Collars as Communication Tools
While it is easy to view a collar simply as a way to attach an ID tag or a leash, in the context of training, a collar is primarily a communication tool. Dogs naturally communicate with each other through physical contact — including nips or pressure to the neck to establish boundaries or correct behaviour. Training collars aim to simulate this natural communication, providing clear, consistent feedback to the dog.
The goal of any training collar is not to punish or cause pain, but to provide clarity. Different collars distribute pressure around the dog's neck in fundamentally different ways. Understanding the mechanics of each collar type ensures that we select the right tool for the dog's temperament, training goals, and safety.
Understanding Both Sides of the Debate
You Have the Right to Choose Your Training Approach
There are thoughtful, experienced professionals and credible scientific studies on both sides of this discussion.
At Cannae Dog Training, we believe it is not our place to make this decision for you. Our role is to give you accurate, honest information so that you can make an informed choice that you feel comfortable with for your dog.
What does aversive mean well according to the English Collins dictionary its an adjective tending to dissuade or repel
In psychology, aversives are unpleasant stimuli that induce changes in behavior via negative reinforcement or positive punishment. By applying an aversive immediately before or after a behavior, the likelihood of the target behavior occurring in the future may be reduced. Aversives can vary from being slightly unpleasant or irritating to physically, psychologically and/or emotionally damaging.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aversives
I have studied the use of all tools while doing my advanced dog trainer course. After I broke my shoulder walk Dexter the Cane Corso, his owner got a prong collar. As a life long animal rights campaigner I didn't like the idea of putting such an aversive tool on any dog.
The prong collar is often mistaken for a spike collar, it's also called a pinch collar as you need to pinch the prongs to put it on and take it off, it is one of the most misunderstood training tools available. Its appearance is intimidating, but its mechanics reveal it to be one of the most evenly distributed and trachea-safe collars available. It consists of a series of metal links, each with two blunt, inward-facing prongs that point toward the dog's neck. They are not sharp pointy spikes.
I have used a prong collar on my own dog on the recommendation of a professional, and experienced first-hand what happens when the wrong gauge is selected — my dog suffered puncture wounds. That experience taught me that the tool is only as safe as the knowledge behind it. I do not push any client towards any tool they are not comfortable with.
What I do ask is that we find something that works safely for both you and your dog because a dog that cannot be safely walked is a dog at risk of being seized under the dangerous dogs act. If you want to find out more about this subject don't just take my word for it there as other dog trainers available. But if you need help training your reactive dog please do consult us for more advice by filling out the contact us form and request a copy of my free client hand out collars.
The Cannae Canine Coach demonstrates with the pinch/prong collar on her own neck.