The pinch/prong collar is NOT
for every dog and/ or every owner/trainer. Use
the minimum collar to get the response you want
from your dog. Be it bungee, cord, slip, strap
or prong. You should be able to get the response
you want from your dog if you are using the
right tools and techniques. You should be able
to control and work with your dog without
constantly 'reminding' him what to do... (nag
nag nag nag, jerk jerk jerk pull) Nagging a dog
on any collar does nothing to train your dog.
If you are nagging then
the dog is IGNORING your corrections! All you
are doing is effectively training the dog to
ignore you. (this goes hand-in-hand with nagging
'sit-sit-sit-sit-SIT!') We all remember what
nagging does to us. Most of us tune out, ignore
or fight back against nagging. Dogs are much the
same in this regard.
The prong collar is made of interlocking
links, each with two blunt prongs that pinch the
dog's skin when the collar is tightened. Unlike
the chain slip collar, it puts even pressure
around the neck by pinching the skin in a band
about a half inch wide. No pressure is put
directly on the trachea with the prong collar.
The prong collar may look intimidating or as if
it could be a favorite of Torquemada and the
Spanish Inquisition. It isn’t. In point of fact
it is less likely to cause injury to the animal
than a slip/choke or strap collar. However the
prong collar is different and requires that you
learn a slightly different approach to handling
your dog.
There a two basic types of prong collars. The
standard prong collar and the quick release. I
don’t recommend the quick release type for
large, strong, or intractable dogs as the
typical quick release point is a very weak point
in these collars. As well don’t choose a prong
collar that does not have a swivel attachment
ring. Variations of these two do exist.
In selecting a prong collar choose the
correct collar for your dog. Collars with
“large” prongs should be used on large dogs
(over 70 pounds), have long hair, or have thick
skin. “Micro” collars are available for small
high intensity dogs, Jack Russell Terriers and
Toy Poodles immediately come to mind.
The fit of the collar is of primary
importance. The length/diameter of the prong
collar is adjustable, remove links to shorten
the collar and add links to increase the length
of the collar. Fit should be such that you can
slip one adult finger width under the prong. It
should be snug, but not tight, midpoint high on
the neck.
NEVER EVER slide a prong collar over your
dogs head. One eyed or blind dogs lose a lot in
their quality of life. I caution letting any dog
run free wearing a prong (or slip collar) unless
under close supervision. While the prong collar
is less likely to choke your dog if it hangs up
on obstacles; ie brush, sticks, fencing; the
action of the prong collar will deter your dog
from pulling itself free. I have seen a dog in a
slip collar jump through brush , a branch got
stuck in the ring effectively hanging the dog.
Don’t use the prong collar with a strap
collar in place, it can easily interfere with
the proper function of the prong collar. Place
the prong collar around the dogs neck, switch
the lead from the strap collar to the prong
collar, remove the strap collar and put the
strap collar in your pocket or pack. If you wish
a safety in case of the prong collar failing,
thread a nylon slip collar through the links of
the prong collar and attach it to the same lead.
