Prong Collars, Shock Collars, Choke Chains Oh My! Negative Training Tools - You Could Be Doing More Harm Then You Think!

Prong Collars, Shock Collars, Choke Chains Oh My!

Negative Training Tools - You Could Be Doing More Harm Then You Think!

A Belgium Malinois with a Prong or Pinch Collar on 

                    Many people think that they will have better control over their rambunctious dog if they use a serious tool such as a prong or pinch collar, shock collar or choke chain. But these tools are actually considered "Negative Training" Tools and can cause not only bodily harm to your pet but can also make behavior even worse.

The Dangers of Negative Training Tools 

I am sure that you have seen the recent abuse allegations toward a well known Training Group that is based all over the US.  Domination and negative punishment training which is used by this Training Group and even portrayed by icons such as Ceaser Milan, is NOT the proper way to train your pet. But unfortunately, many trainers and training facilities train in a negative manner and its is actually considered abusive to the animal. That is why it is so very important to choose the Fear Free, Positive trainer that uses fun, motivation and rewards during training,  even for larger more powerful dogs.

Negative training often utilizes Negative Training Tools which punishes the dog during training. Negative types of training can be confusing and frustrating to your dog causing harm to your pets mental state making behavior problems worse and even cause additional problems. The tools used during Negative training can also cause bodily harm to your pet.

Choke Chains:

Choke chains can limit oxygen intake and literally choke your pet. These chains can do significant damage to the trachea or windpipe. The pressure that is applied on the neck area while using a choke chain can also do damage to the dogs eyes. 

Pinch or Prong Collars:

Pinch/Prong Collars Can do the same damage Choke chains can in regards to choking, damage to the trachea, and damage to vision due to excess pressure. However these collars take it one step further and literally have prongs or sharp pointed pieces of metal that can puncture your dogs sensitive skin around the neck causing painful wounds and even infection. 

Shock Collars:

Shock Collars send electrical impulses that shock your beloved pet. Even on the lowest setting this can be very harmful to your pets well-being. It is even said the electrocution from shock collars can cause an imbalance and decrease function to vital glands and organs. Shock collars can even cause physical burns and wounds to your pets skin.

* There are many photos that showcase wounds caused by these tools. We have decided not to include any of those photos in this blog so we don't upset anyone. If you wish to look further at the devastation these collars can cause to your pet, a quick google search will pull up countless cases, viewer discretion is advised.

Sad Dog with a Choke Chain on

The Positively Right Way To Train 

 Before starting any training with your pet always do your homework. Make sure the trainer and the training methods are positive based and fear free. If a trainer suggests you use a Negative Tool then choose a different trainer. We have actually partnered up with K9 Turbo Training, a Force Free Positive Training Group in our area and Second Chances Animal Rescue  ,a wonderful rescue group and animal education outreach organization, in the efforts to bring attention to these negative tools. The Freedom Harness Exchange Program that was created allows pet owners to ditch the negative tool and trade them in for a Freedom Harness! A Freedom Harness is comfortable harness that still gives you control of your pet without choking or harming your dog in any way. We are very passionate about promoting a force free and fear free training and training tools. 

A Golden Doodle that traded in her prong collar for a Freedom Harness at our clinic

        In Conclusion, Negative based training and training tools are not the correct way to train your pet. It can cause more harm to your pet then you realize, such as physical harm and even emotional harm. Even the big powerful breeds respond better to positive training and training methods. So make training Fun, Positive and Rewarding and your pet will be not only respond better and faster molding them into a better trained pet. But also a well balanced happy pet as well!