Prong - self correcting or not?

[gsdraven]

What has your trainer taught you is the proper way to use a prong? Do you let the dog correct itself or do you issue the correction?

IMO, the prong should not be a self correcting collar but I see a lot of posts from people that use it that way or are being taught to use it that way.

Again, my opinion is that the prong should be used to communicate to a dog. I tell my dog "easy" or "heel' when walking and if they pull or fall out of position, they get a correction long before they would correct themselves. This way I am engaged with my dog and working with them to help them understand my expectations.

Obviously, a dog can't self correct with a prong for any other use other than walking and the prong isn't just a walking aid.

This is a discussion about how to use a prong. Not a debate over whether or not it should be used.

[BlackPuppy]

If you are walking down the street and your dog sees something and lunges at it, that's self correcting. That's what makes prongs so effective for people who don't train their dogs.

Having my show lead high on my dog's neck surprisingly has the same affect. At least for my dog, who is dog reactive.

[Jax08]

I agree with everything you said, Jamie...so I have nothing to contribute. I do think that people rely way to much on correction collars to do their work for them. I've seen it with many people who have "trained" dogs that don't listen unless they have a prong on them. Then the ppl complain how their dog doesn't listen.

[Stosh]

Stosh was fitted by a trainer in our club and he showed me how to use it, which was a bit startling to Stosh the first time. I've never used it as self correcting because I gave the correction before that could happen. Stosh knows when it's on him that he's not to bolt or lunge and he never has.

[gsdraven]

Originally Posted by BlackPuppy

If you are walking down the street and your dog sees something and lunges at it, that's self correcting. That's what makes prongs so effective for people who don't train their dogs.

I understand what self correcting is, wasn't questioning that. My question was should the prong be used as a self correcting collar. It's a shame that it has become a safety net for people who don't train their dogs. It shouldn't be. It should be used as a training tool like it was designed for.

[mthurston0001]

I do not use it to "self-correct". When begining compulsion I warn the dog "no" then comes compulsion. Also by this time the dog understands "no" means it's not the correct behavior. Eventually I will stop warning the dog and the unwanted behavior will get an automatic leash correction. Always all compulsion comes from me. I want my dogs to know that compulsion is coming from me, and not another dog, not a stick, not a lightening bolt or somthing.

[lhczth]

It is both. It is a training collar to be used to correct an unwanted behavior that should eventually not be needed once the dog is trained. It is also a self correction collar for just the situation that someone mentioned above and others. I don't think it is always used this way by lazy people who don't train their dogs. Dogs will be dogs and at times even the best trained dogs see a squirrel and might want to chase. The pinch can mean the difference between control in these situations and an older person being pulled off of their feet and injured.

[Rerun]

I agree, it can be both. I typically use it as a correction collar, but it will self correct if the dog lunges before the correction can be issued.

[Jax08]

Thanks for that insight, Lisa. I didn't give a thought to anyone that may need 'added insurance'.

I don't have an issue with anyone using a prong collar when walking their dog. Some people just don't care of their dog pulls or want to take the time to train them at the level that others prefer.

My pet peeve comes in when ppl have "trained" their dogs, they are TDI, and still can't get their dog to sit without pushing on their butts and popping the crap out of them with a correction collar. And then comment that they wish they could use a prong collar when on therapy visits. Huh? Didn't you pass the test?! It doesn't sound like your dog is trained!?

[Wolfiesmom]

I use the prong as a "safety net" of sorts. Wolfie has been trained, and he really never pulled me much when walking. I trained him not to pull when he was a baby. That being said, he is a dog, and does try and chase squirrels etc out in the yard. I live in a very high traffic area. The road that I have to walk on to get anywhere is a 4 lane road with traffic going 50+ mph. There is a nice big sidewalk on one side but has no guard rails or anything to protect from the cars. I can just imagine Wolfie seeing something to chase, and in that split second it would take me to react and call him back would definitely cost him his life. That's why I use the prong. I also have the leash hooked to another collar in case the prong drops off.