service dogs and prong collars

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janem_g

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Today I met a lovely Gsd service dog. I met the dog here in the uk but the dog and owner were from the USA originally. The dog was wearing a prong collar. I spoke to the owner and was informed that it was a requirement when she was a teacher in the us in order to allow the dog in the school. Seems very sad. Does anyone on here know anything about their use in service dogs please?
 
Prongs are used in the USA for different reasons. Some service dog associations use them so that the owner has a back up if the dog suddenly has a control issue. I know many obedience trainers use them for the lightest of guidance. I use loosely fitted prongs when I walk multiple dogs due to my orthopedic issues. Also, in the US there is no one overseeing body for service dog accreditation.
 
janem_g said:
My thoughts too. It seemed so happy. I got my fingers under the collar as I've never seen one close up before and it felt horrible
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I wouldn't use such a collar, imo there are better ways to train a dog, but if the dog seemed happy, I don't actually see the problem in this instance.
 
The prong collars you see out in public are sadly often not well-fitted and are usually put on the dog for physical control rather than fine-tuned training. Not dissimilar to when people use a stronger bit rather than train the horse to be more responsive to a simple snaffle. I have known a few dogs in prong collars and they would not have fit the description of "poor dog" as they were happy, healthy, extremely well-trained and no signs of neck or back pain or strain.
 
They seem common in USA not just in service dogs, I have seen quite a few . Every dog I saw was happy and obedient , in contrast I see many dogs here in the UK being walked in headcollars of some type and those that aren't rubbing their face to get them off seem to be shut down and depressed looking. Used correctly I don't have an issue with them and it seems like the dog handler you met was doing just that.
 
twiggy2 said:
I have seen them used widely in certain areas of dog work in the past and the dogs have been neither happy or trained to be wearing them, I would rather see a correctly used electric collar than a prong collar.
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I wouldn't like to see either. I don't really like headcollers either. Try a prong collar on your own neck and get someone to give it a good check. See how happy you.feel!
 
Headboard?
angrybird1 said:
I wouldn't like to see either. I don't really like headcollers either. Try a prong collar on your own neck and get someone to give it a good check. See how happy you.feel!
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The problem with a prong collar is that it is only a precise tool on a dog that is already trained, a dog that pulls, lunges or is unpredictable makes it 'activate' at least a properly used electric collar can work to the level set and no more and only 'activate' when the handler wants it to.
 
twiggy2 said:
Headboard?

The problem with a prong collar is that it is only a precise tool on a dog that is already trained, a dog that pulls, lunges or is unpredictable makes it 'activate' at least a properly used electric collar can work to the level set and no more and only 'activate' when the handler wants it to.
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Yes that's true but I don't like either.
Headboard? Was a typo clearly! Predictive text.
 
I am not sure how I feel about the use of prong collars really (on service dogs, or otherwise). I wouldn't use one myself but can possibly see that in the right hands they could be a useful tool for certain circumstances ... maybe. Electric collars I like even less and consider they should only be used as an absolute last resort for serious issues such as livestock worrying, and only then by professionals.
 
Moobli said:
I am not sure how I feel about the use of prong collars really (on service dogs, or otherwise). I wouldn't use one myself but can possibly see that in the right hands they could be a useful tool for certain circumstances ... maybe. Electric collars I like even less and consider they should only be used as an absolute last resort for serious issues such as livestock worrying, and only then by professionals.
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I've never seen a prong collar in action. I used to use choke chains back in the day and they are frowned upon too now, we use rope slip leads with the labs. Does a prong collar give an audible warning like the rattle of the choke chain before it tightens?

Electric collars - I have never seen one until last season when two dogs turned up wearing them. Both still out of control but now in pain too. I hate them. I agree if the alternative is a bullet then yes to a pro but if you cannot train your dog to go on a fun days shooting without electrocuting it perhaps you should leave it at home.
 
Clodagh said:
I've never seen a prong collar in action. I used to use choke chains back in the day and they are frowned upon too now, we use rope slip leads with the labs. Does a prong collar give an audible warning like the rattle of the choke chain before it tightens?

Electric collars - I have never seen one until last season when two dogs turned up wearing them. Both still out of control but now in pain too. I hate them. I agree if the alternative is a bullet then yes to a pro but if you cannot train your dog to go on a fun days shooting without electrocuting it perhaps you should leave it at home.
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No warning with a prong. The collar should be fitted tightly to the neck and sit high up and when a dog pulls the prongs "pinch" the skin around the neck and throat area and cause discomfort (or pain, depending on the sensitivity of the individual). They don't help with training in the usual sense, just manage a behaviour when the dog is wearing one. They are regularly used for correction and/or agitation training in protection work and are commonplace here in that setting, whereas in the USA they seem to be used as regularly on a pet dog as a flat collar in the UK.

I think it is only a matter of time until electric collars will be banned in the entire UK. They are already banned in Wales.
 
I have to say the collar was quite snug. The dog had a lot of fur and was very happy and friendly. I don't really know that it was necessary on the old girl but she was well loved. I'd never seen one in real life but I think I agree that there are many. Cruel collars and gadgets used on dogs
 
When I first I started using prongs we would fit them up high and tight. I started working with 2 awesome trainers that fit them not as tightly and make sure that teach the dogs a behavior using food, toys and praise before the prong is used. My dogs wear a prong with no leash attached to get used to it before I attach a lead to it. I know that people in the UK don't like them or electric collars. I've seen enough happy dogs trained with a prong to make a decision to that they're all bad. I've used an e-collar for running deer. It was a choice and in the circumstances it was the correct choice. To train an obedience exercise, I won't do it. YMMV.
 
GSD Woman, if you are resorting to prong collars and e collars you are clearly not a good dog trainer and are looking for a quick fix, step back and see if you can find a local positive reinforcement trainer before you continue doing damage to current and future dogs.
 
Levrier said:
**looks at comment by/liked by 3 forum members with very extensive knowledge of GSDS**

**looks at comment from forum member who has provided zero evidence of any experience of dog ownership that I’ve ever seen**

Hmmmm, it’s a tough one who to follow here.... ?
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I'm not sure which poster you mean here. Not that it matters but just in case you mean me, to put your mind at rest I have owned dogs for nearly 40 years. That includes 3 Gsds.
 
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