Prong Collar magic

[MichaelE]

I think I have a new puppy.

I never, ever, thought I would have to resort to a prong collar on any GSD I raise.

Lisl is the first working line dog I've had and she is a bit more spirited and obnoxious as a puppy than other GSD's I've raised.

The problem was not her walking on lead. She does that fine and heels well...in one direction only. Away from home.

As soon as we turn around, or round a corner of the block in the direction of home she starts pulling on the lead. Click training hasn't stopped this, a conventional choke collar (that I've succesfully used on all my other dogs) had no effect. Even when she was hacking and breathing hard, she'd just as soon choke herself to get back home.

Frankly, I've never seen this behavior. I've had dogs that hate the lead and collar no matter which way they're heading, and other dogs that don't care at all and will follow me anywhere at my heel.

Not this dog.

The prong collar came today and after I arrived home from work we immediately went for a long walk both to and from home. After the prongs did their job the very first time and she let out a little yelp, she never pulled again after walking for over 45 minutes both to and from home.

I swear this isn't the same dog I left when I went to work this morning. The walk was very enjoyable despite the 19° temp and 10° windchill.

These collars really do work without hurting the dog. If I thought for a second I was hurting Lisl I would have removed it and never put it on her again. I think she enjoyed the walk more too without me having to make constant corrections.

[Jag]

Hold old is she? Is she pulling you over on a flat collar? Have you tried a martingale? I totally hate using prongs on pups. I had to resort to this because everything else I tried didn't work. He pulled the minute the lead was on until it was off. He walks nose to the ground (tracking I don't know what) the entire walk. Did you exhaust all other options first? I know they can work great... but she's so very young (I believe). Changing up the routine, luring, distraction, praise and reward.. did she fail all of these? I know it's just a tool... but not one I like for pups. It's just my opinion... not worth too much.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Oooooh, I just saw her adorable pictures you posted. Is she that age or are they old?

[MichaelE]

I took those last night. She'll be 13 weeks tomorrow.

[jocoyn]

Personally, I feel she is a bit young for a prong. I even hesitated when I had to use one about 7 months but that is because my shoulders were having trouble and we went into a little defiant phase. It is a great tool but.....

There really is some good advice here and I mean this for a high drive working dog

Loose leash training; Suggestions only pls!

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Well, first, if I were in driving distance, you would have to be very careful letting your puppy out for potties if you know what I am saying. Because she is mind numbingly cute.

That thread by Nancy is old and interesting/informative - it was fun to read to see some former members.

Leash Walking Ahimsa Dog Blog
Silky Leash Video – How to Train Leash Walking Ahimsa Dog Blog

I have been wanting to try that with a dog!

No-Pull Dog Harness Product Review - Whole Dog Journal Article is the beginning of an article about no pull harnesses that are referenced in the Ahimsa blog. I do use those harnesses for fosters who pull while I work with them on leash walking. Including a 90# scared dog who might bolt - I gave that to his adopters, and a 45# drivey dog who was excited to go anywhere.

Anyway - they favor the New Freedom harness, the Halti brand harness (not the head/face thing) which is inexpensive for growing pups, and then the Sensation harness also did well.

I like harnesses because they remind me of reins on a horse more. I feel like I am talking to the dog better. Things may work, but just because I can use them and they do, doesn't mean it is something that I would use for my dogs or a puppy.

[Wild Wolf]

Ouch... I don't agree with using a prong on a 13 week old puppy. Not at all...

Try using a harness and working on training instead of the prong. Prong is for older dogs. I hesitated using one at 11 months of age...

[zivagirl]

I didn't like using one at 11 months, but at the size we're dealing with, the need for 'immediate' response (leave the cats), and the sake of my shoulders and neck, prong collar was the answer. I use the dead loop and have a quick release clamp. She doesn't even question commands she knows, and doesn't challenge the collar.

[ponyfarm]

The prong collar does not hurt the dog. An abusive handler with any type collar can hurt a dog.
You are doing the right thing, imo. Letting her pull is just rehearsing a behavior that you do not want. A handler can actually damage a pups trachea from the pulling.

Make sure the collar is fitted properly, you should be able to slide your hand under the collar. ( When pup is older collar should be right behind the ears and snug)Attach leash to both rings. Gentle pulses for communication should be all that is needed. Work at home with collar before adding more distractions.

Enjoy the walks now!

Ps ..always take off collar unless you are directily supervises pup..never wear prong in crate.

[MichaelE]

She has stopped all pulling now.

This was posted as an observation about behavior modification using this type of collar.

It works. And has been stated before, it does not hurt the dog if used correctly.

Lisl still wants to go for walks, she doesn't run when I reach for the collar, and she doesn't squirm while I'm putting it on her.