Proper Uses for a Pinch Collar

Although it looks like a torture device, a prong collar, or pinch collar as it is sometimes called, can be extremely beneficial when it comes to training your dog. Especially if you have an exceptionally large dog that can overpower you and has become oblivious to your nagging requests, a pinch collar, if you think of it like a nip a mother gives her puppy, can quickly teach your dog how to heel and behave appropriately on a lead. Always discuss your dogs needs with a professional trainer before attempting training with a pinch collar, and never leave a pinch collar on an unsupervised dog.

  1. Pulling

    • Many dogs get very excited about going on walks, especially if they know that they are going some place particularly thrilling like a dog park or a friend's home. This is no excuse for dragging you down the sidewalk uncontrollably. A dog that is impossible to control on the lead is dangerous. If you drop the lead, your dog could run into traffic in its hurry to get to its destination. This is also intimidating to other people and animals on the street, especially people with babies or small children. You should always choose the minimum collar you need to get the response you want from your dog, but if your dog is oblivious to a halter or choke chain, you may need a pinch collar.

    Choking

    • Some times dogs can become so intent upon their desires that they are oblivious to the harm and physical discomfort that they are putting themselves in. If your dog is pulling you so hard on the lead that it has pulled itself onto his hind legs, it is putting itself in danger. Especially if he is wearing a choke chain, a dog should not be hanging itself on its own collar. This is also dangerous for you if your dog is large, because your dog can drag you places you had no intention of going. A quick snap and jerk with a pinch collar should end this behavior immediately.

    Lunging

    • Some dogs behave perfectly on walks until some thing like a squirrel, bird, or other dog comes into view. Then all of a sudden, possibly when you were not prepared, your dog lunges on its lead toward this distraction. If you manage to keep hold of the leash, this behavior can lead you to landing flat on your face. If the dog catches you completely unawares, chances are that the lead will be pulled right from your hand and your dog will be in hot pursuit of whatever caught its fancy. With a pinch collar, the dog automatically gives itself a correction every time it unexpectedly lunges.

    Refusing To Follow

    • Perhaps your dog does not consider itself the outdoors type. This usually occurs with puppies who do not understand how to walk on a lead or with some rare dogs that refuse to go out in the rain. Either way, your dog is not free to decide whether it goes on walks or not. You are the master in this relationship, and your dog needs to follow your command when it is time to go for a walk. A minor correction with a pinch collar can teach your dog that strolls are not optional.