I feel bad, but we had a nice walk

[CerbiesMom]

So, I've had Jas for 9 months now. And she's been a horrific puller the whole time. I've tried being a tree..no reaction, just more pulling (and she can and will move me). Tried the clicker and treats...she won't take treats outside, she's too amped up. Tried a toy instead..same thing.
I borrowed a prong collar last night from my aunt, and I can't believe the difference! She pulled once, and that was it. It was the first nice walk we've had since she was heavily pregnant. My arm isn't sore. She got to walk further since I had some control over her. She'll get a good walk today, too.
I've never used a prong, and I feel bad that I couldn't get it through her head with positive methods. She's by far the spazziest dog I've ever met. But I love her. And I hope this will help her find a new home if I can actually teach her to walk now.

[Labman]

I would have to be desperate to try one, but each dog is different. It is possible it is the best solution for you for her. Did you have anybody help fit it? I think the worst horrors with them come with poorly fitted ones. Hardly anything is safe if misused. I think you need enough links in it that it won't tighten up much more once the prongs contact the neck. Before using it much more, I would try to find somebody with experience to check the fit. Nothing beats real experience.

[JessicaR]

I have had to use a prong collar on 2 of the guide dog pups I raised (pilot dogs told me to use it on them) I agree that making sure it is put on correctly is very important. Most people put it on too loose and too low on the neck. Here is tyhe way it should be put on: http://leerburg.com/fit-prong.htm

[Shells_k]

Maybe it was/is a necessary evil. I love how much you put into this girl....:)

[Shara]

Good for you.

I assume shes in her forever home now? :P

[elsasmom]

If a prong collar is what it takes to make her understand about walking on a leash... then it's better than not being able to learn. With time, she may understand the whole thing and get relaxed enough outside to be able to try some other way. If she's not pulling, she's not hurting herself.

[CerbiesMom]

Good for you.

I assume shes in her forever home now? :P

I wish. She's been at my house over 9 months now. I don't understand. She's cute, smart, and funny. She's a giant cuddlebug. But nobody wants this girl.

[CerbiesMom]

If a prong collar is what it takes to make her understand about walking on a leash... then it's better than not being able to learn. With time, she may understand the whole thing and get relaxed enough outside to be able to try some other way. If she's not pulling, she's not hurting herself.

This is what I'm hoping for. This girl just has one speed...RUN! She doesn't care if she's on lead or off. I'm working on clicking her for any orientation toward me that isn't jumping on me. She doesn't see the fun in that game yet. Also any calm laying down behavior is being clicked and treated. Getting her out more is helping.

And Jessica and labman, yes, it is fitted properly. I research anything thouroghly before I try it. Thanks. I'm pretty sure I found the site you linked to, Jessica. Small world.

[JessicaR]

Like I said I wouldnt feel bad some dogs just dont seem to understand positive only methods and when used properly doesnt hurt the dog. The dog we used it on was a sweetie, but nothing worked. We tried all different types of training methods, halti's ect...nothing worked so the head trainer said to get her a prong. After a couple of months she no longer needed it and she is currently a working guide dog, so hey it worked.

I am sure someday the right home will come along for her.

[CerbiesMom]

Like I said I wouldnt feel bad some dogs just dont seem to understand positive only methods and when used properly doesnt hurt the dog. The dog we used it on was a sweetie, but nothing worked. We tried all different types of training methods, halti's ect...nothing worked so the head trainer said to get her a prong. After a couple of months she no longer needed it and she is currently a working guide dog, so hey it worked.

I am sure someday the right home will come along for her.

OMG the halti and this dog was terrible. She would either claw her face, or just faceplant and continue walking with her back legs.
We walked for an hour last night. Jas was happy. she and Cerb decided they needed to get the zooms when we were almost home.

[Labman]

Dogs vary and I am glad you had the courage to try a prong collar. Let's hope is is a step forward to a forever home. I am also very pleased at the lack of vicious flaming here.

Delilah is almost 6 months and her flat collar is too tight now and has no more adjustment in it. I will be moving up to a bigger one. So far, she is heeling well in it. I may not bother with anything more than another flat collar.

Aster was funny. After she retired as a dog guide at 10, I thought surely she wouldn't need anything more than a flat collar. Wrong, she pulled my arm off. Drop her slip collar on her and she walked along with a loose lead with very little or no corrections. Today there are those that flame the use of slip collars. I will not buy into guilt for using it. Abuse is how you use any training aid. You can flip a dog over with a flat collar or gently control it with a prong collar.

[6dogmom]

As a dog trainer I have to be open to everything. Prong collars are not my first approach but it is important for dog and owner to come to some sort of compromise about training. I am a big believer in everything. There is not just one tool that will work on every dog.
In the 1980's a study was done:
100 dogs
50 with choke collars
50 with prong collars

the collars where used in every training aspect of the dogs life.
After the results when the dogs were inspected after death,
48 of all the choke collar dogs had some sort of minor or major neck damage.
1 of the dogs with the prong collar dogs had damage and it was found to be owner misuse. The prong collar was to big for the dog.
If you need any advise on these collars please contact me. I will help you fit your dog for the collar.
I am not opposed to any method. I own so many dogs that each have there own way. They have taught me, I have not taught them. :)

[CerbiesMom]

As a dog trainer I have to be open to everything. Prong collars are not my first approach but it is important for dog and owner to come to some sort of compromise about training. I am a big believer in everything. There is not just one tool that will work on every dog.
In the 1980's a study was done:
100 dogs
50 with choke collars
50 with prong collars

the collars where used in every training aspect of the dogs life.
After the results when the dogs were inspected after death,
48 of all the choke collar dogs had some sort of minor or major neck damage.
1 of the dogs with the prong collar dogs had damage and it was found to be owner misuse. The prong collar was to big for the dog.
If you need any advise on these collars please contact me. I will help you fit your dog for the collar.
I am not opposed to any method. I own so many dogs that each have there own way. They have taught me, I have not taught them. :)

Wow, you have a link to that study? Curious minds want to read.
Thanks for the offer. I got it down, and Jas is already doing so much better. I can use a regular collar through the house now without her killing my arm. Now she hits the end of the leash and sits! I'm so proud of her! And getting out for walks more is doing wonders for her.