When in the world did we become a country that puts prong collars on every dog and puppy. I am constantly amazed that wherever I go I see nothing but prong collars, even on the youngest puppy. Not only are people using them in record numbers, my bet is they have no idea how to use them. I see people jerking on the collars, OUCH!!!! Prong collars are meant to be self correcting, in other words the dog should pull, feel discomfort and stop pulling which will immediately take the pressure off.

Prong collars should not be a substitute for training and exercise!!! I know that teaching dogs not to pull is not the easiest task but, in most cases, is certainly an attainable goal.

I teach all of my dogs a “by me” command, this is different from my “heel position” which is more precise and usually used for competition. “By me” is just that, somewhere close, not pulling. I start by having a pocketful of treats, putting my dog on a leash and when the dog is not pulling on the leash I say “by me” and treat. When the dog will stay in your area, of course this is after lots of treats, I start moving and ask for the same command. It will take a fair amount of work and practice, but just think, when YOUR dog walks on a loose leash with a nice buckle collar you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have gone a long way in building a wonderful working and fun relationship with your dog.