New puppy/dog owner- training question...e-collar and prong collars?

[Anonymous]

It seems like many trainers use the prong collar and e-collar for training negative consequences to ensure dog becomes well behaved members of the family/community. What are experienced dog owners opinions? We have a large breed pup (4 mo) and obviously have not gotten to that yet but I'm on the fence. I have been meeting other people who have dogs that have used them but am still not sure.

[Anonymous]

We have a German Shepherd and we took her to Petsmart for puppy training/socialization. There were bigger breed dogs in her class as well.

We've never had to use a prong collar or an e collar for training.

[Anonymous]

No decent trainer would do that.

[Anonymous]

a puppies throat is not strong enough for a prong collar where most people end up placing it a sling collar worn properly is what you need. the e collar is for lazy people who don't have time to train a dog the right way and if a trainer suggests it you are paying a lot for their lame advice and they are lazy as well.

It takes a lot patience to train a dog to be a well behaved dog but the most important is that everyone involved needs to be on the same page.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your response. How do reinforce "no" when the pup does something undesirable?

[Anonymous]

German Shepherd beeeder/owner/trainer here. Those collars should never be used on puppies. Prong collars (as opposed to choke or pinch collars) can be effective in modifying certain behavior, but should only be used by people trained to use them correctly and again, never under any circumstance on a young puppy. E-collars are acceptable for hunting dogs. They are used to keep the dogs safe by preventing them from running onto roads or getting lost. They should never be used on puppies and never for general obedience training.

[Anonymous]

We used an ecollar for my dog (trained over several sessions with a certified trainer) and it was helpful and great and now we don't have to use it anymore because our dog is fully trained. I know it sounds cruel but our dog is lovely and obedient and I think it worked for us.

[Anonymous]

These are tools. When used correctly, they are helpful. Check out leerburg.com for training videos. I use prong colar on my large breed dog to be able to control him when fireworks start, for example. He started wearing it around his first birthday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for your response. How do reinforce "no" when the pup does something undesirable?

The same way you would with a toddler: say "no" and remove/redirect the puppy from the situation/item. Repeat as necessary, and reward puppy for doing what you DO want it to do (hang out calmly in its bed/crate, play with its own toys, etc.).

In general, you will need to completely ignore the attention-seeking behaviors you DON'T want (e.g., jumping up, barking), and lavishly reward those you DO want (sitting, going to a designated spot). Even negative attention/scolding is attention for the puppy and at best, will simply continue the behavior...at worst, you'll create fear responses and damage your ability to effectively train and communicate with the dog going forward.

Seek out trainers with CPDT or LPDT-KPA certifications who are "fear-free"/"force-free". E-collar trainers are a scam (looking at you, Offleash K9) and should be avoided at all costs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for your response. How do reinforce "no" when the pup does something undesirable?

The same way you would with a toddler: say "no" and remove/redirect the puppy from the situation/item. Repeat as necessary, and reward puppy for doing what you DO want it to do (hang out calmly in its bed/crate, play with its own toys, etc.).

In general, you will need to completely ignore the attention-seeking behaviors you DON'T want (e.g., jumping up, barking), and lavishly reward those you DO want (sitting, going to a designated spot). Even negative attention/scolding is attention for the puppy and at best, will simply continue the behavior...at worst, you'll create fear responses and damage your ability to effectively train and communicate with the dog going forward.

Seek out trainers with CPDT or LPDT-KPA certifications who are "fear-free"/"force-free". E-collar trainers are a scam (looking at you, Offleash K9) and should be avoided at all costs.

+1 Negative reinforcement is easier for humans but it simply doesn't work long-term. (At least not if you want a happy, confident dog.)

[Anonymous]

Dog foster mom here, for most dogs I don't think a prong collar is needed.
if you have a dog who is more difficult, yes I have used a prong collar. Successfully.

[Anonymous]

Animal behaviorists and veterinarians are moving away from negative feedback in training dogs, and do not recommend using prong collars, etc. Some have gone so far as to say it is abusive.

Don't say you didn't know, OP.

[Anonymous]

Where are you located, OP? I would be happy to help you find a positive reinforcement trainer who can help you get the same behaviors without using force.

[Anonymous]

I had a large (120lb+) dog who was dog aggressive. After trying a lot of other things, I trained him with a prong collar. It was really the kindest thing that I could do for him. The only other options were euthanasia or never walking him outside of our fenced yard. He was very sociable with people, but would've killed another dog/cat given the opportunity. Not a first-line option, but neither e-collars nor prong collars are all bad. I would not use one on a small puppy, though.

[Anonymous]

Prong collars are not for puppies. They should really only be used when nothing else has been effective.