How to Train Dogs With Prong Collars

A prong collar, also called a pinch collar because of the pinch it delivers, is a dog training aid for control. The prong collar is a series of interlocking links. Each link has prongs that insert through the link ahead of it, and extend toward the center of the loop. There is a short chain section with a ring for lead connection that swivels so it won't tangle, and an "O" ring for a "dead" connection to a leash. When on the dog, the link prongs protrude toward the neck. It is best used on dogs with heavily muscled necks who pull through other training aids like simple chain (choke) collars, harnesses and martingales.

Things You'll Need

  • Prong collar
  • Lead
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Pick the right size of collar for your dog. Pick extra heavy for very large, muscular dogs such as Alaskan malamutes, rottweilers and pit bulls. Pick heavy for large, strong dogs such as Doberman pinschers, German shepherds and Belgian malinois. Pick light for more delicate breeds such as standard poodles, basenjis and beagles. Measure your dog's neck at the very top, just under the jaw line to over the top behind the ears, and back to under the jaw again. This is where the prong collar should sit when properly placed. Buy a collar that is 2 inches larger than the measurement of your dog's neck.

    • 2

      Choose between a standard prong collar and a quick-release style. The standard prong collar requires the user to open the collar by dislodging the prongs of any one of the links from the link in front of it, place it on the dog's neck and re-insert the prongs into the front link to close it up again. The quick-release prong collar has a snap connector in the chain section to open and close at the clasp instead of opening the links. Make sure either style of prong collar rides just behind the ears and under the jaw line at the top of the neck.

    • 3

      Attach a lead to one of the rings on the chain portion of the collar when in training mode. When your dog does not pay attention to a command and you need to correct it, give the lead a short snap to make the collar constrict and "pinch." Release the pressure immediately. That is very important. The action should be a snap, not a pull, tug or hold.

    • 4

      Attach the lead to both "O" rings when not training so the collar will not constrict. For further protection against accidental corrections when not training, or in a situation where the dog will be anxious and possibly lunge against the collar, reverse the "circle" and turn the prongs toward the outside of the collar.