Leerburg questions & answers on prong collars

Leerburg Questions & Answers
on Prong Collars and
Dominant Dog Collars

My prong collar just doesn't look like it's on right, even though it is sitting at the correct spot on his neck. Could you describe how to properly size and put one on?
Can the prong collar be left on during the day and night or must it be removed after every time using it?
I'm unsure of what size prong to buy my doberman, as she is at the end of the small sized one. Could you help make a suggestion?
My dominant dog collar keeps slipping. What is the best way to determine what size to purchase?
My dog is dog aggressive and I have questions about a prong collar I bought awhile back. I think it may be too big and I'm not sure if I should just use a dominant dog collar.
A prong collar was recommended to us and after seeing your site I realize that the collar is too loose. I have taken a few links out but don't want it to be too tight. What can we do to adjust the size of the collar so that it would stay behind the ears as it is indicated on your photographs?
Do you know if the medium prong collar is available w/ the loop?
What size prong collar should I order or do you think I should use one?
I am about to get a 12 week old Cardigan Welsh Corgi male. Would the micro prong collar be correct for this breed, and then just add prongs as he grows?
My dog is between link sizes and I'm not sure what to do. What do you suggest?
Is it necessary to use the dominant dog collar with the prong or could I use a martingale lead?
The prongs are I bought are too big, do you think a medium would work better?
We have a pomapoo that weighs around 4 lbs and has a very small neck. Do you think your size small will adjust down enough to use for her?

Question:

Hi Ed,

I've read everything I can on prong collars and am trying to learn the art of using one without doing damage to my dog(s) or myself. My collar never sets down on the dog's neck like it should. It doesn't look right compared to the pictures I see of everyone else's. There seems to be too much space between the neck and the collar (I don't mean loose) but instead something's just not quite right. I have noticed a definite difference between my male Doberman's responsiveness. I don't have to give half dozen corrections on this collar compared to my choke chains but I still know something is wrong. Could you go about describing how to size one properly and to put it on the dog correctly???

Robin

ANSWER:

A prong collar is meant to fit very snug when the collar is right behind the ears and behind the jawbone. There should be no slack. The collar should be snug. It is not meant to be pulled off the head by coming over the ears, eyes and nose. To take it off a link is manually disconnected.

How to Fit a Prong Collar

eBOOK

Question:

Hello Ed

Just to say I purchased a Prong Collar from Leerburg a time ago, but I waited a bit for the pup to get a bit of age on him before using it, now he is just 9 months old.

It is a great collar and keeps the pup steady and controlled with no stress to him of pulling back like I did on a chain collar.

One question I read your article on fitting it must be 20 times, and I see it is fairly in a firm position, The pup did not like it being put on, I suppose my lack of expertise in putting it on may have pulled it a bit.

Can this collar be left on the pup during the day and night or must it be removed after every time using it?

Also thanks for the Brilliant Quality Leather Collars and Leashes I bought and for the most informative DVD's.

Last of all the Forum which we learn so much, at times with a little bit of misunderstanding, but it is the best forum on the Web for GS's.

Regards,
Steve
Belgium

Answer:

Steve,

Thanks for the kind words.

We don’t recommend leaving the collar on 24/7.

There is nothing wrong with using MARKERS and a food treat to put the collar on. In fact put it on –Mark it – reward it – then take it off. Then do it again until you desensitize the collar going on. Do this 8 or 9 times a day.

Prong Collars

Question:

I was hoping you would be able to give me some advice. I would like to buy from your website a Stainless Steel Prong Collar for my 14 month old female Doberman. I have measured her neck and it is 13" but that is snug. I was going to purchase the Small Prong (up to 13") but was a bit concerned that I would then not have any flexibility if it was too small. I then thought about the Medium prong (up to 19") but was then concerned that it still might be to big even after taking all the links out. Could you please advise me which one to purchase?

Kind Regards
Caroline

Answer:

I had Dobermans for MANY years; I always used a small prong but purchased extra links.

http://leerburg.com/prong.htm if you scroll past the prong collars, there is a drop down box with a buy now button where you can purchase links separately.

Hope this helps.

Another Question:

Thanks for your advice on the prong collar. We have also purchased a couple of dominant dog collars from your web site at different sizes but they all seem to keep slipping down when we use it. Could you suggest a size that would best fit a female doberman aged 15 months?

Kind Regards
Caroline

Answer:

We have a chart with measuring directions and size recommendations. http://www.leerburg.com/746.htm#chart This goes by neck size, not breed and age.

Dominant Dog Collar

Question:

Hi Ed,

I have a question for ya...

I bought a prong collar from Petsmart a long time ago. I am just now starting to try and learn to use it since Levi is having so much attitude with other dogs. By the time I take the links out to get a snug fit around the upper neck. There are only a about 6 links left fitting the dog primarily on one side of his neck. I can't believe this is a correct fit and even with that being said it still won't stay up on the neck, it always falls down. I'm trying to decide which collar to buy from you, the dominant dog collar or a leather choke to work with Levi due to his serious aggressiveness towards other dogs. I told the forum yesterday that the prong seemed to increase his drive and anger towards the other dogs. Anyhow, I guess the dominant dog collar is to be used with the prong?? Or should I just use it alone since I have no training issues with him other than the dog issue? Is the prong I got from Petsmart not working right? What do you suggest I do?

Thanks,
Robbin

Answer:

The dominant dog collar is suggested as a back up to the prong. If you are using the dominant dog collar as a correction collar it can be worn alone.

It sounds like the prong you have is the really large one which is why you only have a few links in it, I would recommend a medium size for a GSD.

Here is the article on how to correctly fit prongs http://leerburg.com/fit-prong.htm

I like to have all the tools I need in my toolbox, so I would suggest a prong and a dominant dog collar.

Establishing Pack Structure with the Family Pet

Question:

Hello Ed,

Warm greetings to you all and thank you for your wonderful visual website about the pinch/prong collars! Five weeks ago my husband and I adopted our first dog from a rescue group. She was sentenced to death because she was too fearful while waiting in the shelter. Thanks to Hopes Haven in Salem, Oregon, her life was saved and she is very affectionate toward all people & animals and very submissive. However, we turned out not to be the strongest pack leaders so on the walk she has been pulling hard. We signed up for a training class and during the class the trainers recommended to use the prong/pinch collar on her. They let us try and seemed better so we purchased the collar. When we got home we wanted to learn more about the collars and it took a lot of time before we found your great website.

The trainer put the collar on Stella so I did the same the next day to walk & run with her since she has a lot of energy – two years young, looks like a mix of black lab & pit and weighs about 46 lbs. After I ran with her and then saw your website I realized that the collar was too loose and slid down on her neck and ended up pretty much where her regular collar was. I removed one link and walked & run with her and the same thing happened – it slid down her neck. When I removed one more link, I was pretty much choking her and could not really put it on her. It is a bit frustrating because I do not want to hurt her but at the same time I want to collar to be in a proper position so that we can control her pulling. What can we do to adjust the size of the collar so that it would stay behind the ears as it is indicated on your photographs?

I will be very grateful for your feedback as soon as possible so that we can do the right thing.

Thank you very much for understanding and I look forward to hear from you at the right time!

With much love, joy, peace & gratitude,
Fondly,
Pavla

Answer:

I think you still need to take a link out. As it settles into the fur, it should fit properly. For it to fit correctly, it will seem quite tight when first putting it on but be patient. Don’t project a feeling of feeling sorry or worry about hurting her just put this on her matter of factly.

If it’s sliding down her neck, taking out one more link is not going to hurt her.

Best of luck with her, she’s a cutie!

Question:

I am finding your website as a wonderful resource. I do have a couple of questions regarding the prong you sell before I make a purchase.

I am very particular about the lead attachment. I will need a Medium sized collar but see that your website only picture the medium collar having a swivel type link for the lead attachment. I am looking for a medium collar with a "loop" connection point (exactly like what is pictured for your "micro prong" collar). I hope that isn't confusing. Do you know if the medium prong collar is available w/ the loop?

Thank you for your time,
Adam

Answer:

The prong collars are available as pictured on our website. The only size available with 2 "O" rings is the micro.

Question:

Hi,

Just wanted to let you know that I did my first AI using your AI kit and DVD and it was sucessful!

We took our Mastiff yesterday for x-rays confirmed it.

Thanks so much for your website and useful information.

My English Mastiffs are 190 lbs and 215 lbs. They are not aggressive at all, but when I take them anywhere they pull me around alot. I am using a choke collar now.

I was thinking of using one of your prong collars. Their neck size is 25 inches and 25 1/2 inches. What size prong collar should I order or do you think I should use one?

Should I also use the dominant collar with it? What size?

Thanks,
Mary

Answer:

Thanks for the kind words, and congratulations on the upcoming litter.

I would most definitely recommend prong collars for dogs of this size. I would use a large or extra large collar. Please read this article about how to properly fit a prong collar. It fits up high on the neck.

We do recommend the dominant dog collar as a safely back up with prongs, here is the chart to select the size based on your dogs measurements http://www.leerburg.com/746.htm#chart

If you have any questions about the sizing I would suggest you call our office during regular business hours and one of the girls will be glad to help you out.

I hope this helps.

Question:

I am about to get a 12 week old Cardigan Welsh Corgi male. Would the micro prong collar be correct for this breed, and then just add prongs as he grows? I want to start him out with it and use it gently rather than start with something else and switch.

Thank you for the information.

Mary

Answer:

I would think for a Cardi a small link collar would be the best fit as an adult. The micro would be ok for a young puppy, but Cardigans are not really that small, and their fur is pretty thick. We have Pembroke Welsh Corgis and if we need a prong, I use the small link and I believe Pembrokes tend to be a bit smaller than Cardigans.

Question:

I own a stainless steel medium prong (from Leerburg). My shepard/ basenji mix is now grown and she is definately between links as sizing goes. If I remove the link to allow the collar to sit high, it is so tight I can not fit even a half of a pinkie finger between the prong and neck, even with effort. If I leave it, it is definately too loose and does nothing for control, sliding around. I would like to know if you have a link that is a half-size, or perhaps a link for the small collar might fit onto the medium collar, and if so, how I might receive one of these links?

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Andrea

Answer:

We don’t have smaller links for that size collar, they are a standard size.

I would put it on so it fits snugly, and I think you will find as the dog wears it for a few minutes that it will not be as tight as when you first put it on.

You could always go to the next smaller collar size, and try that if this doesn’t work for you.

Question:

I read thru your site and still have a question.

Must I use the dominant collar with the pronged collar, or will a martingale collar suffice?

I MUST secure a prong...I have a lower back injury that is aggravated immensely by pulling behavior (I am still not able to walk my three dogs as I am on the mend--thank goodness I have a large yard and dogs who delight in running thru it for exercise).

I have a 35 lb Shiba Inu who is quite strong. I need to train him not to pull and the prong has been recommended by my chiropractor. I have three shibas total that I like to walk together, but I am willing to walk separately for a period while training each of them.

The other two are smaller (only around 22 lbs each).

...these guys are known for slipping their collars and chasing prey...few standard training methods work in this regard. Even the Mid-Atlantic Shiba Rescue recommends that I choose any trainer carefully due to Shibas reacting negatively to most training approaches, with positive reinforcement being the most successful. Small food treats seem to be the best incentive.

Safety and prevention of escape are my number one concern...I am working on recall...the female is excellent...the largest male comes sometimes....and the youngest (male) never comes when called (he is the one who escapes past the baby gate whenever the opportunity arises). We live about three blocks from a major hwy...so I watch them all closely.

Again, can I use the martingale??? It seems to work the best in deterring slipping out of it.

Arlene

Answer:

No A martingale will not work here. You would then have two leashes to handle. This would cause problems - they would tangle and you would have a mess.

Use the prong with the dominant dog collar.

Fact is - if I had your medical issues I would be using a remote collar on my dog that pulled. This would be so much better than a prong.

Use a Dogtra 175NCP or Dogtra 200NCP. Cindy (my other half) uses a Dogtra 200 on her dogs.

Here is the DVD that explains in detail on how to do it.

Question:

Hi there, my name is Emma and I'm sorry to be a pest,I have just bought 2 extra large prong collars for my great danes who are approxametly 8 months old. The problem is I can not physically remove any more links without hurting my dog but when they have been wearing them a while out walking they slip down. Do you think it's best to swap them for the medium prong collar as my instructer has advised? This size seems to stay put better.

Regards,
Emma

P.S. As I really want them asap could I order online a smaller size if this is appropriate and get a refund on the two I send back? As I don't want to have to wait on shipping to Scotland both ways.

Answer:

For a Great Dane I would probably go to a medium – we have a Q&A on prong collars. Most people go with too large of a prong collar.

I believe you bought them from us. As long as we can sell them to another customer as a new product you can return them. All it would cost is the freight back.

Question:

We have a pomapoo that weighs around 4 lbs and has a very small neck.

We just completed 10 weeks of dog training whereby she learned nothing. She thinks she is the pack leader.

We want to repeat the dog training classes using a prong collar hoping that we will get her attention this time.

Do you think your size small will adjust down enough to use for her?

Thanks!
Sandy

Answer:

We have what is called a micro prong http://www.leerburg.com/prong.htm#micro I would suggest the ‘mini-micro’ size for your dog.

A regular small prong would be much too big, by the time you took enough links out so it would fit her you would have no links left.

When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.

Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional. The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.

Copyright 2008 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. US Copyright Link. By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.



Raising Puppies	Training DVDs	Training Equipment	New Products