by Melody Hatke

Created on: May 27, 2009   Last Updated: May 28, 2009

As a dog obedience instructor, I believe choke collars and prong collars are very useful tools, in the training of a dog. I have used both collars for obedience training. All you need is to properly fit the collars and know the proper training technique.

Choke collars work well, for small and medium breeds of dogs. You must know how to use these collars properly. The choke collar is not as it's name implies, for choking your dog. The choke collar was made for short, quick , jerks, then release. Your training should be jerk and release, if the collar is placed on your dog's neck properly. If the choke collar is on backwards, the collar will not release properly. So make sure, you know how to place the collar on your dog, before using the collar.

Prong Collars or Pinch collars, are very useful for large breed dogs, or any dog that has been tied outside, for long periods at a time. Outside dogs are used to the pulling on their neck, and have strong neck muscles, therefore choke collars have no effect on the dog. Large breed dogs, can pull and drag, even the biggest and strongest of men, prong collars are definitely a necessity. Sometimes prong collars are needed for the stubborn dog, who will not pay attention to their owner. This can be a dog of any size or breed and a prong collar will always get the dog's attention.

I have also used a leather collar to train a dog. I adopted a dog from the animal shelter, she had been beaten, and a choke collar terrified her. So I trained her with a plain leather collar and lots of praise, this worked very well for this dog, as all she wanted was to please me. I think in choosing training collars, first, you have to evaluate your dog. If your dog is very eager to learn, and very attentive to you, then you may only need a choke collar. If your dog is stubborn, and very inattentive, you may need the attention getter, the prong collar.

I believe in these collars, as do I believe in obedience training for dogs. I strongly encourage basic dog obedience training, for your dog. I also believe every dog is different, and should be looked at individually, and trained according to their individual needs. All dogs like to feel that they have a purpose and always want to please their owners. A well trained dog, is a joy to have around your home. The best way to train your dog, is to use a properly fitted, and correctly placed prong or choke collar.

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