Prong Collars

[bcrane0822]

I would like to start using a prong collar in my training. My boxer is very well trained - except for the pulling when we're walking. I'm just not sure if she's too young for a prong collar. She's 9 months old and weighs about 52 pounds. Is she too young?

 

[courtney323]

Hi bcrane0822 -

Choke chains and prong collars are definitely cruel and unnecessary. There are many many ways to train your dog effectively, using positive reinforcement.

There is nothing wrong with sincerely inquiring about a prong collar -- but please understand that it is against the Rules to discuss and promote such devices. From the Rules:

Discussion of deliberate use of devices or practices that cause or have the potential to cause physical trauma to a dog. Boxerworld does recognise that people do have genuine questions regarding training tools (choke chains, prong collars, mousetraps etc) and methods, but we support and promote wholeheartedly positive training and behaviour management, that is, teaching the dog what to do by using positive methods, not teaching a dog what not to do by causing it discomfort and pain. Any threads which appear to promote "negative" training and methods will be closed.

Also, please post your Introduction. This is something required of all new members, and is stated in the Rules (in addition to the email you received upon registration). An Introduction should have actually been your first post

www.boxerworld.com/rules

 

[Vela]

To be honest you really don't need a prong collar to train your dog to heel and obey. I have never used one, I am not a professional trainer, and I have never had to use anything but a flat leather buckle collar on either of my dogs. I read books on training, used common sense, and used treats and praise for appropriate behavior. You really are better off getting your dog to do as you ask out of respect rather than pain or fear of injury. It will make for a better relationship in the end. I just know that if I could do it anyone else can too because I don't know all, I just read and found out the best methods to use.

There are also things like halti collars, gentle leaders, and no pull harneses that are all more humane and don't cause pain or harm. If you use the search feature and look for posts about training to walk on a leash you will find a whole bunch of useful information that can help you accomplish what you want without need for a prong collar. Good luck!

 

[tesster]

Tess does great on a gentle leader.

The gentle leader is much more effective and much more humane than any method that hurts or causes discomfort to the dog. Boxers in particular, respond much better to positive reinforcement than negative. It takes them a bit to get used to the gentle leader, but they do not pull when wearing it.

This will not teach them not to pull, it just keeps them from pulling when it's on. I recommend training them not to pull, in general, but till then, try the gentle leader.

 

[TheBoxerCrew]

I used a choke for a short period when George was younger, while I was working with him on his pulling. We tried the Halti & Gentle Leader to no avail - he spent the entire time pawing his face wanting that thing OFF! I think it took about a month or so for him to realize that if he pulled I would stop walking and he would have to sit until he calmed down. NOW, as long as I put the choke chain on him (but clip the leash to his regular collar), he knows he is going for a walk and doesn't pull. SO - if him wearing his "shiny necklace" puts him on "good walking behavior", I will do it. It is only there for decoration now anyway.

I have seen too many people use chokes & prongs as "control" rather than "training". I do not feel these were their intended purposes, and personally, feel that a prong is not suitable for the Boxer breed, based on their build, personalities, etc. To train by fear and pain sends a message to the dog that may or may not bring about negative actions/reactions from the dog.

 

[tesster]

In my opinion, I would never, ever use a choke collar. They can cause permenant damage to the dog's trachea, much less pain and discomfort!

The Gentle Leader takes some time to get used to, as I wrote before, but it is effective and not harmful. Tess acted like a little horse bowing her head up and down for the first couple times.

There are other options than a gentle leader, but a choke collar should not even be among the choices.

 

[bcrane0822]

Thank you for your help

Thank you everyone. I researched them online and they seemed okay - but I guess they only tell you that for marketing purposes. I am definately going to look into other ways!

 

[Vela]

i used several different harnesses and my dog was still pulling like a horse. especially when he saw other dogs.

Not saying this to be rude, but it sounds like you need to spend more time training your dog. A well trained dog will be interested in things around them but will not try to drag you after it. Spend some more time teaching your dog all of the basic commands, as well as heel, it really does help. Some dogs just need a lot more time invested in the training than others to accomplish the goals you want.