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Prong Collars

Prong Collars: Stop Your Dog From Walking You

If you have a large dog that is difficult to control with a regular dog collar, or if your dog likes to pull you along on walks, you may want to consider using a prong collar.

Prong collars are similar to choke collars, but they have metal pinch prongs that sit gently against the dogs neck. When the dog pulls on the leash, the prongs will tighten and cause an uncomfortable sensation. This will help train your dog to resist pulling on the leash.

When fitting your dog for a prong collar, make sure that the collar is neither too loose nor too tight. If it is too loose, the prong collar wont work properly. If it is too tight, the dog will be uncomfortable all of the time, it may cause hair loss, and could potentially be dangerous. To place a prong collar on your dog, you must first unhook one of the prongs to open the collar. Put the prong collar around your dogs neck, then reattach the unhooked prong to the others.

Prong collars are available in three styles - the basic prong style features a fixed ring to attach your dogs leash to. Another style offers a swiveled ring to allow comfortable walking without the leash getting tangled. Also available is a prong collar with a quick release snap which is useful in case of emergency.

Prong collars have been used for many years as a training tool with great success. Much like shock collars, they assist you in teaching your dog that if he disobeys, the consequence will be an uncomfortable feeling. Usually dogs respond rapidly to this method of training. Dogs learn best when they are allowed the opportunity to make a choice in how to behave.


Training with a prong collar teaches a dog quickly that he should choose to walk peacefully on the leash. If he chooses otherwise, unpleasant results will follow. To make a leash correction when your dog pulls while using a prong collar, gently snap the leash with as little force as possible. This should be enough to teach your dog to walk on leash properly.

It is always a good idea to talk to your dog trainer or veterinarian about how to properly use a prong collar and if your dog is a good fit for one. Not every dog needs to use a prong collar. It is a general rule that the most gentle form of restraint should be used with each individual dog.

Most dogs can be trained to walk properly on leash in training classes or with alternatives to prong collars such as head halter collars, martingale collars, or choke chains. Most often prong collars should only be used with very large breeds like Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, and Pit Bulls, among others.

Many of today's dog trainers feel that prong collars are unnecessary and should only be used by pet professionals. However, if you educate yourself and ensure a proper fit, a prong collar can be a great solution to many behavior problems.

About the Author

Jennifer MacRostie lives in Wisconsin with her husband and their Border Collie and three cats.  She is a freelance writer and columnist for WOOF.  She has worked in the veterinary industry for four years. She is a new contributor to http://www.my-Prong-collar.com