Let me re-phrase that,(stationary ring). Mine has 2 o-rings, no d-swivel.

OK, I'm having a problem visualizing this. Be patient with me. I know that prong collars can come apart; am I incorrect in my thinking that the type that you hook together using the prongs are not prone to this? I have two types; one for my smaller dog, it has a scissor-type clip which is how you get it on and off. The other type has no clip, you hook and unhook it by the prong. Do I have to worry about both types falling apart?
Second, what do you mean by a "Y connector"? I have found that the buckle collar often gets in the way of the prong, and I have to stop periodically to make adjustments. Does connecting the two increase the instances of this? I have yet to have it happen, but it's not something I want to experience.

LSwanston, Yes The prong collar that came apart was the heavy duty type. You seperate a link to place around neck. I too thought it would not seperate once in place. I also make sure that the section being opened has to be squeezed hard to put back in place.

Using the Y connector gives you room as to not have the regular collar get in way. I'm working on modifying current leash so I don't have to use the Y connector. Hope to have it finished in a few days. Leather shop has it at present, it should be a great safety item.

I don't use prongs and am curious - since I hear the term "training" collars for prongs and slip/choke collars do you "graduate" to flat collars one day?

I may be a complete numbskull and not know what the heck I'm talking about, but it depends upon what you are using the prong for. Ideally, it is a teaching and proofing tool, and yes, you will get to a point where it is not needed. But, for some situations, you may find that you use it always, such as walking. I like to use a prong on my dogs when walking, because it gives me more control than a buckle collar, in case of the unexpected. Sure, my dogs know how to heel, and not pull when walking, but I've been in many situations where I was sure glad I had the prong on them.

Laureen, That's my goal. However, sometime I have to go back to them for a refesher. Using the Prong I have found a lower level correction does better then a slip/choke chain. (my problem is not being able to work with my dog everyday, he gets little or no training for 14 days at a time)
My dog was trained using compulsion mostly. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
That was before coming to this Board, My new pup will be trained using the Flink's Method, then corrections are necessary also. I haven't ordered the video yet,will do this week.

Laureen, what type collar do you use when training, is it a flat only?

The prong collar, while it looks like a torture device, is actually MORE HUMANE than a choke or slip collar. The prong works by pinching the skin whereas the choke/slip collars can cause damage to the trachea. We have all seen dogs with improperly fitted collars gasping as they drag their owners around. Most of the pet store wal-mart style chokes are too big and the links are too big to give a swift effective correction without 'sticking' on the large links in the collar.

Dogs do gradutate off the prong. When trial day comes the dog is wearing a fur saver collar on the dead ring. I do not use a prong on my dogs all the time, but there is added leverage involved for added control when needed.

So far as prong collars coming apart, you need to check them for wear and replace them when the links are getting loose. Sometimes you can replace just the links, other times you need to replace the whole collar. I understand that things happen, but I do not have any Y connector thingy majigs hooked up when out and about. My dogs' platz is solid though....

Deanna, My impression of how the Prong collar works is that it applies equal pressure around the neck. granted it does pince the skin also.

Yes I do use a Y connector thinggy majig to connect everyday collar and prong collar. The other day I didn't have but the Prong collar on, Yep, it came apart. My new leash will eleminate the Y connector, but I will have two collars on at all times outside of a secured area.

 Quote:

Deanna:My dogs' platz is solid though....

Butch: Well I was stopped alongside a well traveled road, dog at side in sit. Steped off on left foot, Nugg heeled as he should without a leash.
Supposed he would have broke for a cat, or other animal!

Maybe this is for the dogs that have not attained this level of perfection. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> My Akita would have most likely stepped into oncoming traffic. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I have also worked Nugg alongside this same road off leash, is that smart? I Think Not.

Sometimes we as Trainers/Handlers need to step back for a few minutes before we start any training session. I know I will.
I'm trying to break habits that and older dog can live with whereas a pup cannot.

Sorry Butch,

Reguardless of your impression of how it works it is primarily a lever. Put one on your neck and give it a pop... While there is equal distribution of pressure, it isn't called a pinch for nothing.

Deanna, I agree about it pinching the skin, what I was trying to say is that it doesn't only do it at one spot. (as with a slip collar/choke chain)

I8#'s and still going at it.Thanks for the info.