not the success stories. Want everything band they don't understand and don't take the time to learn about.
Would the prong collar have to be used on every walk from then on, or can you switch to a flat collar leash once the dog has learned how it should behave?
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I like that you can easily speak when having tension on the collar. That just goes to show that it doesnt put pressure on the trachea
He's not dog shaped
@@becsap9151 dogs have thicker skin than humans
@@chillyforest69 The skin on a dog's neck is 3-5 cell layers thick, the skin on a human's neck is 10-15 cell layers thick.
I know its a little late to comment on this video but, maybe they should see some photos of slices into dogs necks from regular collars and ropes etc that have been left on too long and become embedded.
Carrie Caldwell Never to late, your comment is correct and keeps this video in the spotlight.
Not only that but it ALMOST looks like that picture WAS a case of an embedded collar. Only in this case? It was a prong instead of a flat or a chain or a rope.
Wouldn't help since these people usually advocate harnesses.
Went to the store to get my lab puppy a prong collar they had them stashed away in the bottom corner of the collar shelf almost behind the till where you can’t see them, when I asked the employee to point me in their direction her demeanour went from happy to help to a monotone “oh... they’re over here” as if I was some monster.
I proceeded To ask questions as to why they hide them where no one can see them, she explained that they didn’t like to advertise then because they aren’t a “humane” thing. I spent the next 20 minutes in the store talking to her about prong collars and how when they are used properly they don’t actually cause pain.
On the way home I was so bothered by how someone at a pet store could be so uneducated about this tool. I grabbed my 5 month old lab and brought him to the store in a flat buckle collar and showed her him as he jumped and pulled towards any toy or bone he could see. I threw a prong collar on him showed her how to size it up and within 10 minutes I had my dog under control, he would still get distracted and divert his attention but she was absolutely amazed by how quickly and little correction it took for me to Regain his attention. It was a great teaching moment and she thanked me for coming back, to show her.
Since then, I’ve gone in and seen her educating customers about how to properly use a prong collar on a dog as a training device. Please everyone when ever people give you a dirty look or make a remark about the negatives of the collar take that moment to offer education to them
This is such bs
Fernando Lopez
I wouldn’t doubt that it happened, teaching a dog is easy especially a puppy because they will react to the prong as if it were it’s mom’s correction.
And everyone clapped
@@Nahstee even if it was a farfetched story, stuff like this happens. the moral of the story is to encourage us to educate people about things that are misunderstood, not to make OP look good
The trainer at the petsmart I work in advocates against prongs. Makes me sick
How do you correct a dog with a prong collar if they are jumping up? Lightly tug or will her tool do it on it’s own?
Thank you for this video! Wish I could send this to all the folks that look at us cross. Not being able to control my dog is dangerous. Not exercising and stimulating my dog is neglect. Allowing my dog to run a muck is a disservice to her. A prong allows me to work with her. Some day I won't need it but for now I do. We got her at 2 y/o, 75 lbs, reactive and never leashed trained. We tried positive training, head halti (she's too crazy and could injure her neck), front clip harness (was messing up her gait), martingale, etc. She would strangle herself with a flat collar. Positive training is great but can take months. People that live in close proximity to others don't have months.
I could not agree more, none of that stuff worked for my dog ethier
I think most people forget that it's not only about putting a prong collar on a dog and start yanking and pop the leash (which is was most unexperienced people do). Introduction of the tool is important and teaching dogs how to undo the pressure of the prong.
I know this is a bit off topic but do we all remember that period time when people put harnesses on their children and attached them to leashes so they wouldn't run away.
Ashlyn Hunter , your comment is dead on; I remember those harnesses on small children and I use to think to my self it looks like the parent is trying to control/guide a pup.
Ashlyn Hunter great comment...😭.
I was disgusted, I had a baby at the time, she's 27 now
I was one of those kids...15 years later and here I am not getting lost at the zoo anymore
You must be as old as me then if you remember those lol. not seen one since the 70's, not worn one since the mid 60s.
I would like to know the differences between a choke collar (one that is a chain with two rings at the end) and a prone collar? Is one more affective than the other?
Thank you for this video! I have never had a large dog but have recently purchased a German Shepherd months ago. I have tried redirecting, reversing, stopping until leash is loose and giving treats. The dog is still fairly young but I recently have come to the decision that I can not walk the dog any longer which breaks my heart. The reason for this is that the dog is literally choking itself with the flat collar. Why the dog continues to try to do so I do not know. Also my arm is being yanked to the point that it is painful. I have tried not putting the leash around my wrist and bunching it up and no matter how hard I squeeze my hand the dog is able to to pull it through my hand (painful). I had heard about prong collars and was hesitant so I decided to research and educate myself. What would be bad is NOT taking my dog for a walk anymore because that wouldn't do anyone any good. I should not fear my dog that I love nor should the dog have to sit and wither away because no one can walk him. I appreciate your time in trying to educate the public on the reality of what a prong collar does and is intended for while debunking myths and bad pet ownership.
My wife and I started rescuing and training Great Danes about 22 years ago. Our first trainer quickly taught us about *proper* use of a prong collar and we've used them since. Only 1 of the last 4 danes had any kind of serious behavioral issues, (fear aggression) which we did work through. I our latest GD has resource guarding so I've been improving my trainer skills. I can not believe in 20 years prong collars (and e-collars) have become such a hot button issue. It does seems like people without intimate knowledge on training are pushing for these bans and such. I wish people would trust the experts more...but...that is the age we live in.
But what are the advantages of using this compared to a harness? Also so many people mis use this product so it SHOULD NOT BE SOLD to people that don’t know how to fit or use them
Why not use a halti or front-leader harness to prevent pulling?
so is this only recommended for a large dogs? or also small & medium dogs?
Unfortunately, I just saw a person with her dog on a prong, and she was holding onto the leash tightly, consistently, not loosening it no matter what the dog did, including laying down. People do stupid things with prong collars.
Knowledge is power!
I just started using a prong collar on my dog (we had big problems with aggression and biting). I put in on my neck and pulled on it - it doesn't hurt. It's a little uncomfortable, but it doesn't poke or pinch.
Well done guys for dealing with the uninformed in a very respectful,intelligent way. Any tool used incorrectly is bad news which is why as dog trainers we ensure correct usage of any tool. Thank you :)
A A ... I don't usually reply to comments that include pejorative adjectives and "name-calling" to describe those who they disagree with. That being said, I'm intrigued by your statement about there being a consensus among educated people against prong collars. I'm not saying I disagree with you on this point, but I am curious how you came to this conclusion, since it is contrary to my experience. Is this simply your opinion or do you have any factual basis for this claim?
A A ... Many thanks for your comprehensive reply. And yes, I am doing quite a bit of research on this topic as I have just adopted a 4 month old pup that I am training. My only experience with the use of prong collars was 10 years ago when I engaged a personal trainer to help us train one of our two dogs that we were having difficulties walking off-leash in the woods. During the first lesson, she had me walk our (approximately 10 month old rescues on leash.
My pups were their usually unruly selves, but not wildly so. She explained that the first lesson would be how to train for good leash behavior. Mostly, it was training me how to use the leash correctly. Next, she explained that she would use a prong collar for this training. I kinda winced at this. She went on to explain that far too many people use this type of collar incorrectly and went into more details, including how to fit the collar correctly.
Then she fitted one of my dogs (the relatively more unruly one) with the collar, took the lead and proceeded to walk him along the sidewalk. He started his usual unruly behavior and she gave him a few gentle tugs sideways. I remember she walked back and forth along the sidewalk, turning in both directions and within a couple of minutes had the pup calmly walking beside her with a loose leash. She did the same with the second pup, although he objected a couple of times when tugged at first. After about 5 minutes of walking, the second pup obediently followed through various turns and stops with no pressure on the leash.
When she was finished, she told me to walk each dog separately. Each behaved remarkably well and most of the "corrections" were to me for keeping too much tension on the leads. I walked each of these pups for 5 or 10 minutes each.
The next step was to remove the prong collars and walk them the same way. Remarkable! Both pups were well-behaved on the leash, even when walked together.
I've never used the prong collars since that first lesson. Never needed to.
A A Many thanks for your reply. And I don't intend this to be argumentative, but I saw no pain evident when our two dogs were trained using a prong collar. Maybe my experience was unusual or exceptional? It breaks my heart to see any animal in pain. Yet, all too frequently I see people walking their dogs with the traditional collars where the dog is literally choking itself from being restrained. I dearly love my dogs and I believe they trust me more than anything.
I am convinced that positive reinforcement is the optimum training approach but even in the natural dog world, you will see (admittedly rarely) brief but clear negative reinforcement, be it a gentle nip, a harsh growl or a physical push, so I am reluctant to subscribe to a totally positive reinforcement regime. Cheers.
I'm sorry that you feel that way. I didn't feel that I was being aggressive in posting my admittedly anecdotal information. I accept that anecdotal information is just that ... not proof of anything. It was simply my experience. And I don't claim to have keen observational skills. I'm a simple dog owner that loves my dogs and perhaps delusionally, feel that my dogs are well-trained, obedient and love me.
Perhaps my experience is contrary to your approach but it is as truthful as I can describe it. I'm not saying it is right for everyone and I'm not explaining it to say your approach is incorrect. Perhaps you are more experienced than me.
And I have read your posts fully and you make some good points, so kindly do not take offence. There are many others who will be more fully informed by our discussion. Thank you sincerely.
oMG these people are nuts. I have 3 20lb terriers that I trained to heel loose leash together. Also have a friend that got pulled down by her dog on gravel and had to have stitches. She told me she would never use a prong collar. I use a herm sprenger and learned watching TH-cam dog trainers.
So sick of fools comparing children to dogs, a canine/animals to humans, 🤦♀️. The same people who do that must enjoy having ill mannered dogs running around being the alpha.
humans are animals baka
humans are animals but i agree it’s always furmoms
I don't think properly raising a dog is that different from a kid.
✓ boundaries
✓ structure
✓ communication system
✓ mutual trust and respect
And so many more. It's just that these values are underrated in dog ownership AND parenting.
I have people tell me if I would not do it to my kid then I would not do it too my dog, well I would give my kids chocolate but not my dogs, I would not put a leash or collar on my kid, but I put it no my dog, I would not train my kids to go to the bathroom outside but I train my dog too,
@@BlutoServicePup you going to compare a cat to a dog next? Maybe a whale to a ostrich? I mean just using your logic you make it seem like all animals have the same type of mindset. Baka
Very interesting, I've seen these for sale on amazon and ebay in the UK.
I just ordered a prong for my pitbull mix 9 month old. he used to be amazing in walks but he started to become very anxious as he would see more bikes and scooters etc. it is to the point he wont even leave my driveway without trying to escape his collar or harness. I thought prong collars were horrible for dogs until i learned that they can help w confidence and that leaving my dog in that scared and anxious state of mind was even worse! I really hope it works bc he used to really enjoy long walks
Just picked my 2 bullmastiffs and my neo x dane from a trainer who had no choice but to use this i was at first not happy but he showed me the proper way to use this and stressed it is only when the dogs are not responding and are putting them self at risk should I use one my as many have have said dangerous animals are now walking calm and at ease instead of pulling like steam trains and without it bothering them and our walks are stress free
And may I add there necks with the half choke collars were so badly marked I could nt take them out now they don't even need a lead but due to breed I must have on lead
Question: if use prong collar to train my dog to loose leash walking, does it mean the dog will always need the prong collar to walk? I'd like my dog to learn to walk beside me and eventually transition to flat collar or even no leash for hiking. Is the prong collar recommended in this case?
Best video ever! I swear by prong collars for my pullers because they don’t know collapse the trachea! Hopefully people will change their outlook on these amazing collars.
It has worked like a charm on our big shepherd.He now walks nicely and has had no problem adjusting to it.
I'd also like to mention that it's a very good point about timing. Timing is hard to master and if your timing is off the training isn't going to be as effective. Putting the timing into the tool (in this case, the prong) seems very helpful because then there's no possibility of correcting at the wrong time and confusing the dog.
We adopted a young (under a yr) strong powerful dog from a shelter. She tested positive for dog aggression. Fine with people kids and cats. I informed the shelter we camp alot. Most camp grounds have lots of dogs around. The vets at the shelter recommended i buy and LEARN how to PROPERLY use a prong collar for walking and busy environments.
Thanks for making theese videos
Let me see one of these commentators try to walk an adopted 150 lb. dog half way around the block.
Right? Every time I get dirty looks, I just want to ask the other dog owner if they wanna trade...here try walking a young 75 lb GSD that came from the country and had never been trained let alone leashed.
Don't get a dog you can't physically handle then. And I've walked three rottweilers and an APBT all trained for sled dog sport as well as weight pulling in half harnesses. Because they were taught when to pull and when not to i could walk them by myself as a teenager. Imagine that, actually training the dogs instead of punishing them
@@kamiwilson3615 ooo, you're hard.
@@chigmeister2977 no I just understand animal behaviour science
Kami Wilson no you don’t...
I used to think that prong collars stab your dog when you pull... now I have to get one for my gsd
Man I wish I could personally give you a high 5. Perfect vid/demonstration/ education!!!
Sounds like a gun control debate. People blaming a tool when they don’t know how to use it and demonizing those who do use them properly
@@brsoccerstar24 your stupid
Except the way to use a gun properly is not at all
Alice Honey Tell me how shooting a gun at a target, from range, using proper muzzle and trigger discipline is improper?
Mr Pirate Tell me the reason guns exist... if you want a hobby go to the gym or read a book. There is no justifiable reason for guns to be used
Alice Honey In a perfect world you don't need complex weapons like guns. But the world is far from perfect.
I have been using a Halti (gentle leader) for my service dog but I would like to switch to a prong. My parents disagree and think they will hurt my SD. Do you have any advice?
Hope this helps 🙂❤
I have a standard poodle service dog in training and using other things actually made her gear shy, ESPECIALLY using a head harness. She started associating her working gear with the head harness and started hiding from her gear. I switched to a prong and after a few weeks of working on her gear shyness? And she didn't have anymore issues. She MUCH prefers a prong over anything else.
Thank you so much for making this video, I just wish more people would get informed before passing such harsh condemning judgment on those who choose to use the prong because this is the training method that works best for their dog given whatever their situation may be. We went to the dog park for the 1st time today with our husky & though most people didn’t seem to bat an eye or at least didn’t let us know it, there were the few people that looked at us as if we were the most disgusting things they’ve seen. And we use our prong exactly as you mention & she walks beautifully & once we knew she was acclimated to her surroundings and the other dogs we were able to take it off so she could run around and play and didn’t have to put it back on her to walk out. She’s 10 months old and we use this to help her learn a good heal, we also have yorkie’s who we’ve only used flat collars & harnesses with and we can hardly get them out our front door with out barking at everyone & everything as well as pulling so hard it makes it much harder to walk them vs walking our almost 70 pound husky & they are 8 & 5 pounds.
Do you put prong collar around front of neck or rear of neck. I watched Frank Davis who trains Belgium Malinois and recommends the back of the neck/head, so D ring is under right ear or left. Thanks Jeff. 👍🏼
We always recommend at the top of the neck just under the ears
**Warning Long post****
Thank you so much for making this video. We have a rescue dog from the animal shelter and he is a wild one! He has successfully wiggles out of his flat collars and no-pull body harness by getting in front of you, placing is front body in the lower stretched prone position and aggressively pulls and pulls until he wiggles out and breaks free. He’s a black lab mix who just turned a year old and is 86 lbs. He is beginning to just be too much to handle. I’ve invested in several different flat collars and no-pull harnesses but they are all only temporary fixes until he turns on his aggression and stubbornness and again wiggles out of them. He’s a very good learner but once training is over he goes back to normal. I’ve been very hesitant to buy a prong collar because of all the negative controversy surrounding the safety of them. When Boe was about 5 months a neighbor saw us walking and he told me then I should get a prong collar because even he was starting to see my dogs overly hyper and opposing aggressive nature. But I was afraid it would hurt him so I said “no I’m not putting that on my baby!” But I think I’m regretting it now. Please help! How do I size one for him? His neck measurement is about 17.5 to 18”
Can this be used on a great dane he pulls really herd when I'm walking and lounges at people, would this help?
When people have specific training questions we recommend that they go to our website and post those questions in the ASK CINDY on the front page of leerburg.com . Cindy has been training dogs since she was a teenager and has competed in several dog sports at a regional and national level. She was also a vet tech and owned a boarding/training and grooming business for many years as well as breeding working Dobermans and Belgian Malinois under the kennel name Kaiserhaus.
Questions posted to ASK CINDY are answered almost every day. They are also recorded in our systems if a dog owner has additional questions Cindy will review the previous Q&As and this helps her give better feedback and assistance. leerburg.com/newcontact.php
I though I was gonna be an all positive trainer when I first got into training after working a few weeks interning with a balanced trainer I change my mind fast I started to see how effective these tools can be we had a difficult dog come in that was pulling his family around like crazy they couldn’t get him to stop we first started using leash pressure on his martingale nope leash pressure didn’t even effect his behavior we finally work up to a prong collar and it took him a few days but he finally started to walk on a lose leash only using slight pressure I would rather see a prong collar on a dog than a dog in the shelter because they can’t walk on a leash and their owner can’t handle them
It’s the don’t blame the tool blame the fool
I do believe chad Mackin said that on dog trainer conversations pod cast
Okay so idk if you’re still around or are able to answer questions, but I have a few. I’m not a dog expert nor do I own one that I need to train, I’m just curious.
Are there any off-brands that would provide a “prong collar” that would hurt your dog? I don’t mean an actual high quality collar that works, but something that would cause harm to the dog.
How do prong collars compare to electric collars or chest harnesses for dogs?
Are electric collars safe/humane?
Would prong collars cause a lot of harm to the dog if the owner continued to pull on the leash a bunch? More than flat collars?
Thank you :D
I have a question. Why are some freestyle dog dancing dogs and oci (European obedience competition) so well trained and fail very little with no use of force to train them. I own a Belgian malinois and a tervueren, do mondioring with them , a border collie with who I'm training for oci , a poodle, two Spanish water dogs (one of them is in the breeds work trials) and a working line German shepherd (in training for ipg) and don't use prong or ecollars in training obedience, bite work or everyday manners. Does the use of prong collars make the training and learning easier? Are they completely necessary? Is it really that useful?
What method of training do you use with your dogs?
@@ivyrose779 reward based training. I use markers to let them know when they a right or wrong. I don't have a named method. My method is a gathering of different tools I learned in seminars, videos and everyday training. I make sure his motivation is good and his state of mind is fearless and relaxed. I don't want my dog have any fear of a correction, just motivation to make him want to do things right
Thanks for this educational video, i deeply appreciate the detailed explanation of how to use prong collars. I now have deeper understanding of what its for!
Seems like a bed of nails sitting upright, it wont puncture you because the surface area is dispersed across an entire area and the pressure isn’t on a single point so it definitely makes more sense to use.
Just picked up my 1st prong collar yesterday after struggling with my pitbull Belgian malinois mix for a year with daily positive reinforcement training alone. he finally understands what I expect from him. I have popped the leash twice. His compliance is almost perfect, his heel is almost perfect, and finally he doesn't jump on people. that's where he got all the pops from is jumping. Hes now a SAFER animal. Jumping is so incredibly dangerous a microsecond of discomfort to the dog has saved everyone he will come into contact with from dangerous painful jumping and scratching.
Sir, I REALLY wish more people watched your videos and viewed this (prong collar) objectively. I'm a HUGE dog lover and a disabled Marine veteran who's training my own service dog right now. I've been skeptical (just being honest) about prong collars for a long time BASED on misinformation. After watching your video (and a couple others, but not many) I've concluded that walking my dog on a FLAT collar is actually abusive, even though unintentional. Notice, I said abusive, not MORE abusive. I do have a sincere question though. Why is it that dogs respond to the pressure of a prong collar, BUT do not respond the same way to the pain that comes with a flat collar (evidenced by their choking)? My dog did this the other day when I took her for a walk on a bike trail. ALL the responses that you read in this video are just beyond reprehensible. The internet DOES provide a "luxurious cushion" where people are enabled to say things they wouldn't dare say face to face. PLEASE continue what you're doing and thank you for taking the time to post this video. Sincerely.
Thank you for such a sane and thoughtful comment. Well said. Thank you for your service and I'm so sorry for your disability. I'm sure your service dog is very loved by you!! 💕💕🐾🐾 Excellent question you pose here! I'm curious as well. 🤔
As a trainer of Search and Rescue dogs with the Sheriff's office and through my medical background I'll venture an educated answer. A prong collar provides immediate nerve stimulation (prongs against skin and pinching) while the choking only happens if the dog pulls hard enough for long enough. Choking is also less consistent; choking does not happen each and every time the dog pulls while the prong sensation does happen each and every time. Also we have to give up our human perceptions. Humans realize the harm of choking, while a dog does not see the eventual consequence. Dogs really don't mind hacking and coughing (or it would be easier to train them not to pull). But they do have a reliable avoidance of a pinch and poke as shown by correct training with the prong collar.
This is a great video. I recently learned how to correctly use this tool, and feel comfortable using it now with my rescued 100lb GSD. She is reactive towards other animals and dogs she doesn't know. She also pulls on leash. I have tried other methods.
My decision for this tool was made this weekend after I was hurt for the 2nd time when she lunged after another dog. I was sitting, and she caught me off guard, and was yanked out of my chair. The last thing I want is for her to get hurt, or hurt another dog. I rescued her, and she rescued me. I want the best life for my sweet girl. 🐾
Same exact thing for me Christina - we adopted a 95 two year old gsd unsocialized male last month- harness, martingale, flat, and my third shepherd- he’s so reactive to other dogs and kids on a bike and took me down twice - so yea we have used prongs before correctly and every trainer I spoke to now all positive - told
Me it makes it worse. We r using it correctly and it’s the only thing that has been working and he’s making progress every day
Great video. When I got our first dog (a rescue) he was perfect except when walking. He would pull very hard and it sounded as if he were choking. We took him to a couple different positive only trainers and their methods only worked in a controlled environment. Extremely frustrated, I did a fair amount of research and the prong collar came up. Buying into the stigma against prongs I was extremely hesitant to use one. I decided to keep an open mind and purchased a prong collar and studied up on how to use it. After introduced the prong to my dog, fitted it properly, and let him wear it for an hour to get use to it, i began working with him. Ever since that day, we have had hundreds of calm meaning full walks. In fact, when he hears the jingle of the collar, he immediately comes running to me enthusiastically. I put the collar on him and we go on out way.
The people who wrote the terrible comments to you should seek professional psychological help, but for the more rational people watching this, any tool can be a bad tool if u don’t use it correctly. If you are having a hard time walking your dog, keep an open mind, educate your self, and give the prong a try. Your relationship with your dog will change for the better very quickly.
My husband and I got our first rescue a year ago and she's the sweetest, smartest dog we know. However, she's a cattle dog, so she instinctively has a high prey drive, making walks during the spring and summer miserable because she wants to chase after every bike she sees. We've been training her for months on how to walk nicely by using treats, going through multiple front clip harnesses, and using the gentle leader. She absolutely detested the gentle leader, even with the praise and treats that we used, and it just became too frightening e she would thrash in it. With the harnesses, they would never fit her correctly and she always looked uncomfortable. I wish I would've considered the prong collar much sooner to save us from using methods that actually made her feel even more insecure during walking. Just got one recently and her behavior improved so much! She looked happier and calmer on our walk, allowing us to walk farther than usual. I'm glad to hear that the prong collar worked out for you! I'm hoping this will be the same for us as we continue with this collar.
I want to thank you for all of your videos .. your videos changed my mind and I just received the Herm Spenger Prong Collar.. I have a male 90 lb GSD and this tool is so helpful! Thanks again!!!
I love what your dad has created . True dog lover . Its sad more people know victoria Stilwell than him .
As a disabled person when I walk my dog I can’t have it run down the road cuz I won’t be able to catch up and the dog chocking itself on a flat collar doesn’t make it any easier
Dont get a big dog if you don't have the physical capability to handle that animal. Shop for what fits you NOT what you want. Hate to be rude Im sorry that you are disabled but dont get a dog you cant handle.
Very well stated video. Loved the information and talking points.
I love how he called out the people in the comments great video!
So glad I found your video because I have no experience with a prong collar and I am shopping for one to try with my Pittski. He’s a rescue and I got him when he was over a year old so he didn’t have much experience with walking on a leash and he’s a really big boy! I try so hard to take him exciting places and give him fun stuff to do but I honestly dread it because I’m panting for air, exhausted, and sometimes even hurt by the time we leave. I hope that this will help with the pulling so that I can do my part with the training. Anyway, your video gave me all the information I need to actually buy one and I found some others that help you learn how to properly train with one!
I just viewed a video from a “professional trainer” before your video and he actually said “you idiots who think you can train a dog with a prong collar….” so I was relieved to find your video which was respectful and informed without sounding like a pompous Douche bag either. I admire your professionalism and the other trainer I saw should check out your videos and hopefully learn how to interact with other humans. 😀 Great job! I liked and subscribed of course!
I am thinking about getting one but I am a bit nervous about it still
Have a training question? Reach out to Cindy via our Ask Cindy Portal on our website. She answers emails daily and will be able to give you specific advice and recommendations. leerburg.com/newcontact.php
How young is too young for the prong collar. I have a female american bully who is almost 5 months. Used a harness and flat collar and she isn’t responding to them now.
Im thinking of getting a prong collar for my 4 yr old corgi golden retriever. Whenever we go on walks he always pulls and im afraid that I'll choke him so I have to go with the speed he's going.
I always had my weary concerns about the public opinion on prong collars I’m happy I stuck with my gut and continued educate my self on training tools
The photo looks like the dog was tied up in the yard with a prong collar (NOT WHAT IT'S FOR). Similar damage is found on dogs that are tied up on any collar, except it's long gashes instead of holes. *Don't leave your dogs tied up.* Simple, no?
yep. The holes are either from a reaction to the metal through prolonged use or worse, the collar was fitted and left on too tight when the dog was younger and was never adjusted. Abuse either way. PS I am a prong fan.
my dog is a rescue and had to have a flat collar surgically removed from her neck bc she was left in the yard for so long and eventually pulled until she broke free. yet no outrage when you mention flat collars!
Was the dog in the photo actually result of a misfitting collar or a collar left on too long? Or was it from possibly an allergic reaction? When I saw the photo, my first thought was that the dog was maybe allergic to the metal or material of the collar. If it’s from a collar that’s too tight or leaving the collar on too long, then the owner definitely shouldn’t own dogs. Simply for the fact that they should’ve noticed it at minimum when they gave the dog a bath. So they may not have bathed the animal regularly enough to notice it in the first place which in of itself is a bad sign
My dog is getting too strong for me too walk he pulls me to the point that I fall i have tried stopping and starting everytime he pulled and rewarded him when he walks but he rarely shows interest in them even ham or chicken dosnt distract him. So at this point I really don't know what to do can anyone help
So glad to see a video correcting some of these myths. I had bought into these myths myself and have a problematic rhodesian ridgeback ahonhas made massive strides in only 3 weeks. I sought professional training from a trainer who tailors training to each individual dog separately. If super positive only tdaining isnt working for a dominant and headstring dog, she uses more effective tools. When i showed up affer she had spent a week working with him and saw a prong collar on him i was quite put off. But she educated me by putting the collar on her neck and having her assistant trainer give her a few pops. She then put it on my arm and had me give it several yanks. Anyone who has tried this is immediately aware that it evenly distributes pressure all the way around and is 100% more humane and safe than a flat collar. It's true, these do not hurt at all and an only offer some quick discomfort. 3 weeks later and im able to walk my happily wagging dog through a busy outdoor restaurant in the middle of brunch service with food and hustle and bustle everywhere. She also made sure i know how to size it as he grows and that he's only to wear it while I'm working with him. It's funny and sad really that the same people who think this is abuse will chop a healthy dog's nuts off in an invasive and medically unnecessary surgery, depriving a dog his essential hormones, causing a lifetime of health detriment, in an attempt to make a dog more trainable. That is abuse.
Nice vid. I have a black german shepherd and he's powerful. I'm a 6ft 250lb guy and I can handle his pulls but my wife cannot. She didn't like the idea of a prong collar at first but after getting a Herm Sprenger collar and showing her how it works she is god with it.
When I first used it with my GSD, I noticed immediately that it added some pressure when my dog pulled and could see that I didn't need to pop the collar. On top of that, when my dog feels the pressure, he stop pulling and it's made it a lot easier for my wife to walk the dog. So, I'm fine with using a prong collar and yes, I've put it on my self. I actually pulled it pretty hard and it isn't painful at all but, I don't leave it on my dog longer than a walk. So, everyone can have their own opinion on this matter but I know how to use it right.
I have a very powerful 100 pound GSD and I tried pure positive training techniques for loose leash walking from 3.5 months old to 16 months old and he would still have some pretty big issues even though he had improved it was becoming dangerous around distractions. I wish I had used a prong collar sooner I've been using one for just under 2 months now and the difference is staggering. Even when my prong (with a swivel hook as I'm not able to open the prongs myself so got one with a clasp) accidentally opened the other day I was able to just continue the walk on his flat collar now he is better understanding leash pressure. He still has a ways to go before we can just walk him on his regular collar all the time but this tool was life changing when sized, fitted and used properly
So per this video I got a sprenger collar, watched your fit video, and took my reactive dog out on a walk. He reacted to a reacted to a dog and the collar popped his back and he whimpered loudly like a dying animal in seemingly great pain. Any idea why this might be?
@@nuggetthehamster7072 Thanks ya he does act dramatic in certain situations where he is scared like when my husband tries to rough house with him. I wouldn't call him a fearful dog but he is on that spectrum and and is on the sensitive side.
Agreed with Nugget, but there's also a number of reasons this could be happening.
First of all, have you checked how you put on the prong? the collar should be up on the neck, where the base of the skull meets the neck and you can look up videos on how to properly do one of those. you said you already did but i'm just double checking in case you meant something else. the prong collar should also be tight enough that it's not falling but not super tight. it should just stay in place. you can test the stability by having a quick play session with your dog.
Second, how was your correction? was it rough? did you really yank on the collar? the prong should not be yanked on, but a gentle correction to the dog. if you yank the dog, it's bound to be very uncomfortable and possibly painful since dogs' skin is way more sensitive than ours. if we yanked a prong collar on our neck it would only be pretty uncomfortable, but for a dog it would be much worse.
Third, you said the dog's back made a popping sound. It's been two weeks, but check your dog's back. can you put pressure on his spine? This could be serious, and you should take your dog to the vet since the popping sound would not be natural. he could have some back problems.
if all these are a definite 'no,' he was most likely being dramatic. you should definitely check with his vet if you are uncertain though, and i strongly advise you to check with your vet either way because of the pop in his back.
Great video! I’m very glad this video was made, keep up the good work!
I saw pronged collars years ago & thought they were barbaric.
After recently seeing many dogs trainers on TH-cam use these pronged collars to good effect , I've changed my opinion.
I've bought one, my dog is responding really well to the changes.
Please keep an open mind, you may learn something.
Im trying to order one from Amazon but the reviews are saying that they are fake sprenger ones ... Where should I order it from? TY.
We have them on our website: leerburg.com/prongcollars.htm
That picture is from an abuse case. Some teenage boys turned the dogs spike collar inside out and just left it
that's terrible, and 100% makes more sense for the picture. jesus christ, i hate children and i hate people :(
Thank you for this video, it was fun to watch. And you gave a nice explanations too. ❤️
My name is Mia, Im a 3.5 year old super high drive GSD Mali cross from working lines and I mean the world to my human. He very reluctantly put a prong collar on me when I was about 7 months old on the advice of a trainer, because despite me being a good girl who has been off leash (away from roads) since I was 12 weeks old, have fantastic recall and zero reactivity, I do get pretty revved up to get to wherever it is we're going and cant get there quick enough which means that on a flat or a fur saver collar I can just drag my human to the park even though im choking out. It took the trainer a couple of training sessions to talk him into it because hed never seen one or heard of one before and thought they looked barbaric. Finally he relented and allowed the trainer to fit me with a prong and proceeded to show him how to fit it and how to use it. You know what, within five minutes I learned that if I dont fight the prong it wont pinch and dig in. I learned within days how to match my humans pace even though I still wanted to get where we were going faster than he did. Over a period of time I learned to listen to my humans request to walk tight (informal heel) without him getting all stressed.
my favorite response to those that say "do some research" is, you show me yours and I will show you mine.
This was really helpful. I don't like bad mouthing things I know nothing about unlike a lot of people. This was a very helpful video. There are actually training halters for horses with this same type of idea. It is knots instead and no one has whined about it. I guess people like dogs more than horses. I am thinking of getting a prong collar for my reactive 1yr old doberman/ cattle dog mix. He was a rescue and was obviously never socialized with dogs or people. He has come a long way in 2mo but the leash has been his biggest struggle. I got him a thicker collar because I was worried about him hurting his neck. I think the prong collar is more of a natural consequence tool. Some dogs are too tough for it though. My nieces cane corso just pulls right through it.
I recently gotten a 2 month old husky pup and I'm teaching her the basics training like sit, stay and come. Although I have a long way to go because she is still trying to used to her new home and name lol. Right now she's is at the teething stage and her nipping/ biting hurts. It got me thinking about the future because she's going to be a big dog I'm afraid I won't be able to handle her. After watching this I think I'm going to consider getting a prong collar.
I did my research, and although I don't see prongs cruel as I used to, it's just not the training method I'm aiming at to practice. I'm still probably gonna stick with R+ training, that's something I enjoy the most, but whatever training tool works for you and you know how to use it, then anything works
Hi! Can someone link evidence of other types of leads having negative effect on the dog? The video talks a lot about the flat collars being dangerous, which I find comprehensible, especially if you really can't make your dog never pull, so I'm more specifically looking into gentle leashes, which wrap around the mouth. I'm asking that because it seems that the video really insists that prong collars are the only humane method to leash your dog.
Thank you for the great explanations! These people cannot be reasoned with. Hopefully the people on the fence keep an open mind. The relationship with your dogs are so much better when they understand rules and boundaries!
Up until recently, I was someone that was leery of using a prong collar due to being misinformed. I thought they were sharp and caused pain so was very hesitant to give one a try. Our 8 month old English Lab is (or at least was) a terrible puller and, being much larger and more stubborn than our previous dogs, made it very difficult for my wife to walk him. Heck, it was even tough for me to enjoy walking him as he would criss-cross and yank every which way. We tried a gentle leader and front-pull harnesses and various training techniques but nothing worked. I knew how bad choke collars are so decided to look into a Herm Sprenger prong collar. Thanks to videos like this one, I learned that prong collars are much safer and way more effective training tools for strong pullers than other collars. The FIRST time I walked my Lab with a prong collar, after doing 20 min of backyard training/acclimating him to it, his behaviour was fixed. I couldn't believe how *little* correction or pressure I had to give him. He didn't struggle or whimper or choke - the prong collar just helped remind him to pay attention to me. I was truly blown away and our walks are now very pleasant. When he sees the collar he gets super excited because he knows he's going for a walk.
I also tried the collar on myself before using it with my bud and prong collars do NOT hurt when used correctly. I gave myself a few corrections, like in this video, and there was no pain or damage to my skin - just pressure. The pressure is just very distinct and quickly gets a dog's attention without choking or causing pain. I'm all for Herm Sprenger prong collars now - they are very safe and effective tools.
Thanks for this video. Our dog is a pitbull and she's sweet just loves running on her slow paced walks. She's bigger than me and this collar help. Her son doesn't use the collar because he walks well without pulling
Flat collars can crush a trachea had this happen at work with a clients dog. Harnesses can cause muscle injuries and back injuries and encourage pulling. Haltis/ gentle leaders/ head harnesses can cause neck injuries.
This generation has been "Programmed" for centuries to become stupid...period! The "pet" business has become an elite as a consequence and people will continue to be like this. I bought one of these for my pitbull puppy and as soon as I hooked him up 50% of leash pulling disappeared and after any correction, my Uriah kept his walk with a happy tail (not tight under his hips) now we communicate through the leash with almost no words and his loyalty and happiness has increased...a complete different dog after I bought this tool...
The neck is the most sensitive area on a dog its sometimes painful for them there could be other ways to train your dog
My dog has been pulling on a leash for 2 weeks with a regular buckle collar. I have tried seriously everything to get her to stop. I seriously bought a prong collar today SHE HAS STOPPED PULLING ON FIRST WALK WITH PRONG COLLAR. She tried to pull on the prong collar today twice and HAS not done it at all on the next 2 walks we did she learned from the first experience. I plan to keep this in effect for about 2 or 3 more weeks to imprint in her mind and then i am hoping I am use the buckle collar and she will never need the prong collar again!
THIS WORKED LIKE A CHARM WITHOUT having to pop the leash.
Thanks for this video, I doubt myself sometimes! You’re right there is only one bad photo and that has been doing the rounds for years, I read that he had the prong on his dog with a very long lead and the dog ran after a cat or rabbit the dog came to an abrupt stop when he came to the end of the lead and injured its neck, the neck was cut and became infected but didn’t take the dog to be treated for days later.
I have tried harnesses and head collars and all my 3 dogs hate them and run away when I try to put them on, when they see the prong they come straight to me for a walk. I’m in uk and prong collars are not prevalent which’s a shame because it would stop a lot of the dogs I see being walked on flat collars pulling and gasping for breath.
The reason I keep trying to use other methods such as head collars is simply because of the bad press they get, even though I’ve used one on 4 dogs now for over 14 years!
i think that prong collars can be an effective training device, but the problem comes when people don’t use them properly. i saw someone keep constant pressure on it and the dog was crying.
Training should be required for owners as well
Again, not a problem with the collar
Victoria Stillwell the trainer hates them.
@@rattiegirl5 Thats because she doesn't believe in anything except positive reinforcement. Probably why she got bit
@@rattiegirl5 I used to believe that Victoria Stillwell was an amazing trainer until I did more research. Victoria hates them because she doesn't know it. As her being a purely positive trainerI don't see her ever giving it a second glance. In videos where she talks about hating prongs and any aversive tools she is clearly showing poor training tools that are not good and safe. Most purely positive trainers don't like prongs and refuse to give them a chance, tunnel vision. Victoria also doesn't have great experience in training dogs that need tools like these. She has also gone back in recent years said that things she did in her show she no longer agrees with and would not do now. As she grew and learned she saw some of her training tactics weren't good and I bet anything that if Victoria gave prong collars a chance she would finally advocate for them. :)
"to all of you who are trying to justify these collars . Why has Amazon UK BANNED THE SELLING OF THESE??"
oh, i don't know PETER, why have so many places banned the right to OWN A PITBULL??????
IT'S BECAUSE PEOPLE WHO ARE UNEDUCATED PURCHASE EQUIPMENT AND MISUSE IT OR ADOPT A BREED THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO TRAIN.
sorry for the yelling, i wanted to get my point across. i like the video my friend.
Thank you for responding so calmly and concisely to hateful, ignorant comments. Education is the only way to do away with stigma and improve the lives of dogs and dog owners everywhere, and you guys are doing a great and thorough job.
When my 6yr old (75lb) husky mix was diagnosed as hypothyroid, I started doing research into causes. There are some theories (no studies that I've found) that since the thyroid gland is at the front of the throat where leash pressure would be highest, that large dogs who pull hard and are walked on flat collars, would be at higher risk. I've only had him since he was 2 and know his 1st owner had him chained up outside, so it's possible. If a prong collar is used correctly and less force is applied than would occur on a flat collar, it seems the prong collar would be safer.
There is however actual scientific evidence that spay and neuter, esp before 1 results in a 3-fold increase in hypothyroidism. You guys should do a video on all the health risks that have been associated with early spay and neuter so ppl put pressure on their vets and rescues to do ovary and testes sparing surgeries (hysterectomy/vasectomy) to control fertility w/o affecting the health of the dog. I rescued my other dog at 12 wks and she had already been spade. I wouldve found a different rescue if I had known about all the horrible health and behavioral consequences.
www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf
Daria Rylkova Thank you for posting this link, you have just helped in my decision of when to spay .
@@fithemali4320 I just found out about this a few days before I just got my dog three days ago. She's intact thank God. I will not be spaying either.
I just started using a prong collar for my border collie. I had been useing a gentle leader for her (long story short) a dog trainer I went to when she was a puppy.
Said that it was the best thing to use.
(I didn't like the dog trainer, neither did my dog). So I used the gentle leader thinking was best, until I realized how many nerves were in a dogs nose, and how you can do alot of damage using gentle leader (but that another long topic for another day)
I am feel so much better using a prong with my dog. Everything I have been trying to teach her with gentle leader, walking on the leash, and no pulling. She finaly gets with the prong. The first time I put it on her, I let her walk in to it, with out giving her a correction. She looked at me like "oh you want me beside you, okay!"
Yes, I will say my dog is supper hardheaded and stubborn.
But using a prong collar at traing tool has helped so much.
Thank you for this video it is needed