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 frequently asked questions, and the answer isn’t straightforward. 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 a wide range of behavioral issues — reactivity, fear, leash pulling, and more. 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.
However, I’ve also seen how much more powerful it is to build a relationship based on trust, choice, and clear communication, rather than 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, sniff 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
Although I no longer recommend them, I think it’s essential to provide a comprehensive picture, especially for those who are 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 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 many of these ideas in my blog and in 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:
I had an English Bulldog and, true to their bullheadedness, when a puppy on our first walks would pull out of his collar and leash and take off. I used a pinch collar 3 times and he learned that quickly and never pulled out of the leash again.
I used to be someone who thought the prong collar was evil and harmful.. until I met a former LEO K-9 trainer who taught ME how to use one, properly, on a GSD. I was terrified to hurt him during the first 2 sessions, but my son was not and he was getting the dog to listen! I finally gave up on my fears, and holy cow I was in control. As soon as the GSD would hear the prong collar, he would sit and wait for it to be put on for his walks and never tugged on me ever again.
I now use it on my foster fail rescue dog, she is a brute Am Staff-Boxer mix who is only 1 years old and loves to dominate those who don’t know her. As soon as the prong collar is on her, she is in full listen mode.
I am a firm believer of the pros of a prong collar – and I would never get on other then the Herm brand, the rest always break or corrode.
Love this article!
Thank you for sharing your story Lindsay!
I’m thinking about buying for my dog a prong collar so your article is very helpful to me. Thanks for your advice and recommend!!
A prong collar worked wonders on my “hooligan”, made her walk like a lady. I am with a training group right now, not training with them at present. The instructor is set against prong and choke collars. Her classes are pure chaos, as nobody has any control with head halters, harnesses and flat collars. The people are told to wait for the dog to offer the behavior. The dog doesn’t know what behavior to offer. These are common pet dogs. I work with high drive, hard working dogs. I so hate to see good, effective training tools totally demonized.
I have a reactive dog when out, other dogs, cars and people but an absolute gent when in the home. We are both currently undergoing some intensive training with a professional who recommended this collar and so far has been the only tool that has allowed me to correct his behaviours, even on the first session we were able to be within a few feet of another dog with no reaction and for me and for him has literally been a life saver. Still a long way to go but this collar has put us on the right tracks. If ur looking to get one please please please invest In a sprenger and not a cheap version as these have point ends that will do damage and please seek a reputable professional to show you how to use it properly.its meant for slow gradual increases in pressure not quick hard yanks
Thank you for sharing your story Gemma. I agree 100%, the right collar and training are essential.
We are about to re home our two wire haired dachshunds due to out of control pulling. We would like to try one more time to change their walking behavior. Have you had success on this type of dog which is bred to hunt rodents?
I’ll bet you prong collars and strategic sharp jerks will have your dachshunds (or your wolfhounds) respectfully leaving their leashes slack within the week. What the dogs were bred for has absolutely no relationship to their bad manners (which you have inadvertently taught them). Use exactly the amount of sharp jerk that produces an immediate reaction. And be consistent. Do not allow any pulling from now on.
Harriet, you need to calm down. Everything Debbie has mentioned suggests not using the prong collar to “jerk”, yank, or whatever on dogs. That’s not how the tool works and that’s not the humane way to go about it. Please do more research, because your answer sounded very disturbing.
We adopted our 5-yr-old 18-lb floof in March, and at first she was coughing and choking all the time. We were told that it was probably allergies. Then we started a balanced training class, and they showed us how to use the prong collar. It is much better than the flat collars we had tried – since she doesn’t pull now, her trachea isn’t under pressure on walks. Her constant coughing and choking has completely gone away. I’m sure it was the pressure of the flat collars during walks that was causing the problem, and I can only imagine how bad it might have become over time.
She is a pretty assertive dog, gets plenty of outdoor time and exercise, and still she is totally happy and excited when we pick up her collar to announce a walk. It’s not an issue.
I will make a couple of notes: 1, It was a bit of a trick to fit the thing at first, especially since she has long fur. We use a mini prong collar and had to adjust the number of links. A trainer can help with that. 2, I think it can add a little stress during dog-to-dog interactions, especially if the other dog is aggressive. 3, It definitely forces you to pay attention as you’re concerned about pulling too hard – but that /should/ be the case no matter what you use.
It was suggested that we use the prong collar on our 3 month old Bichon/Shih Tzu who just started training. He’s not a bad dog and doesn’t have any serious issues – just your normal puppy stuff. I trust my trainer completely but every single person in my life is telling me my specific dog does not need the prong collar. I just want him to be the perfectly trained dog I know he’s capable of becoming. I might regret asking this but can I get opinions please? haha
3 months is too young for a prong collar in my opinion. There are other ways to train a puppy to walk nicely on a leash. Try the stop and go method first, by not moving forward anytime there is any tension on the leash should teach him not to pull. There are many other options to try before using a prong.
I just found this page after admitting to a dog-focused friendly advice group on facebook that I REALLY struggle with walking my dog. She’s a 27-ish pound mutt, stocky and short-legged, and still pulls even after working on training and walking her for 4 years, we’ve had her since she was a pup.
The straw that broke the camel’s back was after her pulling so much with her front-clip Halti harness that she rubbed her armpit bald. They say it “should” redirect them, and that worked for a little while, but not well enough, apparently, since she figure out that she could push through it anyway. No matter what treats or happiness we used, she always found a way to push ahead and not pay attention to us at all. Granted, my training should have been better and more consistent, and I’ll probably always blame myself for letting her get this bad when it could have been prevented… but I gotta say, she is exhausting to walk!
Before that, we tried the gentle-leader head harness, which she HATED, and either shut down when we put it on or she would often push through it anyway, to where I worried that she would hurt her neck. We also tried the plain slip-chain/choke chain collar (per my Mother in law’s recommendation), and found that she still pulled and choked herself despite us -trying- to use it responsibly and kindly, OR she would back out of it and completely slip away. 🙁
So, I have yet to try a prong collar, but doing all this research on it has really made me consider that I should. Thank you for this resource.
Anna, if used and fitted properly, the prong collar is going to be a life changer and you’ll wander why you waited so long to try it! Good luck, I wish you all the best.
How do you know what size collar to purchase ?
I recommend the 3.0 mm size for most medium to large dogs. The one linked in the article above fits dogs with up to a 18-inch neck. You can purchases extra links if you have an extra large dog (just make sure to get the right mm size for the collar you have). And remove links for smaller necks. For small dogs you can get the 2.25 mm.
Loved this post! I have volunteered at numerous rescues that would allow for use of harnesses and Martingale or choke style collars but not prongs. A strong dog actually puked while I was walking him from the pressure on his throat. A prong would have cleaned him right up. Prongs could help so many dogs and the misinformation out there is terrible. Thanks for sharing!