It's important to know how and when to use any collar you put on your dog!
Professional trainers know that it is the person using a collar incorrectly that can cause damage to a dog - not the collar itself.
Pinch Prong Collars or Training Collar
Pinch Prong Collars are excellent tools that have saved many dogs lives and should be used for a short time while training. Made up of chain or plastic links that are pointed toward the loose skin around the dog’s neck, when tightened, the prong collar gives a quick starling correction. The idea is for the dog to self correct to stop the unpleasant sensation. If used properly, the prong collar should never be painful – the objective is pressure, not pain. Proper training in its usage will prevent pain and injury to the dog.
Electronic Shock Collars
Electronic Shock Collars- again, an excellent tool because they do save many dogs lives and are humane when used properly. A versatile tool used at low levels just barely perceptible to the dog to interrupt an unwanted behavior or guide and assist the dog’s learning, while maintaining a happy disposition. An off-leash communicator between the Owner and the dog, similar to an invisible leash. Electronic Collars are tools used for off-leash training and behavior modification. Used inappropriately, an e-collar can do more harm than good - having a professional show you the right way to use an e-collar is critical.
Choke Chains (aka slip collar)
Choke Chains can cause tracheal and esophageal damage, severely sprained necks and actually choke a dog when not used correctly. Slip collars are used to simply give the dog a correction with a quick pop and release, and to motivate your dog to self-correct her behavior. The owner should have a professional give hands-on instruction in how to properly use the choke chain.
Gentle Leader Halters/No Pull Harness
These dangerous halters come off and can cause cervical and spinal Injuries to dogs if the dog lunges - because it turns the head. Some dogs feel uncomfortable wearing a head collar – it’s not natural for them to have something blocking their mouths, and is an easy device for the dog to revolt against…and win.
The No-Pull Harness is designed to squeeze a dog’s chest when he starts to pull, causing discomfort to encourage the dog to stop pulling. Dogs can actually still pull in this harness, but they have to contort their bodies to do so. This harness will not prevent a dog that is hard to handle from finding a way to pull.
We recommend you train your dog so you don't have to use training collars; it will most likely cost less and you won't permanently ruin your dog if you call a professional dog trainer.