Prong training collar

[Erin]

Hi everyone! Just wondering if anyone has thoughts on the prong training collar? We have jumping issues and sometimes walking issues with our almost 7 month old doodle. We have the easy walk harness and it will work, but when she sees a dog or someone walking, she pulls and jumps up. Any advice? We are starting training classes on the 7th, so hoping to see how that goes before we go to the prongs... I really don’t want to go to the prongs, but she is not obedient when I walk her.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I would wait until you start classes before deciding on any type of collar. The instructor may have preferences/recommendations for equipment and methods of training. 

No puppy is "obedient", on leash or otherwise, until they are trained, lol. That's why you go to classes, to learn how to train them to be obedient, and it's an ongoing process. 

[Richard Crowe]

I have two comments:

1.

A harness with attachment rings at the dog's chest and on the dog's back, used with a Euro Lead is a very effective way to check a dog;s rushing and jumping.  The Euro Lead has snaps at each end. One snap is attached to the D-ring at the chest and the other is attached to the D-ring at the back.  At a rescue dog training seminar, I have seen a very aggressive large pit bull who was pulling it's handler all over the place become almost docile with the two point lead.

2.

If you do opt for a prong collar, be aware that there are different quality prong collars available.  The big difference between the cheap prong collars (which are usually made in China) and the better quality prong collars (the ones that I have seen were made in Germany) is that the cheap prongs are sharp while the better built prongs have rounded points. Obviously the rounded edges will potentially cause less harm to the dog wearing it.

As an experiment with a dog trainer, I had a prong collar around my neck and it was not at all painful.  The trainer stated that the prong collar causes less trauma to a dog than does a chain choker collar because the dog will not pull hard against a prong collar.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree with Karen and Richard. That said, both mydoodles wear prong collars having started then on the advice of my trainer. I feel they protect me from sudden surges by two dogs with a combined weight of almost 120 pounds, e.g. if a deer or other animal suddenly appears. My collars were made by Leashes By Design so they are easy on and off for me. They are Herm Sprenger collars. http://www.leashesbydesign.com/ The dogs and I love them. I have written about them on DK.

[Lynda Kamrath]

We think they are great - especially for training your dog to be a good companion on a walk.

[Brian Hull]

We use one on our 7 month old Labradoodle.  If used correctly they work awesome - some people use them for the wrong reason.  It has helped Gibson to stop jumping on guests when they come over.  

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Both my dogs wear prong collars when I walk them. Like F, I am walking almost 170 pounds of dog (I have two) and my Vern is incredibly strong. If I use a flat collar on Fudge, she gags and chokes herself, but with the prong collar, we have no problems. I was blessed with two dogs who have very high prey drives (insert sarcastic snort...LOL) and we need them for our walks. My dogs line up for me to put them on and are not at all bothered by them. Like Karen said, maybe wait until your first class to see what is recommended, but we have no issues with prong collars when used properly.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I use prong collars for two of my doodles.  These two are masters at slipping out of a collar (perhaps a skill they learned when living in another home).  I can't take the chance that they would slip out if they got scared or saw a squirrel, so that is what we use.  I use one that is sewed into a cloth martingale collar so the prong collar can't accidentally come apart. They are made by Lola Limited. Mine also have a quick release so they are easy on and off.

[Amy and Annabelle]

We did the prong collar with Annabelle with a trainer. That was the way he trained. I was worried at first that it would hurt her. It seemed to work and not hurt too much. I only use it for training and not as her regular collar. We still train 2-3 times a week and most of the time I never have to use it on her. 

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I use a prong collar on Tigger and a gentle leader on Roo.  Roo is my jumper upper and the gentle leader works well for that.  Roo hates it, but is resigned to it for the most part.  Tigger has never been a jumper but is a fierce puller if he catches a smell or sees a deer, etc.

Let your trainer guide you.

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

How are your classes going?  I signed Elli up for classes.  Elli is my Craigslist girl who came to live with us 3 years ago...she will be 9 soon.  Our first class went over collars, prongs included.  I prefer prongs myself.  The prong needs to fit the dogs neck.  Instructor taught us how to use them when we need to settle the dog, in the case of lunging at another dog, jumping up on people, growling and barking.  We had a great first class.  Altho I have had my other girl Skadi in many many many...(did I say many LOL ) classes, I have never taken Elli to a group class.   I have had her get private lessons & training, but this was a great opportunity for her to learn to be around dogs she didn't know.  She goes to doggie daycare twice a week, but when she sees a dog on the street, she wants to go after them.  I am looking forward to our next class.  Only 4 dogs altogether, but even tho only 4, it was chaotic at first.  Amazing how the trainer can get those dogs to pay attention and stop bad behaviors so quickly.