prong collars equal AWESOMENESS

[Blanketback]

How can I say this without seeming like an idiot? Um, I can't, lol. I actually taught my puppy to act like a maniac on a leash. Yep, starting at 8 weeks old, he was always let out to do his business on a flexi. He learned that tension equals freedom, and that he could roam wherever he wanted to. I trained him very well - if I ever need him to cart things around, he's perfect!

[TommyB681]

agreed!

[Mary Beth]

Originally Posted by kelina

Really? Lots of people say harnesses are not much effective.

Lots of people - don't matter. Only what works with my dogs does.

[kelina]

Originally Posted by Blanketback

I started using the prong on my puppy when he was 5 months old, but most people say to wait until they're at least 6 months old.

Awe yu dont use it at all?

[kelina]

Originally Posted by Blanketback

How can I say this without seeming like an idiot? Um, I can't, lol. I actually taught my puppy to act like a maniac on a leash. Yep, starting at 8 weeks old, he was always let out to do his business on a flexi. He learned that tension equals freedom, and that he could roam wherever he wanted to. I trained him very well - if I ever need him to cart things around, he's perfect!

Lmao awww!!!!! I did exactly the same. She is a spoiled brat ! I have to be more mean tho :P

[kelina]

Originally Posted by Mary Beth

Lots of people - don't matter. Only what works with my dogs does.

Very true!

[kelina]

Originally Posted by Kyleigh

The only difference I can think of is that I started Ky on the martingale at 10 weeks, and she learned REALLY early what was expected on walks. Don't get me wrong, we hald meltdowns, tantrums, etc. but I always worked through them.

She's been a breeze to train and a joy to work with compared to some of the dogs on here I read about LOL

I thank my lucky stars every single time I read a post about "problems" with a GSD

Hehe I like the lucky stars saying :P its cute hah

And you are so lucky

[Blanketback]

I use it now on walks, and depending on where we're going he might wear it in public. I don't use it to take him to the vet's or the dog park. He's a year old right now.

[Jax08]

Here's my problem with "prong collars equal awesomeness"....

Your dog will become collar smart. You need to train in a positive way with rewards (whether that reward is treat, toy or release of pressure). Mine was collar smart. If the prong wasn't on her, she could care less and pull like a freight train.

So don't replace real training and building a relationship with your dog with a tool. Use the tool to train and work on proofing your dog so you won't need to always use the prong collar. I see so many dogs who are supposed to be therapy dogs that drag their owners around when the prong collar isn't on. IMO, that means your dog isn't trained...it's just collar smart.

[Jax08]

Originally Posted by Kyleigh

The only difference I can think of is that I started Ky on the martingale at 10 weeks, and she learned REALLY early what was expected on walks. Don't get me wrong, we hald meltdowns, tantrums, etc. but I always worked through them.

She's been a breeze to train and a joy to work with compared to some of the dogs on here I read about LOL

I thank my lucky stars every single time I read a post about "problems" with a GSD

That's not luck...that's TRAINING!

I'm not against prongs either. I'm against people using them as a crutch instead of training their dogs. I think I'm just having a rant moment tonight and this topic pushed the button. lol