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.
Hi Debi,
We have a 15 week rescue dog, Queenie, from the Bahamas, a real "Potcake"! She is strong, feisty and going to be a big girl!
I have been considering the prong collar next, because we have tried several types and are not able to get her to stop pulling.
Thank you for all your great advice. I will let you know how Queenie does with a prong collar.
Wish us luck!
I just adopted an adult rescue dog who is sweet, but can be stubborn. She can be a 75-pound brick when she doesn't want to walk, and she hasn't really been leash trained. I'm working with a trainer who suggested a prong collar. At first I resisted. I'd never used that before (but I'd only had puppies before). I got the Herm Sprenger and have been using it for the past week. What a difference. She is starting to learn good leash manners. Interestingly enough whenever I put it on, she's excited because she knows it's time for a leash training (and treats!). I now agree that if a prong collar is used correctly, it can really help a dog's behavior.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. My dogs get excited when I pull out the prong too! They love going for walks.
I had one of my shepherds pass early in the pandemic. I have a friend that had several German shepherds so I called hoping she had one that would get along with my boy. Turns out she owns the local Schutzhund Club. Schutzhund is training, agility and obedience. Schutzhund dogs are used for police dept’s and personal protection. They also help other large breeds with training. She had a 6-year-old female who now lives with me. She came already trained and with a prong collar. I thought they were barbaric until her husband showed me the correct way to use them. Three years later I am still amazed how well she is trained. I am sarcastic by nature and find it hard to keep my mouth shut when people make comments about her collar. She does not pull, and it does not hurt her. Her attitude changes when I put it on her. But I didn’t know any of this until I got her and her collar. I still find it hard to watch dog shows on TV where the dog is dragging the owner and has a prong collar on digging into his neck. I would only recommend using a prong collar if you find out how to use it the correct way.
We're based in South Australia where purchasing a prong collar from outside Australia is illegal, however, it is not banned in some States, one of them being South Australia. The RSPCA deems them to be cruel. We have a 4yo female rescue GSD. Pulls a lot, lunges after wild rabbits and some other dogs etc. The prong collar sounds just what we need. We have read numerous articles and watched dog training videos. I can't buy one here in Australia so will have to take a chance of ordering from overseas and hope it doesn't get stopped by Customs. Any advice would be appreciated.
Ask the seller to leave the word "prong" off the shipping manifest, and just say "dog collar".
Love the prong collar…I always thought they were cruel…but they're not. I have a now 2yr old Jack Russell (he's my 5th one)…but he's my first reactive, leash aggressive one I've had. Started training obedience day 1 (8 weeks of age)…he (was) a nervous jrt…not fearless at all. The prong collar I bought when he was 1yr old (Sprenger) trust me I've tried everything…the prong collar worked the best for communication along with his obedience commands. Eye contact, "follower" state was much faster…I was connecting with him like his real mother would. Now we're loose leash and enjoying our walks and adventures. He's become a more confident pup with the prong collar training.
I am a 56 year old woman with a mild case of MS that affects my balance. My teenage daughter begged me to adopt a pitbull puppy. We got her at 8 weeks old. My dgt promised to do all the walking and caring for the dog. She quickly realized she wasnt a dog person and wanted to rehome her. The dog grew quickly to an incredibly strong dog that could easily jump the fence in the backyard. I tried to walk her and i actually just was dragged. Once i got knocked over and broke my pinkie and my cheekbone. I enrolled her in puppy class and the prong collar has changed my life and the dogs life. I have more confidence and she listens effectively. Dont be afraid to use it if your trainer suggests it.
You sound like me! I'm 57 and rescued a pitbull she is a handful and a half. I took her to obedience and they suggested the prong collar I was very resistant but got it. As long as it is properly fit, they are great training tools.
I have a 60kg male rottweiler who got spooked by a kid on a scooter on one of our walks he lunged at the kid out of fear, one correction to my dog he snapped out of it place perfectly back into a heel position, I believe if I had a flat collar or a harness on that kid could well have a huge missing chunk out of his arm, thanks to the prong collar I was able to control my rottie and potentially saved that kids life and my dogs too
I just started using one. A world of difference. Woodrow doesn’t mind it at all. Very good training tool. I am still hesitant to give a little correction tug. But when I have he mostly responds positively if he responds. .
I remember over 10 years ago they seemed to have a bad rap. Hopefully that has changed.
Debi, this is a wonderful article, thank you. I have a 7-month-old Doberman who has been in training classes since he was 3 months old. He is doing well but, as he is getting older, he is pulling toward other dogs and people. We have been trying positive reinforcement with him but he goes over threshold quickly if we’re out on a hike.
I’m considering a prong, but my question is, can the prong be used as a training tool only, and then the dog can learn and move back to a flat collar? That would be my goal. Thank you!
This is the information I'l looking for also
Yes that is the entire purpose of the prong, to use it as a training tool. Of course the length of time it takes for each dog varies. I have one dog that doesn’t need it anymore, the other (our lab) is a constant puller without it.
I recently entered the world of dog ownership by adopting a rescue. I truly appreciate your blog for its resources and insights.
I noticed early on that other dog owners or even people who have seen a dog somewhere in their lifetime, have become experts on how to care for MY dog, irrespective of how they’re known me!
I have used a prong collar to walk my German shepherd and it has been a blessing. Especially for a breed that everyone seems to be initially “wary” of. It’s helped ensure that MY dog is well controlled and attending to me.
Like a child, I believe the structure it provides, is helping to build a better relationship.