Dog Training Collars - Choke, Prong and Electronic Collars

Three dog training collars are commonly used in obedience training: choke, prong or 'pinch' collars and electronic shock collars. This article examines these collars.

Choke collars are dog training collars which are used in the 'jerk and praise' training method. In this training technique the dog is 'jerked' if it fails to obey a command. According ton one German study choke collars were found to cause neck, back and tracheal injuries in dogs. While choke chains can be used safely they require an experienced handler so that injuries may be avoided.

There are a variety of different types of choke collars - the width and weight of the links being the main difference. Heavier chains tend to be jerky when the dog is yanked. These dog training collars should never be used on puppies and tags should never be fixed to them as they interfere with the sliding action. Long haired dogs are better fitted with a wide-link choke chain.

Prong or pinch collars are also used for the 'jerk and praise' method of training. However these dog training collars seem to be safer than choke collars. These collars may be ideal for dogs that tend to pull on their leash. Because the prongs wear and stretch a second collar should be used as a back-up. This collar should only be used as a tool for training and should never be used on puppies.

Electronic or remote dog training collars are a contentious issue among dog trainers. Electronic collars work by electrically stimulating the dog as a corrective tool. The stimulus is kept at a very low level initially but increased if the dog remains disobedient. Some people feel that dogs ultimately become desensitized to the stimulus. Electronic collars should only be used during training and with expert guidance. They should never be used to scare a dog or to turn him aggressive.

No matter which collar you choose always make sure that the dog training collars fit properly. Choke collars and prong collars should be fitted by professionals. If your collar doesn't fit correctly it will be an inferior training tool and could result in injury to your dog.

Some expert trainers don't support the use of dog training collars - they believe that the dog gets the idea that it only needs to behave when it has the collar on. If your dog only listens to you when he has his collar on your training methods should be revised.