Wow Deanna, what a great transformation story. The dog doesnt know what behavior to offer. Is it worth it to subdue and suppress behavior, to use the threat of pain to train a dog? The kennel I work at is very much 50% training, 50% the tools you use. WebThank you for downloading the San Francisco SPCAs Prong Collar Advocacy Kit. Needless to say Shadow and I were able to participate in class and he wasnt the class clown he was in the first class. Thanks Karen for sharing your story. I do worry about what other people think, even though I shouldnt. (It is really hard to stay positive and calm when your shoulder and arm are being ripped away from your body!) Woodrow doesnt mind it at all. I asked him why not? He went on to tell me theyre known for breaking dogs necks. I'm just afraid I'm going to lose the arm muscle I built up from all that pulling! It in fact dates the police academys training techniques back to the 1990s, along with their computer systems and their approach to the law is that something you really wish to stand with?, The My dog loves his prong, and gets all excited when he sees it is simple classical conditioning, such that your dog recognises that means training or walkies, that doesnt mean that they feel positive about the experience when the prong tightens around their neck., I mean, I can train your dog to see a lemon and think its the best thing in the world it doesnt mean theyll like the taste of lemon.. Ive used regular collars, choke collars, gentle leaders, harnesses and the prong collar. Because puppies learn really easily. Now presume there is a fence (metal picket fence/devils fork) in the dogs way and he decides to jump this but your choke or prong hooks on the live ring. I have been lectured by multiple people and even had someone who found my dog once remove the collar and refuse to give it back. Victoria, you and your pup are a perfect example on how the prong collar is such a life-saver! You should be exhausting other means before resorting to a prong collar.And I know that sometimes it can feel like you have done so, but typically? Punishment often appears to work quickly (who wouldnt want to avoid a painful or uncomfortable correction?) My hope? But I also believe that most people that are dead against the prong collar never experienced a dog with any severe reactive behavior issues. Are shock collars banned in Europe? But I will never be completely relaxed walking her if shes going to lunge and bark at every person, bike, dog we see on our walks. The trainer showed me how to use it properly and within 10 mins, Sam was walking by my side, not pulling and not jumping up at the 2 trainers I had with me, the difference was remarkable!! When we first adopted Bear he had no leash manners at all. I have a strong, 1.5 year old, hard headed, 60 pound English Springer Spaniel and he is all over the place on walks. WebPinch and prong collars are collars with prongs positioned against the neck, or any other protrusion intended to cause pain or discomfort, especially when tightened. Yours and the fur baby. Hes large for the breed. While establishing a governing body regulating the dog training industry is essential and necessary now, it will take time. The studies seem to show that choke collars are dangerous but not prong collars. 4. Thank you so much for sharing your story. We look forward to walks now!! WebWhere are prong collars banned? The only barbaric thing here Lora, is the human mind. Her eyes arent red after a walk and she doesnt pant constantly walking now. I have a question about prong collar fit- do the prongs need to go all the way around the neck circumference? As a trainer, it breaks my heart, because I know how the story often goeswhile the owner may have been intending to diminish and disrupt jumping, she was likely unintentionally building an association between strangers, dogs, and shock. When presented with alternative methods, many dog guardians are not only readily willing to discontinue the use of force, but relieved to do so. I can walk right past other dogs and people and he looks at them and keeps in stride with my pace. Now before you pass judgment, please read on to learn more and then decide for yourself. I used a pinch collar 3 times and he learned that quickly and never pulled out of the leash again. This gives respect for the tool, and means that youre less likely to misuse it. WebCollars with inward facing spikes will be banned from dog shows and training classes under proposals to be discussed by the Kennel Club. But for a stubborn dog, he may decide the pressure of the prong pulling on his next isnt enough to not go after the rabbit. Carol, good professional dog trainers ALWAYS recommend a back up collar for a prong collar. Collars are known to be associated with whiplash, fainting, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, crushing of the trachea, partial or complete asphyxiation, crushing or fracture of the bones in the larynx, dislocation of the vertebrae in the neck, bruising of the esophagus, damage to the skin and tissue of the neck, prolapsed eyeballs, and brain damage. The content in this post is a breath of fresh air. Used poorly, the leash can become a source of severe physical and sensory deprivation and harm. If you think prong collars are cruel, think about it this way. I felt like his regular collar was causing him pain because he was pulling against it so much. Hopefully that has changed. My 3 year old 70 lb pit bull has always been difficult and stubborn. Do you think these changes are happening quickly enough in the US? I am worried about how my dog owning friends will react to me getting one of these collars, but having seen how easy and gentle yet effective it can be I have decided that I would be silly not to get one, both for her safety and mine, in certain situations. Every dog and situation is unique. He did well about 75% of the time but at some point he figured out that he was bigger and stronger than me and started to lung at people and other dogs (he loves people and dogs what can I say). About 30% of the time he will heel/sit/stay with the choke collar but there is no real control without constant pulling on him. Prong collars have been banned in many countries that have announced them as illegal. She wore a harness. He wouldnt listen to me or the instructor at all. Due to the lack of oversight and requirement for education, certification, or professional standards, as well as the often ambiguous language used by various dog trainers, many well-meaning dog guardians who just want the best for their dogs are being misled and often talked into using force, fear, and pain to train. I will write as unbiasedly as I can, and be informative and factual, allowing you to make your own decisions. My latest furbaby the half boston/half lab was so smart that all the positive training methods only trained him to misbehave. Thank you, the bandana is a good idea. Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, Scotland, Sweden, Wales, and some parts of Australia all currently have a ban on electronic collars for dogs. If you just allow him to pull on the collar and go after the rabbit, it may startle him and if he is sensitive dog, it may correct the behavior. He would pull so hard that I wound up on the ground a time or two and injured just by walking him. Lets be realistic, Im not here to change your mind, and you will never be able to change mine. When she looked down, her dog's eye had prolapsed. Your timid poodle may never need one. Now, at age 6 it doesnt seem to be as effective. Am thinking of getting a prong collar for my dog because he recently lunged at a cat he saw and pulled me over. And it absolutely does!!! Would the place where the lead clips on end up under the neck and, thus, drag on the ground on a long lead? This merely trained him to bite me, then sit back and wait for a treat when he quit. This is supported by Herm Sprenger, the top manufacturer of prong collars in the world., Anything pain based is not suitable for a reactive dog.. Prongs are widely, widely misunderstood and consequently widely misused., The fact that a reward or a correction can only be given within 2 seconds of the action for either to be of effect means that your reactions have very slim windows to achieve their goal. Kind regards. And ask yourself, is it better for your dog to drag you through your walk, choking himself on his flat collar or to have a peaceful walk with your dog walking next to you, enjoying the smells and scenery? Also, as the author mention, there are huge differences in the quality of a Pet Smart pinch collar and a Herm Sprenger (the recommended brand). Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the increase in global rules and regulations aiming to improve animal welfare. Learn how to fit it and use it properly before employing. Will that be a problem when he wears the prong collar? At first, yes once you take the collar off, he will pull. Hes the sweet dog I knew him to be. We have a 4yo female rescue GSD. Then, watching YouTube videos last night, I came across Solid K9 Training (Jeff, above in this blog) and discovered that I was using the prong collar ALL WRONG even on my first dog. They started our dog on a martingale collar, then upgraded him to a choke, and finally the prong. She quickly realized she wasnt a dog person and wanted to rehome her. I am emigrating to Germany next year and i do not want to be taking a dog with me that is going to drag me through the streets, barking and being hyper and scaring everyone by giving the impression hes aggressive which he definitely is not.. If it werent for the prong collar, our super sweet 70+lb lapdog would not have been able to stay with us. That should tell us something. How do you know what size collar to purchase ? Now he is eyes on me. The prong collar sounds just what we need. Or pulling his owner over, cause owners not to walk their dog? After 3 weeks of work with our 11 month old, highly excitable rescue dog we saw his behavior getting worse and no amount of treats of any kind could get his attention any more. When asked why they use a particular type of restraint, people often say something like, Its the thing to do, or someone who knows about dogs told them to do so. I would think they would still work as long as you have the collar up high on the neck. The Effects of Using Aversive Training Methods in Dogs: A Review. Imagine a sunny day in that idyllic world without electronic and prong collars. I always enjoyed walking my dog because I love him and I like to get out and walk, but now walking him is sooooooo much better. But yesterday I had to take my dog, an 8 year old 84lb rottweiler, to the vet. She would get all excited to see me get it out and wait for me to put it on because it either meant going fir a walk or training which meant lots of one on one time with lots of praise and lovins. What have you got to lose? Consequently, its my advice to not use corrections because theyre too easy to miss. I even sustained a back injury when he took off after a dog on a walk. Leashes and collars are tools of control and should be used very carefully, In Unleashing Your Dog: A Field Guide to Giving Your Canine Companion the Best Life Possible, Jessica Pierce and I write that while tools of control are often necessary, we should remain alert to the diverse ways in which they can inhibit a dogs freedoms and the ways these devices themselves can be harmful., Research tells us that the use of force via aversive equipment is not only ineffective but can be psychologically and physically damaging. Discuss with you when they should be used and when they shouldnt. So no, in theory it should not need to be used for ever. We just got a new 5 month old Australian shepherd last week. Thanks for this article. Is it because it works so rapidly and they don't care what the dog thinks and feels?". A TWITCH influencer has stunned her fans and was temporarily banned from the platform after a terrifying video. Huge mistake, he was so overwhelmed he was pulling nonstop on our hour walk around the park. Shes a 27-ish pound mutt, stocky and short-legged, and still pulls even after working on training and walking her for 4 years, weve had her since she was a pup. He has someone home with him 24 hrs a day and has all the love and attention he could want. And I could say there is enough research that shows a flat collar and head halters cause more damage than a prong collar. 1 1/2 Inch Keeper's Hidden Prong Double Leather Collar Gold and Silver Knots on Black Web with Metallic Gold and Black Leather and Brass Hardware $0.00. So now Im looking to eliminate the lunging at joggers, bikes, people walking towards us with or without dogs and the occasional car that she decides is a threat?? Dr. Zazie Todd writes, Lack of control over something can in itself be a source of stress. I hope that this informed guy and the other bus passengers who heard what I had to say stop to think about what theyre doing with their dogs and realize that my success is due to learning how to use a prong. Sometimes they dont even know this is happening. It means that youre not in control. OSPet Dog Prong Collar. We rescued a Brittany Mix not long ago and walking with her was miserable! The 2 Most Psychologically Incisive Films of 2022, The Surprising Role of Empathy in Traumatic Bonding. Quebec will institute a ban on choke, prong, and shock collars in 2020. If you choose to use a restraining collar, why do you do so? They allow pet parents to walk their pup on a leash and they provide a place to hang ID and vaccination tags. Is there any advise other than your article on the prong collar you can help with please know though that my intention is to use the collar correctly and for the right reasons, i have paid special attention on how NOT to use the collar.. I found the prong collar to be far more humane than say a shock collar, a flat collar, or even an ill fitted harness. This includes a flat collar. Our goal should be to use these tools to facilitate access to a wide variety of positive physical and social experiences and to allow our dogs as much agency as possible so that they can control and make choices that suit them. A Twitch star was temporarily banned from the live-streaming platform after zapping herself with a shock collar as part of a bizarre stunt. Diana, I love your story, thank you so much for sharing! I have never had him so much as attempt to lunge on the prong collar. I can walk him with a regular collar now, but not when he gets 150 pounds. This leash training is extremely important for puppies, but even adult dogs who havent been properly schooled in polite leash walking can learn to accommodate their human. Shock collars have been banned in many states of Australia after considering the damaging effects of these e collars on dogs. Is it normal to have a few inches of chain that dont have the prongs, and does that work as well? The Ray Allen multi-function harness is designed with a lot of sports in mind. And, while it's very clear that e-collars and prong collars are used because they cause psychological stress and pain, many people don't realize that choke collars also can cause a good deal of pain, suffering, and injury to dogs who wear them. I dont want my dog to fear me or become aggressive towards other people or dogs. We have two dogs, both staffies, that are really bad on the leash. I have yet to see a dog injured by normal use of a prong collar (of course I only use Herm as well. Toronto (Canada) attempted a ban on prong and choke collars, and it passed, but was then turned over within the next month. Instantly what a difference, no pulling, no zig zag walking. The prong is simply a tool as if to tap the dogs shoulder to get her attention. From tracking to bite work (agitation work), and even an every day harness! Its important that the collar is snug around the base of the dogs ears, meaning high up on the neck. If you are consistently pulling the collar he may become numb to any corrections. I guess Im an animal abuser from what I read, but I would put the care and loving I provide to my dog above 99.9% of what most humans receive. Jennifer Cattet, "Choke collars, prong collars or flat collars are harmful training tools. Were hoping its a temporary training tool only, but Im still happy to have found this. Electric shock collars for cats and dogs will be banned in England, the government has announced. Good luck with your future training of your puppy! Great article!! Lab. For instance, our sweet River does so well with other dogs and people at the dog park, but once shes on the leash shes much more reactive. I may look into a Herm Sprenger. Any advice would be appreciated. I finally bought a Herm Sprenger collar and it was moderately helpful. Eventually you can stop using the collar, once she understands pulling is not acceptable. She needs her exercise and fresh air and i will never deny her of that because of my own fears. As subjects go, Prong collars are pretty divisive in the dog world.. I want to be able to enjoy walking him not only within the neighborhood but along trails this summer. Its better than a choke collar but any pulling gets old on a 2 mile rugged walk. Oh! Its practitioner-correlated.". Regular collars allow the dogs to hurt themselves if they have no leash manners, and Ive personally seen this many times choking, damage to the neck, etc. We decided to try a prong collar and WOW what a difference it made! I think hes smart enough to realize that hes in control, if he doesnt pull, his collar is comfortable for him. What can Slip leads and choke collars can do the same and cut off air supply. We were told that it was probably allergies. Right this instant. Get the help you need from a therapist near youa FREE service from Psychology Today. Sincerely Brian Kelly. Theres a lot of myths and a lack of information because it all comes from a passionate place. All Rights Reserved. rated as 2021 & 2022 worlds best pet blog! By using the prong collar, he is now interacting with me in positive and affectionate ways, instead of the aggressive and painful ways that came natural to him. Im sorry to hear that you havent found a trainer that will work with you. A good behavior trainer is best in situations like this. She was still her happy-go-lucky self playing. I will post my update soon! As you go through the article, see if you can tell why theyre wrong. I want her to learn the actual commands I give her. Hi Beverly, Yes you can use a prong collar on a short face dog. Dogs become reactive (largely) through fear or excitement. You can have a dog who listens well, learns well and as a puppy? Which in the summer months of course is everyone we see. Prong collar is the only way, Headcollar training harness with a front point Balance harness etc etc. Additionally he pulled my husband to the ground one time. Give it a light tug if necessary and the unwanted behavior is over. The Effects of Using Aversive Training Methods in Dogs: A Review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 19 (2017): 5060. My teenage daughter begged me to adopt a pitbull puppy. I dont recommend keeping it on 24/7. I have volunteered at numerous rescues that would allow for use of harnesses and Martingale or choke style collars but not prongs. He will begin to associate the prong collar with pain, which is something he is afraid of. I am also convinced, after having tried every other gentle alternative, that these are a) not effective and b) not kind, because walks with my dog are miserable for us both. As soon as the collar goes on I have total control over him. She said doing this just makes the training go faster, which is helpful since she only has the dogs for a limited amount of time. Its a good thing I work out because I can reign her back in but I fear one day shell dislocate my shoulder!! Most of the citys bylaws carry a $240 fine for infraction. I am a 12 year veteran of professional canine training and hands-down a prong collar is absolutely the safest most efficient way to train your fur babies!! I personally never used a prong collar before being introduced to it a couple of years ago. But more importantly is the age of the puppy. Keep up to date with the Rebarkable Newsletter! My trainer switched her to a prong collar with flat round ends. Applying pressure to the windpipe is not good for any dog but can be especially serious in brachycephalic dogs who already struggle to breathe.. I switched him to a prong (Herm Sprenger 2.25mm) and his behavior improved immediately. It totally changed our lives!!! When my German Shepherd was very young she had a lot of behavior issues and I was worried she would grow up to become an aggressive dog. He is absolutely gorgeous and has the sweetest disposition. Its good to note that a dogs neck is 3x more sensitive than a human neck, so we really do not need to use much pressure. Mickey is a 45 lb standard poodle and is 6 months old. And in the mean time the poor dog is confined to his home? We only introduced it after 31/2 mths at which point Ive learnt to read my dog and I have the knowledge how to manage him and descalate his triggers etc. It could take months or years, depending on your training. Every interaction made me terrified someone would try to get our dogs kicked out of the neighborhood, especially since staffies are technically dangerous. Is the prong collar training my dog not to pull and then when he no longer pulls then well no longer need to use the collar? With the prong collar, weve been able to quickly train him not to pull on our walks. Ali Smith is the Positive Puppy Expert, dog trainer and is the founder of Rebarkable. But I dont want to be cruel, OR injure him. I saw a short article on a dog training Facebook page, about prong collars. Reading this article and the comments made me realize I have to get over what people might think. We could tell it was simply because their want to chase after whatever they saw was stronger than their want for treats. If youre going to miss something, would you rather that your dog misunderstood a reward, or a punishment? Prong/Choke = obedience training, Harness = tracking work, flat collar = protection work. We rescued a 4 month old 50 lb Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix 5 months ago. Susan, thank you for sharing your story and I have a feeling this is going to change you and your dogs lives for the better! Train with your brain, not with You are truly saving lives. I have walked him w/ the prong collar here at home several times since our session and he is not pulling or lunging. After our outing I realized how overwhelmed he still gets with new scents and experiences. But I just wonder if I will ever experience joy in our walks. Psychology Today 2023 Sussex Publishers, LLC. Thank you for saving a dogs life! Old Medication, New Use: Can Prazosin Curb Drinking? The pain and discomfort of of a prong collar isnt going to beat out the bad behavior. Like I said, he is very well behaved, until he is not. She is a pretty assertive dog, gets plenty of outdoor time and exercise, and still she is totally happy and excited when we pick up her collar to announce a walk. With the collar we walked last night and twice today hes a totally different dog .A real gentlepup. And she did it using a prong collar. Our bet recommends it for our lab puppy. I recommend the 3.0 mm size for most medium to large dogs. I swapped over to a prong collar, and got him to behave, and pull and run after other dogs less, but it doesnt stick when I put him on another collar. Period. I have a 150lbs St Bernard mix, I cant walk her she is stronger then me. And never crate the dog with it on. I have used one with a boxer, a half rottweiler/half lab, and a half boston terrier/half lab. However, loose leash walking has literally been impossible. Pulls a lot, lunges after wild rabbits and some other dogs etc. There is no negative association for the dogs, and weve even been lucky and not have any people give us looks or comments on their collars either. New Zealand, Austria, Australia, Switzerland, the Canadian Province of Quebec, and many others have made prong collars (and in many cases choke and shock collars) illegal. 12. Lindsay Lowe, "5 Ways Collars Can Harm Your Dog". P.s. I asked the vet if she could give me some gentle tranquillisers to use on such occasions, just to calm her down, but the vet was very reluctant to do this. Animal activists have been attempting to issue a Europe-wide ban on their sale and use, while no movement on a ban has been created in the I trust my trainer completely but every single person in my life is telling me my specific dog does not need the prong collar. Also, we wear a 2 wide flat collar on our Dobe with the prong so that the prong stays high on his neck where it belongs. I trained my German Shepard/Siberian Husky mix using a pinch collar, got tips on training from a gal who trained duck hunting dogs, she taught me hand signals and all. Came to me weighing 43lbs, greatly malnourished (the rescue had fixed all the medical issues and had to adopt him out, so not complaining) since then, he is well nourished at 68 lbs.still pulls like a fiend sometimes. After class the instructor told me that she would bring a collar to the next class that should help with him and asked that I come a little early so she could show me how to use it. Yes. Decided to use the old prong collar on a walk to the post office with Bow today ???? Right now. The warning said that they should be banned and included a photo of a dog with several lacerations on its neck, allegedly caused by a He was really a wonderful dog that I wouldnt have enjoyed with out that collar. I spend more than 40 hours a week writing, researching and helping dog owners, I can not do it for free and still feed my family. Kodi will be 2 yrs old in September this year, originates from a rescue center and has been with me from 4 months of age. P.S. Our dog seems calmer and more self-controlled and pays more attention than all the treats and tugs and words were able to do. My Australian Shepperd is very very active and extremely loveable and he pulls like a German Shepperd. Look into Ed Frawley with Leerburg-has many articles, videos, and you can ask his wife Cindy questions, she is a trainer too. He was also extremely leash reactive and aggressive towards other dogs in general. Its structured like a martingale collar, where the bulk of the collar is tightened by a cinching chain which attaches to your leash.
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