Prong Collars: Why Do So Many Dog Owners Hate Them?

Prong collars are one of those dog tools that get a strong reaction. Some people say they’re lifesavers for controlling big, wild dogs. Others almost cringe at the sight of them—claiming they're cruel, dangerous, and should be banned. If you’ve ever seen one up close, you know why. Those metal links with blunt prongs look intense, and the idea is that when a dog pulls, it gets a pinch around the neck.

It’s easy to see both sides. Maybe someone you know swears their prong collar made walking their dog so much better. Or maybe you’ve watched a viral video where a trainer rips one apart for being “medieval torture.” With social media filled with strong opinions, it’s hard to know what’s hype and what’s true. Are prong collars really as bad as people say, or is it just a case of bad press? And if they are not ideal, what can you use instead to keep your dog safe and under control?

If you're trying to figure out if a prong collar makes sense for your dog, keep reading. There’s more to the story than just personal feelings or scary headlines. Understanding the facts—why people hate them, what the studies say, and what your options are—can save you a lot of stress (and might help your dog breathe easier on walks, too).

• What is a Prong Collar, Really?
• Why the Backlash? Breaking Down the Hate
• What the Experts and Science Say
• Safer Alternatives and Smarter Training

What is a Prong Collar, Really?

A prong collar—sometimes called a pinch collar—looks pretty different from your average flat collar or harness. It’s made of metal links that form a chain circle, with each link having blunted prongs that point inward and rest against the dog’s neck. The idea is that when your dog pulls, the collar tightens and the prongs gently pinch around the neck, which is supposed to get their attention and stop the tugging.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how a prong collar works:

• The collar stays loose when your dog walks calmly by your side.
• If your dog suddenly pulls, the chain tightens just a bit and the prongs give a pinch.
• That pinch is supposed to mimic the way a mother dog might correct her pup, at least according to people who support these collars.

Prong collars come in different sizes and some have extra features—like removable prongs or covers to make them less harsh. But the basic design stays the same: metal links with evenly spaced blunted prongs.

Now, a lot of folks ask if these things are illegal. The answer is no, at least not in most places. But a few countries and cities have banned prong collars, usually in response to animal welfare concerns.

Important tip: Never use a prong collar as a permanent fixture or leave it on your dog around the house. It’s meant for training sessions or walks only. Basically, if you’re not supervising, take it off. The last thing you want is for the collar to snag on something while you’re not around.

Why the Backlash? Breaking Down the Hate

There’s no sugarcoating it—prong collars get people fired up. The most common reason for the hate? They just look painful and harsh. Photos of dogs wearing these collars with their neck fur pinched get shared around, and the gut reaction is usually, “That can’t be kind.”

It’s not just looks, though. Animal welfare groups like the RSPCA and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior have spoken out against prong collars. Their main claim is that these collars cause discomfort and even possible injury—things like bruising, skin punctures, and fear. In serious cases, they can lead to tracheal or neck damage, especially if a dog lunges or pulls hard. A 2019 review published by the Journal of Veterinary Behavior documented several cases where aversive tools like prong collars increased anxiety and aggression in dogs rather than improving behavior.

But it’s not all just worst-case scenarios. The big-picture concern is how these collars actually work. They use physical discomfort (sometimes pain) to stop pulling or jumping. Many trainers believe this can backfire, especially with sensitive or fearful dogs, causing trust issues or more stress in the long run. Here’s a quick comparison that often comes up:

Negative experiences matter, too. A lot of owners have stories of accidentally hurting their dogs (even when following instructions), or dealing with rescue dogs who freeze or flinch whenever they see a dog training collar. Plus, seeing a spooked pup on a walk is enough to make bystanders angry, turning the collars into a social lightning rod. In most city dog parks, using a prong collar is like showing up in a fur coat to a vegan potluck.

Then you have trainers. Positive-only trainers (who use treats and praise) are the loudest critics, saying there’s just no need for pain when there are plenty of kinder ways to get results. And honestly, that’s what pushes this issue into the hot zone—there are real training alternatives out there, so the continued use of prong collars makes people ask, “Why not train the easy way?”

What the Experts and Science Say

Ask five dog trainers about prong collars and you’ll probably get five totally different answers. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) is pretty clear: they do not recommend prong collars or other pain-based gear for regular dog training. Their main point? Tools that hurt or scare dogs can backfire and lead to more problems, not less. You might get a quick fix, but you risk a dog that’s anxious, aggressive, or afraid of walks.

There’s actual research to back this up. One study from 2012 looked at what happens when dogs are trained with force, versus treats and praise. The force-based group—including dogs wearing prong collars—showed more signs of stress, like yawning, licking lips, and even snapping. On the other hand, pups trained with rewards learned as fast (if not faster) and didn’t seem tense or worried around their owners.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) still allows prong collars in show rings, but they actively recommend working with a skilled trainer who knows how to use them. The International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) says these collars should be a “last resort” and only under a pro’s supervision. So even among groups who aren’t totally against them, the message is: don’t just slap one on and hope for the best. You really need to know what you’re doing.

Most experts agree: if you’re stuck with leash pulling, start with solid training and positive reinforcement before reaching for metal and prongs. There are plenty of trainers out there who refuse to use prong collars at all, calling them risky, no matter how careful you are. The science? It seems pretty clear that pain and fear are not shortcuts to a happy, well-trained pup.

Safer Alternatives and Smarter Training

If you don’t love the idea of using prong collars, you’re not stuck. Trainers and vets have a bunch of safer methods and tools that can actually work better—plus, you won’t have to worry if you’re hurting your dog. Most experts agree, the less aversive the tool, the better your relationship with your pup.

The first go-to these days is a well-fitted front-clip harness. They’re designed to keep pulling in check by turning your dog’s body back toward you if they lunge or charge forward. This simple change gives you way more control, without all the poking and pinching. Some favorites include the PetSafe Easy Walk and the Ruffwear Front Range—they’re popular for a reason.

Head halters, like the Gentle Leader, are another option. They work almost like a horse’s halter, letting you redirect your dog by gently guiding their head. It might take a few days for your dog to get used to it, but for heavy pullers, it’s often way less stressful than a prong collar.

Then there’s positive reinforcement. Reward-based training is what a lot of today’s trainers swear by. Instead of punishing for pulling or lunging, you reward your dog for walking the way you want—think treats, praise, or even a favorite toy. This method isn’t just kinder—it’s proven to get long-term results because dogs actually want to repeat behaviors that make good things happen. A 2022 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior showed that dogs trained mainly with positive methods were less likely to develop behavioral issues than those trained with harsh punishments.

• Start indoors or in quiet spots, reward your dog for staying at your side.
• If they pull, stop walking. Only move forward when the leash slackens.
• Gradually add distractions (like other dogs or squirrels) as your dog improves.
• Be patient! It takes time for habits to stick, but the payoff is huge.

Here’s a quick rundown on what dog owners are using lately for training and walks:

Finding the right option for your dog isn’t always instant. Don’t be afraid to try a few tools or get help from a professional trainer who uses science-based, positive methods. Your walks will be more relaxed, and you’ll probably notice your dog trusting you a little more too.