Human emotional support and behavior help please

[Josette]

This is the very best kind of advice that we need more of: coming from those who really did not want to use the tools available because they look or seem scary or harsh and the fear of being judged for having to use such a tool, but learning that it was life changing for the better for you & the dog both and you have no regrets. A big thank you for speaking up, admitting your fears and how you and your dog benefited.

If Daisy wasn't such a complicated order I would never have considered it. If she hadn't tried to pull me into the street I probably wouldn't have considered it. I think one issue is, unless you are in a group like this, there's a good chance you don't know how they're used successfully and humanely. They look like torture tools. I had never known anyone who had one. Even the trainer when I first asked about it felt like after a little training would be unnecessary.....then she saw me walking her outside and by the end of our 6 weeks had a changed opinion and prongs aren't something she regularly recommends. I've learned that any tool (or household item for that matter) can be used in an abusive way, and it's sad to think of such tools ending up in the wrong hands or being used incorrectly. But the prong collar has been such a positive thing for both me and Daisy. And I love this bad, fool dog an insane amount.

For anyone reading that feels unsure about how they actually work, I watched a video about prong collars on the Leerburg site, where I later purchased mine, that I remember being helpful. Also, I googled prong collar and Dobermans and read a lot before deciding to go that route.

I use a prong collar, but noone that knows us would think Daisy is anything but happy, well loved and quite spoiled.

 

[Ravenbird]

Thanks once again.

If Daisy wasn't such a complicated order I would never have considered it.

I've said before & now again: I never needed one before Asha, never thought it was right or wrong, just never thought about it. Then I got my working dog. I told the breeder I wanted a hard dog and boy did she deliver - everything I asked for and then some. I'm grateful for the learning curve, I'm grateful for every single thing this dog taught me. Especially the lesson that I never knew I needed: All dogs, even of the same breed, come at different levels and nobody can tell you that your dog or you is a failure if you have to use these tools. A hard dog is a hard dog and you have to keep pace with them or you both will fail.

 

[Doberman Gang]

It is amazing to me how many so called trainers recommend these harnesses or head collars as a training solution for pulling. These are just another aversive tool that causes discomfort when the dog pulls. This is the same as any other training collar. Many dogs will fight to avoid these harnesses and head collars to be put on them, they are restrictive and don’t allow the dog to enjoy the walk experiences as a dog should. A prong or even electric if trained properly is a momentary correction that is just a reminder of walking without pulling. The dog is allowed to sniff things, check out smells look around and enjoy the walk. To me the no pull harnesses would be less freedom because of its restriction while walking, head halter is probably the worst because if the dog was to take off after a squirrel or rabbit, it’s head will get violently whipped around putting major stress of the vertebrae of the neck. Taking your dog for a walk should be enjoyable for you are your dog. Your dog shouldn’t be dragging or pulling you all over the place but they should still have the freedom to sniff and smell things. They also shouldn’t be forced to walk next to you or behind you. I see this all the time, dogs head is down just shuffling along beside it’s owner, doesn’t look like it’s having fun. It is like making the dog heel but without focus or reward. I use an ecollar and a flexi leash but my dogs have been trained on them to understand a low level stim as a correction. They are allowed to go around and sniff and pee on things just not pull on the leash. I occasionally will say my dogs name, he will come back to see what I want. I then give him a treat and release him to go explore again. It is training and they will be much happier and confident once they know the rules.

 

[Lii]

I don't have a lot of advice because I'm definitely a novice at training my dog. However, I will share that I was super hesitant about a prong collar because they look painful and it just seemed mean. My doberman puppy was hurting me though by how hard she was pulling and she is/was (getting some better) very reactive/fearful of humans and cars. The prong collar has helped tremendously and I see that it doesn't really seem to hurt her. It is uncomfortable when she pulls, but she controls that. As soon as she stops pulling, it releases. This has greatly changed our walks. I didn't initially even correct her with the leash, I just let her correct herself. I'm a huge softie, I would never have thought I would consider a prong collar but it was necessary in our case for my safety and hers. I went for a private training session to learn to use the prong collar safely and correctly. This trainer , who isn't quick to recommend a prong collar for every dog, saw the need in our case. She recommended a specific one and even though my dog's neck size would have indicated a larger prong size, she told me to stick with the regular, shorter size.

It isn't needed for every dog, but it can a very helpful tool. My dog was scared of everything but using the prong collar didn't make her fear me. It didn't solve all our problems but it allowed me to stay in charge (her not pulling me into traffic) and her somewhat forced obedience did increase her confidence in me as the leader. If you decide you need to consider it, I just want to encourage you that you don't have to fear it (I did.)

I wish you the best of luck with your pup! Dogs make the best friends There is a lot of good advice from experienced Doberman owners here. I hope you'll stick around and that I'll read how fantastic he is doing

Oh, and YES, he would still receive treats!

Thank you for your advice. I’m hesitant to use a prong and don’t know how. He’s responding well to the harness so if it stops working I will request to use a prong with the trainer. He’s doing okay and actually started to go to the door to use the bathroom outside. It’s one step at a time lol

 

[Josette]

Thank you for your advice. I’m hesitant to use a prong and don’t know how. He’s responding well to the harness so if it stops working I will request to use a prong with the trainer. He’s doing okay and actually started to go to the door to use the bathroom outside. It’s one step at a time lol

I'm glad things are going better for you both ! It definitely is one step at a time

 

[cjpmpd]

That dog is going to bond with the person feeding him and caring for him. NOT the random dogs at the dog park.

I needed to hear that!