Hey Dog Lovers,
Today I talk about Prong/Pinch Collars. There has always been some controversy about these training tools and I wanted to share what I know about them to easy your mind. I personally have used these collars on my first two dogs, Jasmine and Kody. The reason we used them was not only their size but their pulling habits, especially when my mom walked them alone we needed that control and these gave us them. I want to emphasize they were used for training, when we finished the walk they came off.
What is it?
A metal collar that is comprised of various links which can be expanded or shortened by removing or adding links. Each of the links in the collar has a set of metal prongs which rest against a dogs skin. This does not cause pain if properly used it causes an uncomfortable feeling on the dogs neck. This has shown great success with large, strong breeds.
How Does It Work?
The pinch collar has a small silver ring to which a dog’s leash can be attached and this ring should sit on the back of the dogs neck. As the dog walks the prong simple sits on the dogs skin; however as the dog starts to pull the tension in the leash tugs at the pinch collar and pulls it tighter. As the links pull tighter the prongs pinch the dogs neck causing an unpleasant sensation that forces them to fall back into step as you walk.
Is it Safe?
Used to teach heel, not to pull, not to heed to distractions and leave it. Also used to control dog-aggressive canines while walking in an area you may encounter them. Most helpful on “bull-necked” breeds and larger breeds with hard-headed temperaments (rottweilers, pit-bulls, great Danes, doberman, etc). They should not be used on small or fragile necked breeds.
The Risks
Individuals who use the collar improperly and snap on the leash to suddenly tighten the collar and therefore caused increased pain and potential tissue damage to the dog. The other risk is the potential of choking if the collar is not fitted properly. It is designed to work as a preventative measure to help your dog remember their manners in public.
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Next week on Training Tuesdays we discuss: Not so Positive Puppy Experience!
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