How to Properly Use Pinch Collars

Pinch collars have prongs on the inside, unlike this regular collar.

Pinch collars, also known as prong collars, are controversial dog training tools. The controversy surrounds the use of pain that is central to pinch collar theory. Pinch collars are used for punishment and aversion, rather than reinforcement and reward. In cases of extreme or dangerous behavior, pinch collars may be appropriate as a temporary and final resort. Many people oppose to use of punitive training methods entirely, while others believe there is a place for them in certain, rare situations. Consult a qualified dog trainer before using a pinch collar.

Things You'll Need

• Pinch collar
• Leash
• Doggy treats

Instructions

1. Measure you dog's neck. If you and your vet decide that a pinch collar may be an appropriate short-term solution, it's imperative that the collar fits correctly. Leave at least half an inch slack. The collar has prongs that pinch the dog's skin when you tighten your end of the leash. If the collar is too tight, it can injure your dog. If it is too loose, it won't be effective.

2. Fit the collar and attach the leash. The collar should rest snugly around the dog's neck just below the ears. Hold the loop of the leash in your favored hand. You control the movement of the pinch collar by tightening the loop.

3. 

   Remember to reward the dog whenever he does right.

   Walk the dog normally. If at any point you are unable to physically control the dog, gently pull on the leash's loop. As the loop tightens, it pulls the collar and makes the prongs pinch the dog's skin. Do this once and then release. Use it as a means of distraction.

4. Relax your grip on the loop so that the prongs retract away from the dog's neck. If you fail to relax the leash, the prongs will remain in contact with the neck and the dog will make no distinction between the initial pain and the residual ongoing discomfort. As soon as the dog stops the unwanted behavior, praise him.

5. Remove the collar after each training session. The pinch collar is a tool, rather than a regular collar. Don't leave the collar on or the dog will come to accept the potential pain as a constant stimuli in the environment.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a child's t-shirt between the collar and skin to reduce the impact of the prongs.

• Explore alternative correction methods. Pinch collars really should be a last resort. Using punishment as a corrective method carries a very high risk of causing anxiety and diminishing trust.

• Use the collar very sparingly and make sure that you reward good behavior as often as you discourage bad behavior. Focus on helping the dog to understand which behaviors are desirable and which are not.

• Give the dog a treat each time he does something good. Use the pinch collar only when you are unable to get his attention or need to distract him urgently.

• Gently tighten the collar, never yank or pull. This can cause serious injury to even the biggest dog.

• Speak to your vet. Constant disobedience or bad behavior can sometimes be the result of a medical issue such as acute anxiety or even deafness. Visit your vet and have him examine your dog for physical problems before you consider using a pinch collar.

References

• Canis Major: To Pinch or Not to Pinch
• Dog Problems: Pinch Collar Training
• Humane Society: Collars

Resources

• Simply Psychology: Operant Conditioning
• The Humane Society: Positive Reinforcement Training