How To Make A Prong Collar Cover? All Answers

A new take on an old exercise machine!

The spiked collar is perhaps the most misunderstood exercise tool in the world. The confirmed “ugly duckling” of training collars is sometimes feared by the average pet owner, largely due to its resemblance to some sort of medieval torture device. This fear is misguided, however, as concern about the collar typically stems from a misunderstanding of how to use it properly. Technique, safety and results are all on the side of this simple device. When used as part of a positive, balanced training program, it is one of the safest, gentlest training collars in use today.

THE PURPOSE OF A SCHOOL COLLAR

Our four-legged companions come in all shapes, sizes, sensibilities, and personalities, just like their owners. Therefore, no training collar design is perfect for all dogs. But no matter what type of training collar is right for you and your dog, it should have three functions:

Help your dog not to pull on the leash

Increase your level of control and security

Help minimize corrections so you can focus on the business of praise and rewards

DESIGNED FOR SAFETY

The spiked collar usually consists of several interlocking pieces of steel or “links” attached to a small loop of chain. The loop has either a welded ring or a swivel to which the line is attached. The loop also includes a round safety ring that prevents a properly fitted collar from closing too far and choking the dog. There are several reasons why the spiked collar is preferred by trainers worldwide as one of the safest and most effective training collars on the market:

So little of the collar actually touches the dog. The main purpose of the prongs is to hang most of the collar over the dog’s neck. Only the blunt ends of each prong rests on the dog’s neck and when used in conjunction with a slack leash no part of the collar rests on the trachea. There is no other collar on the market that is less intrusive when used with a loose leash than the Prong.

Helps dogs stop pulling. Many dogs pull on their buckle collars or harnesses because there is no reason not to. However, most dogs avoid pulling against spikes, so leash tugging and/or running away from the owner is reduced almost immediately without the owner flinching hard.

It doesn’t pinch the dog. Although the spiked collar is sometimes referred to as a “collar collar,” contrary to popular belief, it does not “pinch” the dog’s skin when gently tightened. Rather, it simply puts more pressure on each blunt end, which then becomes uncomfortable for the dog, causing the dog to choose not to pull on it anymore. It is only referred to as a pinch collar because the prongs must be squeezed together to put the collar on and off.

Eliminates harsh jerking on the leash. Leash communication can be gentle and informative for your dog without being abusive. The spiked collar allows you to eliminate fixed leash corrections, instead allowing the dog to examine the leash boundary and return to the handler voluntarily. Other avenues of communication can be made through small connections with the leash, rather than harsh elbow-to-shoulder twitches.

FIT & SIZE

The collar is put on a dog by loosening the quick release buckle or – on standard models – by separating two of the links at the “rabbit” end of the collar. The open collar is placed under the dog’s jaw and pulled up around the neck to fasten just behind the ears. Your line attaches to the flat swivel or to a round ring on the 2.25mm Duro and Kimberland models. The links should be snug but not too tight, and you should be able to comfortably slip a finger between a prong and your dog’s skin. The collar should be snug enough so that it doesn’t fall or roll around the dog’s neck, but also not press too tightly into the dog’s skin when used on a loose leash. The collar is designed to be customized for each dog. This means your dog may need adjustments as he grows, gains weight, or loses weight. To adjust collar size, simply add or remove links at the “bunny foot” end of the collar until the fit is right.

AKC position statement on training collars

“The American Kennel Club recognizes that specialty training collars (including, but not limited to, prong collars, electronic collars used with transmitters, harnesses, and muzzles) when used properly can be effective and useful management devices to control dogs, who can be extremely active, difficult to control on a collar, or aggressive. These collars are also seen as potentially useful for gaining control early in basic obedience training, basic training that dogs deserve and need.” – AKC, 2001 www.akc.org/rules/policy-manual

PROPER USE IS IMPORTANT

Any improperly used collar can harm your dog – even seemingly harmless gear like regular buckle collars, harnesses and glide lines. Spiked collars are no different. The use of the spiked collar must always be accompanied by a supervisor. Only use when training or caring for your dog; Never leave the collar on overnight or while you are away. Young children should not be allowed to work a dog on a training collar, including spiked collars, without supervision. And never tie your dog to any object with a spiked collar.

THOSE THAT BENEFIT THE MOST

The spiked collar can be useful for almost any dog-handler team. Here are some common dog owners who might benefit from using a spiked collar:

– People whose dogs constantly pull on the leash – People who own energetic, hard-to-control puppies

– Little people who own big dogs. – Owners whose dogs choke or gag on other collars

– Disabled people with limited strength or movement – People who walk more than one large dog at a time

– Owners whose dog’s neck is sensitive/damaged – Owners of small dogs with sensitive, weak necks

JUST PART OF A BALANCED EXERCISE PROGRAM

In a balanced training program, to be effective and fair, the spiked collar must be used in conjunction with positive motivation, reward, and praise. Methods that are fun for the dog to learn are critical to maintaining a good relationship with your dog. Spiked collars should never be used to punish a dog – they should simply be used to help with minor consequences for wrong decisions. The spiked collar can and should be used in conjunction with food, toys, play, proper communication and slack lead techniques. Without this balance, the dog is not trained positively and collar use becomes abuse.

NO COLLAR IS PERFECT FOR EVERY SITUATION

Spiked collars are not the best choice for extremely aggressive dogs, particularly sensitive dogs, and overly shy or fearful dogs. Some dogs with damaged windpipes cannot even wear collars and may need entirely different programs. Very young puppies should not be used with spiked collars, but with instruction, many owners find that older puppies do very well with them.

Also, not everyone is suitable for a spiked collar. Owners who cannot learn to work on a loose leash and those who cannot learn to be consistent and fair when setting boundaries and giving praise are not good candidates for prong collars. All collars must fit the situation. Halters, harnesses, buckle collars, martingales, snap collars, and other types of collars may be better solutions than a spiked collar depending on the situation.

When you have to hide what you’re doing…

When you have to hide what you’re doing…

maybe you should reconsider that choice.

There is a trainer near me who is notorious for showing off his dogs – he often has very large packs at various events. All dogs wear bandanas, not because the bandanas are cute or to celebrate the event, but because they hide the fact that almost all dogs wear spiked collars or choke chains (even the tiny little dogs). I even heard a story recently about a lady trying to take the TDI test with her dog on a spiked collar covered by a bandana.

There is an ever increasing tide of products being used to conceal or disguise the use of aversive collars. There are cloth covers with velcro or elastics that fit over your spiked collar to make it look like a regular collar. There is a spiked collar which is finished with a black nylon webbing on the outside to make it appear as a flat collar. I’ve even seen a new custom product that has a spiked collar sewn into colorful/cute webbing/ribbons and even added a fabric martingale feature to really cover up a spiked collar’s telltale hardware. I recently saw a picture of a group of dogs all wearing thick leather collars. Two of the dogs could clearly see the corner of the box on a shock collar – they used the large thick leather collar to hide the shock collar underneath.

I’m sure there are many reasons why people need to hide these collars – to avoid people giving them that judgmental look, the collar is against the rules in a certain place or environment, they are Embarrassing collar or putting it on You don’t want your dog to look more “aggressive”. While there are reasons, they are not excuses.

If you’re so embarrassed about the tools you use to train your dog that you try to hide them, you might want to use other tools. If you hide the tools you use because you’re so concerned about how other people perceive you, maybe you should use other tools. If you feel guilty about using the tools you use to hide them, maybe you should use other tools. If you want the impression of having a well-trained dog without using special tools and therefore have them hidden, you might want to use other tools.

I don’t use these tools, I don’t suggest these tools, and I don’t like using these tools, but I like them even less when the user tries to quickly pull and hide the collar.

I couldn’t imagine hiding how I train my dogs, or being ashamed of how I train my dogs, or being ashamed of how I train my dogs, or trying to smuggle my training equipment into one place .

I almost always keep a clicker or two in my pockets, just in case. When I’m out with my puppies, they proudly wear a martingale collar or body harness. When I’m in busy places or with a lot of dogs, I always have a treat bag filled with kibble or treats for working with the dogs or as an emergency mess for potential off-leash dogs. If I’m just out and about in a normal environment, I might have a few kibbles in my pocket just in case I need to counteract a spooky event or deal with an off-leash dog or another dog who reacts to Shayne at large nearby, but I rarely have to dig out the few nibbles. I take pride in the way I train my dogs and am always open minded. Yes, when I’m out walking the dogs, I carry a treat bag with me or have a few treats in my pocket. Yes, if we work in a busy urban environment, I will reward them for staying with me. Yes, my dogs wear open harnesses (front hook or back hook). I don’t hide my treat bag, I don’t hide my clicker, I don’t try to cover my dogs collar/harness, and I certainly don’t hide the tools I use to circumvent rules. If you like you have to hide what you’re doing, maybe it’s not the right thing – if you don’t know what else you could be doing, that’s fine! Contact someone who does things differently, ask what other options there are. Nobody knows everything, it’s ok to ask for ideas, suggestions or guidance.

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*Unless otherwise noted, all reviews on this blog are of items that I have purchased, either new, used, or on loan from friends. If I have been paid or compensated in any way by a brand or manufacturer, I have been happy to disclose this in the post to this article. if you want me

Clamp collars and why they can affect the welfare of the dog

A guest blog by Dr. Samantha Gaines, our passionate Pet Director.

In the last few days we have been asked several times about our position on pinch collars (also known as spiked collars) and whether their use is legal. Unfortunately, clamp collars are not illegal, and while their vendors say they are “pretty gentle exercise equipment,” we believe the opposite is true, and we want them banned.

How do pinch collars work?

To understand why we oppose squeeze collars, it’s important to understand how they work. Clamping collars work on the principle of putting on something painful or frightening to stop an unwanted behavior – quite simply, when a dog pulls on the leash, the collar’s prongs close around the neck, which can cause pain or discomfort, whatever the likelihood decreased The dog pulls on the leash again. Research has shown that aversive training techniques, such as B. Clamping collars, can cause pain and suffering and affect the well-being of the dog.

As the owner of Sidney, a 40kg Labrador Mastiff cross, I can sympathize with owners who walk a pulling or difficult to control dog. When I first adopted Sidney he had no understanding of walking well on a leash and would pull me everywhere! It is therefore easy to understand why some struggling owners buy a collar for what appears to be a quick fix for controlling their dog, especially since the marketing of these products implies that they are safe and fairly gentle.

Unfortunately, many will not realize that there may be a price to pay for their dog becoming off-leash, and will not realize that what is supposed to be a truly enjoyable and rewarding experience for the dog can be quite the opposite. The Lab I see regularly wearing a collar at my local park may not pull on the leash, but his behavior suggests he is not really enjoying his walk.

What can owners do instead?

We want these collars to be banned, not only because of the risks they pose to dogs’ welfare, but also because they have great potential to cause abuse or be abused.

In modern society there is absolutely no excuse or need to employ techniques that may affect the welfare of the dog. There are far better and more humane ways to train dogs. I used a well-fitting and comfortable harness to control Sidney and taught him to walk well at my side with food. I could also have contacted one of the many trainers across the country who would have helped me coach Sidney without exposing him to techniques that can cause pain or anxiety.

If you agree with us that spiked collars should be banned, please write to your MP.

We do not condone or encourage threatening or abusive behavior on any campaign. We urge that all members of the public who contact politicians, organizations or anyone else on this issue remain respectful at all times.

Published: 04/02/2021

Spiked collars are a hotly debated topic in the canine world. On the one hand, they are effective against leash pulling, but many experts oppose their use due to ethical concerns. We’ll discuss the good, the bad, and the legality of this training tool, and help you decide if it’s right for your pup.

What are spiked collars?

Prong (or pinch) collars are metal collars with chain links and blunt, angled protrusions that sink into the pet’s skin when the dog or parent applies pressure to the leash. The spiked collar sits just under the dog’s jaw and is not intended to “pinch” unless the pet parent or dog pulls on the leash. This collar has similarities to the choke collar and martingale collar, but neither of these have the protrusions (or teeth) that clamp collars have.

Are Spiked Collars Safe for Dogs?

There are conflicting reports on the safety and effectiveness of spiked collars. The Michigan State University Extension published an article on the success of using spiked collars correctly, although many experts say the evidence is misguided. When used properly, spiked collars do not damage the trachea, although they can damage the skin of the throat, which is much thinner than that of humans. Another problem is that many pet parents don’t know how to properly use a spiked collar. Improper use of a spiked collar can seriously damage your pup’s windpipe and sensitive throat skin. In addition, prong collars can be perceived as punishment by the dog and cause emotional and behavioral problems later.

Are spiked collars legal?

Many countries, including Austria and Switzerland, have banned the use of spiked collars on dogs. Spiked collars are still legal in the US but are strongly discouraged by institutions such as the Humane Society and the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Some activists are pushing for legislation banning this training tool, though none have been passed yet.

Alternatives to spike and choke collars

Flat collar. A flat collar is the standard collar that you picture when you think of a dog collar. This type of collar can be made of leather, nylon or fabric and lies flat on the base of the dog’s neck. Flat collars are closed with either a metal or plastic slide lock buckle. This collar can sometimes cause choking in dogs that pull and can cause discomfort or embedding if applied too tightly. You should be able to comfortably slide two fingers between your pet’s neck and the flat collar.

martingale collar. Martingale collars are made of a woven material (usually nylon) and resemble a flat collar. These lie under the dog’s jaw and have an extra piece of fabric that the leash is attached to. This type of collar gives the handler more control than a flat collar and does not choke or put pressure on the dog’s windpipe.

Head halter: A head halter is somewhat similar to a horse’s collar. This type of collar wraps around a dog’s neck and muzzle, allowing the handler more control without straining the dog’s neck. Some dog training experts describe this design as “power steering” for dog handlers.

Harness: A harness wraps around the dog’s chest and back and has a D-ring on the back for you to attach the leash to. Harnesses do not put pressure on the neck.

Are spiked collars right for my dog?

Spiked collars have been touted for years as an excellent tool for obedience training and prevention of leash pulling. Today they are considered draconian and inhuman in much of the animal world. Many pet stores even have exchange programs where pet parents can bring in a spiked or choke collar for free and return it for a regular (aka flat) collar. Sure, prong collars are a quick and easy way to get your dog uncomfortable to stop pulling – but experts suggest this is “learned helplessness” to avoid pain on his part. There are evidence-based methods that work and will not cause your dog pain. Positive reinforcement and obedience classes are fantastic for coping with leash pulling. The more work you put into your dog, the better he will behave, and pain doesn’t have to be a factor. Using spiked collars as punishment can have unintended consequences. One study found that punishment-based training had negative behavioral effects such as decreased social skills and playfulness, while positive training methods increased the dog’s desire and ability to learn. For most dogs, training is a walk in the dog park. But if you’re struggling with exercise, consider investing in pet insurance. Many plans cover prescribed behavior changes for conditions like separation anxiety. Plan ahead and start looking for pet insurance today.

Demystify spiked collars.

As your dog’s protector and pack leader, it is your duty to keep your dog balanced and happy. When a dog doesn’t get the structure they need, they become emotionally and physically frustrated, which then leads to behavioral problems. This, of course, frustrates owners who give up too easily, which unfortunately results in millions of dogs being taken to animal shelters every day. The walk, rules, and boundaries all need to be mastered if you want a harmonious, peaceful relationship with your dog.

The difference between responsible dog ownership and a possible accident lies in the way we use tools. Tools are there to empower you as a handler and to help you be the leader and have complete control of the dog whether it is inside or outside your home. Any dog ​​has the potential to be amazing if you use the right tool. I have trained many dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes and I am here to tell you with absolute certainty that the spiked collar is by far the best tool to use in training a dog. Why? Because it works.

Many people have been told never to use a spiked collar because it is cruel. Guess what? The very people who badmouth prongs are the people who have never actually used them. Isn’t it amazing that they’re so reluctant to step out of their comfort zone that they’d rather sentence the dog to death by labeling it “aggressive” than try something that actually works? This is crueler than anything I can imagine.

Why didn’t they try?

I often hear these myths:

It looks barbaric, so it must be barbaric. Haven’t we learned by now that you can never judge anything by its looks? The spiked collar consists of interlocking blunt links. So when you make a quick correction, mimic the correction that a mother dog gives her puppies. It does not hurt. Dogs constantly insult each other in play. YOU are the pack leader, just like the mother is for her puppies. We need to realize that it’s okay to correct a dog. The spiked collar works.

I don’t want to make my dog ​​uncomfortable or unhappy. This is always amazing to hear because to me a split second of discomfort when being corrected for misbehavior is MUCH more comfortable for a dog than being moved to another room for misbehavior from its owners in isolation because the dog is his didn’t know the limits. Isn’t a quick snap of the leash and a momentary discomfort worth a day, a week, a month, or even a lifetime of good behavior and living in harmony with you, your dog’s leader? A snap of the leash is a correction, while a lifetime separation from people for bad behavior is a punishment.

The spiked collar will make my dog ​​more aggressive/anxious/shy. I have trained thousands of dogs and have never seen a dog become more aggressive, anxious or anxious as a result of a spiked collar. I’ve seen them become more balanced and confident because there are no more mixed signals. A dog is happiest when they know their boundaries well and are welcomed into the family because they are consistently well behaved.

Spiked collars are just as bad as choke chains. Not correct. Spiked collars are not at all similar to choke chains. Choke chains have unlimited pulling power that in careless, abusive hands can completely cut off a dog’s air supply, causing serious injury and even death. A spiked collar distributes even pressure and a quick pinch. That’s it. Again, this is a correction, not a punishment. The dog will respond with a quick and positive change in behavior.

Halters are the most humane collars. Halters are the worst type of training collar I have ever seen. Have you noticed dogs walking around with it? You look uncomfortable, don’t you? That’s because they’re uncomfortable. The leash attaches to the jaw, a very sensitive area, and a hard pull is virtually guaranteed to injure your neck. Not to mention that these collars have to be so tight that you can’t even get a finger under them. Have you also noticed that their heads are held cruelly at an angle and the narrow noseband turns the poor dog like a wrench?

It is normal and even cute to see the dog on a flat buckle collar walking with his owner. Sadly, leash pulling has become a widely accepted behavior in our society, where a shocking number of people find it cute when a dog “takes owners for a walk.” How can people cringe when they see a photo of see a dog with a spiked collar, but laugh when they see video of a dog dragging its owner down the street, straining and panting? Don’t assume because the dog is making the decision to lunge forward that it isn’t abusing the dog. A dog dragging you down the street is abusive to both of you and this should never be allowed.

7) My dog ​​howls when I correct him/her with the spiked collar, which makes me feel guilty for hurting him/her. Your dog isn’t hurt, you’re just disagreeing with the correction. You should also note that when your dog needs correction at all, they will be in a high, agitated energy state, and when a dog is in this state of mind, sometimes a steady clapping of your hands can startle them. leading to a surprised outcry. Dogs also protest when left alone, in cages, begging for food on the table, etc. They need firm, consistent leadership so they can make good decisions. Giving a correction does not harm the dog. Allowing the dog to misbehave every day of his life harms the dog.

Think about it:

Suppose I walk into your house and your dog rushes towards me to bite my leg. If the dog is wearing a spiked collar and leash and I push quickly, the dog immediately learns that it’s not okay to pounce and bite. Just because you were willing to get out of your comfort zone and try a different training method, a split second of dog discomfort could save you years of frustration and maybe even your dog’s death because other trainers said your dog was too aggressive when handled . It’s devastating to see so many dogs on death row who wouldn’t be if only their trainers had used a tool that works. I’ll say it again, the spiked collar works and if you say you’ve tried everything to train your dog but still haven’t tried the spiked collar, then you haven’t tried everything.

A jumping and biting dog will not stop pouncing and biting if you give it treats. A jumping and biting dog is all too often thrown out of obedience class. A jumping and biting dog is often killed.

With a spiked collar, the lunging and biting dog learns that bad behavior has consequences, such as: B. endangering the safety of a person. You get another chance. No dog should ever be abandoned and killed.

The spiked collar works.

The public needs to be educated that the spiked collar is the nicest tool out there and if you are accused of being cruel to your dog for using one, try to take the time to educate them about the benefits inform rather than react defensively. I know if we can get the properly introduced and well managed spiked collar into our nation’s shelters, the dogs will have more structured walks, more effective training and of course better behavior making them more adaptable to the public. An effective training tool can literally save millions of lives if people can be educated and receptive to a different method, just what our shelters need.

Myth: Dogs’ skin is so thick they can’t feel the pain.

Fact: The skin on a human neck is actually thicker (10-15 cells) than the skin on a dog neck (3-5 cells). So if you thought wearing a spiked collar would hurt, imagine how your dog would feel.

Myth: Nothing else works and I can’t control my dog ​​any other way.

Fact: Working with an experienced trainer who uses positive reinforcement, you can train your dog to perform almost any behavior without pain or fear.

Myth: This breed is too stubborn/stubborn/strong to use anything gentler.

Fact: All dogs are different and breed plays only a small role in each individual dog’s personality and behavior. Socialization and training have more impact on behavior than breeding. Try positive training!

Myth: My dog ​​doesn’t mind.

Fact: how do you know that? Does your dog speak English? Can you read dog body language? Do you know the difference between a dog that is suppressing normal behavior, avoiding pain, and shutting down and one that is happy, engaged, and confident? There’s a good chance your dog will object but have learned to live with it to avoid further punishment.

Myth: My dog ​​needs to learn not to jump/pull.

Fact: We agree that every dog ​​needs to learn not to jump/pull! But there are positive ways to teach these things – ways that actually TEACH a new behavior, rather than just teaching a dog to avoid a painful sensation without knowing what to do instead. With the prong, he will revert to his previous behavior once you take him off.

Myth: It makes people think my dog ​​is scary.

Fact: How about a flat collar with studs on it instead? Or better yet, how about not relying on your canine companion for safety and instead take a self-defense class or carry pepper spray with you?

Myth: My trainer told me it’s helpful and useful.

Fact: Unfortunately, many trainers still use outdated, non-evidence-based training methods that end up doing more harm than good. We encourage you to follow the advice of reputable canine protection groups and look for a certified trainer who has passed a reliable, validated assessment of their skills. No coach should have to resort to pain and fear.

Myth: My dog’s spiked collar has little plastic protectors to keep it from hurting so much.

Fact: Even if it doesn’t hurt as much, it’s still painful and uncomfortable, and ultimately unnecessary.

Myth: My dog ​​isn’t interested in treats.

Fact: That’s probably not true: we bet you just aren’t using enough high-quality treats! We promise every dog ​​will love something – you just have to try it to find out what motivates your dog. baby food? Mesentery? meatballs? spreadable cheese? Or some dogs will work for a ball or tug game!

Myth: A spiked collar is not inhuman if properly fitted.

Fact: Unfortunately, this is a false statement perpetuated by aversive trainers. Even properly fitted spiked collars dig into the delicate skin around the neck and risk severe damage to the thyroid, esophagus, and trachea.

Myth: It works better than anything else.

Fact: It may “work” faster or easier than anything else you’ve tried, but that doesn’t mean it’s worth damaging your relationship with your dog and potentially promoting serious aggression and behavior issues because it’s faster as a real workout.

Myth: I saw instant results.

Fact: You will see “results” immediately when you put a pain collar on your dog because it hurts when he pulls. However, by using this collar you are not actually training your dog to do anything. He’s just learning to avoid pain. Once you take it off, he will revert to his previous behavior. Actually training it will have far more far-reaching and long-lasting effects

Myth: I felt the shock/pinch and it’s not that bad.

Fact: Have you felt it over and over again, for hours? Did you feel it on your neck? Did you feel it when you didn’t expect it? What if you were already scared or stressed? And even if it’s not that bad for you, how can you know how it feels for him?

Myth: At the very least, spiked collars are more humane than choke collars.

Fact: If you can see that a choke collar is inhuman, then why would you want to use another inhuman tool, such as a choke collar? B. a tine that hurts your dog?

Published: 04/02/2021

Spiked collars are a hotly debated topic in the canine world. On the one hand, they are effective against leash pulling, but many experts oppose their use due to ethical concerns. We’ll discuss the good, the bad, and the legality of this training tool, and help you decide if it’s right for your pup.

What are spiked collars?

Prong (or pinch) collars are metal collars with chain links and blunt, angled protrusions that sink into the pet’s skin when the dog or parent applies pressure to the leash. The spiked collar sits just under the dog’s jaw and is not intended to “pinch” unless the pet parent or dog pulls on the leash. This collar has similarities to the choke collar and martingale collar, but neither of these have the protrusions (or teeth) that clamp collars have.

Are Spiked Collars Safe for Dogs?

There are conflicting reports on the safety and effectiveness of spiked collars. The Michigan State University Extension published an article on the success of using spiked collars correctly, although many experts say the evidence is misguided. When used properly, spiked collars do not damage the trachea, although they can damage the skin of the throat, which is much thinner than that of humans. Another problem is that many pet parents don’t know how to properly use a spiked collar. Improper use of a spiked collar can seriously damage your pup’s windpipe and sensitive throat skin. In addition, prong collars can be perceived as punishment by the dog and cause emotional and behavioral problems later.

Are spiked collars legal?

Many countries, including Austria and Switzerland, have banned the use of spiked collars on dogs. Spiked collars are still legal in the US but are strongly discouraged by institutions such as the Humane Society and the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Some activists are pushing for legislation banning this training tool, though none have been passed yet.

Alternatives to spike and choke collars

Flat collar. A flat collar is the standard collar that you picture when you think of a dog collar. This type of collar can be made of leather, nylon or fabric and lies flat on the base of the dog’s neck. Flat collars are closed with either a metal or plastic slide lock buckle. This collar can sometimes cause choking in dogs that pull and can cause discomfort or embedding if applied too tightly. You should be able to comfortably slide two fingers between your pet’s neck and the flat collar.

martingale collar. Martingale collars are made of a woven material (usually nylon) and resemble a flat collar. These lie under the dog’s jaw and have an extra piece of fabric that the leash is attached to. This type of collar gives the handler more control than a flat collar and does not choke or put pressure on the dog’s windpipe.

Head halter: A head halter is somewhat similar to a horse’s collar. This type of collar wraps around a dog’s neck and muzzle, allowing the handler more control without straining the dog’s neck. Some dog training experts describe this design as “power steering” for dog handlers.

Harness: A harness wraps around the dog’s chest and back and has a D-ring on the back for you to attach the leash to. Harnesses do not put pressure on the neck.

Are spiked collars right for my dog?

Spiked collars have been touted for years as an excellent tool for obedience training and prevention of leash pulling. Today they are considered draconian and inhuman in much of the animal world. Many pet stores even have exchange programs where pet parents can bring in a spiked or choke collar for free and return it for a regular (aka flat) collar. Sure, prong collars are a quick and easy way to get your dog uncomfortable to stop pulling – but experts suggest this is “learned helplessness” to avoid pain on his part. There are evidence-based methods that work and will not cause your dog pain. Positive reinforcement and obedience classes are fantastic for coping with leash pulling. The more work you put into your dog, the better he will behave, and pain doesn’t have to be a factor. Using spiked collars as punishment can have unintended consequences. One study found that punishment-based training had negative behavioral effects such as decreased social skills and playfulness, while positive training methods increased the dog’s desire and ability to learn. For most dogs, training is a walk in the dog park. But if you’re struggling with exercise, consider investing in pet insurance. Many plans cover prescribed behavior changes for conditions like separation anxiety. Plan ahead and start looking for pet insurance today.

Prong collars (also known as crush or constriction collars) may not be brought into Australia but may not be used on dogs except in Victoria. RSPCA Australia opposes the use of dog barbed collars due to the potential risk of injury, pain and suffering they cause and because other more humane methods of training are available.

What is a spiked collar?

Prong collars are made of metal and are designed to tighten around a dog’s neck when pressure is applied. These collars have a series of tooth-shaped metal links or prongs with blunt tips that pinch a dog’s neck when pulled. These collars are used to correct unwanted behavior through punishment. Unfortunately, some dog trainers recommend these collars even though more humane training methods are available, including reward-based training.

dog collar

what are the laws

Under Australian Customs legislation, the importation of “prong collars” is illegal. However, many dog ​​owners are not aware of this and unscrupulous traders import collars in segments in order not to violate import legislation. Upon arrival, the collars are reassembled and sold. Unfortunately, the sale and use of spiked collars is not illegal under federal customs law. Although Victoria has banned the use of these collars under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2008, it is the only jurisdiction to do so. According to these regulations, a spiked collar is defined as “a collar intended for use on dogs, consisting of a series of chain links with blunt open ends directed towards the dog’s neck so that when the collar is tightened it naturally loosens Skin pinched around dog’s neck.’

what can be done

Many dog ​​trainers and animal welfare groups continue to campaign to ban the sale and use of spiked collars in all jurisdictions. Community pressure has also helped prevent these collars from being sold online. For example, in April 2014, a petition on Facebook pressured Amazon UK to stop advertising spiked collars.