Pinch Collar Correct Size

[ZoeysMommy]

I agree.

Also, when used too much, does a dog become desensitized? I ask because at a match with the obedience club recently, a woman came in with male rottie who was having some issues and she was jerking him all over with a prong collar and he did not seem to notice. Just curious.

Sure, when its used incorrectly and foolishly. And nevermind that, it can cause severe injury if used or placed incorrectly. Like i said i have my own opinion regarding the use of these type of training tools, for a 6 month old puppy, I see no need but I can see the need if you obtain an older dog who is quite large and powerful like Fran and her GSD Archie. GSD's are a much different dog

[beth101509]

Sure, when its used incorrectly and foolishly. And nevermind that, it can cause severe injury if used or placed incorrectly. Like i said i have my own opinion regarding the use of these type of training tools, for a 6 month old puppy, I see no need but I can see the need if you obtain an older dog who is quite large and powerful like Fran and her GSD Archie. GSD's are a much different dog

Well, he's almost 7 months old and he is a big dog. It's not like he is a 15 pound puppy that can easily be picked up when I don't want him heading towards something. He is over 60 pounds and very powerful not to mention he is 30 pounds less than what I weigh. He easily pulls me if he is focused on something such as a flying ball or a kid. I just wanted to know what size to get. I wasn't really asking for advice on whether to get one or not. I understand these collars require training just like anything, it can be abused. I wasn't asking about that either. Everyone will have their opinions about what does and does not work but in the end, I am the owner of this dog and I work with him daily. No one else on this board knows how my dog does and does not act or if I work with him or not. I do work with him on walks daily. He is good for the most part but just needs some added correction. Training a dog is not one size fits all. You have to adapt to works best for you and your dog. I am doing this. Trial and error. The Freedom No-Pull Harness worked until he hit 60 pounds, now not so much so on to the next thing. Maybe I won't even like the pinch collar but how will I know until I try it? I appreciate everyone's input but I really wasn't seeking advice on if I should get one or not. I was just asking about the correct size of the collar I should get.

[JenC]

I've always used them on my pups, usually starting around 5-6 months. When you have a 50-60# boy, they need to learn their manners young. They typically self-correct and learn not to pull again.

[xracer4844]

Personally, I only use deval slip chains and pull tabs. I have mentioned them in tons of posts. I don't recommend anyone use them unless you are an experienced handler simply because they can do a lot of damage in the wrong hands. I don't use prongs, however I have no problem with them. Like others have said, they need to be fit properly or they will come apart. First, I would only use something of quality - like a Sprenger. Secondly, they need to be fit properly so it does not come apart on you while out walking. It can be extremely dangerous if you don't have control over your dog off leash.

No one is criticizing you for wanting to try new things. They are only suggesting that it's best if you have a professional show you how to use it. I can simply put a prong on your dog, and send you on your merry way...or I can spend a couple hours with you and show you how to let the tool work for you. That is how I train people with deval chains.

One thing that I stress to everyone is to remember, this is not a substitute for training. You should be teaching your dog how to heel properly on and off leash. We are extremely strict when we teach heeling to students, because we do believe it is a necessary skill, not only for safety. Dogs ear on my leg at all times. Not forward. Not behind.

I agree strongly with what JenC posted - Harnesses were designed for pulling. They don't teach dogs how to walk nicely at all - I tell people that if a harness gets them out the door safely working with their dogs THATS GREAT...but it is just a crutch, not a substitute for training. My suggestion would be to try a martingale collar before switching to a prong. I believe you can achieve similar results before jumping to the prong. Just my opinion.

I don't think anyone is criticizing you for not working with your pup. I suggest people seek professional help for ONE reason. I can watch someone struggle with something for 30 minutes - hours - days. Or, I can help them for 15 minutes, watch them light up, get it and understand why they are doing what they are doing. I didn't always knew what I was doing, and when I started working with professionals, my whole outlook and understanding changed. I really started understanding and "getting it". If training with a pro isn't an option for you NO PROBLEM. All I'm saying is it makes things a lot EASIER.

[ZoeysMommy]

Well, he's almost 7 months old and he is a big dog. It's not like he is a 15 pound puppy that can easily be picked up when I don't want him heading towards something. He is over 60 pounds and very powerful not to mention he is 30 pounds less than what I weigh. He easily pulls me if he is focused on something such as a flying ball or a kid. I just wanted to know what size to get. I wasn't really asking for advice on whether to get one or not. I understand these collars require training just like anything, it can be abused. I wasn't asking about that either. Everyone will have their opinions about what does and does not work but in the end, I am the owner of this dog and I work with him daily. No one else on this board knows how my dog does and does not act or if I work with him or not. I do work with him on walks daily. He is good for the most part but just needs some added correction. Training a dog is not one size fits all. You have to adapt to works best for you and your dog. I am doing this. Trial and error. The Freedom No-Pull Harness worked until he hit 60 pounds, now not so much so on to the next thing. Maybe I won't even like the pinch collar but how will I know until I try it? I appreciate everyone's input but I really wasn't seeking advice on if I should get one or not. I was just asking about the correct size of the collar I should get.

LOL ok...I wasn't implying anything towards you personally at all. This is a advice/opinion based forum, you will hear opinions you don't want to hear. I simply think you should work harder with your almost 7 month old puppy before you resort to a prong collar or any other training device. Nothing replaces good, old fashioned training

[beth101509]

LOL ok...I wasn't implying anything towards you personally at all. This is a advice/opinion based forum, you will hear opinions you don't want to hear. I simply think you should work harder with your almost 7 month old puppy before you resort to a prong collar or any other training device. Nothing replaces good, old fashioned training

Already got the collar so I guess that settles that debate...