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How to Fit and Adjust a Prong Collar

Writer's picture: Avery GibbsAvery Gibbs

Thank you Pippa & Maggie for helping out for this video.

When and Why to use a Prong Collar


The prong collar is most effective in situations where you need additional control or guidance:


Training sessions: Use it to reinforce commands and manage your dog’s focus.

Walks or public outings: Prevent pulling, lunging, or leash reactivity.

Behavior correction: Assist with managing behaviors such as excessive pulling or distraction.

Always supervise your dog while they wear the collar.

Remove the collar during downtime, crate rest, or when leaving the dog unattended.

How to Fit the Prong Collar

Proper fit is critical for the prong collar to function effectively and safely. Follow these steps:

Opening the Collar:

  • Locate a prong link that you can easily access.

  • Pinch the prong using your thumb and index finger while sliding it upward.

  • Use your opposite hand to hold the collar steady and carefully pull the link apart to separate it.

  • Avoid excessive force; the links should come apart with moderate pressure.


Positioning the Collar:

  • Hold the collar in the open position and approach your dog calmly.

  • Place the collar around your dog’s neck, ensuring it sits high and snug, just behind the ears.

  • A correct position is essential for effective communication—if it slides down the neck, corrections will lose their effectiveness.


Securing the Collar:

  • Bring the two ends of the collar together, aligning the prongs with the mounting holes.

  • Pinch the prongs firmly and slide them into place until you feel the links slide together. Make sure the prongs are slid all the way in.

  • Verify that the links are properly locked by gently pulling on the collar.

Ensuring Proper Fit:

  • The collar should be snug enough not to rotate or slide but not so tight that it causes discomfort.


  • To adjust the size:

  • Remove a link if the collar feels too loose or rotates around the neck.

  • Add a link if it is difficult to close or pinches the neck excessively when worn.



How to Put the Prong Collar On

Putting the prong collar on correctly ensures a secure and comfortable fit for your dog. Follow these steps carefully:

  • Open the Collar:

    • Identify a prong link to separate.

    • Pinch the prongs of the link with your thumb and index finger.

    • Slide the prongs upward while holding the rest of the collar steady.

    • Pull the prongs apart gently to open the collar.



  • Position the Collar:

    • Hold the collar in the open position in both hands.

    • Approach your dog calmly and confidently.

    • Place the open collar around your dog’s neck, positioning it high and snug behind the ears.


  • Close the Collar:

    • Align the prongs with the holes on the opposite end of the collar.

    • Pinch the prongs firmly and slide them into the corresponding holes until you hear or feel a secure “click.”

    • Double-check that all links are securely connected.


  • Check the Fit:

    • Ensure the collar sits snugly and does not rotate or slide down the neck.

    • Adjust links if necessary to achieve a proper fit (refer to the adding/removing links sections below).


How to Take the Prong Collar Off

Properly removing the collar ensures it remains in good condition and prevents injury to your dog.

  • Prepare to Remove the Collar:

    • Calm your dog and have them stand or sit still.

    • Hold the collar securely with one hand near a prong link.


  • Locate the Link to Open:

    • Choose a prong link that is easy to access, typically near the front of the collar.

    • Hold the collar steady with one hand.


  • Open the Link:

    • Pinch the prongs on the chosen link with your thumb and index finger.

    • Slide the prongs upward while gently pulling them apart.

    • Release the link to open the collar.


  • Remove the Collar:

    • Carefully lift the open collar away from your dog’s neck.

    • Store the collar in a safe place out of your dog’s reach.



How to Remove Prong Collar Links

Removing links ensures the collar fits snugly and securely. Follow these steps for accurate adjustment:

  • Inspect the Collar:

    • Determine how many links need to be removed for a proper fit.

    • Choose a link that is easy to access.


  • Separate the Chosen Link:

    • Pinch the prongs of the selected link using your thumb and index finger.

    • Slide the prongs upward while holding the rest of the collar steady.

    • Gently pull the prongs apart to disconnect the link.


  • Test the Fit:

    • Reassemble the collar without the removed link.

    • Place the collar on your dog (refer to the “How to Put the Prong Collar On” section) to check the fit.

    • Repeat the process if additional links need to be removed.


  • Store the Removed Links:

    • Keep the extra links in a safe place for future use.

    • Avoid leaving links within reach of your dog or children, as they can be a choking hazard if swallowed.


How to Add Prong Collar Links

Adding links is necessary if the collar is too tight or your dog grows. Follow these steps for a secure adjustment:

  • Gather the necessary links:

    • Obtain extra links that match the size and material of your prong collar.

    • Ensure the collar is clean and undamaged.


  • Open the Collar:

    • Separate a prong link as described in the “How to Remove Links” section.

    • Hold the collar steady and keep the open end accessible.


  • Attach the Extra Link:

    • Align the prongs of the new link with the holes on the open end of the collar.

    • Pinch the prongs firmly and slide them into the corresponding holes.

    • Push until you feel a secure link. Making sure the prongs are all the way engaged into the holes of the next link.


  • Reassemble the Collar:

    • Connect the collar back together by securing the last prong link.

    • Ensure all links are properly connected and aligned.


  • Check the Fit:

    • Place the collar on your dog (refer to the “How to Put the Prong Collar On” section) to test the new size.

    • Adjust as needed by adding or removing links.



Maintaining your Prong Collar

Regular care ensures the collar remains safe and effective for long-term use:

  • Inspection:

    • Check the prongs and links for signs of wear, bending, or damage before each use.

    • Replace damaged parts immediately to maintain functionality and safety.


  • Cleaning:

    • Wash the collar with mild soap and water, especially after exposure to dirt, mud, or water.

    • Dry the collar thoroughly to prevent rust or corrosion, especially for metal collars.


  • Storage:

    • Store the collar and extra links in a safe place out of your dog’s reach.

    • Avoid leaving the collar in damp or humid areas to preserve its quality.


Troubleshooting Common Issues


Collar is Sliding or Rotating:

  • Cause: The collar is too loose.

  • Solution: Remove a link to ensure a snug fit.


Collar is Difficult to Close:

  • Cause: The collar is too tight or incorrectly aligned.

  • Solution: Add a link to make it easier to close and adjust.


Collar Links are Separating:

  • Cause: The prongs were not fully locked together or were misaligned.

  • Solution:

    • Double-check that all links click securely when attaching the collar.

    • Always use a backup carabiner to secure the leash to the regular collar.

Dog shows signs of skin redness or irritation.

  • Cause: Improper fit or sensitivity to the material.

  • Solution:

    • Adjust the collar to sit higher on the neck and ensure it is snug but not tight.

    • Switch to hypoallergenic materials for sensitive skin.

Prong Collar Falls Off:

  • Cause: Link separation during use.

  • Solution:

    • Always inspect the collar before each session to ensure it is secure.

    • Attach a backup carabiner for added safety.


Conclusion

Consistency and patience are key to successful training. Practice regularly and keep sessions fun and rewarding.

For more resources, visit www.AceDogAcademy.com or follow @AceDogAcademy on social media.


If you have any questions please reach out at via email bark@acedogacademy.com or phone at 1-540-616-BARK (2275)


Happy training!

Avery Gibbs,

Ace Dog Academy

Dog training in Roanoke, Virginia

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