Prong/pinch collar vs choke

[law1558]

Our new dog, Beau, and I started training classes this morning at the rescue facility where we got him a couple months ago. What a difference to be in a class around other GSD's (and their owners) who aren't immediately intimidated by the temperaments of these big (and often newly aquired) rescues.

One of the things I learned was that (for some dogs) the pinch collar is a better option than the less-threatening looking choke chain because the pinch offers immediate correction, where as the choke sometimes can take correction after correction after correction to get the dogs attention...and each correction can damage the dog's throat.

I've heard some call the prong/pinch collar the "power steering" of the training collars - it offers the same result as the choke chain, but doesn't take nearly the forces to make it work.

Just curious what you use on your dogs? What's your preference? Was there an age at which you said, "OK...we're ready for the pinch"? Or, if you used the pinch and then transitioned to the choke, how did that go?

[Draugr]

I strongly prefer the pinch. It was used to redirect Samson and keep him more grounded after dealing with some fear issues. For the most part I kept the leash hooked on both rings - no sliding, just pressure. Worked wonders for him. He is not 100% perfect yet but being so isolated it is very difficult to get in consistent training. I do it where I can though.

The choke I feel takes a lot more force to use, carries far more risk of damage, and in a long-haired dog it backfires anyway because it tends to get caught in the hair and I really don't want him to associate anything with the pain of fur getting ripped out =/.

I would probably never use a choke after the experience I've had with a prong.

[onyx'girl]

I would never use a choke collar. I do use a fursaver, but that is on a dead ring.
Choke collars are very cheap and accessible. The local rescue I use to volunteer for always had chokes on hand. I cringed when dogs with no training would pull on them to the point of hacking. I would much rather use a martingale for those dogs, can't slip them, but they won't choke either. They weren't used for 'training' but taking the dogs out for exercise/potty breaks.
A good prong(herm springer) is much more expensive and sometimes hard to find in a local shop, so thats why so many use a choke collar instead. And some people think a prong is a mid-evil contraption that will hurt a dog.

I didn't put a prong on my dogs til they were about 8 months. My female has fear aggression and the prong ramped her up, so I discontinued it for awhile til I got her managed better. I used a flat or a martingale for her during that time.
My male is on a prong when we do protection work, that may ramp him up, but its ok! It is the only way I have full control of his 90#.
I would much rather use a prong collar than a choke, it is safer for the dog during training.
Once a dog is trained then a choke may not be a problem, as they know better than to pull.
Still, I'd never use one.

[law1558]

So, is there an "easy" way to get the collar on?? I feel like I don't have the strength in my fingers to press the two ends together to get into the prong link. On top of the fact that the dog is vibrating with anticipation...help!

[Draugr]

Originally Posted by law1558

So, is there an "easy" way to get the collar on?? I feel like I don't have the strength in my fingers to press the two ends together to get into the prong link. On top of the fact that the dog is vibrating with anticipation...help!

I have a prong collar with a sort of "quick release" thing on it - there's a little contraption on the end that clips into the small chain part of the collar. Easy-peasy to take on and take off.

[law1558]

Originally Posted by Draugr

I have a prong collar with a sort of "quick release" thing on it - there's a little contraption on the end that clips into the small chain part of the collar. Easy-peasy to take on and take off.

I just did a Google search on the Herm Sprenger...and found a picture of what you're talking about! Uh - yeah - that will make life much easier!

[Gwenhwyfair]

I've personally had those break loose on me though, they twist or "hook" and then pop open....leerburg has some good videos on how to properly put a pinch collar on.

I'll pull up the video and see if I can post it here....

Originally Posted by law1558

I just did a Google search on the Herm Sprenger...and found a picture of what you're talking about! Uh - yeah - that will make life much easier!

[Gwenhwyfair]

Here it is, instructions for fitting and putting the collar on, with an embedded video...

Leerburg | How to fit a Prong Collar

p.s. when using a prong collar, with the help of a proper trainer, you'll see how much better it is for you and the dog!

[onyx'girl]

Be aware that the quick release collar(or any pinch) can come apart. So use a nylon slip for back-up if necessary.

[law1558]

Today's training DID say to have a choke on (dead ring) as a back up to the pinch. He said it's not a matter of IF the prong will break, it's a matter of WHEN.