I think this has been addressed before but I can't seem to find the thread--

I'm still not convinced I have the prong fit correctly- when I put it on, it seems to be almost too tight (I can just fit my fingers under the prongs, and its tough to get on over all the hair), but when we walk, it rotates or slips down... I know it's not supposed to do that. Do I still not have enough links taken out? Can someone describe how tight to make it? The graphic of the doberman from the how to fit a prong e-book I understand, but my gsd mix has so much hair that its hard to tell how the collar is really fitting (to my inexperienced eyes) so I'm trying to go by feel...

You shouldn't be able to fit your fingers under the prongs. They need to be snug on the skin. Try taking one link out and see if the collar stays put. If it's moving or sliding around his neck, it's too loose.

I have this problem also. My dog has a lot of loose skin on the underside of his neck and a very slender tapered neck. The collar always slips down some ans will turn slightly to the side soemtimes. If I take anoter link out I know it's too tight because he hops on three feet with one back leg up as if to scratch at the collar. It is actually kinda cute, but sad at the same time...

He also is a very hard dog and will still pull if he gets very excited and twice has fought the prong collar. Sometmes I see red marks around his neck when I remove it.

I think it may just be tha anatomy of his neck. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Sorry if I sorta Highjacked this thread. Same subject though...

From what you are describing the prong is to big, if it slides down your dogs neck.

Sounds like you need to remove a link or maybe you need quick release prong for ease of use? I found with furball dogs mine is a in between furball that it is a bit of a pain to put the prong on for that reason. It took a bit of trial and error to fit my prong properly. If you are not able to get a quick release prong it could be as simple as just practicing taking it off and on that hairy neck after you've figured out the sizing by removing a link or 2.

 Quote: Shody Lytle

I have this problem also. My dog has a lot of loose skin on the underside of his neck and a very slender tapered neck. The collar always slips down some ans will turn slightly to the side soemtimes. If I take anoter link out I know it's too tight because he hops on three feet with one back leg up as if to scratch at the collar. It is actually kinda cute, but sad at the same time...

He also is a very hard dog and will still pull if he gets very excited and twice has fought the prong collar. Sometmes I see red marks around his neck when I remove it.

I think it may just be tha anatomy of his neck. Any suggestions would be helpful.

With the link out where he scratches at it as long as prong itself doesn't slide down his neck and the chain has a bit of give in it on the dead ring would be the right fit. Who cares if he scratches at it he is just training you to put the link back in!

As for fighting with the prong collar maybe you need a dominant dog collar as well. To me a dog that fights with the lead /collar is fighting with the handler as IMO the lead is just an extension of the handlers arm and should be treated as such by the dog. I don't have a lot of experience with that but I'd think it would be a pack heiarchy (sp) issue that behaviour you are describing.

Shody, I took a couple of links from the larger size and squeezed and forced them into my medium size and ended up with a good fit. They're just a little longer so they add a tiny bit with each link.

Part of me worries that even if there were any kind of red marks on mine I'd never see them through the fur...

I will try taking out a link, though I think it will be a challenge to get it closed! My guys still squirm with excitement at going for a walk, lol.

Thanks for the help!!

 Quote: geoff empey

Who cares if he scratches at it he is just training you to put the link back in!

I hadn't thought of it that way,

 Quote:

As for fighting with the prong collar maybe you need a dominant dog collar as well. To me a dog that fights with the lead /collar is fighting with the handler as IMO the lead is just an extension of the handlers arm and should be treated as such by the dog. I don't have a lot of experience with that but I'd think it would be a pack heiarchy (sp) issue that behaviour you are describing.

We do work in pack issues, I always enter & exit doors first, we eat first, he is crate trained, not allowed on furniture, etc. He is usually well behaved, but he is a hound breed, and they are notorious for being stubbon. In both instances I just maintained pressure on the leash and calmly & firmly told him "NO" until he stopped, then praised him once he calmed. He is only 8 mo. old. I don't have a DD collar, but do use a similar nylon slip collar with the prong for safety.

Remember the red marks were from Shody's dog fighting the collar. If it is fit properly and only used for corrections you wouldn't have to worry about that especially if your dog doesn't beat himself up with the collar. I go through the same song and dance with my dog. I find I have to really watch that I get the 2 sides secure into each side through her hair as I just can't see it sometimes.

Hi Shody,

I use a prong on Oscar and I think I understand your problem. Could it be that you could move to a smaller collar - one with shorter links - so that when you added or took away links the difference was more incrimental? Sort of like what Steve said, but change the whole collar, not just a few links...

Also, are you using a Herm Springer prong, like the ones they sell at Leerburg? I found the fit to be better with that brand than with the generic pet store prong - the quality difference is notable as well.

Not sure if you were referring to him fighting the collar for the sake fo fighting the collar, or if he was fighting the collar because his prey drive kicked in about something, but if your dog has fits on the end of his leash sometimes (Oscar would have complete melt downs when he'd see squirrels run across the sidewalk...) a quick correction and a command to "leave it", "sit", "no", any number of options will help re-focus him. This is better, IMO than just letting them flail about till they give up. The prong makes it almost effortless to hang onto them in this state (vs. being dragged down the street by a flat or choke collar) but it doesn't help the dog as much as combining things like corrections and redirection commands.

Just a few thoughts (sorry to get off topic) - and I can COMPLETELY relate to the hard-headed hound problems!

~Natalya