Until we brought Gracie-the-chocolate-labradoodle into our home, I thought a prong collar was a cruel device used to torture dogs. That was then. This is now. As it turns out, this scary looking metal collar, when fitted properly and used correctly, is both extremely effective and very humane.
Our vision for this joyful creature who now shares our home and fills our hearts is to be the happiest four-legged, curly-haired girl she can be, to know how to keep herself out of harms way, and to ultimately have the maximum amount of freedom possible. Such freedom has to be earned, and with the help of her prong collar, she is banking her freedom chips faster than you can say Fetch!
Ii isn’t punishment, it’s information. Do this, not that.
It’s like a tap on the shoulder, not a slap in the face. This is okay, that’s not.
It increases self-restraint. Stop now, not later.
It provides awareness. This is safe, that’s not.
It builds connection. I’m ok if you’re ok.
To put it simply—the prong collar is nothing more than a useful feedback mechanism that helps Gracie learn what’s okay, and what’s not. Which, come to think about it, is something we human types need too.
PS: Gracie wanted us to tell you, Never use a prong collar without proper instruction first.
With gratitude for Matt Luchsinger and the team at NWB Dogs for helping us be better humans for Gracie.