A Herm Sprenger prong collar can be a bit overwhelming to navigate, especially with all the different sizes to choose from. There are 5 different sizes available, ranging from 20 inches to 26 inches in length.
To choose the right size, you'll want to consider the dog's neck size and breed. According to the manufacturer, a 20-inch collar is suitable for dogs with a neck size of 14-17 inches, while a 26-inch collar is suitable for dogs with a neck size of 20-23 inches.
The prong collar itself comes in different thicknesses, with the 2.5mm and 3.5mm being the most popular. The 2.5mm prong collar is ideal for smaller breeds, while the 3.5mm is better suited for larger breeds.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Different Sizes of Yorkshire Terriers
Measuring and Sizing
Measuring and Sizing is a crucial step in choosing the right Herm Sprenger prong collar for your dog. To measure your dog's neck correctly, you should use a flexible measuring tape to determine the circumference of their neck.
On a similar theme: Shih Tzu Neck Size
The correct spot to measure is right behind the ears for prong collars, while chain and flat collars can be measured mid-neck. You want the measuring tape to be snug, but not too snug that you can't slide your finger between it and the dog's neck.
To ensure the most accurate measurement, use a fabric measuring tape or a string to follow the natural curve of the neck seamlessly. This will help you determine the right size for your dog's prong collar.
The Herm Sprenger chain lengths are always measured from one end of the chain to the other, from end ring to end ring. This means the specified length may not correspond to the maximum neck circumference listed on the tag.
Here's a quick reference guide to help you choose the right size prong collar for your German Shepherd:
For a German Shepherd, the maximum recommended prong size is 3.25mm. To choose the right size, you should consider your dog's weight and neck size. The prong collar should fit snugly, neither too tight nor too loose.
Remember, a prong collar that is too tight can cause choking or damage to the dog's trachea, while a collar that is too loose may fail to deliver the desired corrective effect adequately.
Additional reading: Should I Take My Dog's Collar off at Night?
Understanding the Collar
A prong collar is a type of dog training collar made of metal links with prongs that gently pinch the dog's neck upon applying tension.
These collars are designed to provide a correction or aversive stimulus to deter unwanted behaviors and improve obedience during training.
Prong collars are particularly effective in managing and controlling robust, large, or excessively energetic dogs that may pose challenges when employing other collar types.
The Herm Sprenger Stainless Steel Prong Collar 3.2mm is a specific example of a prong collar, made with high-quality materials for durability and effectiveness.
Prong collars work by applying gentle pressure to the dog's neck, which can be uncomfortable enough to deter unwanted behavior without causing harm.
Assembly and Attachment
To assemble and attach a Herm Sprenger prong collar correctly, you need to position it on your dog's neck first.
The collar should be positioned so that the prongs are facing away from your dog's face.
Attach the leash to the designated ring on the collar.
Prong collars generally have two rings: the live ring and the dead ring.
Chain Assembly
Chain collars with assembly chains require careful measurement to ensure a proper fit. Adding 3" to your dog's neck measurement will give you a good starting point.
If you have a dog with a larger head, like a pitbull or mastiff, you'll want to choose a chain collar length that's greater than the circumference of the widest part of their head. This will make it easier to slip the collar over their neck.
Leash Attachment
Attach the leash to the designated ring on the prong collar. This ring is usually located on the outer part of the collar.
The prong collar typically has two rings: the live ring and the dead ring. Attaching the leash to one of these rings can make a big difference in how your dog responds to training.
The live ring is the outermost ring, located opposite to the prong links. It moves freely, allowing for more immediate correction when the leash is pulled.
Explore further: Prong Collar Puppy
The dead ring, on the other hand, is the inner ring, closer to the prongs. It has less mobility compared to the live ring.
Here's a quick comparison between the two rings:
Attaching the leash to the live ring provides a higher level of direct pressure, which can be beneficial for some dogs. However, if your dog is more sensitive, attaching the leash to the dead ring may be a better option.
Necktech Sport
The NeckTech Sport is a great alternative to traditional prong collars, offering a similar design and correction with a more traditional flat collar look. This style of collar works great on dogs of all coat types.
The NeckTech Sport's prong design is closely modeled off of the fangs of dogs, offering a natural and clear communication that's understood by your dog. This allows for a more harmonious and straightforward training system.
If you're concerned about the appearance of traditional prong collars, the NeckTech Sport is a great option. It appears as a traditional flat collar to outside view, making it a great choice for those who want a more discreet look.
The NeckTech Sport is designed to provide a correction that mimics the natural instincts of dogs, making it a great choice for dog owners who want to use a natural training method.
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Using the Collar
Proper knowledge and use of a prong collar is paramount, especially for first-time users. Consult with a certified trainer in your area to ensure correct practice when integrating a prong collar into your dog's training program.
To choose the correct wire gauge size, consider your dog's weight and adjust the collar's length as needed. Each wire gauge comes in a set "starting length", and additional links can be purchased to lengthen the collar if necessary.
It's essential to fit the collar correctly, and a great guide is available to assist with choosing the right wire gauge. Additionally, consider using a flat collar alongside your prong collar as a safety precaution.
Related reading: Size Wire
Why Use?
Prong collars are designed with training in mind, and they provide clear signals that are well understood by dogs, especially for leash training, obedience training, or for controlling aggressive behavior.
One common reason many dog owners turn to the use of prong collars is to aid in the correction of dogs with the tendency to pull or have other adverse behavior while on leash.
Proper knowledge and use is paramount when choosing to incorporate a prong collar into your dog's current program, and it's essential to use them and fit them correctly to avoid any discomfort or injury to the dog.
The individual prongs in a well-made prong collar, such as the Herm Sprenger ULTRA PLUS training dog prong collar with center plate and ClickLock, are distinctly rounded to prevent sharp edges from coming into contact with the dog.
Prong collars can often be used as a temporary aid for correcting unwanted behavior, but they are not designed for wear outside of training.
The collar's design facilitates effective communication and reinforces training commands, making it more manageable for owners to train and handle powerful dogs such as German Shepherds.
Prong collars are thoughtfully engineered with inward-facing metal prongs situated around the upper neck region of the dog, simulating the corrective bite that a mother dog would naturally administer.
The even distribution of pressure across the collar reduces the risk of neck injuries to the dog, unlike sudden jerks or continuous pressure associated with other collar types.
In addition, breathing is not restricted when used correctly, making prong collars a safer alternative to other devices such as choke chains.
Video
If you're still unsure how to size the prong collar, watch this short and quick video for a quick demonstration on how we put on a prong collar.
The video is a great resource to have on hand, especially if you're new to using a prong collar.
Sources
- How to determine the correct collar size for your dog. (hermsprengerusa.com)
- How to Fit a Prong Collar (leerburg.com)
- Herm Sprenger Collars: A Guide to Sizing and Appearance ... (germanshepherdshop.com)
- Guide to Prong Collars for German Shepherd Dogs [Sept ... (nadelhaus.com)
- De-Mystifying the Training Prong Collar (hermsprengerusa.com)
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