Prong collar

[tmricciuto]

I'd just like to know from some of you seasoned prong collar users if you use it for all training or just for walks?

And did you have to do the 'prong ballet' as Jeff called it to get them used to the feeling before the first walk?


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[season]

I used it every second of the day except when he was sleeping or in the crate. Also had a leash on him. Now just for walks. Never did the ballet.


"Today is victory over yourself of yesterday."
- Miyamoto Musashi

 

[EverythingEnglishMastiff]

Mine were pretty well behaved to begin with. I just threw it on and went for a walk. I use it everytime we go out into public now. Never did the ballet. I think it'd be a good idea if they didn't understand the loose leash concept but mine did, so we hit the ground running.

 

[Smokeycat]

I use it just for walks. Regular training is typically done off leash. Most was already solid before I started with the prong. No idea what the ballet is so I'm going to guess that I didn't do it. I did a couple of walks inside the yard before I took him out to where the triggers for his pulling were located but that was it. He got pulled back quite powerfully, hit the end of the leash and spun in the air, the first real walk and learned that it means business. That was the last time he tried to go see a dog on the far side of the road. Other situations took longer to train him to ignore the stimuli but was less scary for both of us.

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[Glasgowdogtrainer]

I used to use them all the time but learned how to train without them due to how they work.

 

[tmricciuto]

Thanks everyone.


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[EverythingEnglishMastiff]

I trained without them. I use them now, because I'm able to communicate with less pressure. I'm not worried about strictly adhering to a marketing strategy style dog training method. I use what I find works not what in theory would work if this or that requirement is perfectly met. I want results, and efficiency.My methdods change based on the current situation and the dog I'm working with.

If you want a prong collar because you aren't able to effectively train your dog you are wrong. If you want a prong collar because you think it would better deliver an aversive correction you are wrong.

No training "tool" can replace the knowledge and experience required to humanely, safely, and effectively TRAIN you dog. If you can't or don't know how. Don't buy a prong, pay a trainer to teach you. Spend your money on a class or a book to learn the mental "tools" you need.

 

[tmricciuto]

I am working with a trainer but the head halter isn't working for Sage when she gets distracted. The girls need exercise and without something to help me communicate better I'm not able to walk the. But I appreciate the perspective.


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[CeeCee]

I used it for walks and training because I wanted to have a consistent tool with consistent information.

 

[DennasMom]

I tried to use it, just for walks... but Denna flopped on to the ground and refused to budge with it on...even very loose! LOL.
My previous dogs that we used it for, we put it on for all training... but graduated back to flat or slip collars as time went on.
I would suggest you mix it up, so the dogs don't get too collar smart, and think they only need to listen when the prong is on.

 

[JamieHalverson]

I tried to use it, just for walks... but Denna flopped on to the ground and refused to budge with it on...even very loose! LOL.My previous dogs that we used it for, we put it on for all training... but graduated back to flat or slip collars as time went on.I would suggest you mix it up, so the dogs don't get too collar smart, and think they only need to listen when the prong is on.

Yes, definitely mix it up. Yogi got collar smart very fast and it was a struggle after a while to move back to a martingale or flat buckle collar.

 

[au_corso]

the flat buckle worked on "Auset" while she was nervous about being in her home and environment...however as soon as her comfort level increased, she PULLED, yanked and reacted to any and everything! Ordered the prong collar, did the "introductory dance" and off we went (yippee)...It is a great tool to use in residential neighborhoods with joggers, bikers, skaters, and children...When you need your dog's attention on you and not sniffing every spot on the ground or reacting to background noises. Prong collar is NOT used during basic training as 85% of dogs will conform to the collar and not you so mixing it up is preferred and PATIENCE is prescribed... desensitizing you dog is the best gift you can give!

 

[tmricciuto]

Thanks au_corso. I have the issue with distractions and wanting to smell everything with both...and Sage is very strong so this should help get her to focus on me and not everything else in the world.

I am probably going to use it for some training like place and down. Right now they will both only go into down if I have food right in front of their noses and put it to the ground. I watched the Jeff video and liked how he trained down with the prong. I also am having trouble with them staying in place so I think this could really help us all speak the same language.

 

[tmricciuto]

Ok so both girls did well on the prong until we came across another dog and sage went ape shit to try and get at the dog. The collar was the right size as it kept her from pulling but she was actually crying to get to the other dog and pulling like crazy. What do I do at this point? Suggestions?


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[Hector]

Ok so both girls did well on the prong until we came across another dog and sage went ape shit to try and get at the dog. The collar was the right size as it kept her from pulling but she was actually crying to get to the other dog and pulling like crazy. What do I do at this point? Suggestions? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Prong collar dance. Train separately. Walk separately until both are on the same level of obedience. Structured walks. Attention work, recall on the line. Basics, basics, basics.

 

[JamieHalverson]

Prong collar dance. Train separately. Walk separately until both are on the same level of obedience. Structured walks. Attention work, recall on the line. Basics, basics, basics.

This. Once a dog pulls into a prong it's really just another collar. It only works if the leash is loose and they get a pop.

 

[tmricciuto]

Agreed. I was walking them separately but sage still lunged at the other dog. I didn't let them stop and smell things but just made them walk. It's coming across things that make sage overly excited. I hoped the prong would let me communicate her to leave it better but tonight was a disaster. I'm not going to give up, but there are lots of dogs in our neighborhood so to walk her without potentially coming across one is highly unlikely.


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[JamieHalverson]

I've had Yogi for a year and a half, he's pretty reliable, and I don't really walk or train he and Lillie together. Very occasionally do I walk on the sidewalk with them both, like probably 3 times total and I occasionally take them both to the park to run around on long lines. You can not effectively train even one dog if you are handling two.

 

[tmricciuto]

Thanks all. I took her out again and when she started to go for some grass I gave her a good pop and she stopped. Hopefully this will work when we come across another dog also. I'm gonna have the trainer come by with one of her dogs also to use for training. I don't want to go to a shock collar with her but feel like that's the only other option. Besides just not walking her at all.


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[JamieHalverson]

Oh, never mind, I was assuming you had both, sorry. I would watch for other dogs and move far enough away to where she's not reacting, then work on focus and attention when she's got herself collected.