Dog Prong Collars: Humane Training Option or Medieval Torture Device?

Because of their appearance dog prong collars are very often controversial and misunderstood training devices. This is definitely one of those cases where looks are deceiving.

Prong collars are made of interlocking chain links with blunt metal prongs that protrude in toward the dog’s neck. Although dog prong collars look quite severe they’re much safer than unlimited choke chains.

When a prong collar is tightened the prongs make contact with the dog’s neck. The force exerted as the collar tightens is dispersed evenly around the dog’s neck.

Whereas, a jerk on a choke chain can actually damage a dog’s neck because most of the force is directed at the sensitive throat area. A choke chain can easily cause neck strain and damage a dog’s windpipe.

Even though a prong collar may look like a medieval torture device it’s actually a very humane training device. For some dogs a prong collar can make the difference between training success and failure.

Is a Dog Prong Collar the Right Choice For Your Pooch?

Wouldn’t it be great if all dogs could be trained easily with a simple buckle collar? But unfortunately that’s just not the case. And that's why there are different varieties of dog training collars.

There are many differences between dogs, just as there are many differences between dog handlers. So it makes perfect sense that training methods will also very greatly.

Not sure if dog training collars are right for your dog? Get expert help from our recommended professional dog trainers.

Many dog owners will never be able to train their dogs using an ordinary buckle collar. This is true even with the help of doggie obedience school. But this doesn’t mean the dog is a lost cause. It just means that you just haven’t found a training method that works for both you and your dog yet.

If you’re effectively communicating with your pooch and she isn’t responding to your commands and corrections it's time to try another method.

If your dog isn’t “hearing” you because she’s easily distracted you need a stronger way to get her attention. Or if she’s hearing you but choosing not to obey your commands you definitely need a stronger method of communication.

Stronger training methods don’t mean the use of brut force. Certain dogs will respond to the slightest tug on a properly fitted dog prong collar. Others will need a little more persuasion.

An essential part of communicating with your dog is being able to sufficiently motivate her so that she quickly responds to your commands. And a dog prong collar is a mechanical training device that can help you do just that.

Dog Prong Collars: Effective And Safe Ways To Train Your Dog

Before using a dog prong collar there are some things you need to know.

First, you should start by learning a little about how to responsibly use dog training collars. Second, It would also help to understand how dogs learn as well as their responses to rewards and punishment. And finally, the importance of developing a clear-cut and immediate communication method is essential.

A dog prong collar, or any other training collar, used properly can be a very effective and safe way to train your dog. As with any training aid start with the lowest level of correction and work up from there.

By spending the necessary time it takes to properly train your dog you’ll actually be improving your dog’s quality of life.

We all know that a well behaved dog is more likely to enjoy family gatherings and outings instead of being locked away in the basement, a crate, or left home alone. And worse yet a seemingly un-trainable dog is likely to be given up as an unsuitable family pet.

Don’t let this happen to your dog. If your dog isn’t responding to training and you’re sure that your communication method is sound try using a dog prong collar.

If you need some hands-on help with dog prong collars look for a local dog trainer that can instruct you in how to safely use a dog training collar.

Each dog is different… just like kids. A method that worked like a charm on one dog may be wasted on another dog. But this doesn’t mean the dog is bad or un-trainable. It probably means the method that you’re applying is not a good match for your pooch.