BobD

I use a Premier Easy-Walker front-pull harness. It works great and I am in the process of transitioning back to a flat buckle collar. I just started Corbin in beginner competition obedience. Not so much for titles (although, I plan on competing if we make a good team) but more for the training, discipline and the bonding experience. I've read the horror stories that go along with competition obedience training of old where strong correctional training methods were the norm and [mistakenly] thought to be necessary for the dog/human team to excel at the sport. I enjoy reading about successful competitions using modern positive training methods and I consider myself to be part of that new training regime i.e. positive methods only. I hope it works out for Corbin and I in the ring, but if it doesn't I'll take the bonding experience and go home with my best bud. No prongs, chokes or shocks for my dog. :-)

roxy25

I have used Prong collar on My gsd before and I think its a great tool if used properly. Back in the day I did not fit the collar on properly and it still worked.

I have also used a halter harness or gentle lead. I did not like these because usually when you work with smart breeds such as poodles , GSD, etc... they will not stop pulling once you stop using the gentle lead anymore.

My gsd would know what the gentle lead was for and when it was not on her she would not mind my commands. I am old school and like correction chains and prongs. They have worked for me over they years I have trained I gradually stop using both once I get what is needed out of the dog.

Most Sch and PSA trainers use prongs and chains with success it just depends on how they are used and the owners preferences also what breed and dogs temperament

cbrand

Our Poodle Specialty was on Friday. Today I was talking to the woman who went High in Trial with her Standard. Out of curiosity, I asked her if she ever trained with a prong. Her response? "Heck ya!" She said that she had three Poodles and she used a prong at some point on all of them. I'm including her picture below. You can see what a happy worker her dog is.

HIT Tuelz Wild Prairie Snow RE
(CH Afterglow the Big Tease X CH Tuelz Unique Heart and Soul)

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roxy25

Excellent Thanks for sharing !

Feralpudel

From my own experience, obsessing about equipment doesn't get at what makes a dog a happy worker or a confused, worried, shut-down (non)worker. I've used a prong carefully on two high-drive poodles and never seen resentment or fear of the collar. On the other hand, I've managed to shut down a non-poodle without touching her, with a handful of food and a clicker! Why? Because she still felt the pressure of my expectations and didn't like it. And the only time I have upset Dexter in training, he was off-lead doing a recall, and sensed my frustration when he was distracted by a puppy behind me.

In my experience, lack of clarity and negative emotions are what really upset a dog.

fjm

Interesting debate - the use of any collar other than a flat buckled collar or a harness in pet dog training classes is something of a no no in the UK. In fact I don't think I have ever seen one in use anywhere in the UK, although they are for sale (I have just seen a toy dog sized one on eBay, which seems extremely bizarre to me).

JE-UK

Along with laws against docking and plenty of footpaths, another reason why discerning dogs choose to live in the UK .

CharismaticMillie

I wish there was a "like" button for this!