Is a pinch collar mandatory for a GSD?

[doggerel]

I don't have a GSD yet--my husband and I hope to adopt one in a few months--but this is a question I've been wondering about since starting my research on the GSD.

Several GSD owners I've talked with have told me that it is absolutely essential to use a pinch/prong collar with your GSD. I'm not so keen on using them myself--I've often heard that dogs just stop responding to the pinching after a while, and my experience with dogs on prong collars is exactly that; they don't even react with the collar on--so I'm wondering what your advice is.

Do you think that it's a "must have" for a future GSD owner? Are there any better alternatives? (I'm fond of a strong martingale collar, but I don't know if anyone's had success with those with their GSDs.)

Thanks so much for your advice!

[GSDBESTK9]

Is it mandatory? NO
Stop responding to the Prong? You must not be using it correctly.
Is it a useful tool? YES! Specially till you do some extensive training and your dog learns manners.

[jocoyn]

It depends both on the dog and how you train them up front.

It is a good tool when necessary.

I have one that has never needed one, another that has.

Not sure how it will work out with the puppy. Hope to not need one.

[RocketDog]

I'm going to be watching this, as my pup is 7 months old and 70+ lbs. So far all he's ever worn is a flat buckle collar. He loose-leash walks great, but just recently started pulling when he sees something like a dog or a person he HAS TO MEET. I'm working with him right now to see if I can get him past it on just his collar, but I have to really hold on. I'm kind of wondering if a prong would even make a difference, since he has long hair and a trainer I met today said if they have a high pain tolerance (or for discomfort) it might not really affect them. I can pull burrs off of Rocket's stomach area without so much as even a look from him, and he doesn't care about getting shots or his nails dremmeled so I'm wondering....

I am looking forward to the thread responses. I may end up with one, especially as he gets a bit bigger, LOL.

[Germanshepherdlova]

May I suggest adding a poll to this thread asking that question.

[sashadog]

Having only ever owned one GSD, I can't speak for whether they're mandatory for all GSD's but I can tell you that it's a must for our girl. However I also use the gentle leader on her when we're out walking and we're working on reactivity issues. We've found the prong doesn't help her behavior issues (revs her up more...) but for obedience training it was a must. It is also on her most of the time in the house (supervised of course!) with a pull tab so I can quickly get her attention if she focuses too intensely on something.

Long story short, I don't think you should automatically throw a prong on your new dog but don't be against adding new tools to your "training bag." Good luck on your new addition!

[Germanshepherdlova]

I always walk my dogs with their prongs on.

[1sttimeforgsd]

Same here, I use the prong to walk my boy. If it were not for the prong I would not be able to walk him, with the prong I have complete control.

[MrsWoodcock]

Ive always used a prong, UNTIL recently.. Ive been doing hard work on being able to walk them without the prong. COME TO REALIZE. They respect the prong... not me. lol Its going great with Max, he has moments, but is sensitive to vocal commands, female Ruby its a pain in the rear and slow going but worth it i think (until she see's a squirrel or dog... or person...)
I suggest trying with LOTS of positive reinforcement... a lot of pups don't need more than a pop with a flat collar.
I do like a prong when needed though... only when needed.

[vicky2200]

I didn't need one with Ditto. I wouldn't use one (personal preference) but many people recommend them. But it is not essential in having a well behaved German Shepherd.