No, Your Giant Breed Does Not Need a Prong Collar
Nothing hurts my heart more than to see a dog wearing a prong collar. I often wonder why the individual is using a prong collar on his/her dog. Oftentimes, it’s simply a lack of knowledge or misinformation.
Prong collars are used far too frequently, especially when it comes to giant breeds. So many people believe that prong collars are the only way to control such a large dog. I am able to walk Mauja and Atka (who easily outweigh me) by myself without the use of prong collars, choke collars, or any other aversive. If I can do it, anyone can do it.
What Are Prong Collars?
A prong collar is a device that has fang-shaped, metal prongs and is worn around the dog’s neck – much like a regular, flat collar. When the dog pulls, the prong collar creates a pinching sensation that causes the dog pain and discomfort.
Prong collars are a form of positive punishment. Don’t let the word “positive” confuse you. Positive punishment means that a negative consequence occurs after an undesired behavior. You are adding (hence the positive) a consequence to prevent a future behavior. Another example of positive punishment would be receiving a speeding ticket after driving too fast on your way to work.
Prong collars can also be looked at as a form of negative reinforcement. For example, after the dog learns that pulling causes the collar to pinch, he stops pulling. The dog changes his behavior (pulling) to prevent an aversive stimulus (pinching).
Consequences of Prong Collars
Studies have shown over and over that pulling and jerking of the leash (on any form of collar) is extremely harmful to the dog’s neck and throat. Many dogs experience bruising on their neck and even eye damage. I see more puncture wounds in the dog’s neck than I care to say.
Physical damage aside, there are mental/emotional consequences of utilizing prong collars. Perhaps you’re struggling with your dog pulling toward other dogs while on a walk. Leash corrections don’t do anything to address the root cause of the issue. They do, however, increase behavioral issues such as fear and anxiety.
Our first dog, Kaeto, had horrible leash reactivity. We learned that in his prior home he had received leash corrections for over-excitedly pulling toward other dogs. He began to associate strange dogs with the pain of the correction which led him to fear other dogs. Seeing a dog meant pain. Not a good thing.
My Dog Doesn’t Act Like He’s In Pain
This is one of the most common arguments for proponents of prong collars. Just because a dog doesn’t show signs of pain or discomfort, doesn’t mean they aren’t actually experiencing it. Dogs typically have a high pain tolerance and won’t show pain most of the time. This is especially true for Great Pyrenees. The Great Pyrenees not only has a high pain tolerance but doesn’t let pain impact his job. It takes a very high-level of pain for a Great Pyrenees to react.
Another argument is that prong collars don’t cause pain if they are used properly. This is completely and utterly false. If they didn’t cause pain, they wouldn’t work. Going back to positive punishment and negative reinforcement, either the dog is receiving an unpleasant stimulus or the pain is removed after doing the “right thing”. Pain is involved either way.
My Dog Gets Excited When I Grab the Prong Collar
What does the prong collar mean to your dog? Does it means he gets to go for a walk or a car ride? Maybe he gets to go to the dog park. Your dog is associating these events with the prong collar. However, he’s not excited to experience pain while out on these adventures.
No, Your Giant Breed Does NOT Need a Prong Collar
When Atka was only 3 months old, we had him in a puppy kindergarten class to work on the basics and on his socialization. The class had an adorable Saint Bernard puppy who was about one month older than Atka. They were the two biggest pups in the class, so they always had a great time wrestling together.
The owner was having a really difficult time working on loose leash walking with her Saint puppy. He would drag her into the building happily pursuing the closest person for pets, thanking them with copious amounts of slobber. After a few weeks, the trainer pulled out a bucket of choke and prong collars and selected one for the puppy. The owner seemed hesitant, but ultimately she allowed the prong collar. He wore it every week after that.
When Atka graduated puppy kindergarten, we decided to sign him up for basic obedience at the same location. Nick and I weren’t completely fond of the trainers, but they had been letting us do our own thing (I was the only one using a clicker). Our options where we live are extremely limited, so we went with what we had.
When signing Atka up, the trainer asked if we had a prong collar and a leather leash. We didn’t, so she started to head to the bucket of pain to grab one for Atka. Mama bear in me picked up Atka and told her absolutely not – she was not putting that on my puppy. We were not allowed to sign up for the next level obedience class.
There seems to be this idea that the only way to control giant breeds is through force. According to so many, giant breeds are strong, tough dogs that need to be put in their place so they don’t take over. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t want to train a dog that could easily take me down through force and intimidation. I would much prefer to have a dog that trusts me unconditionally.
There Are Other Options
A few weeks ago, I ran into a couple with an adorable, 7-month old Great Pyrenees. He was stunning, but obviously still in his bouncy puppy phase (remember, giant breeds don’t mature until at least 3 years of age). I had to hide the horror on my face when I noticed the poor guy was wearing a massive prong collar.
Since I absolutely have to talk to anyone with a Great Pyrenees (we all know I’m obsessed), I approached them and we started chatting about their pup. They were in the collar aisle, so I asked if they had ever sought alternatives to the prong collar they were using. They said no because they were having great success with it. Their puppy was much more behaved in public. After discussing the dangers of prong collars and explaining their options, I was thrilled to see them leave with a Gentle Leader in hand.
No Pull Harness
No pull harnesses generally clip in front of the dog’s chest rather than on the back. When the dog pulls, the harness gently steers your dog to the side which allows for more attention to be directed toward you. There are many brands of no pull harnesses available, but we’ve had great success with this Easy Walk Harness with Mauja.
Gentle Leader
The Gentle Leader is my preferred tool for training loose leash walking. I’ve used it on Great Pyrenees, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, and several other giant breeds.
The Gentle Leader works much like a horse halter. When your dog pulls, the leader gently directs his head to the side. This allows you to steer your dog in the desired direction. While out on walks, Atka gets very excited when he sees other dogs. No treat is going to lure his snout around to look at me when he’s highly stimulated. The Gentle Leader allows me to get his focus and then reward him for walking calmly.
The absolute most important thing to remember about the Gentle Leader, or any other head halter, is to not just shove it on your dog and go. Unless your dog is muzzle trained, he is not used to having something around his snout (just like when you first put a collar on a puppy – they’re typically not happy!). The Gentle Leader comes with instructions to desensitize your dog to the sensation so he accepts it just like he would a regular collar. Do not skip this step. Proper training and desensitization are vital to your success.
Training: The Key To Success
Using the above-mentioned tools are great while training your dog to walk politely on a leash. However, it’s important not to allow them to become a crutch. You really have to understand why your dog is pulling so you can successfully train loose leash walking.
There are many tactics and techniques for training loose leash walking. Rather than describe them all, here’s a list of helpful articles:
- Using a Gentle Leader for Loose Leash Walking – It’s Dog or Nothing
- How To Train Loose Leash Walking – It’s Dog or Nothing
- Loose Leash Walking – Victoria Stilwell
- Is Your Dog Always Pulling on the Leash? – Chasing Dog Tales
- Leash Walking Techniques with Michelle Huntting – The Chesnut Mutts
For More Content
We’re teaming up with Fidose of Reality and Budget Earth to take a stand against the use of prong collars. Head over to their sites to see what they have to say!
Good post. I’ve seen prong collars on smaller dogs too.
A harness, gentle leader and even lead by your own definition are aversive that create pain. As you point out if they didn’t they wouldn’t work. You might be able successfully argue that your recommended harness and face collar correctly used are “gentler” than slip, choke, pinch and e collars but don’t kid yourself and mislead others into believing they aren’t aversive training tools.
When I brought my first Berner home in 1979 and enrolled her in training classes with our local dog training club, choke chain collars were required standard equipment. Fast forward to 20+ years ago and our local Humane Society began offering dog training classes – all based on positive reinforcement. Since that time my Berners have never worn anything but a flat collar and the training results have been amazing. It is a sad fact however that many of the dog owning public are not really dog savvy or training savvy. I think it would go a long way if pressure were put on PetSmart, Petco and other pet stores to stop selling choke chains, prong collars and shock collars. If you look at Pet Smart’s list of collar selections under “everything you need for your puppy – collars” – a pinch collar is prominently featured on the first page of the results. These collars certainly cannot be a big part of their business and focusing on the humane collars and harnesses would go a long way to promoting positive reinforcement based training methods.
Thank Dog that you shared this. There is such a stigma, and an incorrect one, that big breeds need pinch/proke/choke collars to be trained. You knocked this out of the ballpark and good for you! I am so glad we are getting the word out.
YES!!! My parents show and breed Mastiffs, and it’s so depressing to see the amount of prong collared dogs within the Mastiff circle. My parents don’t use adversities, and they have fine control over their dogs.
I almost think it’s more sad to see a prong collar on a small dog. :/
I’ve been struggling to understand the use of prong collars for a long time. I’ve never had a large dog, and while they sell XS prongs for tiny dogs (Ugh.) I’ve never needed one.
But I try not to judge people who use them – I can kind of understand why someone would use them if they have a large dog AND health problems or disabilities that would make pulling very dangerous for the human – but creating a reactive dog seems much more dangerous.
My feeling is, even though many trainers say they use them, and are able to prevent reactivity somehow – if there’s a better way, what’s the point of sticking to the metal stabby collar?
My wife is disabled and we have a Great Dane that is her trained service dog. She was in a work related accident and now her right hip and leg will go out while she is standing or walking with no warning. She has a hard time standing up from a sitting position. He helps her stand up from a sitting position and helps her walk or stand in place when this happens. He has gotten so good at his job that he can detect it a lot of times before she knows it’s about to happen. I trained him and never once used a choke, prong or shock collar. My experience is you start training a dog the day you bring it home. I use positive reinforcement and treat training methods. I also change leash lenghts while training. I start with a 6 ft, then move to a 9 ft and I finish with a 30 ft lead cable that I took off of a dog tie out stake at a garage sale. The key to using this method is teaching your dog to watch you more than any type of stimuli around him/ her. Once this happens the rest becomes much easier. A lot of people don’t take advantage of taking their puppy outside to potty, especially if they live in a house with a fenced yard. I own my own home and I would put my puppies on a leash EVERY TIME I took them potty. Every opportunity is a training opportunity and it’s part of being a responsible dog owner. We now have a second dog a Dane / Pit Bull mix and I trained him the same way. The only “Negative” thing I use is a sound similar to what you hear on the Price Is Right when they go over 1.00 on a spin. Anytime they do something I do not want them to I make that sound and then praise them quickly when they do the right thing. I could keep going on and on because I love working with my dogs, but I’ll end this now.
Love this! I have used the gentle leader for training and now use a no pull harness for walks. They work miracles! I will definitely share this with some friends with large breed dogs. Thank you!
Wonderful post! My human grandpa had a service dog and the company that he got her through used prong collars. She was a great and well trained dog, other then her I don’t know of anyone who uses these collars.
Thank you for offering alternatives to prong collars. I hate those things. I wish people would educate themselves and make better choices for their dogs.
Excellent post! NO dog should wear a prong collar, they have too much potential to damage the dog’s neck & throat area! I have a Husky and she pulled unbearably. I would never consider a prong or choke collar for my dogs. I tried the head halter but it didn’t work well for her. The no-pull harness however, worked like a dream! It took a bit of work getting used to it but we’ve been using it for 6 years with great success. I’ve used it on seriously strong pullers at the shelter too and it works great. I met a couple with a rescue Pit Bull once, the poor dog had a super heavy chain with a big lock around his neck. They said the rescue told them to use it to prevent him from pulling! What kind of “rescue” organization would advise such a thing?! I proceeded to educate them, trying to keep my horror in check. They clearly didn’t appreciate my advice to just go get a no-pull harness! It broke my heart & angered me at the same time. Thanks for writing this. Sharing.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Awesome post, Kelsie! I actually just added a link to it on today’s post where we mention the no pull harness and gentle leader!
I think a lot of owners who use prong collars have never considered what it is actually doing to their dog. Great job raising awareness on this issue!
What a perfectly written post. This will be one I will continue to share. I can’t believe how people and trainers say prongs or even shock collars are the way. We have a gentle leader and a no pull harness we use for different outings. Why wouldnt you want your pup enjoying their walk. Great job Kelsie perfectky said.
I do have a question big dog momma to another. My Saint is 6 and STILL pulls, manly when were on walks and I’m not walking fast enough to a tree he wants to mark…how did u transition from gentle leader/harness to just leash.
How about one Big Dog Dad to One Big Dog Momma? LoL
This is how I would approach the situation. As soon as he puts tension on the leash and begins to tug, I would come to a stop and this is where I would make my negative “the price is right you went over” sound. Once he is focused on me, I will not move until my dog allows slack back into the leash. Once there is slack I will take a step. If he tightens it again, I repeat the process. The key is if he allows slack that you continue as soon as there is slack and you stop as soon as there is tension and get his/her attention. If he never allows slack I make my sound and then we change directions and go away from where he wants to go. I’ve used this technique on many different breeds of dogs. I do all of my own training but I always look for ways to improve my methods.
Know better, do better. Thank you for teaching this important lesson.
What gets my ruffles in a uproar is when I see a small pup in a prong collar. Why do people think they need to put it on a baby? Excellent post.
I am a member of a Great Pyr Club and also a Pry owner. Last Spring we had a Club Picnic and they had 2 women that were canine law enforcement officers that were the guest speakers. They had with them one of their “officer dogs” and he was quite awe inspiring. They put on a fantastic demonstration USING Prong Collars. They also showed that the “pinch” was to replicate the bite a mother dog would give one of her pups. My 4 year old Pyr does just fine with a regular collar, but my 5 year old Golden Retriever can back out of any collar I have tried – except the prong. They and other members of the club talked about spine and throat problems with the choke collars. These do Not happen with the prong. The major thing is to be sure that the Prong fits right and do not Yank the leash. I am sure there are many discussions about this, but for some dogs the prong is the answer, without harming the dog. People just need to be educated on how to use them correctly and if they are necessary. As I said, my Giant Pyr does not need one, but my smaller Golden has to have one. Do your research – Do what works best for Your Dog!
I do use a prong collar on my dog. It’s a life saver training tool and not a cruel medieval torture thing like this article suggests and like lots of people think. Flat collars are way more dangerous and can really choke out a dog who pulls a lot. As Terry said, the prong will replicate the correction given by the mother or a nip given by the alpha dog in a pack. That’s not inhuman and can be a huge training tool if used correctly with the proper fitting. Only those who have used a prong collar in their dogs will know how it can turn a puller in a complete angel. The prong collar is one of the best communication tools. My 3 month golden retriever puppy wears one and he isn’t hurt, depressed, fearful or anything. Otherwise, he is happy and learning by motivational reinforcements and corrections, where the prong collar really makes the difference. If you want to take months to train a loose leash or correct bad behaviors, that’s up to you. Your dog, your call. I’m not a professional trainer and don’t have the time I wish to train my dog, so the prong collar helps me to achieve the same results much faster without hurt my dog. I think some time people think they are fur kids and treat them like one. They’re not. They’re animals. They’re dogs and they see the world in a very different way and that’s why where some people see a inhuman cruel and medieval tool, I see a tool that uses the natural instinct of a dog being a pack animal who needs to be corrected in order to understand his place in the pack, which is your new family. I don’t feel I love my dog less just because I don’t think he isn’t a child or because I use a prong collar. Again, your dog your call. I just don’t want people judging me without even do a quick research, try the prong collar or even know why I’m using one.
I agree with you. We rescued a Great Dane at 7 most old and already over 100 lbs last August. He’s now more than a year and 130 lbs, I only weigh 125. I’m the one training him most of the time. My husband works a lot so I have to have control of him in public. When we got him they gave us his pinch collar which worked fine but people are very judgemental and when we signed up for Obedience training we had to get rid of it. With 10 dogs in class , all very hyper, it made my dog become very excited around other dogs. I struggled to finish the class because I couldn’t hold him back. It got to the point my 240lb husband has difficulty holding him. Our dog is not vicious in anyway but just hyper excited when meeting other dogs. It’s now January and I decided to go back to the pinch collar,a larger one, of course. He enjoys our walks now. I think it is much safer for me to use it . I don’t have to correct him often but when I need to I can and it works. My dog is happy and well adjusted most of the time. Working on venturing out soon to interact with other dogs very soon. We will see how it goes.
Thank you for posting exactly what I was thinking. I have a 6 month old Great Dane. My girl is all “puppy” weighsing almost 80 pounds, and pulls like a 200 lb dog. Because I have physical disabilities pulling is dangerous for both her and I. I’m training her as my balance & mobility service dog. I spent a great deal of time educating myself on the benefits and correct fitting & usage of prong collars. From the 1st training session with the prong collar (Herm Sprenger – gentle rounded tips) she immediately stopped dragging me around. She loves her walks and is a very happy puppy. If I thought for one second that this collar was hurting my dog in any way, I would immediately throw it in the trash! Prong collars are like any other tool. Educate yourself fully prior to use.
prong collars are NOT harmful and they do not hurt dogs . A regular collar can actually choke a dog more than a prong collar . How dangerous do you think it is to have a 80+ pound dog lunging and pulling you down the street ? I have been pulled over by a 75 pound dog who was on a regular harness and wouldn’t listen and just basically would drag me around the block . Even small dogs pulling can be problematic . Our small dog dodges and weaves , nearly tripping us while on walks . A prong collar and teaching proper heal completely solves this . It is NOT fear based . Do your research . There are many balanced trainers like Jeff Gellman of SolidK9trainig who have helped people who are struggling with their dogs . His whole goal is to create calm for the dog . I’ve seen his board and train and the dogs are not fearful but calm and listening to the trainers . The trainers are calm and kind . Any training tool can be used incorrectly but that doesn’t mean the tool is wrong or bad
At what age can you use a gentle leader? We have a highly social, highly enthusiastic, extra big golden retriever boy (our second golden retriever although our first one was much smaller and much more submissive). With our first one, despite going to puppy classes and doing all the homework, she repeatedly injured either my wrist or my elbow with her pulling thus we wound up using a prong collar a several months before I was able to transition to the gently leader. This one is a big boy for a golden, 50pounds at five months! The trainer we work with (who trains search had rescue dogs, narcotics dogs, police doge, bed bug dogs….) didn’t start us with a prong collar but has us using one now. She said he was too young for the gentle leader because of his pulling. we are looking to an alternative as we wonder if the collar is the cause of some lameness in his front right leg. But how do you get such a big puppy to pay attention to you when on walks or (heavens) the cat comes in the room. I’m all for humane, but it has to work! So many sites don’t really tell you HOW to do stuff. So, When will he be mature enough for the leader and what the heck does one do about the cat??? Thanks, I know I rambled some.
Prong collard are the best!!!! This is the worst article I have ever read!!! Ever!!! I had a yorkie in one and it worked beautifully!!! No it does not hurt the dog if fitted properly. My neighbor is having elbow replacement surgery because her trained service dog bolted after something and she has now decided to break down and get a prong collar!! It took a shattered elbow!!! I think prong collars are the best trading tool on the market…and a tool every responsible dog owner should use. My yorkie lived to be 17 so I can promise you he was not harmed and our life was so amazing because of it!!! Sure to look at it you might think it could hurt them until you inspect it and learn the machanics a truly the best trading tool ever…
Article is over simplified. Of course I would not use a prong collar if I had any other option. But I have an aggressive adult adopted dog who is dangerous on a leash. I’ve tried the harness anti pull and it does almost nothing to stop my dog from sudden lunging at other dogs, children, squirrels, workers, and sometimes ups trucks. When used properly prong collars are safe and do stop my dog from sudden lunging etc. he is well behaved knowing it’s on and he simply walks like I am in control. He’s been to boot camp and prong collar was the only way to go for THIS dog. No injuries and no aversion to seeing the collar. Not all big dogs are slobbery sweethearts… for some it’s a safety issue.
Lots of bad information here regarding prong collars. I used to think the same way until a professional trainer strapped a prong collar onto my arm and yanked and twisted like a mad man. There was no piercing of pinching pain I just was simply unable to pull away from the pressure there was no pain at all just steady pressure.
Same thing happened to me— I thought prongs were torture devices, until a trainer strapped on onto my arm and yanked and pulled on the leash attached to it. The collar spreads the pressure evenly around the dog’s neck, eliminating the choking sensation that a strong pulling dog would feel around his throat with a flat collar. There’s no pinching or puncturing going on whatsoever. I’ve seen numerous dogs literally choked unconscious from flat collars, they were pulling so hard. That’s impossible with a prong. Anything can be dangerous when used improperly, but prong collars are a very safe, very humane way of controlling a strong dog that likes to pull. Harnesses are a complete joke for big working dogs that like to pull— my dogs love pulling weight sleds, and they each have their own harnesses they wear when doing so. If you want your dog to pull you down the street while having the time of his life in the process, by all means use a harness to walk him. If you want to safely control your dog without potentially damaging his trachea, use a prong collar. What an irresponsibly written article. Full of misinformation.
Followup piece : “Why I can’t sell my training on its own merits so I compare it to other styles in hopes of capitalizing on emotional responses”
The perfect comment.
Right, because a gentle leader (which is also an aversive and applies a negative consequence to decrease a behavior) or a front clip harness (which, again, applies a negative to decrease a behavior) is absolutely perfect and humane.
Nevermind the shoulder, paw, elbow and chest injuries we’re seeing on front clip harnesses that cripple a dog for life.
Nevermind that most dogs absolutely despise a head halter, and can severely damage their necks on it, or learn to pull through it.
Newsflash – all walking tools on the market are a punishment tool. They decrease a behavior, in scientific terms. They stop a dog from pulling, whether it be through pressure on the snout, pressure on the chest, or pressure on the neck. Pressure is pressure is pressure. I’ve snapped myself and had my 230lb boyfriend snap my neck on my prong collar – the worst part is when the chain catches skin, which shouldn’t happen if fit properly on my dog.
LEARN how to use the tool before you try to run a smear campaign against it. Understand that there are people who are disabled and dogs who despise halters. Understand that you can disagree with someone and not crucify them. It’s more professional in the long run.
I can train a large breed to walk nicely without a prong, too – but that’s because I’m training the dog in front of me, and that dog may not need it.
I am thankful and appreciative that people have chimed in regarding the misinformation about prong collars. They look barbaric, yes, but the “prong” itself has a smooth, rounded tip and isn’t sharp at all. You don’t jerk them, you fit them correctly and the dog learns that if he/she pulls the result is a tightening around the neck which subsides instantly once the pulling ceases. Unlike traditional nylon, “flat” collars, choke chains or rolled (comfy!) collars, the prong collars don’t actually choke or put the same kind of pressure on the esophogus area.
I didn’t like them initially at all until I watched a close friend (who still has and absolutely loves and cherish her white Shepherd!) learn to use one under the guidance of a tenured trainer. Her dog was constantly choking and it was to the point where it wasn’t even possible to walk her without her literally stopping and coughing. But once she switched to a prong collar, walking became a joyful activity for them both.
I have been blessed to be the human guardian to three beloved Great Pyrenees…all acquired at 8 weeks of age…two didn’t pull enough to necessitate a prong, but the third one, Cosmo, is a strong, stubborn, persevering, independent-thinking goofball who definitely benefits from a prong. Once the pulling behavior is thwarted, it’s easy to switch back to a collar of one’s choice. It doesn’t take long:)
Just wanted to speak up and relay that there are a lot of misconceptions about these collars and while some delicate, older or younger or special cases might want to avoid these types of collars for various reasons, please don’t judge them by their intimidating look…things aren’t always what they seem!
So your saying the front clip harness that, properly fitted, rubbed my dogs armpits raw to the point he had open wounds after one day of use is not an aversive?
Or Gentle Leaders that put the full force of your dog’s pulling on their nose is not an aversive? I stopped using my dog’s Gentle Leader after seeing him nearly break his neck on it trying to lunge at a runner who surprised us from behind.
This idea that Gentle Leader and Front clip harnesses are force free methods is beyond mystifying. They specifically put pressure on the dog to stop it from pulling. They just look nicer. You said it yourself, the dog stops pulling because he wants relief from pressure. These tools aren’t any different.
The Rottweiler community is also plagued with people who believe aversive tools are the only way to train. My six year old, 115 lb boy disagrees. He has been trained force-free since he came home at 9 weeks. Never had to walk him on a prong. We used a no-pull harness briefly during his teenage phase. Now he walks politely on his flat collar or harness. No issues. He is also my demo dog for obedience class where I teach others that it does not matter what breed, size, age or temperament your dog has/is, they can be trained without pain, force, fear or intimidation.
Let me start by saying I have a large breed puppy and I’m trying to figure out the right method of training which is how I got here. Let me also disclose that I have brain and can think.
The self-righteous tone of this article throws all credibility right out of the window and that’s not to mention the lack of any REAL sources and everything about this article written as opinion. One “source” was written by a vet (who also happens to be pushing the same product btw) so what you’re saying must be true, right? Although her article has no sources either and I can say with certainty that the medical/scientific community would not approve.
Kelsie, you write about negative and positive reinforcement. Try taking some of your own advice? Instead of vilifying those who use the prong collar, sell your readers on facts…not hopeful emotional responses to find buyers of your product. I’d call you an idiot but then I wouldn’t be any better than your article because what I’m basing my opinion on would be anecdotal without any supporting facts other than one instance. So instead I’ll simply say, be better. I’m sure you are.
Jay
You got one thing right, Training is key.
Everything else is a combination of dangerous lies. Front clip harnesses change a dogs gait, and put pressure on the legs and chest to stop the dog from surging forward. Head halters threaten a dogs spine if it suddenly decides to surge forward; and keeps pressure on the dogs nose. Honestly if you have to CC just the appearances of a tool (like a head halter has to be introduced in short breaks with tons of treats because dogs don’t like something on their sensitive snouts) it’s not a positive tool to that that dog. I personally think it’s insane that the force free movement has introduced tools that are uncomfortable even if the dog is doing nothing wrong and called them positive. The prong/pinch collar, pinches the dogs skin if the dog pulls, but even that’s not how it’s ….that’s way less impact full than a flat buckle collar karate chopping the dogs throat (with flat buckle collar all pressure from pulling is located in one place against the throat l, like someone grabbing your shirt from behind and pulling only much stiffer) or a harness digging into it’s body to discourage pulling.
Whoa. A lot of negative feedback here. I want to let you know this article helped me a ton with my 1.5 year old Great Pyrenees pup. He definitely favors the gentle leader over the other options we tried. We used a choke collar. We used a shock collar. We are newbies, both as dog owners and for the breed. The poor boy has been our guinea pig for learning but we are doing our best and trying to give him a great home. Thank you for your valuable insight on Great Pyrenees. This has consistently been the blog I go to for advice that really works with our boy. <3
We’ve been using a British slip lead (which is basically a lower tech version of the gentle leader) on our Newfoundland. He has a more adverse reaction to it than the prong collar we had before. In fact, he barely even noticed the prong collar! (which is why I switched)