Prong collars are training tools that are used to enforce a dog’s “heel” command. Unfortunately, they have a bad rap due to their intimidating appearance. It is important to remember, however, not to judge a book by its cover. Prong collars can be incredibly useful tools when used properly. Read on to learn more about this tool.
Will It Hurt Your Dog?
Despite their appearance, prong collars are not intended to cause pain. They are designed to rest on the dog’s neck and apply pressure only when they pull on the leash. Flat collars can cause damage to the trachea when a dog pulls on the leash. This can cause serious, long-term health issues. The prong collar was designed by a veterinarian specifically as a safe alternative to prevent dogs from developing these issues that flat collars cause.
Did I Buy The Right Size?
One common misconception is that the size of the prong should correlate to the size of the dog. This is absolutely not the case, and can cause issues with use. The size of the prong should correlate with how thick the dog’s fur is. Larger prongs are able to reach through thick fur and apply pressure more directly to the dog’s neck. An expert on animal behavior advice San Diego CA will usually be able to help you determine how tight the collar needs to be.
What Do I Do Now?
A behaviorist may be able to walk you through the process of training your dog with a prong collar. In short, the process involves getting your dog used to the collar, and then teaching them where you want them to walk by holding the leash at a consistent length by your side until they learn that straying causes discomfort.
Prong collars are not for every dog, and it is important to know that there may be other tools better suited to your pup. However, prong collars are not nearly the scary torture devices that the media makes them out to be, and they should not be left out of consideration when training a dog.