- New Bailey Pictures *6* -

[pnance]

Wow he's definately getting to be a big handsome boy. My girls are drooling over the computer as I look at your pics.

[Crazy-Cat-Lover]

Thanks Giselle, now I understand. He does great on his prong collar right now, but I will see how he does on the buckle collar. I know how to properly use a prong and never jerk/snap the leash. The only time he gets a pinch is if he pulls. I don't use it in any of our other training sessions, just for walking. I just have to be extremely careful with my body right now, I will explain later .

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:

- An AmBulldog owner who trains for Schutzhund


- A Boston Terrier owner

[zoomer]

Do NOT tell me I missed this thread! DO NOT!

Bailey is an adorable little man! What a big puppster! Getting to be big from the last time I saw him!!!

[anna_66]

But I'm here now

Lordy, Lordy that boy's growing like a weed Before ya know it he'll be bigger than Bon!

I can not tell you enough how much I adore that boy of yours (yep good thing you live in Canada or I'd be stealing him too...wait how far it Canada from my house). He's absolutely stunning, gorgeous and beautiful!
Never stop sharing his pictures

[Lori Jordan]

Almost has my Newf beat in height Georgous Boy!!!

[petslover]

Bailey's coloring is perfect. What a pretty pup.

[Crazy-Cat-Lover]

Thanks