After having a conversation this morning with a friend I felt compelled to write a post about prong collars. I am a strong advocate for the use of prong collars when indicated and used correctly. I do not believe all dogs need them. Those who may need them benefit greatly from their use. If needed, I feel that you can communicate with your dog in a most direct and humane way. If used correctly you will not hurt your dog physically nor mentally. I feel the need to write this due to the ‘misuse’ of this tool. When you buy a prong from a store or the internet there are no directions that come with it. There are those who will refer to the internet for directions (plenty of videos out there) but some who will just put it on their dog without knowing the first thing about them. If not properly fit you not only run the risk of them falling off (loosing your dog) but actually causing harm. Then those who do not know/understand proper pressure and release techniques will then what is referred to as “crank” and “yank” the leash and will cause harm to their dog. I would NEVER recommend anyone buying/using a prong without first learning the correct way to use them. I believe that the misuse of this tool is an issue that can easily be resolved with proper direction and one of the main reasons that this tool gets such a bad wrap. PLEASE if you are going to put a prong on your dog have a trained professional show you the proper way to use it so that you can get the best results and so that you do not cause harm to your dog.
