Many trainers just don't see much benefit in using prong collars before they assess the individual needs of the dog. They prefer to start from the basics up: flat buckle and a nylon leash and TONS of treats/praise. Puppies are blank slates, and, as such, you should rely more on your communication and bond with the dog rather than through the "crutch" of training equipment. IMO (my opinion, folks ), one shouldn't use these training collars unless the behavior is so ingrained into the dog that it simply cannot be fixed without the use of such tools.

The main reason the professional trainer I know doesn't like to use prongs is because she sees people abusing them all too often. The most common mistakes include the improper fitting and usage of prongs (i.e. prongs with retractible leashes - AHH HUGE NO-NO!!!). This is the same reason she doesn't like to suggest head collars or Halti's or choke collars without assessing the pup's needs first. Since Bailey is such a new pup, he really could excell with the use of a flat buckle, a leash, praise, and treats.

Another member on another forum was advised by her trainer to immediately use a prong collar on her puppy. She was uncertain about the effectiveness of the prong and asked us if it was appropriate to use a prong on the puppy when she didn't "need" to. Here are a few responses:
This is something I forgot to mention. I always recommend people use only what they need. If a dog does just fine on a flat buckle, use it. Only use the tools necessary. Slapping 3 collars on a dog automatically (fur saver, pinch, E Collar-- in reference to SchH peeps) is not the way to go.
- An AmBulldog owner who trains for Schutzhund

I am surprised that any trainer would recomend a training collar on a puppy. Puppies should only wear a buckle collar because they are still teething and their lymph nodes can be swollen from this, using any type of training collar can just hurt them... I have read and was also told never to put a training collar on a puppy till they were fully done teething...

I see nothing wrong with using a prong as long as it is used right. I was recommended to use one on Junior (yup a boston terrier) but not until we tried all other training type collars...
- A Boston Terrier owner