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Prong Collars Do More Harm

Prong Collar-examplesOkay guys, I don’t do this often but it is time for me to get on my high horse!  PRONG COLLARS!!!  🙁

I recently had a puppy great Dane come in for its’ puppy all star test in a prong collar! I was already a little uptight from my sad week after losing my dog, and seeing this puppy in this prong collar really set me off! I tried to stay calm but I couldn’t help the feeling of over whelming emotions that took place within me as I watch these people walk into my facility with the puppy with the prong collar on!!! I don’t want to alienate anyone,  But …

For those of you that know I am totally anti-aversive to these tools. And, I used them 10 years ago because I didn’t know any better.

During my recent years of education and research studies has led me to have a better educated scientific understanding of what these tools to do. You really can’t believe anybody that tells you that this is a tool that will not hurt your dog. That is what it is supposed to do people! It is called a pinch collar or a prong collar. The purpose of this device is to apply an aversive stimuli or something your dog does not like or en- joy, that is unpleasant, that makes them stop doing what you don’t want them to do!

Inexperienced, uneducated trainers and people who think that they mean well will advise you to use these products. I am surprised in this day and age they are even available to access. I have one thing to say at this point in time.

QUESTION AUTHORITY!!! Anybody that wants to put one of these tools on your dog because your dog doesn’t walk nice or jumps or exhibit some other puppy like untrained unmannerly behavior, ask them where they have received their educated scientifically-based information about this tool from? The bottom line is you need to understand this tool is meant to hurt your dog. It doesn’t matter if it’s positioned properly or if it’s supposed to simulate the bite of a mother wolf, all boloney!

The fact is, you will more than likely get a quick response from your dog in the direction you were seeking after applying this tool but in the long run without this tool, your dog has learned nothing and will continue the behaviors they exhibit without this tool. Most of you know I try and keep my comments positive, but it’s now time to get the message out to at least a handful of people again.
Let’s not end without an alternative. P+ training and no pull harnesses. 🙂

Thanks for reading … please share.

How to Find a Good Dog Trainer

send-rover-on-over-valeri-stallingsThis is an advice column that I wrote for the Acorn newspaper in Simi Valley.

Dear Rover,
I recently adopted a fun, happy, high energy, 6 month old lab that does not seem to have any prior training.  HELP! We need training! There seem to be lots of  Dog Trainers out there. How do I pick one that is right for us?
~ Fred and Charger

Dear Fred and Charger,

You are right. There are tons of dog trainers to choose from as well as different methods of dog training techniques. Positive reinforcement methods of training are the most current and most popular method to train your dog by. These techniques include using positive reinforcement and rewards with food, verbal praise and touch to let your dog know when they have exhibited the right behavior. It is a win win situation. Your dog will be a happy dog due to the instant gratification process, you are happy due to the quick results, and it’s a pleasant, fun way to bond with your dog.

Most positive reinforcement trainers hold a certificate or have some form of training or education under their belt. Locating a trainer can be done by going online and googling local dog trainers in your area. You can also find dog trainers on the APDT (Association Pet Dog Trainer) web site. Your vet may have local references to good trainers, and your friendly neighborhood pet store may have business cards or know of some good trainers they can refer you to as well. After you have narrowed it down to a few, make the call and see who shares similar values for training methods you would like to use. For example, ask them how long they have been a trainer for and where they have acquired their experience. Ask if they are certified, and if they use positive reinforcement or treats to train with. You can even ask them what kind of tools they would recommend that you teach your dog to walk with. No pull harnesses are the nicest tools to train your dog to walk nice, by the way.

These are just a few tips to get you on the right path to a Pawsative Dog Training experience. If you have a Dog Training or behaviorial questions you would like to send over to Rover, please send us an email at SendRover@sbcglobal.net.
Thank you for sending your questions on over,
Val Stallings
President and Founder of Send Rover on Over Inc. est. 2003
CPDT, KA, Behavior Consultant, RN, CGC Evaluator, BS (student), ABA with Companion Canines

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