What collars should dogs avoid?

As a dog trainer, my job is to help people create healthy, loving relationships with their dogs. But there's one thing I absolutely can't stand: the use of painful training methods that harm dogs both physically and emotionally. It’s time we had a serious conversation about how to train our dogs without resorting to pain, fear, or intimidation.

Let’s talk about dog training, collars, and why the most popular “quick-fix” tools—shock collars, prong collars, and choke collars—should be left in the past where they belong.

Understanding Dog Training: The Right Way

Training a dog is not about dominating them or forcing them to comply with fear tactics. No, it’s about building a relationship based on trust, respect, and mutual love. Tamar Geller, a world-renowned dog trainer who’s worked with celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Ben Affleck, sums it up perfectly: "Training should be a positive and compassionate experience for both dogs and their guardians."

You see, dogs are smart. They can understand us better than we often realize, but to do so, we need to meet them halfway. Dogs have emotions and motivations just like us. By acknowledging this, we build a deeper connection and open the door to positive behaviors, both in the house and outside.

Free e-book designed to improve your dog’s ability to pay attention to you despite distractions, click HERE

There’s no room for harsh methods in this world. Training tools like shock collars, prong collars, and choke collars don’t just fail to teach good behavior—they also leave a mark, sometimes literally, and often emotionally as well. If you’re relying on one of these devices, it's time to stop.

Shock Collars: The Silent Pain

Shock collars are the perfect example of how dog training has gone terribly wrong. For years, people have used them to stop unwanted behaviors like barking or pulling on the leash. But when you dig into how these collars work, it’s clear that they only create fear and anxiety in dogs. The purpose of these collars is to deliver an electric shock to the dog’s neck, often at a level that is uncomfortable, frightening, or downright painful.

Here’s the thing: no dog should have to fear being shocked just to do what we want them to do. Think about it: what kind of training teaches a dog to behave out of fear of pain? Shock collars don’t teach dogs to be good—they teach them to be afraid. Fear-based training can cause long-term damage to a dog’s emotional health, leaving them anxious and possibly even aggressive.

In fact, studies have shown that the use of shock collars can make dogs more fearful, more anxious, and more likely to develop behavior problems like aggression. Dr. Marc Bekoff, a well-respected ethicist, explains why it’s wrong to shock a dog into submission. There’s simply no reason to cause pain to teach a dog how to live with us. When you use shock collars, you're not fostering a bond of trust. You're instilling fear.

Real-world examples? Take the story of a dog in Pennsylvania who, after being shocked at a boarding kennel, “completely withdrew and isolated” from everyone. Imagine the psychological toll that would take. If you’re using a shock collar, ask yourself: is this really worth it?

The Prong Collar Problem: Pain That Shouldn’t Be Part of Training

Then there’s the infamous prong collar, marketed as a “gentle” training tool that helps control dogs who pull on the leash. But let me tell you: the prong collar is anything but gentle.

This collar uses metal prongs to pinch the dog’s neck when they pull, causing pain that can range from uncomfortable to downright unbearable. Just like shock collars, prong collars work by applying negative stimuli to stop unwanted behavior. And, just like shock collars, they create fear and anxiety in dogs.

Are prong collars effective? Sure, in the short term, they might stop your dog from pulling on the leash. But do they teach your dog how to walk politely beside you? Nope. They just teach your dog that pulling leads to pain. And, in the process, you’re hurting the relationship between you and your furry friend.

Worse still, prong collars often cause physical harm, leaving dogs with bruises, scratches, and even nerve damage. Dogs can also develop behavioral issues from the association between the pain and their surroundings. For example, if a dog is pinched while being approached by a child, they may come to associate children with pain. This could lead to fear or aggression towards children that never existed before.

Free e-book designed to improve your dog’s ability to pay attention to you despite distractions, click HERE

Research? It’s clear. Studies have shown that aversive techniques like prong collars cause emotional and psychological harm to dogs. You’re not teaching your dog anything positive with a prong collar. You’re simply using pain to suppress behavior. And in the long run, this leads to more harm than good.

Choke Collars: The Danger You Can’t Ignore

Choke collars are another tool that should be tossed aside. The idea behind them is that by applying pressure to a dog’s neck when they pull, the dog will stop pulling to avoid the discomfort. But here’s the thing: choke collars cause more than discomfort—they can cause serious physical harm.

Not only can choke collars cause injuries to the neck and trachea, but they also put the dog at risk of suffocation. I don’t know about you, but choking your dog into submission is not my idea of responsible training.

As a dog trainer, I’ve seen firsthand the damage these collars can do—both physically and emotionally. Dogs subjected to choke collars often develop fear-based behaviors, which leads to more problems down the road. Just imagine being yanked and choked every time you made a mistake. How would that affect your relationship with your partner or your boss? The same logic applies to dogs. If you want a happy, well-adjusted dog, you need to build trust, not terror.

Humane Training Methods: Positive, Reward-Based Techniques

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “If prong collars, shock collars, and choke collars are so bad, what do I use instead?”

The answer is simple: positive, reward-based training.

Training should be a fun, engaging experience for both you and your dog. The key is to focus on the behaviors you want to encourage, rather than punishing unwanted behaviors. This can be done with treats, praise, and toys—all the things your dog loves.

Loose-leash walking is a skill that can be taught with patience and consistency. Start by using a well-fitting harness to help control your dog. Then, use treats to reinforce the desired behavior of walking nicely beside you. With time, your dog will learn to associate walking calmly with positive rewards.

It might take longer than using a shock collar or a prong collar, but the results are worth it. Not only will your dog learn good behavior, but they’ll also trust you more and feel happier and more confident in the process.

The Ethics of Dog Training: Choosing the Right Trainer

So, how do you find the right trainer who shares your commitment to humane, ethical training practices? First, make sure they’re using positive reinforcement techniques. A good trainer will emphasize understanding your dog’s emotions and motivations, rather than using pain or fear. They should prioritize your dog’s happiness, comfort, and well-being.

Tamar Geller’s philosophy is a great example. She believes in empowering dogs, not controlling them through pain. She encourages dog guardians to form strong bonds with their dogs, based on love and trust. That’s the kind of trainer you should seek.

Free e-book designed to improve your dog’s ability to pay attention to you despite distractions, click HERE

Conclusion: The Right Way to Love Your Dog

At the end of the day, training your dog isn’t about dominating them—it’s about creating a relationship based on respect, love, and mutual understanding. If you’re using a shock collar, prong collar, or choke collar, it’s time to rethink your approach. These devices don’t teach your dog how to behave—they only cause pain and suffering.

Instead, focus on training methods that promote trust and kindness. Reward-based training, patience, and consistency will go a long way in creating a happy, healthy dog. And remember, a happy dog makes a happy home.

So, take Tamar Geller’s advice to heart: train with love, not pain. And together, you and your dog will create a bond that lasts a lifetime.

Thanks for your reading.