Herm Sprenger is the best prong collar on the market. Their new Ultra design with the center plate allowing the prongs to go in two different directions gives a more even correction. I like the curogan for several reasons. The curogan is a copper-tin alloy with no nickel. Like some people, dogs can be allergic to the nickel. I also like the color of the curogan. The best part for me, while still strong, the metal is slightly softer making it easier to pinch the prongs together for removal. I have used the quick release version but did have problems with the release getting hit and releasing at all the worst times. I do not use my quick release collars any more. With the curogan metal it is not hard to but this collar on and off, actually easier in some ways then the quick release. The prong/pinch collar should never be put on or taken off your dog by sliding over their head. To open you pinch one of the prongs and slide it out of the prong it is linked to. The collar should fit snugly without being tight or loose. The collar size can be adjusted easily by adding or removing prongs. Do not order the biggest gauge, stick with the medium gauge, even if you have a large dog. The medium gauge is more effective.
The fur-saver collar is a good any-time collar. It does not break the hair like a small link collar or a nylon collar will. A rolled-leather collar is also preferable to a nylon collar. The link size I like is the extra long in the medium weight. teh smaller link size shown will break more hair. This is not a collar to use for giving corrections.
An article on using a prong -collar
http://flyingdogpress.com/content/view/53/97/
Julie, do you know if the curogan rusts?
I lost my HS stainless steel last year at a show, I borrowed my sister’s for now and Koda went swimming with the prong on ONE time and it’s rusted in many places.
Josie, from the website “Herm Sprenger advises that the Curogan will NOT rust because it is a copper/tin alloy and does not contain any iron, and only iron can rust. Curogan will darken and tarnish when exposed to the outdoor environment.”
Happy shopping!
no rust, but does get tarnished, but can be cleaned.
That was a great article, Julie – thank you so much!
It was very helpful, and now I understand so much more about when, how, and why to use or not use it. As I understand now, it can be helpful in training when we expect to work in environments that will present a high degree of distraction. I think it will be most helpful when we are traveling or exploring new areas, or places where the unexpected can occur. Also, I did not realize that I should not remove the buckle collar when using the prong collar, and attach a second line to it in the event that the prong falls off. I bought the Herm Sprenger Ultra Design, with the swivel D-ring.
You should only have a collar failure if the collar is too big/loose or have the quick release.
Is the medium the 3.25mm?
Yes medium is the 3.25. Do not get the 4mm even if you have a big male.
Thanks, Julie!
Leerburg has an article on how to fit a prong. It has pictures and is less judgmental than flyingdog: http://leerburg.com/fit-prong.htm
Leerburg doesn’t carry the medium curogan though — I got mine from fordogtrainers.com
Thank you so much Jennie. I am changing the article link in the post to the Leerburg one.
Here is the link to the collar from the site you recommended:
http://www.fordogtrainers.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_78&products_id=3948&zenid=a6f054a412993f9c09925aebfae0c4d8
Julie, I just want to comment about that “invisible leash” between the hearts of the dog and his owner. It’s real, and I think it’s your fault. I followed your advice about tethering Dutch to me from the time he first arrived in our home as a baby, and gradually stopped using it after three months. Now, he might as well be named, “Shadow.” Everywhere I go, he watches me, and follows me around the house. Even in the bathroom, I can see his shadow as he waits for me outside the door. We have a fenced yard here at the Newport rental, but he will only stay outside if I’m out with him. He is so attached to my heart it aches when I think about going anywhere without him. Do you think the early tethering contributed, or are all your dogs like this?
You just made me tear up! That was so beautiful.
There is something Julie’s dogs, its hard to explain. Koda is especially close to me.
I echo what Josie said. There is something very special about A-T dogs and the bond they form with their humans. Batman used to break down the door while I was in the bathroom. For the sake of my own personal dignity, I trained him to lay down outside the door whenever I go to the bathroom. When I come out, he is waiting for me faithfully, every time. It makes my heart swell. Like you, my heart aches whenever I have to travel without him.
I tethered him to me for the first month. It was very effective. I still tether him to me whenever we go outside for walks (waist least) just because I prefer having both hands free.
Wait… you get to go to the bathroom by yourself???? It is not allowed at our house.