Prong Collars?

[Jodi and Stella]

I have been using a standard "choke chain" for leash training with Stella. It really has helped with teaching her to heel. The problem is, it is breaking her hair off all around her neck. I put it on the correct way so that it goes slack if no tension is on it and she only wears it for leash training. Has anyone had any experience with the prong collars? I wonder if that would help. She is 6 months old and 28 pounds, is she too young to use one?

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I use the prong collars too with Fudge and Vern. This was recommended to me by my trainer. On a normal collar, Fudge pulls so hard that our entire walk is her gagging and coughing. I did ask my trainer if I could put a bandana between their neck and the collar and she said that was fine. Sometimes, their hair gets stuck and this is a good solution. I was worried about it in the beginning, but they do not seem to mind the collars and it has stopped the pulling. Also, if the collar is on correctly, it is loose, until you have to give a correction. Good luck.

[BG and Gavin]

I too use the Sprenger prong collar.  My trainer advised to buy a size down (e.g. medium instead of large) and get extra links to put in it to make it larger.  She says this further distributes the pressure.  Also get the Spenger, don't buy a cheap immitation - they are not as well made and the ends of the prongs tend to be jagged.  I did not get the stainless as for whatever reason my boy's fur is not prone to staining but many light dogs are.

[Adina P]

I have a prong I used at one point with Rosco and I bought the smallest size and bought probably 6 extra prongs.  I liked it quite a bit.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

We started using the prong collar on Gracie Doodle when she was about 2 1/2 months.  Our trainer put her in one and later as she grew she sold us a larger one and also extra sections to add to it if we needed it even larger.  Do not use the ones from Pet Smart or PetCo unless they are made by Sprenger.  There are lots of look a likes but the prongs are not smoothed out and rounded.  The Sprenger collars are made in Germany.  Here is the one we use!  I call it Gracie's halo because she is the perfect angel when she is wearing it!!!  Can't you contact your trainer and buy a larger one from them?

 

http://www.activedogs.com/hermsprengerstainlesssteelprongcollar.html

[Linda and Murphy]

Nancie, "Gracie's halo" Excellent description for Murphy, too!

[Dot, Maggie and KoKo]

I used a prong collar for both Rosie and Maggie, it was recommended by their trainer.  When my granddaughter saw it she was horrified that her Rosie was being tortured but the trainer had Michaela put the collar around her wrist and pull.  She then knew that it applied pressure and didn't hurt her puppy.  I think I will be getting another one for my newest little terror KoKo.

[Lesley, Wellington & Bingley]

 

A prong collar would really be a last resort for me - as would a choke chain.

 

I would not use a prong collar on a puppy. I use positive reinforcement methods to lead train - the clicker is brilliant and we both enjoy clicker sessions. Doodles are very quick to learn that walking nicely is rewarded - whatever collar they are wearing.

 

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I wouldn't use any corrective collar on a young pup. But by six months of age the prong collars were fine for us. They have made going for walks pleasurable for all.

[Donna M Lowry]

There are soooo many other options to pronged collars or choke collars that cause much less stress to the doodle.  Anything like this would push my dog into panic and defeat the intended purpose.

[Adina P]

They aren't a source of stress generally.  I've used both for a few years and my dogs jump for joy when their training collars come out...they know it means going out and enjoying the outdoors :)

[Linda and Murphy]

I agree. Murphy loved to see it come out.

[BG and Gavin]

I found that my dog pulling against a flat collar to be more concerning as it would cut his wind off - I was afraid he would crush his trachia.  Although the prong collar looks intimidating, I really find it otherwise.