How do I fit a prong collar to a dog? Is this a good collar (link inside)? How can I use a prong collar…?
correctly? If I buy one large collar, could I take off links to make it smaller if necessary?
I’m planning on using it to help train my dogs to heel. If you have experience with using prong collars, please answers!
Here is the one I’m planning on buying:
http://www.petco.com/product/8062/Petmate-by-Aspen-Pet-Mighty-Link-Chain-Light-Weight-Training-Collars.aspx
I should have added, if you do not agree with using prongs, do not answer because you will not be answering my question.
Also, I don’t see anything wrong with them. I find them perfectly humane IF used properly. That’s why I’m asking this question.
Ang
7 Jul, 2010
You can remove the links to make the collar smaller. We just recently got the one in the picture for our 2nd guy. The original one that we have actually has a clasp… so the collar fully opens up. I’m about ready to go buy another one like the original one that we have… it’s a lot easier (in my opinion) to use than the one that’s shown in the picture.
The prong collars with the clasp are referred to as "quick release"
Leerburg (like loki says) has a good site on showing how to fit a prong collar and how to remove the prongs.
Megan
7 Jul, 2010
no, you can’t change the length, but i don’t recommend using one.
you should get this, http://www.petco.com/product/8197/Premier-Pet-Products-Gentle-Leader-Headcollars.aspx
it doesn’t hurt their neck it just makes pulling uncomfortable.
LifeHappens
7 Jul, 2010
I am just starting to use the prong collar as my Amstaff has gone back to her pulling ways.
I measured her neck then bought a collar as close to that as possible but I still had to remove a link.I have the one you have pictured.
Good luck.
Mutt ™
7 Jul, 2010
You want the collar to fit, not loose and not too tight either, around the top of the neck. I have used a collar similar to that one and you can take off links to ensure a good fit.
~♥Stephanie Loves Sam♥~
7 Jul, 2010
when properly used prong collars can be a great training tool. i suggest you consult a trainer and ask them to show you how to use it so you dont end up hurting the dog. visual learning, in this case is a lot better than following written instructions.
Schnoodle_Mom88
7 Jul, 2010
Prong collars are to be fitted high on the neck, just under the chin/ears. You want it to be snug enough that it doesn’t move around on the neck – larger collars are adjustable, you do remove the links.
Using one is simple – you just hold the leash and the collar will correct the dog! When the dog pulls, it will feel a pinching sensation and they usually stop. It helps with heel, lunging, and similar training techniques.
I use one on my dog and she’s pretty much corrected herself when it comes to lunging – i use the Prong for walks and training, though she will do well on a regular collar now. You never leave the Prong collar on, it comes off after the walk or training session.
http://www.8pawsup.com/articles/training/prongcollars.html
Add – Megan, the Gentle Leader is actually a bit more dangerous for the dog. A puller can strain their necks bad by resisting and a lunger, well, if your dog lunged forward and their heads were jerked to the side it would HURT.
Add to that most dogs don’t like them and WILL fight it. I used one for a while and i found it made my dog WORSE around distractions because it made her frantic to control her head and where it went.
Add – Dog Trainer, i agree that obedience training is needed and should be used alongside of any training tool. However some dogs do NOT respond to positive reward techniques OR training the way you describe it.
My dog will ignore the treats and commands no matter what i do – she’ll even go so far as to spit them out in favor of going absolutely nuts over a bird/squirrel/dog/human. I put the Prong on her and, with a clicker and a bunch of treats to reward the good behavior (IE her looking at me, ignoring other things, etc), within a week she’s ignoring the birds and dogs.
Choke and slip collars have been known to injure dogs more than Prong collars. Because they don’t STOP cinching on the neck, strangulation is possible if the dog continues to pull (because it cinches and closes on the neck, it’s impossible to do a correction and totally possible for the dog to injure the trachea.)
Because the chain is so thin, as opposed to spread out like on a regular collar or Prong, it can actually cause pressure damage to the trachea as well.
http://petcaretips.net/all-about-dog-collars.html
The only time the prongs pierce the skin is when the collar is used incorrectly. Used correctly it PINCHES lightly, just enough to get the dogs attention – the ends are generally rounded, not sharp. They do NOT normally pierce the dog’s skin – it takes a lot of force to do that, and a lot of force means incorrect use.
zinger
7 Jul, 2010
Take your dog with you to the petstore and ask the TRAINER for assistance in length and in how correctly put in on… you can put them on wrong.
Yes you can remove links.
REad upon using because you do not use the same as other corrections… it is just a slight little tug… you are lettig the prongs correct the dog not the leash. Much safe than choke collar if used right.
I have had good results using the gentle leader for dog walking.
Loki Wolfchild (Want My Avatar!)
7 Jul, 2010
I don’t like the prong collars with the large links — in my experience, they are too hard to fit properly. Removing one link shortens the collar by an inch — I usually don’t need that much! Plus the thicker links are harder to squeeze when you add/remove them. I use the medium-link collars.
As for fitting, this is the best you can get without actually having someone experienced show you in person:
http://www.leerburg.com/fit-prong.htm
Roo
7 Jul, 2010
I don’t know about that specific prong collar but most prong collars are very adjustable, you just add or remove links as needed. Our trainer recommended it for our dog who was not doing well on her leash. She said it is much better for the dog than the chain/choke collar. The prong collar can not actually choke if adjusted to the correct size, just tightens to an uncomfortable point. She refused to move with the prong collar though, just laid down in protest. We couldn’t use the gentle leader on her as someone else suggested because her snout is too short and it wouldn’t stay on. I’ve heard it works very well though. We ended up just using a regular collar with practice, practice, practice and now she walks very well.
Jo
7 Jul, 2010
How old is the dog? What size is he/she? Why do you need this type of collar for ‘walking’….are their other issues that you’re encountering that have prevented walking successfully?
I’d like a little more info….
As for these collars – they can and do make great training tools when used properly, I would highly suggest a simple obedience class (available at most PetsMarts and PetCo stores) so that you’re trained properly in how to train your dog….see link:
http://www.petco.com/Content/Content.aspx?PC=dogtrainingclasses&Nav=131
Shirley
7 Jul, 2010
What breed is your dog? Why do you think you need one. Unless you have a real problem I wouldn’t use one. There are alot of much better training collars that will give you the same results.
Owned By *4* Pit Bulls
7 Jul, 2010
Yes you can take off links to make it smaller. It’s best to take your dog into the store with you so they can fit him or her for a prong collar. IMO, they work GREAT. I taught my first dog how to sit, jump, heel, and how to walk properly with a prong collar. With my other dogs, I used a more "natural" method. I would definately reccommend one though.
kitten_kat13
7 Jul, 2010
you can change the length, but i would never use a pronge collar on a dog. if your dog pulls to hard the collar may pierce its neck causing injury or pain. i would recommend getting a choke chain. the name sound bad but it really isn’t. it works just like a prong collar but it doesn’t have the pointy edges.heres a picture:http://www.petco.com/product/8013/Petmate-by-Aspen-Pet-Mighty-Link-Chain-Collars–Light-Weight.aspx.
Or you could get a mouth collar it keeps your dog from pulling by turning its head around when it trys to walk to far in front of you. Heres a picture of it:http://www.dog.com/item/halti-training-head-collar/?srccode=FR0401
Dog Trainer
7 Jul, 2010
I am a trainer and I never use prong collars! I use techniques that teach a dog not to pull instead of using a collar to correct it. I have seen too many pet parents still using a prong collar when the dog is an adult after training!
The "Gentle Leader" is designed to NOT harm the dog and if used correctly it can help a pet parent with a dog that is very strong or hyper be manageable while training.
A dog should be learning to sit every time their pet parent stops and the pet parent should be trained to stop every time their dog pulls or darts in front of them! Heel means your dog walks by your side and keeps a close watch on you, the pet parent, to see if you are slowing down, turning or stopping!
Bea C
7 Jul, 2010
I don’t like these collars as they tend to hurt the dog. I have trained my dog without these types of collars. And I think they should be taken off the market.