Let's Talk About Prong Collars

In every consult we do, we make time to talk about what we call “controversial subjects." In this section, we go over training tools, philosophies, and even locations. We go over what we use, what we avoid, and most importantly, why. We don’t shy away from the controversial stuff, because we believe our clients deserve transparency. We want you to know where we stand and how we make decisions that prioritize both the dog’s emotional well-being and long-term success.

One tool we always bring up is the prong collar. We’ve seen them grow in popularity over the past few years, especially online, where they’re often promoted as a quick fix for leash pulling, reactivity, and other common struggles. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, embarrassed, or totally out of control with your dog, it’s understandable why these collars might seem appealing.

However, at Speaking Dog Is Ruff we are 100% against the use prong collars and we don’t recommend them ever.

At Speaking Dog Is Ruff, we rely on relationship-based training backed by science, not fear or discomfort. Prong collars might seem like an effective tool in the moment, but the reasons we avoid them are grounded in both canine behavioral science and our long-term commitment to your dog’s emotional and physiological well-being.

1.     They Work Through Pain and Discomfort

No matter how they’re framed— “just pressure,” “like a mother’s correction,” or “not painful when used correctly”—prong collars are designed to create discomfort. That discomfort is meant to stop a dog from doing something, like pulling or lunging. But instead of teaching the dog what to do, it teaches them to avoid pain. That’s not learning, that’s suppression. And because the pressure is automatic (every time the leash tightens), there’s no room for nuance, understanding, or empathy. Your dog may become confused, anxious, or even fearful without ever really understanding why they’re being corrected.

2.     Punishment Increases Stress Hormones

Multiple studies have shown that aversive tools and training methods raise levels of cortisol and adrenaline, these are the stress hormones that activate a dog’s “fight or flight” system. Chronic stress can lead to increased reactivity, anxiety, and even aggression. It also makes learning more difficult. When the brain is in survival mode, it can’t absorb new information effectively.

We want your dog’s brain to be in a regulated, calm, and receptive state, not one flooded with stress chemicals. Through our relationship based methods, we aim to activate dopamine (associated with reward and motivation) and serotonin (which helps regulate mood and confidence) within your dog’s brain when working with you. These brain chemicals promote connection and confidence between owner and dog.

Prong collars do the exact opposite. They create a neurochemical environment rooted in stress and suppression, not clarity or connection. That’s why they don’t align with our values at Speaking Dog Is Ruff; we don’t just train dogs, we build resilient relationships based on safety, trust, and mutual understanding.

3.     Prong Collars Undermine Trust

When dogs experience discomfort or confusion while walking next to you, it damages their sense of safety in your presence. If every walk is unpredictable or painful, the dog may start to avoid walks altogether. Or worse, they may become more reactive to the people, dogs, or environments they associate with that discomfort.

Dogs don’t know that a prong collar is a training tool. They just know that something hurts when they move or react. Over time, we often see this lead to hesitation, anxiety, or mistrust, especially in sensitive or high-drive dogs.

4.     Myth: “Prong Collars Require Less Force, So They’re Safer”

One of the more common claims we hear is that prong collars are actually safer than flat collars because they require “less force” to stop a dog, and that they prevent choking sounds or damage to the trachea. While this may appear true on the surface, it misses a much bigger point, the bigger picture: how does the dog feel in the moment? Are they actually learning or just avoiding discomfort?

The problem isn’t just how much pressure is used, it’s that pain is being used to control the dog in the first place. Whether the collar causes a sharp correction or a “gentle pop,” the dog is still learning discomfort rather than understanding.

And while prongs may prevent the outward signs of choking, they have concentrated pressure points which can cause bruising, nerve damage, and even fear-based responses without any obvious physical signs. It’s misleading to call them “gentler” simply because the damage isn’t always visible or audible.

We don’t want dogs responding to pain, or the anticipation of it. We want them to respond because they feel safe, heard, and confident in what we’re asking. That’s why we don’t use or teach leash corrections at all. Good communication should not require physically punishing our dog for not understanding.

Final Thoughts:

We’ve shared some of the main reasons we choose not to use prong collars, but this is only a starting point. There’s so much more we could say about the long-term effects on behavior and emotional health, the potential risks, and the success we’ve seen with alternative approaches. But we also know that too much information all at once can be overwhelming.

If you’re currently using a prong collar and aren’t sure how you feel about it yet, or if you’re not fully convinced by what you’ve read, we invite you to reach out. We’re always open to respectful, honest conversations. No judgment, just support and education.

Whether you’re ready to make a change or simply want to learn more, we’re here to help you and your dog move forward in a way that builds trust, connection, and lasting results.

This dog was previously trained on a prong collar used "correctly". She displays strong avoidance behaviors toward the tool when it’s shown to her, even though it hasn’t been used in over a year. Her reaction shows that prong collars can leave a lasting negative imprint, associating the tool with fear or discomfort even after long periods without use.