KENNEL CLUB USA

 6′ leather leash          Choke Collar           Pinch/Prong Collar

Most of us have preconceived notions regarding the “method” that should be used to train. The tools used to make corrections have a great deal to do with a specific method. At the time I opened this business, I was extremely opinionated regarding my negative views of electronic training and pinch/prong collars. I found it easy to take the position that electronic collars were cruel and inhumane. I took the same position regarding pinch/prong collars. Having watched the hundreds of dogs go through training here, I have learned a great deal. These are some of the things I have learned:

“On Leash” obedience and “Off Leash” obedience require different tools and training techniques.
In order for a dog to be trained to follow commands when it is off its leash, it must first perfect training on the leash. On leash training requires the proper corrective collar and a leather leash. Off leash training requires additional tools depending on the preference of the trainer such as long line check cords, “whoa” posts and, or, “whoa” barrels, small step tables, and sometimes electronic collars.

Every Trainer has an individual approach and favors certain corrective tools.
For tools in basic obedience, some trainers prefer choke collars and some trainers prefer pinch/prong collars. Every trainer prefers a leather leash! A choke collar or pinch/prong collar is used to make corrections when “popping” the leash. When your dog is on a leash it should be attached to one of these collars. After a significant amount of time (for more of us this is years) you may be able to rely on a standard collar. We suggest leaving the standard collar on your dog at all times. The standard collar should carry all your dog’s tags. The corrective collar should be added whenever your dog is on the leash. When you add the corrective collar to take your dog for a walk, place it higher on the neck that the dog’s regular collar.

Every dog presents unique challenges.
No two dogs are alike. Some are more sensitive than others. Some have more “drive”. For most dogs, the choke collar is the best training tool and gets the desired result. In cases where the choke collar doesn’t get the correct result the pinch/prong collar should be used.

My view that electronic collars were cruel and inhumane was ignorant and demonstrated a lack of education on the subject.
Electronic collars have adjustable settings in order to find the proper stimulus for each dog. At Kennel Club USA we feel electronic collars for the most part are unnecessary when the dog is on leash. Occasionally there is a case where the owner is so soft spoken or lacks the physical strength to properly “pop” the leash that an electronic collar better serves the purpose in those cases. The electronic stimulus does exactly what the proper collar and pop of the leash will do. Think of your cell phone being set on vibrate while being carried in your shirt or blouse pocket. When the call comes in it startles you and gets your attention. Now imagine that cell phone on your neck under your chin. That’s what the electronic collar does. It gets the dog’s attention. It does not electrocute the dog!

My view that pinch/prong collars were cruel and inhumane was ignorant and demonstrated a lack of education on the subject.
Certain dogs have so much physical strength that a choke collar does not get their attention when the leash is popped. The design of the pinch/prong collar allows for greater sensation when the same amount of force is used in popping the leash. The ends of the prongs are rounded, not pointed, and they are set at an angle. These are not spikes that puncture the dog’s skin. These collars are designed so that is not possible.

Specific tools have no place in training or maintaining a dog’s obedience level such as retractable leashes, nylon buckle or snap collars, and leather buckle collars.
It still surprises us that so many people want their dog trained without using a choke collar or a pinch/prong collar. They want to be able to have their dog be completely obedient while they walk it with a retractable leash attached to a standard buckle or snap collar. As they say in Maine, “You can’t get there from here.” The analogies are endless in this situation. One to consider would be if you want to write someone a letter or a note, you use a pen or a pencil. You don’t use the brush and paint you use to paint the walls of your house. One is efficient and effective. One is not. It is very hard for some of us to realize the difference of loving our dogs and making them active members of our families, and, treating them as though they are human. Not understanding the specific needs a dog has more often than not leads to problems. Dogs are not human and real love for a dog means working to understand the specifics needs a dog has. Projecting our own needs onto the dog is somewhat selfish and lazy. Dogs need discipline and this comes through training practiced daily. A British man, James Harriot, well known for his expertise in canine behavior summed it up best, “Dogs like to obey. It gives them security!”