Prong (pinch) collar

[Odri]

Just to let you folks know, today Ajax (6 mos.) got his very first prong collar on the advice of both his trainer and another trainer we meet in the park. What a difference! I wouldn't recommend them for everybody or every dog, but it was like a miracle for us.
Last week at dog class, he was diagnosed as "touch insensitive". The reason why was...the trainer was introducing correction to the class. She asked for a demonstration dog from anyone brave enough to volunteer, and we volunteered Ajax. He knows how to sit, but didn't (which was the point), and the trainer corrected him. Problem was, he didn't notice that he had been corrected

That's why we've had pulling problems too, he'll choke himself on a regular training collar to get to people that he sees. I got the prong this morning, and we used it on his afternoon walk. The difference was just amazing. And I expected him to be really upset by it, but he wasn't at all.
BTW, the trainer also watched him and said he was good-natured with no aggression and then watched him playing with the other dogs at the end of class and said he didn't show as either dominant or submissive.
Audrey
P.S. Because I still felt a little strange about the cruel look of the prong, after Ajax's first foray with the prong collar, I put the collar around my own thigh, and gave it a healthy yank--just to see.

It didn't exactly feel like a soothing massage, but it didn't hurt, either.

 

[robandrobin]

I don't think you should feel bad at all. We had to do the same thing with Bryce right about the same age. It's far better than having him choke himself and start to get the idea he can be naughty!
Plus, he was always very good at NOT jumping on people. Then suddenly, at about 6 months, he started this behavior. He's 8 months now going on 9 months, and everything is great so far. We've been using the pinch collar. Now when he's back into being good, and everything seems to be going fine again, we'll switch back to the other collar. But for now, we use a pinch. He rarely puts any pressure on it at all. and it doesn't get tangled in his hair!
Robin

 

[Elizabeth]

The prong is not designed to "yank". Please don't yank a prong collar.

Elizabeth

 

[Kodiak]

If fitted and used properly, a prong collar will not injure them. Kodi and Riley wear the rolled leather collars in the house and the prong collars off the property! It's much easier to control a newf with "power steering"!

 

[robandrobin]

I agree. The only time we use it is out and about. All other times we just use his usual collar. But, we don't want anything to happen in public and us not have control. That by far being more dangerous than a prong collar.
We were very adverse to it at first because they look so frightening. But used correctly and fitted right, we have found it is to our advantage and we probably won't have to use it forever!!

Elizabeth I agree about yanking, but I believe that yanking is out for any type of collar. There is not reason to yank.
Robin

 

[BluwaterNewfs]

THe most important things about a prong collar are
1) Don't drag or pull the dog.

2) the corrections is a quick, well time jerk and release.

3) Do not leave it on the dog when not using it a leash.

I have have been using them for 10 years on my newfs. Never had a problem with them. I do all my training with a prong collar but I always have a slip collar too and while training I switch back and forth as they understand the training excerise becasue they wear a prong in the ring.

WE also use a prong on each dog when we walk them especially when walking the boys together.

 

[rdeering]

what exactly is the prong or pinch collar and where would you get one.... Micah is going through a somewhat periodic unruly stage so it sounds like this would help.

 

[Kodiak]

Usually the pet stores or pet chains have the prong training collars. I believe you measure the neck and add 3" to get the right size. They also sell extra links (2 or 3 in a package).

 

[dogger]

We have been using a proned collar on Boagie for 7 weeks. it is amazint the difference. once she has it on she knows it is time to heal walk nice and pay attention.
it is like using spurs on my horse. If I dont have them on she is like riding a log but as soon as i put them on i dont even need to bump her. she knows it is time to start working to the bit and move forward.
There have been times i have been walking Boagie and she smelled something or saw something and wanted to go after it. but as soon as her own weight applies the resistance she calms down and the chase is over before it bagan. It is just a safer collar to use on a dog that wieghs 130lbs.

 

[Odri]

Elizabeth, sorry, poor choice of words. I did not mean to imply that I yank Ajax around on a prong collar. I don't. I chose that word in order to convey that the -jerk- I gave to my own leg was not an insubstantial one.
But I agree about the yanking. In fact, that is why we switched. The regular choke was becoming inhumane since he did not *notice* corrections and consequently would pull to where I became very worried about his trachea.
Audrey

Ron & Karen, it's a mean looking (but not feeling) collar consisting of links of metal tines (no, they are not sharp) that pinch the skin of the dog's neck when you jerk and release. I got mine at the local pet supply store.

 

[janices]

I guess I'm a little surprised at all these trainers recommending prongs on puppies and people using prong collars on puppies. Most I ever use on a puppy is a buckle or promise collar. JMO, no need to. I came from the old training philososphy and changed to very positive methods. Most of the trainers I know, including me, work very positive training, hence we don't recommend or use prongs. BTW, I'm a clicker trainer.

 

[Annie Milliron]

In our puppy class, we do not recommend anything but a buckle collar, because improper use of a choke or prong collar could damage throats, that are still developing.

That said, we do use a prong collar on Kira when necessary. This is usually in public... and it has fantastic results. Kira is happier with it as well.

The most important thing about prong collars, is that people must be trained properly on how to use them! Improper use can do damage.

 

[Snow Angel]

Brenda I love the way you put it as power steering!!!I resorted to the prong collar only because I couldn't face the humiliation and danger of not being able to control my dog.As an owner of only small dogs and now this giant breed I had always taken the view that the owner should have absolute control.(or don't have one)Hmm what an eye opener.

Pervy corrects himself rather than me tugging.

 

[dbradley]

I have always said that I didn't want a prong but I think I may just get one. Moya is 88 pounds now and it's getting harder and harder to hold her back when she wants to greet someone (and believe me she has to greet everyone!). Also I still haven't gotten her into a training class. She is actually very well behaved but I don't want to deal with the pulling. Part of the reason I didn't want one is I wanted ot do training first to try not to have to use one.

 

[Marthas Vineyard Newfie]

Janice and Annie.. I'am with you...NO PRONG COLLARS

 

[Angela]

Originally posted by Marthas Vineyard Newfie:
Janice and Annie.. I'am with you...NO PRONG COLLARS

If used properly prong collars are NO danger to the dog.
My first Newf didn't get to school til he was an out of control 9 mth old (I was a newbie to giant breeds). The school insisted on a choke collar, he broke THREE in his exuberance to get into classes. He never had fur around the side of his neck because he pulled so much.
He was very good at obedience after a while and one day we learnt about prong collars and started using them.
When he was about 4 yrs he had to have anesthetic for something. The vet told us he had Paralysed Larynx. This was probably due to all the choking in his early years with the choke chain.
He died one night at 8 yrs, he vomited and aspirated and chocked. It wasn't a pleasant time.
That is why I would never use a choke again on a large unruly dog.

This story is in memory of
Can OTCH Finnigans Augustus John (Gus) Am. CDX, Can DD. NCA WD

Just my 2 bits worth.

 

[Elizabeth]

Originally posted by Marthas Vineyard Newfie:
Janice and Annie.. I'am with you...NO PRONG COLLARS

Sorry Laurene,
A choke collar can do much more damage than a prong. I would not use a prong on a puppy either, I see no point. Buckle collar is fine.
Puppies need training, not a prong.
That said, when Gracie got older I did use a prong for training. She no longer needs it and I use a nylon choke when walking.

Elizabeth

 

[Marthas Vineyard Newfie]

Elizabeth..... I do not beleive in CHOKE COLLARS OR PRONG COLLARS.... I don't know what your reading, but its not anything I said..

 

[ROM Newf]

Laurene,
I don't know why you are biting Elizabeth's head off saying you didn't post something. You did post that you didn't like prong collars. You made no mention of hating choke collars.

There are times that a prong or choke collar may be needed. In the conformation and obedience rings choke collars are standard "attire" for the dogs. We have a large male that pulls and then gags when on a choke. I'm not a large person and he outweighs me by a good 30 pounds. I have control when he's wearing the prong collar. I don't like to see puppies on prong collars and most puppies don't need them. If you don't like them, that's ok for you. Personally, I hate the halti and gentle leaders.
From a research point of view, vets see fewer neck/throat injuries from prong collars than choke collars. Many vets are also claiming that they are seeing more spine and neck injuries from the gentle leaders and halti-collars.

 

[dbradley]

I did it. I bought a prong collar. Today at the dog park it was icey and I had my daughter on my shoulders and my husband had my son in the back pack. We both had a hard time with Moya pulling.

Any tips or advice on what I should and shouldn't do before I try it?