Planning to use a prong collar? But not sure how to use a prong collar? Here’s everything you need to know. A prong collar is used to train dogs’ leash manners. Prong collars vary from choke collars as they use prongs instead of metal links, so when the collar contracts, your dog’s loose skin around a dog’s neck is pinched in the process. Prong collars are designed to offer negative reinforcement when a dog pulls by imitating pack behaviors used to assert authority, such as gentle biting or nipping of the neck. Such collars aren’t meant as permanent walking collars and need to be used under the supervision of a trainer to be efficient.
How and When to Use a Prong Collar
Use the prong collars only during training sessions. Prong collars should only be used an hour at a time and is not meant for long term use. Using them for more extended periods could irritate your dog’s neck. Prong collars are not to be used on casual walks or outings. Please do not use it as your dog’s primary collar.
Use short and firm tugs when your dog pulls or jumps in response to stimuli and to correct behavior. Then, release the pressure applied. Your dog should let up when he senses the pull, and it’s unlikely you’ll need much more than a short tug. A dog should never be allowed to tug on a prong collar freely. Prong collars are dedicatedly used during training sessions only to correct behaviors briefly.
Prong collar simulates other dogs biting. A slight nip on the back of the neck implies a dog has stepped out of line and needs to behave. Pulling or putting constant pressure on a dog’s neck does not affect your dog’s biting effect but instead causes a constant negative sensation. Pet owners merely do not prefer their dogs to associate walks with pain.
Remove the prong collar when you’re not controlling your dog. Prong collars aren’t meant to stay on a dog’s neck like regular collars. If a dog pulls too hard, it can choke and pass out. Prong collars can even be deadly if you leave them on without supervising your dog.
Unlike a conventional collar, prong collars do not contain identifying information or tags. They’re only used to train a dog and serve no other purpose.
Should I use my prong collar as my primary walking collar?
No, it might be dangerous to use a prong collar as your primary walking collar. Dogs learn by association. If your dog learns to combine pain with pulling in the long term, he will also learn to combine negativity with circumstances that cause him to pull. Most friendly dogs pull seeing other people and animals. Using a prong collar on every walk could make your dog learn to associate people and animals with pain. With time, your dog becomes fearful and even aggressive in the presence of others and might even begin grumbling and biting.
Should I use a prong collar on my puppy?
Never use a prong collar for a puppy, as they are designed for larger untrained dogs to teach leash manners. They are usually the last option for dogs whose pulling problems are not fixed through other means. As puppies are new to walking, you should not start with the most intense level of training collar, which will only scare your puppy. Do not prefer prong collars for your dogs as they are not safe until 5 or 6 months of age and, even then. They are not recommended for dogs unless other training methods have been exhausted.
