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 weigh less than 120 pounds and did not consider prong collars until we got a giant dog. Our 90 pound puppy who gets excited and pulls on walks. I can walk him with a regular collar now, but not when he gets 150 pounds. With the prong, he is walking next to me instead of pulling and I can walk him easily with one hand.
I am in your same boat. I have needed to figure out how to contain this pup that will weigh as much as me at a full grown 130lbs.
I took my unmanageable dog to a basic obedience class and the teacher told me to get one. We put it on her and it was like she was a different dog I could take her anywhere . I used it for training and going for walks. It totally changed our lives!!! She would get all excited to see me get it out and wait for me to put it on because it either meant going fir a walk or training which meant lots of one on one time with lots of praise and lovins. Best thing ever and very very safe when used correctly!
I have a 2 yr old Havanese and have had him since he was 8 weeks old. He is a pandemic puppy but I had actually had my name down to get him 8 mths prior so he was very much wanted not a knee jerk. He’s my first dog and unfortunately socialization was very difficult and so he was highly reactive to dogs. About 4 mths ago I enlisted the help of an amazing young woman who is a dog trainer and with her help my dog’s behaviour on leash has improved 10 fold. She chatted with me about the prong and said we could try it to see if it helped. And it absolutely does!!! We only introduced it after 31/2 mths at which point I’ve learnt to read my dog and I have the knowledge how to manage him and descalate his triggers etc. It certainly would not work if you kept yanking on it all the time. There has to be a clear line of communication between you and you dog and the prong is just a quick reminder of the expectation. The prong has been like “the cherry on top” a great tool if everything else is in place.
Thank you for most educational article on pinch collar. Our bet recommends it for our lab puppy. He will be an 80 pound dog. We are in 80’s and vet says pinch collar will save our lives.
I have a 4 month old border collie and the prong used gently allows me to walk him. No trainers want to work with me because I have him on a prong.
I’m sorry to hear that you haven’t found a trainer that will work with you. Not sure what type of training you are looking for, but maybe check out Spirit Dog Training.
I saw a short article on a dog training Facebook page, about prong collars. I am at the end of my rope, so to speak. Got a wonderful lab mix last summer; believe he's never been trained or on a leash. Came to me weighing 43lbs, greatly malnourished (the rescue had fixed all the medical issues and had to adopt him out, so not complaining) since then, he is well nourished at 68 lbs….still pulls like a fiend sometimes. His triggers are squirrels, any wonderful smells, etc. Alot of times, he walks ok, but not great. Twice have hurt my back holding him, and I also have tendonitis in both hands/wrists, so holding on to him when he is distracted can be really painful.
After reading the article on prong collars, went and bought one. Just saw the first video about how to put it on -on your website. Thanks! I still am learning, but it was a good long walk today, which is the whole reason I got a rescue dog….a walk partner, not a 'pull into the road' or 'drag into the ditch & through the woods' partner. I am looking forward to using this, in an even better way of using.
It made a difference! Whoopee!
Hi Debi, I have a pit Pyrenees rescue and have been in weekly training. She is 14 mos. Great article!! She actually does really well but is strong with high prey drive. My trainer switched her to a prong collar with flat round ends. It is amazing!! She is happy and waiting for me to put it on. Tail a waggin. I don’t have to pull on her constantly to keep her in heel. Her eyes aren’t red after a walk and she doesn’t pant constantly walking now. Though she is a pretty good heeler without it I feel safer and feel like she is calmer with it on. She is definitely non reactive to squirrels and birds ( her triggers) now. Like anything I’m sure using it wrong or without training can be bad but using it as training tool correctly can be a great benefit and my dog has responded amazing to it.❤️
Thank you for sharing Christina!
I just started training with the prong collar, I immediately see a difference in my pitt/boxer mix. Should the collar only be used while walking? Should it be worn during the day and removed at night? She seems not herself when she has it on in the house during the day …do not want her sweet personality to go away with using this collar. Thanks
If you are just using it to train not to pull, there is no need to keep it on all day. Just put it on when you are getting ready to take a walk.
My 3 year old 70 lb pit bull has always been difficult and stubborn. Walks were ok, except if he saw a squirrel or a cat or another dog or wanted to drag me to the park etc. I never wanted to try a prong collar because of the negative connotations, especially with a pit bull that people are already afraid of. (My dog is super sweet and not aggressive – just stubborn!) I went on vacation and decided to send him to dog training school to try to correct some of his bad behaviors and the trainer brought him back and showed me how to use the prong collar. I was a bit taken aback, as I didn't expect it and thought it was cruel. But since I invested so much money in this trainer I figured I'd give it a try. And the difference is quite amazing. As soon as the collar goes on I have total control over him. I can even run in the park with him without getting dragged or jumped on. I always enjoyed walking my dog because I love him and I like to get out and walk, but now walking him is sooooooo much better. It's pretty effortless. I'm just afraid I'm going to lose the arm muscle I built up from all that pulling!
Thanks so much for sharing your story Jessica!
I have exactçy the same story! Good to read something siilar to mine!
Are you supposed to leave the spike collar on all the time?
I don’t recommend keeping it on 24/7. Depending on what you are using it for, you can keep it on during the day, but take it off at night when the dog is sleeping. And never crate the dog with it on.
Hi, I don't want to hijack Debi's post but would like to comment.
Prong Collars, Choke Chains, Flat Collars, Harness, etc, are all part of your training tools and should therefore be used for that purpose only (they are not ornamental, although many believe that they are). Prong/Choke = obedience training, Harness = tracking work, flat collar = protection work. Therefore you are communicating with your dog when using these tools and the dog will understand what type of work it is going to be doing by recognizing the piece of equipment that you fit ie if you fit a tracking harness the dog will know that it is going to be doing tracking work.
Furthermore, it is downright dangerous to leave either choke chain or prong collar on dogs if not working. The reason is that your dog might get spooked by something (fire works, thunder or whatever) and decide to make a dash for it. Now presume there is a fence (metal picket fence/devils fork) in the dogs way and he decides to jump this but your choke or prong hooks on the live ring. This will then tighten around the dogs neck while he is hanging and obviously suffocate him to death (I am sure that you do not wish this upon your family pet).