January 13, 2022
Our trainer recommended using a prong collar on our 4-month-old puppy. Should we follow their advice?
Full Question:
Hi Cindy,Our trainer recommended we use a prong collar on our 4-month-old German Shepherd puppy. In her assessment, she said the puppy did not respond to leash pressure with neither a flat collar or a martingale collar. So a prong collar will make sure we get her attention during our walk outside. We are concerned that it might be too early to introduce it to her that it would shut her down in her decision-making.
We tried walking our puppy with a flat collar with some success when there is not a lot of distraction. Should we give our puppy another chance before using a prong collar?
Appreciate your insight. Thanks!
Cindy's Answer:
I typically don't start puppies on a prong collar that young but it's very dog dependant and my goals may be different than yours. German Shepherds tend to be physically insensitive and I know a lot of trainers go to the prong collar with some puppies early without any negative fallout. BUT, I don't know your puppy and haven't met you in person so this is one of those topics that I can't answer for you.
If you are working with a trainer and you don't trust their advice then I'd suggest it might be a good idea to look for a new one. As a trainer myself, it can be frustrating when my students come to me for help and then ask others whether they should follow my advice. It shows a lack of trust in my experience and knowledge and can create hard feelings.
With that said, if you are not comfortable with what you are being told by all means find a trainer that has philosophies and methods that feel right to you. Dog training is not one size fits all, if that makes sense.
If you are working with a trainer and you don't trust their advice then I'd suggest it might be a good idea to look for a new one. As a trainer myself, it can be frustrating when my students come to me for help and then ask others whether they should follow my advice. It shows a lack of trust in my experience and knowledge and can create hard feelings.
With that said, if you are not comfortable with what you are being told by all means find a trainer that has philosophies and methods that feel right to you. Dog training is not one size fits all, if that makes sense.
User Response:
Hi Cindy, thanks for the sound advice. It's very much appreciated.
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