07/08/2025
I love a good prong collar when being used correctly. Amazing tools when utilized the right way! Ghost and Ghibli are both trained with them, but Ghost uses his more often. Strong headed cattle dog 🤣
Let's Talk:
Prong Collars.
Their design, use, benefits, and considerations
Prong collars (sometimes referred to as pinch collars) are one of the most misunderstood tools in the dog training world, right up there with e-collars and slip leads. They’re a tool that's often surrounded by controversy, yet for many trainers and owners, they’re a valuable communication tool.
When used properly.
As with any piece of equipment, the key lies in understanding how it works, when to use it, and how to use it humanely and effectively.
So, what is a Prong Collar?
A prong collar is a type of training collar made of interlocking metal links, each with blunted prongs that face inward. When fitted properly, it sits high on the dog’s neck, just below the ears, or to upper-mid neck (depending on the dog) and applies even, distributed pressure around the entire neck when engaged.
The pressure from a prong collar should be a brief, focused sensation rather than a prolonged tug or choking sensation. Quick flicks of your wrist, do not pull and drag, that will just increase frustration and tension.
How does it work?
When a dog pulls or the handler delivers a quick leash tug, the prong collar tightens momentarily, distributing pressure evenly across the neck. Unlike flat collars or choke chains, which can concentrate pressure on the trachea or cause constant tension, a properly fitted prong collar creates a momentary, attention-getting sensation, then immediately releases.
It is designed to help clarify communication, with a quick pop, not a prolonged pull or drag, but it DOES work on a premise of discomfort, and can dip into elements of both negative reinforcement or positive punishment, depending on how it's used and how you desensitize and counter-condition your dog to the sensation.
It allows for a lighter touch with less effort on the handler’s part and helps many dogs better understand leash pressure and expectations. Especially for dogs who have an established pattern of behaviour that an owner needs help getting a handle on ASAP, while they're working on creating and teaching a new pattern of behaviour.
I equate it to being similar to power steering. Before power steering was invented, you could still turn your car left or right, but it could take some effort. With the invention of power steering you could turn the car with ease. Similar to a prong collar, you can direct and pull your dog here, there, and everywhere in a flat collar or a harness, but with the invention of the prong the amount of pressure you had to use decreased significantly.
How to use a Prong Collar safely:
A prong collar, like any tool, must be used responsibly, and introduced correctly. IT IS NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR TRAINING.
Safe use includes the following:
Proper Fit:
The collar should fit snugly and sit high to upper-middle on the neck—not loose or sliding down toward the shoulders. You SHOULD NOT be able to slide the prong over your dogs head. The prongs should lie flat against the skin without digging in. If you have a dog with a smooth coat, silky fur, or an in-between size for links, using a two-inch wide flat collar, fitted snugly below the prong, can help keep it in place.
Use a quality collar:
Use a well-made, reputable brand such as Herm Sprenger. Avoid poorly manufactured or sharp-edged knock-offs. Also avoid the quick clip variety, as those often come undone if knocked or bumped in just the right way.
Prongs are not designed to come apart under pressure, or come apart under their own power. If they are, check the fit and make sure all prongs are connected correctly. If the issue persists contact the manufacturer about the issue.
Always use a back-up system to connect your prong to your dogs flat collar, for just in case. You always hope your gear won't fail, but always be prepared incase it does. You can buy collar couplers that connect your dogs prong to their flat collar, or use a carabiner with a locking mechanism.
Supervised use only:
Pong collars should never be left on when unsupervised or during play. They are for structured walks and training sessions, not everyday wear.
Handler Education:
Learn how to properly apply and release leash pressure. This tool should not be used to yank, hang, or harshly punish a dog. If your thinking of using a training tool, seek out a professional to help you learn how to properly fit and use any tool you want to use on your dog. Especially those that fall into the more intensive category, like prongs, e-collars, or head-halters (yes, they're aversive too!)
Pair it with positive reinforcement:
It should always be paired with reward-based training to guide, not correct blindly.
Your dog should understand what you're asking of them, in multiple scenarios, situations, and environments, before you start potentially correcting them for it. If your boss gives you a task, but doesn't explain how they want it completed, and then gets mad at you for not doing it correctly, is that fair? No. Of course not. It's the same in dog training.
If you correct or punish your dog for doing something that you don't like, but don't show them what you want instead, or have never taught them what you expect, that's not fair.
What are some of the benefits of using a Prong Collar?
They can allow for clearer communication:
For dogs who don’t respond to other equipment (like slip leads or martingales due to prolonged allowance of ignoring or pulling through them), or who have an ingrained, practied behaviour, a prong collar can provide a level of clarity and subtlety that reduces frustration—for both handler and dog.
Reduced physical strain:
For handlers with limited strength or mobility, prong collars allow for effective control with less force. Even the lightest touch can be enough to activate the prong, allowing for highly tactile and sophisticated communication.
Even pressure distribution:
Unlike slip leads, martingales (to a degree), or choke chains, which can put extreme force on the trachea, a prong collar spreads pressure more safely, and evenly around the neck. The trachea plate in the centre allows for the prongs on either side to slide in both directions, applying even pressure all the way around.
What are some potential drawbacks and considerations to keep in mind?
Public misconception:
Because of their appearance, prong collars are often misunderstood or seen as harsh. This can lead to judgment or pushback from the public, or from other trainers and dog owners.
Improper fit or use can cause harm:
A prong collar used incorrectly—too loose, too low on the neck, or used with excessive force—can cause fear, discomfort, or injury, just like any tool that gets misused.
They're not ideal for every dog:
Some dogs may be sensitive or fearful of pressure, and may respond better to other tools like a martingale or a harness. Prongs are not a “fix-all” tool and should be part of a comprehensive training plan.
May mask underlying issues:
If used as a shortcut to suppress pulling or reactivity WITHOUT addressing the why, the dog’s stress or arousal may remain unresolved.
Is a prong collar right for your dog?
The decision to use a prong collar should be made based on your dog’s needs, your goals, and your ability to use it responsibly. It should not be used solely as a punishment device, even if it uses elements of negative reinforcement and positive punishment—it is a communication tool, and when used humanely, it can be an important step toward loose leash walking, reactivity training, or confidence-building in certain dogs.
Always consult with a qualified trainer who can fit the collar correctly, teach you how to use it gently and fairly, and help pair it with a solid training foundation based in structure, boundaries, communication, and showing the dog what you want and what your expectations are.
I am certified through the IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals) on how to properly use, fit, and teach people how to use a prong, so if you have questions or think a prong may help and benefit you and your dog, reach out, I'll happily answer any questions.
Some Final Thoughts
Prong collars are not inherently cruel, nor are they a magic solution. Like any tool, they are only as effective and humane as the person using them. With education, thoughtful application, and a strong relationship between dog and handler, a prong collar can be a helpful part of many dogs' training journeys—especially when paired with empathy, patience, and a clear communication system.
