A common question many owners have is: Will my dog always have to use a dog crate and prong collar? We always make the point that owners can choose when to stop using a crate or prong collar but that the choice is best made when there are no more behavior issues to resolve.
The best dog training results are achieved through clear boundaries and consistent expectations. Unclear boundaries and inconsistent expectations make it hard for our loyal canine companions to understand what exactly we are trying to communicate. We teach proper use of a dog crate and Herm Sprenger prong collar to train a calm attentive family dog.
Let’s be clear though: using a dog crate, leash and prong collar is absolutely fine for the life of your dog. Our three dogs eat in their crates, nap in crates, and can easily sleep in crates. We encourage you to read on about how to make these decisions for your own dog.
![Tolouse-gsp blonde woman smiling while training family with their dog in a fenced area. little girl sits with black dog against fence.](https://coachyourdog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tolouse-gsp-scaled.jpg)
What’s Your Dog’s Current Behavior?
If you’re still experiencing behavioral issues of any kind, you will want to keep using these tools and make your expectations even clearer. The student (your dog) needs more guidance and handholding before they’re ready to make better choices on their own!
Examples of ongoing poor behavior include:
- Jumping
- Barking
- Nipping
- Leash-pulling
- Resource guarding
- Reactivity
![Dottie-terrier](https://coachyourdog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dottie-chihuahua.jpg)
When Can I Stop Using the Crate?
Giving up on using a dog crate is the #1 thing people report when their dog is making poor behavior choices. Dogs are den animals and putting your dog in a crate is not punishment, it’s giving them a job to do: to chill out. Teaching and reinforcing a Calm State of Mind is key to having better dog behavior out in the world full of distractions.
If you notice a backslide in your dog’s behavior, go back to basics. If you’ve relaxed the crate naps and schedule, go back to consistent crate time. Even a dog that has not had regular crate time for months, even years, will be able to go back to crate naps. Start with short naps and increase the time over the course of a few days. Dogs never forget earlier successful crate work and can surprise owners when they enjoy relaxing in their crate.
![crate trained dog](https://coachyourdog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/crate-trained-dog.jpg)
When Can I Stop Using the Prong Collar?
All dogs we work with over the age of 16 weeks are trained using humane and effective techniques with a Herm Sprenger prong collar. Owners who at first have reluctance to the collar become big fans of proper prong collar use. They have seen their dog become much more attentive with the slight leash reminder that is a proper technique with a prong.
- Dogs often can recognize when the prong collar is on versus off and will take advantage when the collar is not worn. You may always get a better walk with a prong collar, using it forever is not only fine but we encourage it!
- Before dropping use of the prong collar, your Structured Walk should be rock solid, your dog not pulling, and walking nicely through a variety of distractions
- In our training program, we have specific instructions on how and when to use the prong collar. When the behavioral issues have been resolved, go ahead and experiment with walks without the prong collar. Keep your expectations high for your trained dog!
![black-white-terrier-square black and white dog in training with owner holding leash](https://coachyourdog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/black-white-terrier-square-scaled.jpg)
The more you Use it, the Likelier you are to Lose it (Bad Behavior!)
That’s right: Use it AND lose it! Use the tools and lose the behavior. The more use of clear training tools you have at the outset, the stronger your dog’s conditioned response will be. Good choices will follow because you are shaping their behavior in comprehensive ways.
![Penny-Vizsla copper Vizsla dog on leash in training with owner inside Dog Coach facility](https://coachyourdog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Penny-Vizsla-scaled.jpg)
Looking for additional training tips and support?
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Team Puppy Training
Encourages your leadership and show how you to nurture good behavior.
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Foundation Training
Covers the basics of good dog behavior as well as some behavior modification.
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Remote Collar Training
Foundation Training with e-collar for total off-leash freedom and behavior modification.
What our clients have to say...
Dog Coach listened carefully and observed keenly my interaction and tone of voice with Bella. At nearly 6 months now, she is the best-trained dog I've had. It was a worthwhile experience!
We want to thank Dog Coach for your patience and encouragement! Our dogs are really coming into their own as the perfect family dogs we were looking for!
Such a great investment! We got a puppy and had a toddler... It was overwhelming at first. Working with Dog Coach has been the gift that keeps on giving.
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