What size prong collar for German Shepherd?

Ready to buy a prong collar but not yet decided about the size? Still wondering what size prong collar for German Shepherd?

A prong collar is also known as a pinch collar, and it is a series of chain links connected with the open ends facing the dog’s neck.

It is used when dogs are trained to walk with a leash. This collar is, most of the time, controversial.

Most of the time, German Shepherds tend to pull the leash while walking; it can sometimes become very difficult to handle.

This is why many professionals suggest using prong collars for training purposes.

What size prong collar for German Shepherd and how to use it?

Normally training of German Shepherds starts after a few weeks of their birth, but the prong collar should not be used before they reach the age of 4 to 6 months.

Before that, there was no need for a prong collar as they are not that strong to pull a leash and run away, but after a certain age, they become stronger, and it becomes difficult to handle them.

Prong collars for German Shepherd

German Shepherds are very active. Sometimes, it becomes very difficult to manage them, especially in public. They like to walk ahead of their owners and run around, pulling their leash.

To control the unwanted behavior, prong collars are used to train them. Whenever they try to pull the leash, the collar will pinch their neck.

The prong collar applies pressure evenly around the dog’s neck whenever the dog tries to pull the leash by force and releases the pressure once the dog has given up.

Advantages of a Prong collar

• It is a great training tool for training German Shepherds.
• It can be a self-trained collar.
• The prong collar can protect the German Shepherd from trachea damage caused by an inexperienced owner.
• It takes less time to train German Shepherds with a prong collar.

Disadvantages of a Prong collar

• It sometimes breaches animal rights and is not safe to use in some places.
• If used wrongly, it can cause harm to dogs.
• Prong collars are painful.
• It is not proven that prong collars change behavior.
• Prong collars can create negative associations; the dog can become fearful.
• It can damage the relationship between the dog and the owner.
• Prong collars have some psychological side effects like depression and anxiety.

How to use a Prong collar for German Shepherds?

1. Place the prong collar high on the dog’s neck.
2. The chain should be between their ears.
3. The plate should be below their throat.
4. The chain should form a triangle.
5. Whenever going for a walk, tie the prong collar around their neck.
6. Whenever they pull the leash, the collar will apply pressure around their neck, and then you have to stop walking.
7. Repeat doing it until they learn the behavior.
8. You can also use commands like heel along with prong collar.

Things to keep in mind when using a prong collar

• Always use a high-quality prong collar, poorly made prong collar will end up hurting your dog.
• When buying a prong collar, make sure that the collar fits your dog’s neck properly; it should not be too tight or too loose.
• You can always remove or add extra links if needed.
• Do not make your dog wear the prong collar for too long.

How long should I use the prong collar?

You can stop using a prong collar as soon as your dog learns the behavior or stops pulling the leash. How long it will take your dog to learn the behavior depends on the dog and the trainer.

You can stop using it when you feel like your dog does not need the prong collar anymore.

What collars can I use instead of prong collars?

Some alternatives to prong collar are:

• The Pet Safe Easy Walk Dog Harness.
• The Halti Front Clip Control Harness.
• The PHOEPET No Pull Dual Clip.
• Halti Headcollar.

Prong collars for your German Shepherds

• Herm Sprenger prong collar.
• Kimberland collar.
• Micro Prong.
• Katie’s Buckle.

Conclusion

A prong collar is the choice of many German Shepherd owners as it easily helps them train their German Shepherd.

Some people are against prong collar as they think it causes dogs pain, but it is not the proper truth.

Prong collars are safe as long as it is used according to the guidelines; a professional will be able to use the prong collar nicely without harming the dog.

Someone who does not know how to use a prong collar is more likely to get the dog injured. If the prong collar is used too frequently and for a long period, it can cause a problem.