Matthew, guess there was a slight breakdown in my understanding all your posts, which I did read. So sorry about that. Guess I just misunderstood that you used the prong often for corrections.
To your initial question about how long to have the prong collar on, I started using a prong collar on my young dog when he was a pup also, about 5-6 months. It was used mainly for walking, not for me to correct him, but as a natural stop to his pulling - he pulled, he corrected himself.
From there I did use it more often but not a lot, mostly for a continuing biting issue he had with me. Also he was quite wild and it helped to keep him in control, but still not with corrections for disobeying commands, just to "steer" him, if you will.
So I had the prong on him often during the day. Only time it wasn't on was when he was in his crate napping or when I just put him in his crate cause I was exhausted by him.
I don't know how much time he spends out of the crate with you, but as a general rule (for me) I would try not to leave the prong on for more than 2 hours at a time.
I saw no damage to his neck because of it. Make sure it's snug but not overly tight or overly loose.
once we started using the prong with Brenna, we kept it on most of the time so she'd think that it was on all the time...it worked for us.
when she was a puppy, we used it like Sandy did...she pulled too much, she corrected herself...when she got older, she got corrections from us, big and small...still does.
Michelle--You're comments are specious at best, overly sarcastic at worse.
I was not being sarcastic. My thoughts were blatant and straightforward. As I said, and will say again, you had already been given *excellent* advice and information, IMO.
You came back again with still having problems, but the dog works perfectly on the prong...there are plenty of people out there who DO train that way and, well, so BE it, I cannot change that...and as for you, after several people giving you solid, sound advice about pups being pups and giving it time, motivational training methods, it just seemed to me that you are one of those types who feel more comfortable (perhaps even safer? More in control?) training with prong on pup 24/7.
But you're right, I think the times when we have the least (or really if I think about it, no)trouble is when she gets a walk before I go to work, and a 2nd walk after my wife gets home.
Hi Matthew,
Sounds like you have your hands full. From your comment about when she is on best behavior, I have a feeling she could definitely do with some additional exercise. Other than the two walks, what other type of exercise is she getting? Do you have a safe area where you could incorporate some off leash free play? Chasing a ball or hiding treats for her would help her burn off some excess energy and also put her brain in gear. Tired body and tired mind usually equals sleeping dog .
I'm not much of a trainer but I am a good manager of behavior. Thus, as far as the use of a prong collar I don't have much experience. However, I think if Reagan gets enough exercise and you offer her a very structured environment, she will begin to understand what she can expect from you and become less frustrated and hopefully lose those temper tantrums. By structured environment, I mean keep to a schedule, this might sound inconsequential but IMO pups and young dogs are more relaxed when they know what to expect. You might already be doing this, but if not try to get up at the same time, take her out to relieve herself, feed her, walk her, practice her obedience, crate her, take her on errands etc in the same order in as close to the same time as possible every day.
Also, the time that she usually is acting up when you are working on bills or doing other quiet activities, would it be possible to leash her close by and ignore the tantrums but when she sits or lies down or is quiet mark it and toss her a treat. Turn it into a positive experience. Give her the opportunity to do the right thing.
Do you think her time in the prong equals lots of reinforcement from you for good behavior and she has not had enough chances or acknowledgement of good behavior when she is not wearing it?
Keep working on being a fair leader to a strong willed pup lots of patience is required but the outcome will be well worth it. I say this as I look at my now 7 year old dog who sounds a lot like your Reagan. And I can tell you he is an ABSOLUTE pleasure
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