Prong collars have long been a controversial tool in the dog training world. I used them in the past and saw quick results, but over time, I’ve shifted my perspective.
Today, I believe there are more effective, compassionate ways to train a dog that don’t rely on pain or fear. This post explores the pros and cons, why I no longer recommend prong collars, and what I suggest instead.
I used to think walks were non-negotiable. Rain or shine, my dogs had to be walked daily. And if they pulled, we used what we thought worked, including prong collars.
Years ago, when we adopted Bear, he was a 95lb powerhouse with zero leash manners. I remember the stress of trying to walk him with my daughter on her bike and thinking, “How will we ever make this work?”
The prong collar seemed like the answer. It helped me gain quick control, and at the time, I believed it was the most humane option available.
But the more I learned, the more my thinking changed.
Are Prong Collars Cruel?
This is one of the most searched questions out there, and the answer isn’t black and white. Prong collars aren’t inherently cruel — when used properly, they’re designed to apply even pressure around the dog’s neck rather than causing trachea damage like flat collars can. But here’s the catch:
Most people don’t use them properly.
And even when they do, prong collars rely on discomfort to stop unwanted behavior. That’s just not how I want to communicate with my dogs anymore.
Why I Stopped Recommending Prong Collars
Over the years, I’ve fostered dozens of dogs and worked through all kinds of behavior issues — reactivity, fear, leash pulling, you name it. And yes, I used prong collars with some of them in the beginning. I don’t regret those moments, they were part of my learning journey.
But I’ve also seen how much more powerful it is to build a relationship based on trust, choice, and clear communication, not pressure or pain. It might take longer, and it’s not always easy, but the results last longer and feel better for everyone involved.
Instead of reaching for a prong collar these days, I do one of two things:
- I don’t go on a walk right away. I start by sitting in the yard, working on calmness, connection, and attention.
- I use reward-based training and tools like front-clip harnesses or long lines, depending on the dog’s needs.
Walks aren’t the only way to exercise a dog. Mental stimulation, sniffy time in the backyard, enrichment games, and play can meet a dog’s needs in a more relaxed, confidence-building way.
Pros and Cons of Prong Collars
Even though I don’t recommend them anymore, I think it’s important to give a full picture, especially for anyone feeling desperate for help.
The “Good” (why people use them):
- They can stop pulling quickly
- They’re often used by balanced trainers
- They can be a last resort for strong dogs when other methods haven’t worked
The “Bad and Ugly”:
- They rely on pain or discomfort to stop behavior
- Misuse is common, which can lead to physical and emotional damage
- They don’t teach the dog what to do instead
- They can erode trust between you and your dog
What to Use Instead
There are so many tools and methods that can help you teach your dog to walk nicely on a leash, without fear or pain:
- Front-clip harnesses (we use the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness)
- Relationship-based games that teach attention, impulse control, and focus
One of my favorite resources is the Loose Leash Walking online course by SpiritDog Training. It’s a gentle, step-by-step program that teaches your dog how to walk politely without pulling.
➡️ Check out the SpiritDog Loose Leash Walking Course here (affiliate link)
This is a great option if you want expert guidance, especially for dogs who are leash reactive or just overly excited on walks.
And if your dog is struggling with reactivity or fear? Training games that build confidence and help them feel safe are your best path forward.
I cover a lot of these ideas in my blog and inside my Rescue Dog Confidence Training Starter Pack.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about shaming anyone. I’ve been there. I still see prong collars online or at the park and feel that moment of, “I get why they’re using it.”
But I also know we can do better.
If you’re here because you’re struggling with your dog pulling or being reactive, you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. There are kinder, more effective ways to help your dog, even if they take a little more time.
Want help figuring out where to start? Check out these resources:
You’ve got this. Your dog just needs your patience, not punishment.
I've adopted dogs who have pulled me like crazy and caused injury pretty badly, but I won't subject them to a prong collar and punish them for something they don't know any better about. The whole point of walks is supposed to be for them. If they have discomfort while on a walk, it's not enjoyable for them. Of course if you just want to do what makes YOU happy, a prong collar will help YOU.. You don't get pulled, you get to go on a nice, comfortable walk with your dog without anything jabbing at you.. As an actual vet in another article said, "Despite what your trainer or pet store employee may say, driving metal prongs into your dog’s neck hurts.
100% agree on prong collar being an effective tool when used correctly. Unfortunately there are just as many people who shouldn't use a prong collar but there are even more who never should have a dog in the first place.
Thank you for your information.
I have a one year old husky rescue dog. he is the sweetest dog, but of course, pulling is in his genes. Oksygen to the brain is not so important when there are pulling to be done. This makes trips and hikes a challenge. He is very helpfull up the mountain, Butt going down, as he teams up with his buddy, gravity, it gets scary.
I never even considered a prong collar, as I always thought of them as cruel and harmfull. Reading this well argumented text made me realise its at least worth researching the subject closer.
My previous dog (my best friend and companion for 11 years and countless fishing trips and hikes), a 130 pound dogo/presa canario was a handfull too. He was nbthing butt gentle and mild-mannered, but sooo strong. Im about 150 pounds (and some may say, not pure muscle, like a Dogo Canario) so I decided to try that head collar that goes around a dogs muzzle. and it worked well, for a while. until one day I noticed that he couldnt turn his head because of neckpain. In spite of the extremly high tolerance for pain those Dogos have. So I threw it out (ehh.. the head collar, not the dog)
Maybe I could have spared my dog for a lot of pain if I had educated myself on the prong collar instead?
(Sry for my rambling, and my broken english)
Thank you, and much love from Norway
Fred
My dog pulls really bad on the leash when we go for walks our are around other people in public he pulls. I have not bought a prong collar yet but I am planning on getting one to teach him. I wanted to see what are some of the proper tips I need to learn and commands that you should use when walking my dog with a prong collar? If anyone could get back to me I would really appreciate it!
We have a 60 pound rescue with a wonderful sweet disposition and we had let her run loose when we took trail walks. She was very good about coming back after a few minutes but recently got a puncture wound in the woods. So no more running loose on walks.
She is very strong for me (I weigh 93 pounds) and walks well on leash but there are lots of rabbits around and she goes crazy, will bolt after them and I have to let go of leash or get pulled down. We just had training session with our trainer who showed us the proper way to use the collar and it’s been terrific. She really responds well to it and is learning that if she pulls she will a quick tug from the collar. I recommend it as a last resort ( the harnass only worked well when no rabbits around) and you should have a training session before using it.