08/17/2025
Are Prong Collars Really Illegal in Quebec? Let’s Clear This Up.
There’s a lot of confusion out there about training collars. Some people (even shelters and inspectors) will tell you that prong, choke, or remote collars are “banned” in Quebec. That’s not the full story.
Here’s what the actual law says 👇
📖 What Article 25 of the Law Says
The Regulation respecting the welfare and safety of companion animals includes this section:
Collars with pointy or sharp spikes pointing inward (like a DIY spiked collar) are prohibited.
Leaving a dog unattended or tethered with a choke chain or a muzzle is prohibited.
Notice what’s missing? Nowhere does the law ban you from training your dog under supervision with tools like a choke or remote collar.
✅ The Big Misunderstanding
The government’s wording lumps “prong collar” into the same category as collars with sharp inward spikes.
A real prong collar (like Herm Sprenger) has rounded, smooth ends that spread pressure safely around the dog’s neck.
A spike collar or altered prong (with sharpened ends) can cause injury. That’s what the law was trying to prevent.
So, while the law says “prong collar,” what it’s really describing is a collar that’s been altered to be dangerous — not the safe, manufactured tool trainers use.
⚠️ Where the Rumor Comes From
MAPAQ (the ministry in charge) put out an “application guide.” That guide discourages prongs, choke chains, and remotes.
But here’s the key:
A guide is not law.
Only the regulation itself (Article 25) can be enforced in court.
🐾 What This Means for You
Prong collars: If they’re legitimate, rounded-tip prongs (not altered), you can argue they don’t meet the law’s definition of “sharp or pointy.”
Choke collars: Legal to use while walking or training your dog. Just don’t leave your dog tied up and unattended in one.
Remote collars: Not even mentioned in the law.
💡 How to Respond if Questioned
If someone (authority, inspector, SPCA agent) says your collar is illegal:
Stay calm and polite.
Ask them to show you the specific law, not just a guide or opinion piece.
Point to Article 25 — it only bans sharp/pointy collars and bans choke collars only if the dog is left unattended.
Emphasize that your prong collar is rounded, humane, and not sharp — so it doesn’t fit the law’s wording.
🎯 The Bottom Line
There is no full ban on training tools in Quebec.
The law is against collars that are truly harmful (sharp spikes, abusive designs).
Proper training collars, when used responsibly, are not illegal.
Don’t let fear or misinformation pressure you. Know the difference, train responsibly, and stand your ground politely if anyone challenges you.
