Do you want to just look kind, or do you want to actually BE kind?
When I first started training my dog, I used a harness because I thought it looked more kind. But every walk turned into a battle — I was being dragged down the street as my dog pulls ahead like a sled racer, totally ignores my cues, and left me feeling frustrated. That’s when I learned the difference between looking kind and actually being kind. A prong collar isn’t what most people think; it’s designed for gentle communication and engagement, helping you direct your dog to follow without hurting, choking, or causing damage. With the right guidance, it builds trust, not fear. And if appearance bothers you, it’s easy to buy a cover or tie on a bandana — your kindness shows in how you handle your dog, not in how the tools look.
Confession time (Full disclosure & transparency)
I’ll admit, there was a time when I believed prong collars were a cruel and nasty tool used by hoodlums or those with aggressive dogs. Like many people, I made quick assumptions without knowing the full truth. I thought they were meant for fighting or big dogs, not for everyday training. But I was completely uneducated about how these collars actually help to train gently and effectively. Over time, I began to learn from real trainers and saw how wrong I had been. Understanding the right use of this tool changed not only how I worked with dogs but also how I viewed true kindness in communication.
Clear & easy communication with power steering
When I first started working with dogs that struggled with pulling, I noticed many were choking or gagging from standard collars. Switching to a prong collar completely changed how I could guide them — it allowed me to motivate and communicate in a gentle, subtle way that owners and pets could both relate to. Using it calmly and sensitively gives just enough leverage to stop all the yanking and cranking on the neck that happens with a regular buckle, martingale, leader, or halti. These tools can sometimes cause trachea damage or injuries, while a prong collar helps maintain safety and comfort.
From my experience, the pressure is evenly distributed around the dog’s neck, keeping air supply free and helping to prevent injury to the larynx. It’s far kinder, easier to train, and lets your dog walk more politely. Compared to harnesses, this method is often preferable from a chiropractic perspective because it reduces restraining force and dangerous strain. Many chiropractor reports show fewer incidence of canine cervical subluxations when using prong collars, proving how effective and adjusted this approach truly is for both control and care.
It’s important to be kind to dog owners too
As someone who has worked with many dog owners, I know that walking a strong or reactive dog can become painful, even dangerous, when constant pulling leads to frustration and sometimes real injured limbs or dislocated shoulders. I’ve seen people fallen, broken, and discouraged, thinking they’re failing their pets. But with the right training and a prong collar used correctly, this experience can be completely life-changing. This tool helps you communicate and direct your dog in a kinder, more effective way, giving both owners and dogs confidence and control. It prevents lunging after squirrels or bikes, keeps wildlife and others safe, and reminds us of our responsibility to handle our pets with care. The process becomes easy, calm, and truly amazing when used with understanding and patience during daily exercise to avoid behavioural problems caused by stress or confusion.
How to use a prong collar
When using a collar, make sure it is snug around the dog’s neck, just behind the ears, and attach the leash to the swivel or carabiner on the o-ring. Start indoors in a quiet, familiar place with minimal distractions. Begin gently, leading your dog back and forth so they can feel the sensation of the pressure and learn to move while guiding them. Always release the tension immediately once the dog responds, keeping a bit of slack on the leash. This prevents pulling and resistance, making training a teamwork effort. Work slowly, with short sessions, turns, and breaks, using conditioning practice before heading outside.
When you walk or walking on cement, asphalt, or grass, continue to use leash pops subtly, never lifts or harsh pulls, to correct position and maintain heel. Be proactive and subtle in your guidance so your dog can succeed, enjoying the beauty of proper training while you continue perfecting their behavior over time. This approach ensures safe, calm, and effective walks while reinforcing positive habits for both dog and owner.
Heel position – You drive & your dog is a passenger
When your dog is following in passenger mode, with their nose close to your heel, they can relax and focus on enjoying the walk while you do the driving. Pay attention to signs, turns, and speed, and direct or advocate for your dog if people, skateboards, or squirrels appear. This method keeps your dog calm and safe while allowing you to guide the pace and route, creating a smooth and controlled experience, like a car ride where both driver and passenger know their roles.
Lead calmly, safely & effectively
Using prong collars can be one of the most helpful tools to communicate calmly, safely, and effectively with your dog or small pooches that are natural pullers. With proper guidance and direction, these collars allow you to lead your dogs without hurt, and you can remove the collar when supervising or leave it unattended for safety. Each tool is like a new language for teaching, not shouting, and helps both you and your dog enjoy the fun of walks while achieving excellent results. I personally recommend Herm Sprenger, a brand known as the best for quality prongs that are never sharp or prone to rust, available in various colours, metal designs, and even belt-style bling for those who want style with function.
Is a prong collar banned in the UK?
Many people wonder if prong collars are legal in the UK. The good news is they are not illegal; you can sell and use them as training tools. They are often very gentle when used correctly, which is the opposite of what some might think. While some advocates wish they were banned, proper use ensures safe, effective guidance for dogs, showing that these collars are a responsible choice for owners committed to correct training.
What are the benefits of a prong collar for a dog?
Prong collars allow us to gently motivate in a subtle way that dogs can relate to. It gives dog owners the ability to calmly and sensitively use gentle leverage, rather than yanking and cranking on their dog’s neck while using a regular flat buckle collar, martingale collar, gentle leader or halti.
Do vets dislike prong collars?
The veterinary community is quite unified in its stance that prong collars are not recommended for the majority of pet dogs. From my experience working with trainers and vets, I’ve noticed that the American Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) strongly advises against using tools that cause pain or fear, as they can damage trust and make training stressful. Instead, professionals suggest positive methods that build understanding and confidence between the dog and owner.
Will a prong collar stop pulling?
Prong collars do exactly what they are supposed to do — they put pressure on multiple points around your dog’s neck, which can cause discomfort or even pain. This sensation often limits or stops pulling, as the dog learns to ease the tension. When you look closely, these collars are designed to give clear feedback rather than harm, but their effect depends on how they’re used — gentle guidance can make a difference, while misuse may lead to stress or injury.
Do police dogs use prong collars?
The use of prong collars in the training of ‘Schutzhunde’, is not uncommon, especially among military and law enforcement
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