Bad comments over prong collar

[zmchristopher]

I dont really know if anyone can give me any input over what Im about to talk about to be honest, Since most members are american and the prong collar isnt seen as such a bad tool over there...

I use a prong collar and live in the UK, you can only buy prong collars online and to be honest Id never ever seen one/ heard of one before I joined this Forum...

Now I feel that if I didnt come across the prong collar, Zeus may not have been here today. Since at that time of leash training I was also pushing my was then nearly 2 year old in a pram, I used all other tools but non worked... (obviously I did use these along with the training method I still use now and Zeus is now good on the lead).

What Im getting at is, Do any of you come across a person who gives you an awful look/comment when they see you using your prong? I feel like Im getting judged horribly when I come across these people and find myself looking at choke chains even though I know they've been proven to cause alot more problems for dogs and I know I wouldnt have control like I do now, I think if I was physically a bigger person I wouldnt use any and opt for a harness or something but I just dont have that strength behind me if he decided to take off...

 

[Dobs4ever]

I always tell them well would you rather see me pulled into the street and both of us killed??? How do they control their strong dogs - OH right they don't walk them or they walk them off lead.

 

[obbanner]

Congratulations on your decision to use a prong collar. I never had a comment about the prong collar and if I did, I'd explain it's more humane than having a dog pulling against a buckle or choke collar.

My guys gag when they're on a buckle or choke collar and start pulling. They're so used to the prong collar, they don't pull at all when in it, and a flick of the wrist gets an instant response if they require a correction. I keep an eye on the collar and work it back up the neck when it slides down too far.

I keep their collars on magnetic hooks on the side of the refrigerator. If they want a workout, they'll bump the prong collars with their noses and run back to me.

 

[GennyB]

I have taken to rolling a bandana up and putting it on the dogs right over their prong. Mostly when I am around kids because I find it can scare the kiddos.
I did have a lady give me some grief about the prong one day and I just looked at her and said "Looks like somebody needs to do some research" and walked away from her. I betting she went home and did some reading based on the look on her face.

 

[Rits]

Yes, even in America you'll come across people like this. People in the dog showing world too. Everyone seems to have their own opinion on the matter and it seems those against it are the most outspoken. I personally haven't heard anyone do the same against choke collars, even though they can be worse. I'd just make your statement that it's far better than having your dog be disobedient or choke on their collar. There is nothing inhumane about a prong collar. It's just a tool and any tool can be used incorrectly. At this point either they will walk away or they will continue trying to argue the point with you, and it's obviously not worth your time to attempt to communicate with an ignorant person...that's when I'm done with the conversation!

I use bandannas too when I know I'll be in a place that may give me grief. Sometimes I'm just not in the mood to argue. They also sell prong collar covers that make them look like nylon collars.

 

[JanS]

I get those comments/looks once in a while too, but those are the same people I see with a choking dog dragging them all over creation.

Check out the Secret Powers training collars. They're a prong that's hidden inside a regular collar and no one has a clue there's really a prong hidden inside.
Here's a thread I started on them back when we first ordered one, and if I remember right, they ship all over the world.
Secret Powers training collar | Doberman Chat Forum: Talk About Doberman Pinschers If you scroll down a few posts I added some better photos that show the inside of it as well.

 

[Marko1962]

I use a Herm Sprenger neck tech and although it's not obvious it's a prong collar it is one, albeit not as 'prongy'. I don't really get any comments because as I've said it is not obvious it's a prong but I've had a couple of people give me a funny look when they've asked what sort of collar it is. When I've explained how it works and why I use one (as I explain below) I can see that they now begrudgingly understand but usually still don't approve, these people's reactions don't bother me because they are not in a big dog scenario like us Dobe owners so will not truly understand...

Zoe, you say you're not a big person but if you were you'd use a harness, well I'm a bloke (yes I am!!!) and when my Ozzy goes nuts and wants to drag me to where he wants to go when he's on a flat collar, it takes all my strength to hold him back. If I'm caught wrong footed I'd be on the ground, luckily after owning Dobes for 30 years I'm always on the look out for problems and so far (looks for wood, knocks on head) it's not happened, I've always been prepared so stayed upright and in control, it's been close though on a few occasions...

As you know a prong collar can get you a lot more obedience. Ozzy knows it pinches to lunge when he has his on so doesn't do it whole heartedly which suits me as I've not been dragged under a bus and the dog that has awoken Ozzys displeasure is still in one piece, a win win scenario for everyone I think...

I'd stick with the prong if I was you and ignore comments born from ignorance... a nice flat collar might be great for a 10 Ib mutt but a big beefy man sized Dobe? not so good unless it's a really reliably obedient dog ...

Just out of interest for anyone who thinks a harness will give them more control, watch my body for a few minutes in this video of me working Ozzy from 1 minute on, he is wearing a harness, watch how even though I'm really braced for it I still bend in the middle threatening to break in half because with a harness on Ozzy can use all his strength. A harness only gives a dog more leverage that's why they are used in hauling carts or sleighs around. (BTW congrats to Mark the helper, he's just got his 'A' grade and has been chosen to be a helper at the upcoming UK Seiger contest)

 

[Ingrid H]

I loved D4E's reply! It's true! You've discovered how much better things are with Zeus since you started using a prong. That's all that really matters, but those comments do get on our nerves from time to time. Covering the prong is an option when you aren't in the mood to educate people. There is also another sort of prong collar that doesn't look so "cruel" is the Herm Sprenger Neck-Tech collar. They look like this: Herm Sprenger Neck-Tech Collars

 

[Lizzard]

I'm in the US and we have PLENTY of judgement over the use of a prong collar. Paints reply above is AWESOME!!!!! Both about the bandana, and the research comment! Do that!

Don't worry about the looks, and if anyone gives you grief just point out his size versus your size and you really feel cornered to defend yourself, let them know it is the safest option for the dog and anyone around him. Generally, I don't argue with anyone about anything...waste of time...

 

[Jveator]

I'm not really for the prong collar nor against it either. I would prefer to see it used rather then a choke or shock collar.. I really like using a harness when walking dogs and spending the work and time to train them to walk nicely on leash. I have a very open mind and I'm always willing to look at both options. You also have to be careful when choosing a harness too some encourage pulling. Every dog is different though not one size fits all.

 

[SandyinKS]

They do make covers for the prong collars that are supposed to make them look like a regular collar. Some are really cool looking!

I guess I have such a thick skin it doesn't bother me

Not to steal your thread, but here is my quick rant. We were at the Pet Expo and my son had his Vizsla on a choke collar. Loose lead.......... only dog in there that wasn't pulling on its harness or dragging their owner on a buckle or head collar. There is a pitbull ban in the city, so we had folks giving him a WIDE berth and fearful looks . It's a SPORTing breed people, for goodness sake!
Had 2 folks from booths try to sell my son a head collar or a harness because that would be more "humane". My son only had a very fine show choke chain and lead on to help remind the dog that he was in a dog show situation and needed to mind his p's and q's. I looked both those both dudes in the eye and asked them what would be better, a dog with his attention on his handle, wildly wagging his tail and a loose lead or the the dog jumping and dragging and gagging? Neither had anything to say, except it would look "kinder" to others. I don't care to "look kind", I AM kind to my animals. Kind because I am consistent in what I ask for and what I expect. That means using the proper tool for each animal and situation. Like Dobs4ever said, would you rather have the necessary control or "look" kind??
Yes, I'm aware that in the wrong hands and used improperly, a choke collar can be harmful, but every "tool" no matter how severe/kind can be used both properly and improperly........ and IMHO, the majority of pet owners use tools incorrectly, either through lack of guidance or lack of caring, caring to take the need time and work to get the desired response.

Rant Over

 

[SandyinKS]

It is so funny, it takes me soooo long to post a reply as I'm busy teaching school that by the time I posted, there were a ton of responses, when I started, Dobs4ever was the only reply. Great replies!!

 

[Dobs4ever]

The problem is the DARN AR groups are influencing all the inhumane crap. They don't even work a dog, don't understand drives and don't want to. As OB said to our dogs it means something positive. As far as I am concerned they can take a flying leap into never never land and stay there. OOOOOPS sorry you hit one of my hot buttons.

 

[DocReverto]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Let ignorant people be ignorant. Someoneis always going to have a problem with something.

 

[Pitts]

The prong or pinch collar as it is sometimes called, is in my opinion and invaluable tool for training any dog, but particularly large breed protection bred dogs such as dobermans. I refer to it as "power steering for your dog". It allows you to have control of your dog and to give light but true corrections or reminders to your dog while your walking or training. It is actually safer and less harmful than many other tools, IE the halti, the choke and the flat collar, as it actually tightens in a uniform manner and takes less pressure to correct the dog thus minimalizing the correction to the dog itself.
Many of the uneducated masses will give you dirty looks or think your simply inhumane, barbaric or just plain mean, when they see this on your dog, they think that you have sharpened nail like spikes stabbing your dog in the neck. They are just uneducated and ignorant to the true aspects of the tool.
If you are truly having issues and want to simply avoid the issues and comments, I would suggest buying a prong collar cover, This hides the prong and makes it look more like a regular collar, and thus helps to eliminate all those nasty looks and comments. Here is a website that sells these items.
Prong Collar Covers

 

[DreamValley]

If you are sensitive about comments get Sprenger Neck Tech Prong Quick Release. It's not as effective as a prong but it works for many people.
It looks like a jewelry and very nice on the black shiny coat.

Nobody ever asked me why I used a prong collar. Maybe they don't want to talk to a woman with two strong Dobermans... actually they are right
Gino and Asha may explain them very clearly why I do it LOL

 

[Gelcoater]

Congratulations on your decision to use a prong collar. I never had a comment about the prong collar and if I did, I'd explain it's more humane than having a dog pulling against a buckle or choke collar.

My guys gag when they're on a buckle or choke collar and start pulling. They're so used to the prong collar, they don't pull at all when in it, and a flick of the wrist gets an instant response if they require a correction. I keep an eye on the collar and work it back up the neck when it slides down too far.

I keep their collars on magnetic hooks on the side of the refrigerator. If they want a workout, they'll bump the prong collars with their noses and run back to me.

I know that bump.Ours hangs from a hook in the garage by the door into the house.If I'm out there she goes over to it,gives it a bump then turns around and looks at me while wagging the nub.Her whole rear actually.

 

[zmchristopher]

Thanks everyone for your replies, I havent come across these people a whole lot I guess, but few days ago when it was just me and Zeus I took him out walking but doing training, when Im doing this I dont stop to chat but a couple did stop me to pet Zeus saying they had 2 dobes at home but I soon regretted it, hands all over his collar and a very bad look of disapproval to be honest it got my back up and I ended up walking off getting Zeus back to heel, I guess like you say I just wasnt in the mood that day.. not only that they try to give me the whole ''Their illegal dont you know'' which then I really cant be a$$ed with lol

 

[Liberty & Justice]

From time to time we get some stares and glares, but for the most part people don't say much. They just don't know the benefits, although it does appear menacing, it's benefits far outweigh the negative outlook and having to explain a few things to people.

 

[MyBuddy]

I was introduced to my first prong collar by the breeder where I got my first Doberman. When I did this she did the routine of putting it on my arm like a few here have suggested. It proved to me that it's not as bad as it looks. Now I live in the country and don't go on many walks with a lot of people around so this has not been an issue of late. In fact, I hadn't even used it since my first Doberman and actually forgot I had it until DCF reminded me a long time ago. It's a wonderful tool, especially for us woman with a Doberman who weighs more than half our own weight! I admit it looks menacing though and I do feel it gives others the feeling that either we are terrible owners or that my dog is so out of control that he needs such a' horrid' implement! There have been times I've not wanted to use it just for that reason. When I saw those Secret Powers collars I thought that was a wonderful idea! I still haven't gotten one but it's on my list! I think it's a beautiful 'cover up' to a great training tool.

Just the other day hubby and I walked the dogs (both on leashes, Buddy on his prong) down to the mailbox (long driveway! lol) and then we ended up taking a hike down our gravel road a bit. It was a beautiful evening and nice walk with Buddy right by my side (like Cesar!) on a loose leash. That's my kind of dog!

I did have a lady give me some grief about the prong one day and I just looked at her and said "Looks like somebody needs to do some research" and walked away from her. I betting she went home and did some reading based on the look on her face.

I LOVE that comment and I'm gonna remember that!