The old fashioned pain for gain in training only teaches the dog to avoid the correction. Clicker training and positive methods give you better control.
A prong or choke collar is dangerous in untrained hands.

But if used CORRECTLY, you can get the message across to a headstrong Bulldog in just a couple training sessions.

However, I have seen some people use it as a regular collar, and STILL have no control over their dogs, because they don't know how to do the correction.

As far as a dog that is pulling you, you need to work on Heel.... Take one dog at a time, and everytime they start off ahead of you, do an about face, or right turn so it jerks them back, even off their feet. After just a couple times of realizing they had better pay attention to which direction you are going, rather than running and pulling you a different one, they will pretty soon be staying right at your side.

Of course, as soon as they are in the correct position, and not pulling, be talking and praising them constantly. But if they pull ahead again, then immediately do the about face and say sharply "heel", then as soon as they are beside you, say "good boy, good"..

Lynne,

I train dogs, all shapes and sizes and have never used a prong collar. People get quick results because they are uncomfortable/painful for the dog. The dog learns to avoid the correction but they dont necassarily learn what you are expecting. Training your dog takes time a patience.

First of all, you cannot train 2 dogs at the same time. Each dog must be walked separately. Keep in mind, the more often a behavior occurs the more likely it will reoccur and the more difficult it is to modify. Start in a low distraction area, your own yard. Every time your dog pulls, stop moving. Continuing to move forward is what the dog wants, you are reinforcing the behavior. Step backwards until your dog realizes you arent going forward, when he/she turns, praise and treat for giving you attention. Attention and focus on handler solves a lot of problems, so concentrate on it. Everytime your dog looks at you for any reason, praise and treat. If a dog is focused on the handler, they cant lunge, pull or become fixated on another dog. Its that simple. Your dogs have been allowed this behavior for a long time, it will take time to modify it.

Really work on attention and focus. Anytime your dogs look at you, be sure to praise and treat.

Good luck

Lynn K

I am happy to hear of a positive use for the prong collar. I have been considering trying one out, but was afraid of hurting my bully or causing her any kind of pain. As you said, I just want to get her attention and establish who is in control. It's hard to do that while you are being pulled every which way! Thanks for your opinion. Janet

it is the only collar, bar the head halter collars that don't fit well when one's dog lacks a muzzle to hold it on, that does not choke the dog and is designed to not impinge on the trachea...the links generally settle so they are not on the trachea and so air flow is not cut off...it works as a strength equalizer as it usually gets dog's attention quicker than other collars in a much more humane way than choking, which by the way, even a buckle collar will do. Taking each dog to obedience class individually and then working them together as a brace will hopefully eventually eliminate the need for a prong collar...the prongs are dull, not pointed, so they do not pierce the skin and have been used on coated breeds as collars to prevent hair loss in the neck area...they are not instruments of torture , but are intended to be instruments to enhance communication with your dog when the outside stimulus is so high that the dog is oblivious to the discomfort of being choked.
Harnesses don't choke but the dogs can still pull you over to whatever they want to see...nothing beats a trained bully and then choice of collar is no longer important b/c true communication has been established if the owner, through obedience class, consistency and repitition, has established him or her self as leader of the bully clan...the hope is that your dog will only need verbal correction with enough training.
Lorraine E.

My bully is also 9 months old and she does the same thing when she sees another dog. She wears me out holding her back! I'm also curious to know what others feel about the pinch collars. Janet