In general, I recommend starting with a martingale collar, as it’s the gentlest form of correction collar. It constricts to a point and then stops, rather than freely constricting like a chain collar. If you’d prefer to start with a harness, there are some with a martingale loop in the back, which allows for a gentle leash correction, constricting around the chest rather than the neck, and preventing them from slipping out. With either option, you’ll want to make sure that it’s properly fitted. Not too tight but not too loose either. The rings in the back should not touch when pulled tight, otherwise it’s putting all the pressure at the front of the neck like a flat collar, rather than distributing it evenly all around as intended.
If you’ve ensured that is the case, but your dog is still not responsive to correction, it could be the technique that you’re using. There are many details to take into consideration when teaching them to walk on a loose leash at your side for example, but it could also be that your dog is just not responsive to correction on that collar, in which case you’ll want to step up to something more effective. Corrections should be gentle, you’re just trying to get their attention off of what they’re doing and back on to you, ideally it shouldn’t take more than a gentle tug to get your dogs attention. If it does, you may want to consider a chain collar, and if they’re still not responsive to that, a pinch (prong) collar.
The pinch collar has a lot of negative stigma attached to it, but when used properly, is perfectly humane, and much gentler on the dog than the amount of force required with a less effective collar. There are several dos and don’ts as far as pinch collars go, in addition to using proper technique.
Make sure it is properly fitted, not too loose but not too tight. Much like the martingale, if it is too loose, the rings meet in the back, and it will apply all the pressure at the front, rather than distributing a pinch evenly around the neck as intended. If it is too tight, it will apply constant pressure all around, which can cause sores over time, and potential jamming. It should rest high on the neck, but still slide freely to the left and right, so they don’t even realize they’re wearing it until they receive a correction.
Do not leave it on the dog while unattended. This can cause sores over time, which you may not notice under the fur, and carries the potential risk of becoming caught on something. It should go on and come off with the leash every time.
Don’t put too much strength into it. The pinch collar is very effective at getting a dog’s attention, an ideal correction should rely mainly on the wrist, with timing, consistency, and follow-up with positive reinforcement, to clearly establish to the dog what we want from them and don’t want from them in the moment. The collar is only part of the equation, like any tool, it must be used properly.
If you are using a pinch collar and find that your dog is still not responsive to correction, it could be a number of factors, mostly revolving around the technique that you’re using, which can vary from dog to dog. Feel free to contact us and schedule a free evaluation.
