[Haftdrarp]

DH & I were talking the dogs around the neighborhood this evening. Nick was sniffing under a bush...turned out there was a cat under it.. The cat came flying out with Nick behind it... He hit the end of the leash and the swivel link holding the chain together pulled open. He went flying across the road in hot pursuit of the cat.
Fortunally the cat went under a fence and Nick and back to us with his tail between his legs. He had a little scratch on his nose, which I THINK he got from the bush.
DH got his collar fixed, but I'm not sure I want to trust it anymore, so I'll be getting him a new one.

I do most of the dog walking alone, and while I don't THINK it would have happened if I was alone (the dogs listen to me better) I'm glad it happened when DH was with me...and he was the one handling Nick.

[priordine]

We are going to have to get Lugz a new one, also. Twice lately his has come apart; both times were in the house; thank goodness. The first time, we kinda chalked it up to us not attaching it correctly but then it happened again. No sense in taking the risk of it happening again. We only use his prong collar when going to the store or on trips.

[Jellowstrom]

If you are going to get a new prong collar, please get a good quality one. Herm Sprenger makes the best quality prong collars I have ever used, I have NEVER had one break even under the most extreme circumstances. Also, I always have a backup line connected to a regular flat collar, just in case.

[Haftdrarp]

I've heard of the Herm Sprenger, but haven't seen them in any stores around to check them out. I like to see something before ordering it whenever possible. We've had this one over 1 1/2 years and this is the first time it's ever happened.
I looked at some with a snap on them and while I like the idea, I wouldn't trust the little snap it has one it.
DH did modify ours and put a carbiner hook which makes them SOOO much easier to get on and off (I hurt my arm and haven't been able to grip enough to get them on or off) The modification had nothing to do with todays incident.

We only use his prong collar when going to the store or on trips. Same here, or when I'm walking both dogs. They never get left on.

[Jellowstrom]

Herm Sprenger products are typically only sold online, but can be found at some high-end dog supply stores that sell working dog supplies. Some dog training centers that also sell supplies will carry HS. They are a bit more expensive, but VERY well worth it. They have a quick release, to make it easier to remove the collar, but again, they are very high quality and I have never had one break. If you want to see one in use, most Police K9s have at least one HS product on at any given time.
I've owned 3 other brands of prong collars, all of which have broken at some point with normal usage (only used for walking/training).

[Jueqelyl]

All of my prongs are also HS. I wouldn't have any other kind.

However, I also use a back up collar. I use nylon slip collars and hook through the active ring. The collar would only be used or triggered if the prong released.

Please use a back-up collar. Prongs do open occasionally.

[Grarypealumma]

Gah, that would suck!
I don't use prong/choke collars, just a standard nylon collar with a belt-type metal buckle and a strong leash attached.
Similar to these:


I remember the first (and only) time Bransen got away like that, he was six months.
He was going at a dog on a chain (to play) near our house.
He snapped the clasp of his leash right in half, scared me silly!

[CevepBiageCefm]

I suggest you do what I do for extra precaution... I use a flat collar AND a prong... I have a short lead on the prong, about 3.5', and a 4' lead on the flat, so if the prong breaks open, he's got a strong leash holding him still...

[Zdfjpbth]

All of my prongs are also HS. I wouldn't have any other kind.

However, I also use a back up collar. I use nylon slip collars and hook through the active ring. The collar would only be used or triggered if the prong released.

Please use a back-up collar. Prongs do open occasionally.

I do the same