Prong collars and e collars

We’ve all heard the horror stories when it comes to prong collars and e collars. This page is dedicated to give you, the reader, an insight on how they can be misused and why they are the best tools on the market if used properly.

To begin we will talk about prong collars:

How can a prong collar can be misused:

- Leaving it on a dog after a training session. This will lead to injury and a lot of discomfort for a dog as they won’t be able to lay down properly. This is a tool that’s meant to be only used for training.

- Over correcting. This means administering too many corrections and too harshly. You should only correct until the dog stops the behaviour and only hard enough for them to get the message. With correcting properly we make sure the dog doesn’t associate the tool as something negative.

- Poor placement/fitting. The prong should sit just below the jaw tight enough to only fit two fingers between the prong and the dog’s neck. Allowing it to sit lower allows the dog to pull on the prong which is what we want to avoid.

- Only correcting and not using positive reinforcement. If you only correct the dog, this will again associate the prong collar as something negative and they will get confused about what they are meant to be doing. You need to reward the dog as well to ensure they know what they are meant to be doing.

- Poor quality prongs. Poor quality prongs will sometimes not be filed down properly making them rough and jagged potentially scratching your dogs skin. Poor quality materials will also lead to the prongs either breaking or the prongs getting bent out of shape (which will cause unnecessary discomfort to your dog).

Now to talk about why they’re the best tool on the market:

- It mimics the correction a mother dog will give a puppy. This means that once the prong is on and the dog has been desensitised to it properly, it will automatically click for them and they will fundamentally understand it.

- It causes more discomfort than a slip lead meaning it will deter a dog from pulling or reacting. Some dogs have too much drive so they will not feel a slip lead and just choke themselves on it. The prong is understood by 100% of dogs, making it the best tool on the market.

- A dog will never get injured if the prong is used correctly and this is what I’m here for, to advocate for the proper use of these wonderful tools.

How E-Collars Can Be Misused When used incorrectly:

E-collars can cause harm, not because the tool itself is “bad,” but because of poor handling, lack of knowledge, or misunderstanding.

Common misuses include:

1. Using the Collar as Punishment before any behaviours are taught

- Delivering high shocks to stop unwanted behaviours without teaching what to do instead.

- Leads to fear and mistrust of the handler.

2. Starting at Too High a Level

- Skipping proper introduction and conditioning.

- Overwhelming the dog with unnecessary intensity, which can create anxiety.

3. Poor Timing

- Pressing the button at the wrong moment (e.g., after the behaviour instead of during).

- Causes confusion, as the dog cannot connect the stimulation with the correct action.

4. Relying on the Collar Alone

- Expecting the e-collar to “train the dog” without teaching foundation commands first.

- The collar is a tool to reinforce already known behaviours, not to replace training.

5. Inconsistent Handling

- Allowing multiple family members to use the collar without clear rules.

- Inconsistency leads to unreliable training and stress for the dog.

How E-Collars Can Be Used Properly

When introduced carefully, e-collars become a form of communication rather than simply punishment. Used at very low levels—often barely perceptible—they act as a tap on the shoulder to get the dog’s attention.

Key Principles of Responsible Use

1. Start with Foundation Training

- Teach commands such as Sit, Down, Recall, Heel using food, toys, or marker training first.

- The e-collar is added later as a reinforcement layer.

2. Low-Level Conditioning

- Identify the dog’s “working level”: the lowest stimulation the dog can feel without stress.

- Pair stimulation with known commands until the dog understands it as a cue, not a punishment.

3. Timing and Consistency

- Pressing the button as the command is given, releasing as soon as the dog complies.

- Clear, consistent timing prevents confusion and builds confidence.

4. Always Show the Dog the Path to Success

- Never press the button without giving the dog information about what to do.

- The collar should always be paired with guidance (verbal command, leash help at first).

5. Use as a Safety Net, Not a Crutch

- Once trained, the e-collar becomes a backup—especially useful off-leash in high-distraction environments.

- Allows freedom while ensuring safety and reliable recall.