Are Prong Collars and E-Collars Dangerous? | Which is RIGHT for your AKITA | The Akita Life

[@tep492]

Thanks for a good overview. Like others we tried positive training (unsuccessfully) and then found a better trainer for our Akita. He tought us more than we expected about dog psychology and how to handle a dog that will test to see who is in charge. A gentle bump with the prong collar and our baby girl easily responds. It's like power steering. And our 75 lb son can walk her at the farmers market with no problem. Lots of time with our 95 lb 18 mo old has yielded a great, and well trained, family member. Great channel!

[@TheAkitaLife]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It's nice to hear from someone with actual experience instead of the typical fear mongering that happens with these training tools.

[@SomeMinorDogTraining]

I don't use them for every dog, or even for most dogs. But when I do, I actually put one on myself and let owners correct me with it, so they can see that it doesn't hurt and isn't meant to hurt. The problem is that there are a lot of people who don't have correct timing or pressure, so it's not a tool for everyone. I look at them like a surgeon's scalpel: it's a specialized tool designed to help when all other options are ineffective. But, just like a scalpel, you have to be trained how to use it properly, otherwise you can hurt someone accidentally.

[@meaferguson8501]

I have a Huskita, but I don't use prongs. I'm not necessarily against them, but I personally don't want to cause my dog pain. Few seem to know how to use them properly. Why are 90 percent of dog owners not trained to use the collars correctly? I see most people apply constant pressure when a dog lunges or pulls. A sharp tug, as with a standard choke chain, is what’s required.

[@freyatheuncontrollablesaus3202]

I feel the same way I personally wouldn’t use one on my dogs but when I see someone using one properly (and only for training) I have no issue

[@skykn1ght78]

I’ve got a 5 year old Akita, I was fairly resistant to use an e-collar when I first got him. My trainer sold me on trying one and it was the best decision I made. I put it on myself first and used it at all levels so I had an idea of what he’d feel. Excellent video so I won’t just echo more points already made. But I do want to echo some other posters here, I don’t think the positive only methodology training actually works for akitas given how strong willed and independent they can be.

[@TheAkitaLife]

Totally agree!

[@skykn1ght78]

Just wanted to add, a person can be abusive with any training tool, the goal imo with e collars is to get their attention NOT punish. When my Akita is fired up and is in hyperdrive, I need him to still listen and stop. What no one wants is their dog running into traffic or something of that nature while the owner is trying to get them to listen. THATS HARD ENOUGH WITH SOME OF THEM EVEN WHEN THEY ARE RESTING! Lol. With that said, if I don’t work with him and keep training even now when he’s 5 I may be signing myself up for frustration for both myself and the dog.

[@kumaboyy.7443]

​@@skykn1ght78 they are very intelligent and independant dogs! they know when they are out and off the leash, and that you cant catch them. I just made sure he did not get out! I used the pinch collar, when i first saw one, I thought that was too harsh and inhumane, but i found out it was perfect, because akitas have that thick hair and skin around their necks to protect them during an attack.

[@hermes6587]

Thanks for another well done video. I have had a positive and helpful experience with both a prong collar and e collar and agree with your assessment. With regards to the mention of retractable leashes, in the words of several dog trainers I have read and spoken to, retractable leashes belong in the trash can and regrettable they are even sold. Reason one, Google retractable leash injuries for both dogs and owners. Second they are useless for training.

[@Steve-ps6qw]

Damn, how did I not find this channel! Thanks!

[@TheAkitaLife]

We are new!

[@kaialexander5636]

I have a Yorkshire Terrier, Belgian Malinois and Britttany. They are not something I would use, but that's my choice. Some owners leave them on at all times. This is an especially uncalled-for breed of misuse. I can usually spot this particular sin when I see tags attached. All I can offer in these owners' defense is that at least they’re using tags!

[@TheAkitaLife]

If you need a prong collar 100% of the time, you're not using it correctly.

[@natashawillard1452]

I love your video’s and I’m ready for the Akita gear🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@TheAkitaLife]

Coming soon!

[@Steve-ps6qw]

Wow, it is nice to see another Akita that hops like ours. He is like a bunny jumping all over the place, as if he is trying to position himself for a blitz. Now that I think about it, it is like a line backer or shifting and showing blitz.

[@ositoyratoncito1602]

This video is great advice for working specifically with Akitas! All those commenting how unacceptable this is definitely don’t know the breed. For about 8 months of getting my Akita I tried to avoid aversive tools because all I have ever known was positive reinforcement training. Let me tell you due to the Akita being a primitive breed, positive reinforcement and force free DID NOT WORK FOR HER! I almost ruined my relationship with my dog because I focused too much on being socially accepted and following what was backed up by so called “science.” Instead i should have initially worked with the dog In front of me and not try to push a square peg in a round hole. Not providing a consequence to unacceptable behavior made my dog very frustrated. She wanted communication from me and all I was doing was putting her to bed because I thought she was tired. All her needs had been met and still positive reinforcement only did not work for her. She was asking for more from me. So I am glad we started using a prong collar because it helped for me to better communicate with my Akita. At the end of the day the question comes down to advice from people who work, live and breath Akitas vs those who work with dogs but not specifically a breed as strong as an Akita. So the advice from my breeder was what I should have listened to as opposed to going with what is socially accepted.

[@tallvinesbs1595]

And that's not just a big dog or an akita problem either! I have a Silky Terrier and for those who don't know the breed they are very small weighing in at quite literally 10 lbs. I tried positive reinforcement with her ever since she was a pup and she's 10 years old now but she never went for it and little dogs becks are very fragile so as you can imagine her trachea collapsed from pulling so hard on the leash with a number of collars. So I got her a small prong about 4 months ago and I kid you not she stopped immediately and she looks so happy now since her previous collars would make her go into a "hacking fit" aka struggling to breathe. Now she loves going for walks knowing that her neck won't hurt because she's discouraged from pulling. Why wouldn't she stop before idfk she's weird but the prong isn't sharp and it didn't hurt her. Her breed has very sensitive skin and the prong doesn't even cause allergic reactions either!

[@z06cali29]

Love your videos ! Keep up the good work

[@TheAkitaLife]

Thank you! We have a lot of fun ones planned for the future!

[@togo6327]

I have an ultra ultra reactive dog who will literally keep any kind of pain aside and pull like crazy😢 what do you suggest will be a better tool for him based on your experience. Please do tell.

[@Steve-ps6qw]

oh man, the video of your bear as a puppy, so cute. I remember our dog as a puppy, just a little fat sausage of hair, lol.

[@Cre8iveCindy]

This is probably a stupid question but can you use the prong collar with the dog on a line or is it for the leash only? Thank you

[@TheAkitaLife]

Leash only. Too many risk factors if there isn't a human on the other end

[@Cre8iveCindy]

@@TheAkitaLife suggestions for a collar for his line?

[@beasaburova5943]

Hi Tony! Could you please make a video on training an american akita how to be alone? Like when owners have to go to work and leave the puppy alone for 6-8h. What do you think about crate training? Seems like a good idea at first since its a safe space for them, keeps the house in order if the puppy isnt trained yet ( not to chew on something they shouldnt or knock something over that could maybe hurt them etc) but is it healthy for them to be in a crate for such a long period of time, not having much movement? What are some of your suggestions for training a new puppy as a solo owner who works a 9-5? Thank you

[@TheAkitaLife]

Yes I can definitely do that

[@christinafisher6169]

These videos are best for Akita owners that I've watched on KZbin. My past Akita actually liked to be trained; it made her so excited to see me excited that she remembered what we learned to do together--even til the end! I used Brenda Alloff's book called Dogs with Aggression. I intended on showing her AKC, she was a Mariah Akita from Indianapolis. In the beginning we both lacked training. We just lived our life together on the farm and had fun; she will be missed.

[@newdimensiondisciples]

My Akita is 7 months old and barks and growls at everyone or everything. We have put him in foggy daycare to socialize he has never barked or attacked but he does not allow anyone to come near .. any tips?

[@TheAkitaLife]

Just interacting with other dogs at daycare probably won't be enough. Sounds like he has some fear based aggression. The best thing to do is find a qualified trainer near you and work with them.

[@bebebass410]

If owners resolutely defend their use of a prong collar because getting dragged down the block is a very real risk (when a dog bolts after a cat, for example), I’d urge them to rethink their choice of dogs the next time around. Big, strong dogs are awesome, but they’re not for everyone.

[@TheAkitaLife]

Couldn't agree more. We were attacked by a Great Dane on a walk because the owner could not control their dog.

[@bebebass410]

@@TheAkitaLife Based on current scientific evidence, AVSAB recommends that only reward-based training methods are used for all dog training, including the treatment of behavior problems. Aversive training methods have a damaging effect on both animal welfare and the human-animal bond. There is no evidence that aversive methods are more effective than reward-based methods in any context.

[@TheAkitaLife]

​@@bebebass410 You're going to have to provide a link for that, because that's not correct according to the AVSAB documents I have read.

[@billie3811]

Be careful when going to a trainer! Be sure you are going to some who won't teach you how to harm your dog! My mother went to a "dog trainer" for a Havenese another dog notorious for being stubborn and this lady had my mom putting a sharp prong collar on a puppy 10 weeks old

[@TheAkitaLife]

You should watch our video interview with our trainer

[@TonySopranoat16]

Hey man what about a chow chow?

[@linh811]

I use both for my 2 mutts

[@Steve-ps6qw]

Hmm, our Akita is hyper sensitive to other dogs. He goes ballistic, not snarling aggressive but just overly excited, when he sees another dog. Yet he goes to doggie day care and has no issues with the dogs unless they fence surf and bark at him...then he responds in kind. Car, he could care less but I wish he would pay more attention because he acts like they don't even exist!!

[@youngcansuela8327]

Sounds similar to our dog. Have you noticed whether on/off leash makes a difference? Mentioning dog daycare being ok made me guess that was off leash mostly, whereas the other examples seemed like they were probably on leash when having problems. Our dog does well 99% of the time at dog park when off leash. He also is ok seeing dogs that he knows well and likes even when he’s on leash and the other dog isn’t. Basically, there’s a big connection between his reactivity to other dogs and whether he’s on or off leash and I’m curious if that’s your experience too.

[@Steve-ps6qw]

@@youngcansuela8327 Yes, he is more reactive on leash. I know dogs know when they are tethered and have their freedom of movement taken away. They are then more defensive or aggressive....basically more reactive because they know they are in a bad position.

[@youngcansuela8327]

@@Steve-ps6qw yeah this seems be true for us as well.

[@humanpuck2]

For my Akita we go with prong and its really been great, especially for my wife. We tried the e-collar, I put it on my neck first and buzzed myself. Tried it on my boy and he didn't even feel it, so that wasn't it for us.

[@TheAkitaLife]

Yep! The people who say E collars are "torturing" a dog ha e obviously never tried one on themselves!

[@IceyIcey2023]

For my Am Akita the prong has been most effective. The ecollar I use to prompt him for a command. When he is focused on birds lizards snakesI must use ecollar or he will not stop when focused

[@TheAkitaLife]

Yep! We use ours in a similar way. Not many lizards in our neck of the woods though...usually turkeys!

[@IceyIcey2023]

@@TheAkitaLife omg I’m still watching the video Katashi is too! It’s so cute how they lay flat like that! Please make one about what to feed your Akita mines seems a teeny bit under weight . He’s not getting that stout look Akita’s have.

[@TheAkitaLife]

@@IceyIcey2023 we are actually working on a "what we feed our Akita" video! It should be out in the next week or so!

[@JazBeYou]

I know this isn’t in the video but we’re planning to muzzle train our Akita does anyone have a recommendation for it?

[@TheAkitaLife]

We don't currently use one, but you'll need to be very patient in train your Akita to wear it. Assuming you want to muzzle to prevent biting, this is a fairly highly recommended brand/model: amzn.to/3n7jdl1

[@theway3058]

I have to admit I kind of failed with my Male. He pulls a bit. Out of all the American Akitas we have had the females were perfect. They stayed consistent at my side. But our big boy push’s and gets half a foot to far forward. In general if when their young they keep focused on you early they tend to be easy walkers. Males can be more difficult in some ways.

[@TheAkitaLife]

Don't see it as a failure! Training is a life long process in my opinion!

[@603MoxieMomma]

I use both of these tools with Beorn and I'm so glad I found these resources as he's a more spirited akita than our last. I highly recommend reading The Art of Training Your Dog: How to Gently Teach Good Behavior Using an E-Collar by the Monks of New Skete and Marc Goldberg, or also the ebook by Larry Krohn (he does great KZbin videos!)

[@TheAkitaLife]

Awesome thank you for the recommendations!

[@victoriasalter1701]

These are cruel. They cause pain to a dog. You can’t argue that. That’s how they work. That’s how you use those to “train” dogs. There are more effective and humane ways to train dogs. If you wouldn’t want to hurt your own children when teaching them, why would you be happy to use pain and cruelty to train your dog? These are cruel and should be banned. Let’s stop pretending or arguing that choke chains are not cruel. How would a choke chain work to control a dog if they didn’t hurt or cause discomfort to a dog? Those horrible choke chains, along with shock collars, can cause terrible injuries to dogs. Oh, and none of this, “They aren’t cruel if used properly,” shit. Whether they are used properly or not, they are still cruel. They still probably hurt the dog, and that is how they work. Some people will also try to demonstrate that a shock collar is not cruel by letting you try it on your wrist. The difference is that you would probably have it on low on your wrist. The neck, however, is a very sensitive area on both a human and on a dog. It would hurt more if it were actually around your neck and on high. They can cause serious burns and other injuries to dogs. I am not a dog carer. I do not have any experience in training dogs. I do not have experience with hard-to-control dogs. I am, however, a kindhearted animal lover with morals, empathy, compassion and love, a desire not to intentionally hurt or kill other sentient beings. I also absolutely love dogs, have studied them since an early age and have an NVQ in Animal Care. I don’t have to have my own child to know that child abuse is wrong, I don’t have to have my own dog to know that dog abuse is wrong. If I did have a hard-to-control dog with behavioural issues, even aggression, I would still not want to use cruel devices, or other cruel methods, to train them. I would want them to be trained in a humane and kind way, not using methods that would physically hurt them or put them in danger. I am not the only one who disagrees with these. Many dog carers, as well as behaviourists and trainers (including Victoria Stilwell of “It’s Me or the Dog” fame), rescue centres and other dog experts don’t agree with them. Dogs, including aggressive ones, including any breed of dog (including Akitas), can be effectively trained humanely, without the use of choke chains, shock collars or prong collars. These are unnecessary and cruel. Period.

[@TheAkitaLife]

Writing "period" at the end of what you say doesn't make it true. The idea that a dog shouldn't ever feel any kind of discomfort ever is not only impossible and impractical, but hilarious as well. When I go to the vet to have life saving care performed on my dog, the dog will feel pain when they draw blood for blood work. The dog will feel discomfort when they shave him, the dog will be in pain after the surgery. When I make my dog practice the "wait" command before letting him eat the food in his bowl, he will feel discomfort because he is hungry and wants the food. When I give my dog a bath to keep him from getting matted fur and hotspots, he will be in discomfort because he hates getting wet and it gives him anxiety. Prong collars and e-collars may cause momentary discomfort for a dog, but when used properly they can greatly improve the quality of life for an animal. For every bleeding heart dog trainer that uses hyperbole to make it seem like these are violent and dangerous products, there are many well respected dog trainers who do use these tools. It's always interesting to me that people like to point to PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS who have successfully trained difficult dogs without these aids as "proof" that it can be done...Great! But your average dog owner will not have the same skill set as these world class trainers, nor will they have access to these people, so I don't begrudge someone for using these safe and effective tools. We have used both of these tools with immense success with our American Akita, and it has produced no ill effects in his temperament. You can choose to believe that we just "got lucky" and hit the dog lottery, or you can look at the fact that thousands of people around the country use these tools with success and have happy and healthy dogs. Unfortunately you admitted yourself that you don't have any first hand experience with the subject, so you should probably just refrain from commenting.

[@victoriasalter1701]

@@TheAkitaLife There is a difference between discomfort and pain. Obviously, in some situations (like the ones you said about), it would be acceptable to cause discomfort to a dog as it would be to cause discomfort to a child (e.g. getting them vaccinated, not letting snack between meals just because they’re hungry, making them go to school despite their mild anxiety about going), and actually causing physical pain to a child or dog (e.g. hitting them, using choke chains, using shock collars). Our society doesn’t generally allow corporal punishment to children anymore. Why is it any different with animals? The average person may not be a dog trainer or behaviourist, but many average dog carers do manage to train their dogs without using choke chains, shock collars (etc.). Just because I don’t have a dog does not mean I don’t have right to have an opinion regarding their treatment. I don’t have a child, but I am still against child abuse. I don’t have a chimpanzee or an elephant , but I still recognise that beating a chimp or elephant in order to force them to perform in a circus is wrong. www.dfordog.co.uk/blog/dog-choke-chains.html demarinisdogtraining.com/the-other-side-of-the-pop/ respectyourdog.com/choke/

[@TheAkitaLife]

@@victoriasalter1701 "Obviously, in some situations it would be acceptable to cause discomfort to a dog" Thank you for proving my point. Just like without these tools many dogs would run into traffic and get hit by a car, or get mauled by another dog, or maul another dog, etc... And you are correct, there is a difference between discomfort, and pain. These tools, when used correctly, cause discomfort. How do I know? Firstly, I've used them on myself. Secondly, I know how my dog acts/reacts when he is in pain, and that is not at all like his behavior when a prong or e-collar is used. I think you need to look up the definition of "corporal punishment" because if used correctly, this is not corporal punishment (or punishment at all actually). Lastly, your right to your opinion doesn't protect it from being an uneducated one.

[@nadjepauw]

yes they could be dangerous if you don't use them correctly

[@rthj6446]

Not gonna torture my boy. He does everything he can to mask pain and fear. Why would I intentionally inflict it. If that means I need to keep him away from society, I accept that. But so far, he has no negative or destructive thoughts in his brain. Gonna keep it that way. Not judging. Just not joining.

[@TheAkitaLife]

I think you're confused about the meaning of torture

[@toprakzion7219]

Prongs are not supposed to squeeze your dogs neck over a long time, nor should it be used for letting your dog decide when it’s time to stop based on he’s tolerance. Please sir, educate yourself before stating or making a video about a tool you clearly lack the information about. Prong are supposed be a quick snap (jank) as a correction from you as the handler. You decide and you give the command. You snap the leash quickly so the prongs closes fast so you communicate with the dog. It’s not supposed to sit in he’s skin and pressure him into thinking I’m not supposed to drag my owner. Your video example when your Akita is “charging the car” or truck. When you say it’s tightens up. Oboy you really don’t know. Your Akita will develop anxiety and feel a correlation with the truck and the fight or flight situation because he’s feeling chocked. A mother dog snaps, quick and fast bite to correct. Like a snap of a finger. Not a overtime thing. Your wife or girlfriend is simply holding the leash giving zero communication to the dog. The prong is a tool, not the communicator. You are supposed to do the movement with the tool to reach to the dogs language. People really thinks by using a prong, the dog automatically will understand / stop bad behaviors. This is no personal attack. But please do me a favor and research more about this. My country have prongs banned, so we haven’t been able to use them for over 50 years. Still, I have a American Akita that I can communicate with, simply by snapping the Leah letting him know. The prong is only to amplify that affect. The snap effect around the neck.

[@TheAkitaLife]

Weird how we've had nothing but success using the collar the way multiple trainers have instructed us to use the collar.

[@toprakzion7219]

@@TheAkitaLife learn about leash pressure. Teach your dog how to get out of the “prongs pinch” if you drag one way, he should feel a pressure and move the direction you want, to get out from that pinch. When he does, reward. Then he will understand basic leash pressure. Correction on the other hand is used in training or to fix behaviors, that’s when the snapping comes in. So in the truck scenario, a correction is a must. Not just by holding the leash or dragging it. You must snap the leash. He is reacting and your letting him get away with it. And still he’s just a pup. What will happen when he’s fully grown? If a Akita gets away, he will not respect you or your commands. Firm hand, strong leader and clear direction. You said in the video that e collar should be learnt before you use it, but prongs are still misused. It’s a training tool, correction device. As soon as you’re dog knows leash pressure, he doesn’t need the prong. Akita’s are smart. I believe you are doing great with your beautiful Haga. But don’t limit yourself to you’re local trainers. Just because things are going good, doesn’t mean things are executed correctly. Akita’s are super intelligent.

[@TheAkitaLife]

@@toprakzion7219 my akita is excellent on leash. Thanks.

[@newdimensiondisciples]

Best E collar for Akita?

[@TheAkitaLife]

The one we have (the educator) is decent. They all do a pretty good job, but the more important thing is working with a trainer to really learn how to use it safely and effectively.