Snowshoe (06-08-2019)
I supposed it's possible if used incorrectly any of those (and even a regular buckle collar) can do damage, but I've used prong collars to train dogs for 20+ years now with no problems. I've also used chain collars in the past, again without issue but not as much. I do use Martingales but have only put them on already trained dogs as a transition between a prong and a buckle. From what I understand, a properly fitted prong collar is less likely to do damage than a chain collar because the pressure is evenly distributed all along the neck (and is limited - it can only close a certain amount) where with a chain collar you can put unlimited pressure most of which is on a single point on the dog's neck. Since a prong is a form of Martingale, I would imagine the martingale has the same benefits/limitations (the only difference is whether there are prongs or not - the way it fits and closes is the same).
I think that a properly used prong is much kinder and less likely to do damage than a dog pulling with all their might on a buckle collar putting extreme pressure on their trachea, as when used properly it stops the dog from putting so much pressure by pulling.
Annette
Cookie (HIT HC Jamrah's Legally Blonde, UDX, OM2, BN) 6/4/2015
Sassy (HIT Jamrah's Blonde Ambition, UDX, OM2, BN) 6/4/2015
Chloe (HIT HC OTCH Windsong's Femme Fatale, UDX4, OM6, RE) 6/7/2009
And remembering:
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And our foster Jolie (Windsong's Genuine Risk, CDX) 5/26/1999 - 3/16/2014
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Snowshoe (06-08-2019)
What did your vet recommend instead? I use a prong collar on both my dogs when we're out walking and used them on our last lab and on our bullmastiffs. I don't know of health issues in my own dogs related to their use. Chase, our last lab, and Lark weren't/aren't the best when we're walking and see other dogs. So far Henry is doing much better, he looks and wants to check them out whereas Lark sounds and acts more like Cujo with some dogs.
Anyway, if the vet was suggesting a harness, it's not as if harnesses are without issues either. I'll attach an article about selecting a harness. A fair number of people like harnesses like the Easy Walk or a harness that hooks to the leash at the front. I've never used a harness on Lark but she still developed a tendonitis in her shoulder, so many harnesses, such as the Easy Walk, would likely cause more problems. Anyway, here's the article if you're considering using a harness.
https://www.caninesports.com/uploads...ility_dogs.pdf
And on the other hand: The No-Pull Harness Debate - Whole Dog Journal
Last edited by smartrock; 06-08-2019 at 01:37 PM.
It's a Herm Sprenger. A local pet store sells them and fits them while you're there. It's a small independent store, so no help for where you are. The trainers at the obedience class we took also fitted them. Of course, the class was taught AT the pet store where they are sold. It looks like they're available on Amazon or Chewy as well.
Annette47 (06-08-2019)
I got mine at a local training facility too, where I was shown how to size, fit and use it. When that one broke the same place replaced it with the non quick release, which was all they had in stock at the time.
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