Warning About Prong Collars

[fuzzybunny]

I want to start off and say I love my prong collar but I want to share a story of what happened to me. I was walking my dog bunny last summer and had her on leash. She was wearing her prong collar. I live in Ottawa and we have a bike path that runs through a farming area called the Experimental Farms. I was walking along the bike path with her and decided to give her more leash to explore. She was sniffing the wire fence that runs along the path when she somehow got her prong collar stuck in the wire. She immediately panicked and began pulling, twisting, etc.... She was so panicked and the prongs were so entangled that I couldn't get her free because I just wasn't strong enough. She was literally choking herself. I was fortunate that a cyclist happened to be riding towards us and he stopped to help me. It took the two of us to free her. I was so scared because if he hadn't happened to be riding by I have no idea what would have happened. 2 prongs were completely warped and no longer usable. The had to be removed from the collar and replaced.

I just wanted to share this story as a warning to be careful and supervise your dog when he/she is wearing a prong collar. I often see people let their dogs free at the dog park and keep the prong collars on. The collar could get snagged on something or another dog could chip their teeth on it while playing. I've heard too many stories so I hope this is helpful to someone.

Thanks,
Carolyn

[gsdraven]

Absolutely, prongs should only be worn when actively training or during walks and should always be removed if a person isn't attached to it by a leash. We should all also make sure the prong is properly fitted. It should be tight up around the ears and only loose enough to get one finger under a link. A loose prong is ineffective and more likely to get caught on something.

Thanks for you sharing your story. It must have been scary for you and your dog. Glad it turned out ok.

[fuzzybunny]

Originally Posted by gsdraven

Absolutely, prongs should only be worn when actively training or during walks and should always be removed if a person isn't attached to it by a leash.

Thanks for you sharing your story. It must have been scary.

I do have a question though. Was the prong fitted properly? A prong collar should be tight up around the ears and only loose enough to get one finger under a link. I'm not trying to ruin your story, just having trouble picturing how a properly fitter prong could get caught on a fence unless her head was through the fence.

Yes, it was fitted properly but she stuck her head through the fence. Happened so quickly I just didn't react fast enough.

That's another great tip though! I often see dogs wear these collars and they are WAY too loose. Have a professional help you fit them if you don't know how they should fit. We had our private trainer help fit Bunny's prong collar.

[elisabeth_00117]

They have prongs with "quick releases" now.

Sprenger Neck Tech Prong Collar with Quick Release

or buckles

http://www.dogsportgear.com/-Herm-Sp...nap_p_106.html

[Chris Wild]

The problem with the quick releases is often they release a bit too quickly, when you don't want them to. Any sort of snap or clasp is a weak spot in the collar, and prone to wearing out or gumming up over time which can lead to the collar popping off. Several of the styles also interfere with the proper action of the collar, removing much of it's effectiveness and utility.

This story is a great reminder that training collars are for training and shouldn't be worn for free time or when the dog is unsupervised. And even when used with a leash and under supervision, fluke situations like this one with the fence can still happen. So glad it worked out ok in this case.

[gsdraven]

Originally Posted by fuzzybunny

Yes, it was fitted properly but she stuck her head through the fence. Happened so quickly I just didn't react fast enough.

I changed my original post to just point out the tip instead of being directed to you. (in case anyone was wondering why the quote didn't match my post)

[Courtney]

Thank you for sharing your story & glad your girl is ok. I so appreciate when people share stories like this because I never forget. It's nice to hear that strangers still help out, the guy that stopped was awesome.

Chris, I remember you posting before about prong collars with quick release's & how they create a weak point in the collar. I kept this in mind when we bought our first one.

[Del]

Do any of you think that getting the nylon covers for prong collars that Pikoda sells would help keep them from hanging up on things?

[Caledon]

I've seen dogs playing with each other while wearing prong collars. So easy to get caught on a tooth or the other dog's tags.

[Kris10]

I use a well fitted prong with quick release and a dominant dog collar (from Leerburg) attached to the leash as well in case the prong opens accidentally.