A prong collar is usually a great option when it comes to teaching a dog manners or avoiding negative behaviors. This type of collar differs from other collars in that here spikes are used instead of metal links. The dog will be able to feel his skin pinch when the collar is contracted.
This is a negative reinforcement that allows reaffirming the owner’s authority over the dog. Of course, this is not a permanent collar, and it is necessary to follow the following steps to use this collar correctly.
How Should You Place Prong Collar On Dog?
Once the owner decides to choose the best collar for his dog, some simple steps are to be taken.
1. Limited Time of Use
This collar is not designed to provide extended wear. A prong collar is simply a training accessory and should only be used for one-hour intervals. It should also not be used as a collar for casual outings or a walk.
Only during training sessions should this collar be used as prolonged use of time may cause damage to the dog’s neck. The skin on the neck could quickly become irritated or cause other damage. It is even a dangerous collar to use as a primary collar when walking.
It is necessary to remember that dogs learn by association, and in the long run, any animal could associate any collar with pain. This can produce certain negative behaviors. Many animals pull on their leashes when they see other animals or people. Rarely are these truly aggressive behaviors.
So any dog will associate other animals or people with the pain they feel with this collar. Many aggressive or shy behaviors can quickly arise. So overuse of this collar may make the situation worse.
2. Short Tugging
One of the situations to avoid is constant tugging by a dog when using a prong collar. Short sessions are performed to correct certain behaviors in the middle of a training session.
In these training sessions, firm but short tugs should be made. These tugs should be performed precisely when a dog responds to certain stimuli, such as other animals or people. In the early stages, more than one quick tug is required, and the dog should be released at this time.
This collar has been specifically designed to be able to mimic the bites of other dogs. When a member of the pack bites on another dog’s neck, it means that he is using his authority to correct the other dog’s behavior.
This is why a short, firm tug is required, as a constant tugging will not resemble a dog bite. What is achieved with constant affection is simply a negative sensation that could become permanent. Applying short tugs will prevent a dog from associating pain with walks.
3. Avoid Prong Collars on Any Puppy
Any prong collar is specifically designed to be used on adult dogs. So this type of collar should never be used when dealing with a puppy. Puppies are not fully developed, and these collars could cause significant damage to their necks.
Even a prong collar is often one of the last resorts when someone tries to modify their dog’s behavior. Puppies can be easily frightened by these types of collars, and it could also hinder their learning from walking on a walk. At least it is necessary to wait until puppies reach six months of age.
Once all resources have been exhausted, this collar can be used as part of training to modify a dog’s behaviors. Once the training is completed, the prong collar should be removed immediately, and a regular collar or harness should be used.
Are Prong Collars Bad?
Spiked collars are not usually harmful if they are used in the right way. These collars are specifically designed to be used for short periods and as a last resort. Using this collar for short periods will prevent the dog’s skin from becoming irritated and damaged.
It should also be taken into consideration that dogs’ skin in the neck area is much thinner than humans’. So this increases the likelihood that dogs will suffer some damage with these collars.
These collars can also cause damage if a dog wears them most of the time. When dealing with a dog that is too stubborn and has behavioral problems, the prong collar is usually a solid option to modify its behavior.
Things to Consider Before Using Prong Collar On Dog
Some considerations must be taken into account to use a prong collar on a dog correctly. One of the most important aspects is the fit of this collar. Correct fit can prevent apparent injury or irritation to the dog’s neck.
For this purpose, it is necessary to place the collar just behind the ears. This means that the collar should be placed precisely at the top of the dog’s neck. Additionally, it is essential to remove the additional links from the collar. In this way, the collar can be correctly adjusted to the dog’s neck instead of drooping.
When the dog’s collar sits too low, damage and pinching can occur in the neck area. This causes damage and discomfort to the dog and prevents efficient training of the dog’s behavior.
Conclusion:
A prong collar is an excellent resource when it comes to modifying a dog’s behavior. However, it is also the last resort to use, as it could quickly produce many years for any dog.
With efficient training and an experienced trainer, your dog will be able to change and modify its behavior. A professional should always be considered for using this type of collar. A novice or inexperienced user could hurt your dog without proper care. Efficient training also means preventing specific health problems for your dog.
