Take Up a Training Tool With the Best Prong Dog Collar

Before investing your money in a product, it is mandatory to learn all its features and whether they fit your requirements or not. Our comprehensive buying guide covers all the required information you need for a successful purchase to get you started with prong collar training.

What Things to Look for When Buying a Prong Dog Collar? 

Size 

Since a prong collar is neither elastic nor flexible, having accurate measurements of your dog’s neck is critical. The most crucial consideration is the size since a collar that is too large or too tiny may not meet that standard. Always double-check the size limit of your dog collars, as well as the adjustable rings. Small dogs can get just as much out of them as bigger ones.

Furthermore, there should be enough room for two fingers to fit after the prong collar is fastened around the neck. This is a precautionary approach to ensure your dog is not choking.

Finishing 

Some prong collars – also referred to as pinch collars – come with a flat metallic end, while others feature round rubber finishing. A metallic finish prong might irritate the skin or be really heavy for smaller breeds to endure. Rubber finishing adds less pressure and does not harm the skin compared to a flat metallic prong. However, with their high-friction finishing, there is a possibility that rubber prongs might damage the fur. 

Weight 

The type of material and finishing determines the weight of a prong dog collar. Alloy steel is much lighter than its stainless steel counterpart. However, it might not be able to handle pressure applied by dogs of a larger breed. 

Adjustability 

Some prong collars fit exact measurements, but there are versions where one size can be adjusted to fit a series of strong dogs, unlike the more extreme variability of choke collars. If you are a professional dog trainer, then keeping an adjustable prong collar close at hand can help you tackle multiple clients at once. 

How Are Prong Dog Collars Useful? 

Many pople have certain misconceptions about using prong collars on their dogs. Still, they are an ideal product highlighting multiple benefits when used right. 

Training the dog 

Prong collars are known to ensure maximum control over the dog, which is mandatory to train aggressive or neglected canines with behavioral problems. They pull to cause a certain level of discomfort, so the dog comes back to the pace of your liking. Additionally, they can help teach an old dog some new tricks and help with obedience training. 

Reducing biting 

Most pups are not trained from an early age, or from the first time it occurs, to stop biting people. Adding a prong collar to the attire can teach your dog to stop biting you unnecessarily. Initially, this seems cute as their natural instinct is to bite, but a dog trainer would argue that the situation can get out of hand once your dog grows. 

Correcting behavior 

Correcting a dog’s behavior by punishing it or using unwanted punishing tools can lead to stubborn behavior, more aggression, depression, and even personality disorders. Using a prong collar as a restrictive measure helps you correct bad behavior without any cruel punishments. Behavior modification can help to create the best dog possible from bad beginnings.

What Are the Types of Prong Dog Collars?

Since a prong dog collar is used for heavy-duty training, it comes with a metal finish. The following are the 3 types of prong dog collars:

Alloy steel prong dog collars 

A common material for your prong dog collar, alloy steel is a durable yet sturdy item that does not show any reaction to weather conditions. These collars are generally lightweight with high tensile strength, which ensures that the prong collar does not lose grip or quality regardless of the pressure applied by the dog. 

However, you must understand that an item made of alloy steel might change shape if too much pressure is applied at once. 

Stainless steel prong dog collars 

Another popular choice but a bit more expensive than alloy, stainless steel is one of the strongest metals ever that does not bend under any pressure. Extremely weather-resistant and rustproof, these dog collars are usually used by professional trainers because of their inability to get damaged. 

Moreover, a stainless steel item is recyclable and aesthetically pleasing, which leaves your dog looking stylish and classy. However, these collars can be pricier and somewhat heavy for smaller dogs. 

Nickel prong dog collars

Nickel prong collars are not readily available in the market. Still, their hard and ductile body makes them a worthwhile purchase, especially for larger dogs. Featuring corrosion-resistant properties, they have a slow oxidation rate at room temperature. Still, they might require regular maintenance if used outdoors. 

Additionally, it has a high melting point, making it less reactive to external heat. Despite their qualities, nickel prong dog collars are not a top priority because they may result in skin conditions like dermatitis. You need to consult your vet or another professional before getting a nickel prong collar.

How to Use a Prong Dog Collar Without Causing the Dog Any Harm

To make sure that your dog remains unharmed, you must use their dog training collar properly to prevent your dog from getting injured. To make that possible, you need to fit it properly on your dog’s neck. 

Fitting the collar on their neck 

The right way to fit a prong collar is to ensure that it sits precisely under the jawline of your dog. Dog experts highly recommend a snug fit with a space of two fingers so that nothing is left hanging. A hanging collar is not going to do anything as the prongs are not properly in place. Other than this, it must sit right beneath the ears so that you can maintain command of the dog with its solid grip. 

Cleaning the prong dog collar

An unwiped prong collar might result in the accumulation of dirt and debris, which can irritate your dog’s skin as well as deteriorate the quality of the product. This is why it is essential to give these metallic collars a mild wash. 

Mix lukewarm water with a mild detergent or dog shampoo and let it soak for a couple of minutes. This will release any dirt buildup. Pass the prong collar through clean, warm water to remove excess soap. Dry it with a microfiber fabric and polish it with a few drops of linseed oil for longevity. If your prong collar has fabric finishing, leave it to air dry for a couple of minutes.