Some people think the USA is still in the “dark ages” regarding this tool. If you don’t like a tool, don’t use it. But, don’t categorize people because of their use of a particular piece of equipment. I use whatever tool works best with a dog - this may include toys, cookies, my hands, my voice, a buckle collar, a slip collar, and (yes) a prong collar. I have seen people use their hands much worse than anything I could ever do with a prong collar.
I sell A LOT of prong collars and I would estimate that probably 60-70% of them go to competition people. These people know how to use the collar or they are working with a trainer, who advised them to get the collar to deal with a particular issue. Other, non-competition people who call me are dealing with a variety of issues - dogs who pull and choke themselves on a buckle collar, dogs who have trachea issues and can not use a collar (but are uncontrollable on a harness), large dogs who have become unmanageable, or owners who don’t have the strength to control their dog on a regular collar. In some cases, these “strength” issues are a result of health issues on the part of the owner. On more than one occasion, I’ve had customers tell me that they were contemplating rehoming their dog because they couldn’t control him on walks or in the house.
I have several resources on my website, including an in-depth video on how to introduce a prong collar correctly. I also have information on how to fit a prong collar. If someone has never used a prong collar in the past, I advise them to seek out professional assistance. Can a prong collar be used incorrectly? ABSOLUTELY! But, so can a head halter, a slip collar, a buckle collar and a harness.
Have I ever talked to a person and refused to sell them a prong collar? Yes. The people who call me, who spout how their dog needs to be disciplined more or they tell me that their dog is having issues and they think a prong collar will “fix it”. Trust me...a prong collar does not “fix” anything. It is merely a tool to help a person communicate with their dog. A training class helps you “fix” things. A knowledgeable instructor helps you “fix” things. A prong collar is simply one tool that can be used as a PART of fixing something. So instead, I refer these people to an obedience club or any type of training class where an impartial (and hopefully qualified) person can help them deal with their dog.
The people who deal with animal abuse on a daily basis have my utmost respect. It is a difficult job and, unfortunately, a never ending one. But, deal with the people who do the abuse, not with a piece of equipment you do not agree with. Deal with the people who leave a dog on a chain, where the buckle collar has embedded itself in the dog’s neck. Deal with the people who confine their dogs in cages 24 hours a day and breed them for profit.
However, it is also OUR jobs as competitors and instructors to deal with issues that we see in the competition venue. You can not turn a blind eye to the person over-correcting their dog (in ANY type of collar). You can not turn a blind eye to the person you see at a trial, who is outside behind a fence smacking their dog around because it did not do well in the ring. You can not turn a blind eye to the person at the match, who runs to their dog on stays and hits it repeatedly in the head because it moved out of position. While it is difficult to walk up to someone and say “stop”, it must be done. Does that mean every time you see someone correcting their dog that you need to step in? No, that is not what I’m saying. But, we all know when we see something unreasonable. We all know when the handler has let emotion come into play and is taking it out on the dog.
As I am definitely rambling now, I will end with this....I always recommend using the mildest type of collar and/or correction which obtains you the result you are looking for. There is no reason to use a level 10, if a level 2 gets you results. Seek out a professional if you don’t know how to use a piece of equipment properly. Keep your mind open regarding ALL of the tools that exist in dog training...whether it be a clicker or a prong collar. Do not accuse and categorize people based on their tools. Instead, step back and look at their dog working. Maybe, just maybe, you will learn something.
Work hard. Play harder.
Shannon
