Prong collar question

I've had that occur a few times when I used a collar with an alligator style clip to close it.  Since then I use the ones that you actually have to unhook one prong from the next and I always try to use different ones.

We also use a little backup tether to the normal collar.

I've seen several come apart (even the ones that don't have the little snap), but they shouldn't come apart that easily!  I'd say something is a little defective.  Good for you for having the back-up collar though.  I always encourage everyone using a prong to have a small slip collar attached as well, just in case.  The only times prongs have came apart that I have seen were when the dog lunged at something (at a rabbit that ran out in front of his nose, for example). 

I think it also depends on if the collar is actually fitted properly.  A trainer around here likes to have them really loose (seriously just hanging almost to their shoulders), and I've seen them come off frequently.  I do definitely advocate the Herm Springer collars, though.  Top quality stuff.  ;)

No they should not come apart that easily or that soon.  My uncle's came apart on me, but that's because he always pinched the exact same link to get it on/off and had been using it for a long time.

Yes, fit is important.  If the dog shakes, the collar should really stay in place.  Unlike other collars, you don't need to be able to slip fingers or a hand under it, as long as it's not pushing into the neck.

This is a good fit.  The collar is tight but not actively pinching and there is no slack in the martingale chain.

Also, I personally recommend getting small or medium sizes and adding links. 
 

 Well I did go back and exchanged it for another one. My petstore doesn't carry large names for Prongs so it's basically "what you see is what you get" kinda deal.

It was kinda funny. The lady at the counter didn't believe when I told her how easy it came apart until she was just passing it in between her hands it it fell apart! So now I've got a new one and I actually had to take off a couple prongs because it was too big.  And by the looks of that picture Liesje posted, I need to take off one more.  When she's in a relaxed it sits just above her regular collar so it's still a bit to loose and I can fit a finger in between her neck and the collar. My mistake. I was measuring it like a regular collar. Lol.

When I take it off, I always switch up the prong I'm using so it doesn't wear so fast.  Overall I'm glad I put aside my own beliefs and tried it out. I feel now it's just another tool in my toolbox that I'm willing to try.

Thanks again for the adivce

 It works better if you get a size too small and add links. More links is more evenly distributed pressure.

I know, I know. Tools are a pain! LOL

tessa_s212

 

This is why the ONLY brand of prong I will buy is the Herm Sprenger. I trust mine quite a bit and have never had it come off on even the strongest of rottweilers and shepherds.

Me too!

 Sadly the smallest size was still to big for Maze so the only option I had was to remove links. And yes tools are a pain but it's nice when everything works.

http://leerburg.com/prong.htm#micro

you'd be far better off using one of these.

 That looks similar to the one I've got. The prongs are shaped a bit different but I don't have a large selection and I don't have a credit card so I can't buy off the internet.

 J&J has a micro pinch, and they have a catalogue. I don't know if they ship to Canada, though. I've ordered from them lots, and I've always been really, really happy with both the products and service. I use their leather leads almost exclusively, for Emma.

mudpuppy

http://leerburg.com/prong.htm#micro

you'd be far better off using one of these.

I tried that one and I had the hardest time getting it on and off.  Not that it matters now, when Zoe sees that thing she runs and hides under table, wimpering.

 Once I've got my feet back on the ground, I'm gonna invest in a good one. Maze LOVES her prong collar. Lol. She pulls her ears up when I put the collar on, cuz I accidently pinched one of her ears.. Such long ears! Otherwise she dances and then sits pretty, waiting for me to put it on. A much better reaction then to the Halti.