People who have a problem with prong/pinch

[Nigel]

Originally Posted by llombardo

So if we already have prongs, we can put them into the cover they supply?

Should be able to, they just slip in.

[BellaLuna]

Listen who is anyone to judge what works best for them and their dogs, I personally don't use 1 b/c Bella walks well on lead but if she didn't I wouldn't think twice as about it

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[Sunflowers]

Originally Posted by llombardo

So if we already have prongs, we can put them into the cover they supply?

Technically.

I do not know if she just sells the collar by itself.

[Sunflowers]

Ours.
Red and blue.

[Lin]

I made my own version of a "secret prong." I started out with making a prong collar cover, but the way it covered the chain was awkward. So I started coming up with ideas and made what was perfect for me. I use it mostly with Tessa during work, she's my service dog. People think that her wearing a prong means she isn't properly trained. It means I'm disabled and in an emergency I want my emergency brake! Plus I like how I can give invisible corrections if she does something she shouldn't, and not need to give a dramatic leash yank.

[gsdlover91]

Originally Posted by Carriesue

I use the prong to help me in less then ideal situations coupled with positive training.

I do the same, and not for really much training either. Like I said those three things basically. And yeah I know the HS ones are 10X better, I just needed one on the fly for the cat issues and wanted to first see how'd he even react to a prong before dropping 50 bucks on a nice one. A HS is next on the list. But regardless, he NEVER has it on without his other collar on also.

Originally Posted by doggiedad

i've never had a dog that i needed to use a prong or pinch
collar on. i think a lot of people look forward to usuing a device
as opposed to using training.

I am training my dog? I said I use it for 3 issues. I did not 'look forward' to training with a 'device' either, it took me a while to give in and actually buy one. And all it does it make the correction instant. I still have to train my dog to do what I want? I dont plan on him having this on forever when we are out in public. Lucky you that your dogs dont need one, but everyone's situation is different.

Originally Posted by Sunflowers

I love the Secret Power prongs. Below is a pic of him wearing it.
My vet was very impressed when I told him that what he commented was a "fancy schmanzy" collar was a secret prong

Hans is young, and Czech line, and way stronger than I. I am petite and don't weigh all that much, and it would be seriously dangerous if I had him on a flat collar in certain situations. He could easily dislocate my shoulder, or break away.

Wow, those are pretty cool, i've seen em on here before...Maybe ill order one of those... I am tiny also. Berlin weighs 30 pounds less than me, at 8 months old. I agree it *could* be dangerous if I don't correct this now, and show him how I want him to behave. I feel like Berlin HAS almost dislocated my shoulder. Anyways...GSD's are working breeds, and have a high threshold to pain, a prong correction (and I don't even correct really, he does by pulling) is not going to hurt him. Its merely "uncomfortable". People need to read about tools, thats why I'm appalled that a trainer thinks i'm hurting my dog. They should know!

Originally Posted by JakodaCD OA

Katie, I wonder how the managers at Petsmart would feel, knowing the trainers"They" hire are knocking a collar petsmart sells?

It's like working for a chevy dealer and telling people NOT to buy a chevy? (only comparison I could come up with quickly LOL)

THAT'S THE THING! When I bought the collar, the MANAGER was questioning me! And went and TATTLED on me to the trainer. Unbelievable! If they hate it so much, why DO they sell 3 different kinds there, PLUS choke chains and e-collars and bark collars??????

Originally Posted by Shade

Just do what you need to do and ignore other people. It's your dog and it's your right to train it as long as there's no abuse

I've been surprised that I haven't had anyone say or look funny at me when he's wearing his prong. I'm in the same boat where I'm barely 5' and it's more for IF he wants to misbehave I have the ability to stop it

That right there. I would rather have the prong on and feel in control, then not have it on, and be dragged around, having him act how he wants.

Originally Posted by Sunflowers

People think everyone's situation is identical to theirs, and that what works for them and their dog would work for everyone.

This is like parenting.

Everyone's situation, and mileage, varies.

True, I think this trainer is so used to small dogs, and labs and what not, that she doesn't even know HOW to train a working dog. Sure, a prong on a chi is weird to me.. but come on, a GSD is a strong WORKING dog, sometimes they need more than positive reinforcement. And, they are a dominant type of dog naturally, if you dont let them know how they are supposed to act, they will use this to their advantage and find every way to test you, and see what they can get away with. Id rather nip it in the bud now, so he behaves well.

Originally Posted by ponyfarm

Use what works for your dog. Use it responsibly. Learn from a reputable instructor. But, ultimately take the time to teach your dog to control himself without the prong.

Dog training is all about what works for the dog at that time/situation.

Yea, I got that lecture at petsmart too!! lol...Once you are more sure of yourself..and your dog is behaving, focusing on you while their customers' dogs are going nuts...you wont concern yourself with the petsmart folk.!

Thats what I am working on, like I said he doesnt wear this all the time when we are out. He is a smart dog, I corrected him once with the cats, and now he *listens* to me when I tell him no, when he tries to go in the cats room. He doesnt have the prong on with that anymore. Once he LEARNS that jumping on people/pulling me so he can go say hi to a dog is not acceptable to me, and he knows what I want him to do instead ( I praised him today when he ignored a dog) I plan on weaning him off the prong. The petsmart folk can be nuts, lol.

Originally Posted by Shaolin

I'm sorry people gave you a hard time for it.

As a Recovered Prong-Hater, I used to think that they were horrible torture devices. I now know better.

I got that lecture a lot using a CC, but it was what was needed at that time.

LOL, Recovered Prong-Hater!

Originally Posted by MichaelE

If people would mind their own business they wouldn't have time to mind yours.

Tell them the next time you want their opinion you'll ask for it.

God I hate busybodies

Ugh yeah I know. Unfortunately, I have to deal with this lady on Tuesday for his last day of class. I already know I am going to get an earful, but honestly, if she's going to lecture me AGAIN, i'm going to LECTURE HER. Theres a fine line between having an opinion, and being plain out disrespectful to your paying customers.

[gsdlover91]

Originally Posted by Lin

Plus I like how I can give invisible corrections if she does something she shouldn't, and not need to give a dramatic leash yank.

Yep, it makes it a lot less dramatic, and easier on my hands. Plus, my butthead doesnt care for a normal leash yank, it doesnt phase him. It moreso chokes him...so the prong is safer for me and HIM, so he doesnt choke him self. Instead, he gets a tiny correction, and behaves..

[myshepharley]

I have tried a choker, flat collar and harness. Our walks were very stressful. Harley pulled constantly practically choking himself. Plus we had some other issues. I tried a prong and now use it whenever we leave the house. It is the only thing that he will respond to. Our walks are calm and relaxing. If he starts anything, one little jerk of my hand and he is right back in line. He does like to mice watch in the fields while walking and pounces on a spot. I have to becareful of this so he doesn't yank too hard. But I love our prong and it has made handling him so much better. I feel that if someone doesn't like it, then that is their opinion. It has worked wonders for Harley and that is all that matters to me.

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by doggiedad

i've never had a dog that i needed to use a prong or pinch
collar on. i think a lot of people look forward to usuing a device
as opposed to using training.

I am guessing from your handle that you might be a man? Probably a LOT stronger (and probably a LOT more experienced in hndling dogs as well?) than some of the folks on here who use a prong collar? Maybe?

A prong gives a small and/or weaker person a MUCH better chance of controlling a large unruly dog BEFORE they are trained. BTW, afterward even that person may not need to use one.

A prong is an effective useful tool - it is really too bad tht so many people are so emotional (without the real facts in most cases as well) about such a useful tool.

Do you use a slip collar or do you just use a flat buckle leather collar?


If you use a slip collar, then maybe one should read somethingabout them, or better talk to a person who knows prongs, or even better try one of each on your arm and give a hard correction and see which one is actually more potentially hurtful to a dogs neck.

HINT: It ain't the prong!

Anyway just one person's biased opinion as I have needed, used one and have seen the almost mgical impact it had on my then unruly 90 lb male GSD. (When I was undergoing knee replacement surgery in both knees and actually did not have the same strength in my legs for quite a long while).

[Cheyanna]

Originally Posted by Lin

I made my own version of a "secret prong." I started out with making a prong collar cover, but the way it covered the chain was awkward. So I started coming up with ideas and made what was perfect for me. I use it mostly with Tessa during work, she's my service dog. People think that her wearing a prong means she isn't properly trained. It means I'm disabled and in an emergency I want my emergency brake! Plus I like how I can give invisible corrections if she does something she shouldn't, and not need to give a dramatic leash yank.

Can you take a pic of what you did or tell us what you did? Fiona wears a prong collar every time we go out. Because she helps me with mobility, I cannot have her pulling. My friend thought it was horrible. I let het take Fiona without it and Fiona was a nut. Quickly converted ... But not for her 5 pound out of control yippy dog.


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