How to Fit a Herm Sprenger Prong Collar---What Size Collar Do You Need?

Fitting a prong collar can seem like a challenge at first. First, you need to understand the sizes Herm Sprenger sells and then you need to know the ideal fit for your dog before you order a collar.
Herm Sprenger sells a 2.25mm, a 3.00mm, a 3.2mm and a 4mm collar. Most people call the 2.25 a small, the 3.00 and 3.2 a medium and the 4.00 a large.
First off, the large Herm Sprenger prong is basically useless in our opinion. It is so big that it is never needed in dog training. Even if you have a large dog you are better off add links to a medium collar to make it fit.
The 2.25 is made for small dogs, but people will often add links to it in order to make it fit larger dogs. This is fine to do, but be aware it isn't made for large dogs. This means you need to be cautious of it potentially breaking since the metal is a thinner gauge than the other sizes. If you put a 2.25 small Herm Sprenger collar on a large dog we always suggest adding a secondary backup collar just in case.
If you are considering a medium Herm Sprenger prong be aware that the 3.0 and 3.2 are slightly different. The 3.2 is a slightly thicker gauge metal and although they look pretty much identical they are different collars. Although we prefer the 3.0, either one is fine!
When fitting a prong make sure that it is snug (not tight) and can't ride too low down the neck. If a collar is too loose it can allow a dog to get their paw stuck in it which is incredibly dangerous.
As mentioned in the video, the ClicLock is much better than the quick release Herm Sprenger collar. Here is a link to our product review of the ClicLock. • Dog Trainer Reviews: H...
If you want to see the ClicLock and read reviews here is a link!
amzn.to/3IEtVsR

[@RobinShull]

Very helpful thank you

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Absolutely Robin! Have fun training your dog and reach out with questions any time!

[@ryanbeck198]

Great explanation that covered all my questions. Thank you

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Glad it was helpful Ryan! Feel free to reach out if any questions come up!

[@loismedecke3611]

Thanks for your video. Your explanation was the best even after listening to a site that sells Herm Springer prong collars. Yet i need help now before my dog gets loose. I had heard that i need a dominant dog collar. Please advise soon .. Thanks

[@TakeTheRide]

You need to get close-up shots of what you're doing. People can't see that in this video. You need to redo this video. I've also never seen you mention about the placement of the color, bringing the prong collar up around the dog's jaw area, instead of leaving it down on the trachea area. They need to understand why you're doing that. Plus, do you use one with the rubber tips on it or not. You haven't mentioned that either.

[@hollyhowes8517]

Yep, this! Also, take the tags off the new collars so we can see. The tags are hindering what we can see when you are demonstrating how tight/loose the fit is.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Our goal is to shoot an update version of this video at some point with close ups of each collar. We shot this one on a whim because a few of our clients asked for it. Thanks for the feedback!

[@franciscop.4355]

So you show us hotshot 😂

[@nicolem1225]

Can you do a short video with close ups of how to take the links apart, please?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

That is a great idea Nicole! We will make one soon!

[@nicolem1225]

@SuburbanK9DogTraining thank you! I am struggling to get them off and to get the links separated to put on and take off the collar. I'm trying everything I see in videos. I may be too wimpy.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

We will work on the video you suggested, but I would watch this video and consider getting this attachment for your collar. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m16smXqrhbWkfqM This is a great product and works very well!

[@waynetruitt2305]

The Herm Sprenger site indicates I need a 4 for my 125 lb Great Dane.. should I get a 3 instead (or actually think my only choice is a 3.2 now)

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Hey Wayne! I would do a 3.0 for sure and just add links to make it fit. I used to have a 150 pound mastiff and a 3.0 with extra links worked great for him. Our trainers see a lot of big dogs on a daily basis and we actually only sell the 2.25 and the 3.0 because of how much better those two sizes work than the larger ones.

[@waynetruitt2305]

Thank you!!!!!

[@oliverdantas2433]

Congratulations on the video. I'm writing to you from Brazil 🇧🇷! What would be ideal for a female Malinois, the 2.25 or 3.0 or the 3.2?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Hi Oliver! I personally use a 3.0 for Mals because I like the strength it offers. Many people do use a 2.25 and like it, but I worry about a link bending if the dog is intense or drivey. I would avoid the 3.2 since it doesn’t tend to work as well and doesn’t add any advantage over the 3.0.

[@oliverdantas2433]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining Thank you very much for responding and again congratulations on the content. 🙏😉👍

[@oliverdantas2433]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining Today my collar 3.0 arrived, and I only needed to remove 4 claws for my Mali, who is exactly 6 months old. It turned out perfect! Thank you once again.

[@GamerJW235]

I have a year old lab with bad pulling issues on walks. Will 3 be ok for my pup?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Absolutely! The 3.0 would be my go to choice in that situation.

[@Monsterdobe]

Where do you like leash placement if your HS has a throat plate? Some dogs are worked with leash to the side and some centered on the back of the neck...do you always defer to center with the throat plate lined up?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Great question! It really comes down to the size of the dog and the size of the handler. We want the leash to either come straight up or come from the side of the dog that is closest to the handler. When a dog is tall compared to the handler the leash tends to work itself to the side of the dog's neck which puts the plate on the far side. When a dog is short compared to the handler the leash usually comes straight up and the plate ends up down.

[@loismedecke3611]

my dog prong collar is tight. But the neck size is 21-22 inches. Should I get collar 2 inches bigger. Wont' it be sloppy and loose? And I think mine is a 3.2 Please advise soon. My extra link keeps falling off. SO now the collar is just fitting around the neck.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Hi Lois! I'm wondering why your extra link is falling off. That should not happen. When you add the extra link are you connecting both sides of the new link to the current collar? If the link is not damaged and is hooked up properly it should not fall off. A snug fit is fine and for many dogs is preferable. If it feels like it is constricting his neck when you put it on that is an issue of course. We almost never buy a bigger collar, instead we just add a link or two to the existing collar to make it fit. I hope this helps and feel free to reach out with more questions if it doesn't.

[@MindfulWan]

Great video, I just adopted a 4yr old Shiba on the smaller size 14lb, Sprenger suggests using a 1.5mm, what would you suggest, I was hoping it would help with the pulling.. I also saw an earlier comment you mentioned training a dog on a leash, would you recommend any?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

The 1.5 mm "micro" prong works well and will definitely help stop leash pulling. That being said, they tend to bend easily because the gauge is so thin. We generally use the 2.25 with that size dog, but either would work for sure. As far as leash training goes, the leash itself should have a brass or stainless steel clip. Many of the cheap metal ones are hollow and tend to break easily. Here is a link to a good leash. amzn.to/3Y5QKPx Here is a video showing how to acclimate a dog to a prong collar and how to stop leash pulling. kzbin.info/www/bejne/epXIeaWZadV2o6M Reach out with any questions!

[@MindfulWan]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining Thank you so much. Whats your thoughts on using a slip lead compared to the prong?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Slip leads can work well, but they are extremely difficult to use without a lot of training. Timing is incredibly important and often the slip will end up way too tight for most of the session. Prong collars still require handler instruction, but they tend to be easier for people to master.

[@MindfulWan]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining Thank you for explaining so nicely..

[@77sarahsue]

Would a 3.00 collar be appropriate for a 50lb german shepherd mix who has been somewhat reactive to other dogs? We bought a 3.00 and took 2 prongs out. It does slide down some if he shakes his head, but I can't imagine going any tighter. Feels stressful because we don't want to hurt our sweet boy! We have seen other people recommending the 2.25, what are your thoughts?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

I personally prefer a 3.0 for a midsize or larger reactive dog. In my opinion it is a safer collar. If you already have the 3.0 I would use that for sure. If you decide to go down to a 2.25 make sure to have a back up collar just in case a link bends and it pops off. That is unlikely, but it is possible.

[@fearisallie]

I have a 62 lb standard poodle with a really skinny neck - 16 inch circumference. Which one would you recommend?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

I would do the 3.0 and just pull a couple of links out.

[@phaldaz]

Thanks for the video, when removing links to fit, should you do it on BOTH sides so there is equal amounts of links (or close as possible) or can you just focus all of the removal on one side? Reason why I ask is I feel the trachea guard may end up being to one side too much if I were to remove em solely on one side

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Great question! I would try and keep each side equal. If you have an odd number of links don't worry if one side has an extra link, that won't cause an issue at all.

[@phaldaz]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining perfect, thanks for the response!

[@annalisacandaso-robertson9179]

I don't trust any sort of buckles. My 81lb dobie snaps them too easily when his reactivity acts up. I cant use gentle leaders or any other head halter because of this problem. Im a seamstress and have a lot of experience sewing reinforced stitching on industrial strength stuff and am considering going into business creating a head halter that won't break away like all the head halters and collars I've tried. I found this video trying to figure out which herm sprenger to get my dobie. What I've always done to get all my other prong collars on (that don't have buckles) is, I flip the prong collar inside out so the smooth side slides right over his head, then flip it back right side out once it's on his neck. I'm trying to figure out if that will also work with the herm sprenger, so I only have to buy it and wait for shipping once. Lmk if you think this will work w the herm sprenger. I appreciate it.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

I am not sure I 100% understand the issue you are going through. I definitely understand being wary of buckles and clips and there is no way I would use a quick release collar in your situation. That being said, why not just use a normal Sprenger prong and unhook and then rehook one of the links each time you take it on and off? Another thought is using a back up collar. We have a lot of clients that use a backup collar like the one below along with a device to attach the leash to it. amzn.to/3LJvg3E amzn.to/4cTTxQq If I misunderstood your question please let me know!

[@annalisacandaso-robertson9179]

​@@SuburbanK9DogTraining the issue I'm having w prong collars is the prongs come apart when my dog jumps around. Equipment failure happened one day and when he realized it (and before I could grab him) he lunged at a group of children playing. Fortunately he didn't bite them that time. But he is a doberman with history of biting a human so he gets NO chances for repeat offense. I bought that prong collar before I knew about herm sprengers. It didn't have a buckle. I'm concerned about the reliability of hermsprenger buckle on their prong collar. Every buckle on any collar my dog has ever used has become effectively a break away collar when he freaks out. None of them are strong enough to handle the force he has when he yanks on me and launches after something. He has the most explosive instantaneous reactivity I've ever seen in a dog and he's almost 85lbs. So I'm worried the buckle about the buckle on the hermsprenger. I would like a buckle if possible because flipping them inside out sliding them on and then flipping them right side out again does get a little painful on the fingers and it's extra ware on the collar.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

@@annalisacandaso-robertson9179 There are a couple of great buckles out there for the Herm Sprenger collar. You might want to check out Katies Buckles. Katie, the owner is a dog trainer from the Northeast and she designed the buckle. A lot of the trainers in our company use them with their clients and have had great results. Here is a link to their website. www.katiesbuckles.com/r?id=cstdcp If you decide to by one use promo code SUBURBANK9 and you will save 10%. I have been so impressed with the buckles that I am going to be shooting a full length video reviewing them sometime in the next month or two.

[@Jlui83]

1.5 or 2.25 for a mini schnauzer? Max size about 15-18 lbs

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

I would do the 2.25 for sure. The 1.5 tends to bend a little too easily when you take it on and off.

[@michelesteward5170]

My d ring seems to be on the wrong side? Any advice? Can you show how it's supposed to look hooked to the lead?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

The d ring should be on the outside when the collar is on properly. When the collar seems wacky there are two main culprits. You may have put the collar on with a twist which can cause an issue. The other common issue is that if you take off one of the end links from the plate and put it on backwards the collar will be unable to be hooked up properly. Do you have a Sprenger collar? If so, is it the newer style with the center plate?

[@michelesteward5170]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining no center plate, older herm Springer. But this helped! I had it backwards.... Fixed! And working like a charm 😀

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

That's great! I'm glad you got it fixed. This happens a lot and it makes me want to shoot a video on troubleshooting Sprenger collars.

[@alfonsomagpayo1661]

Hi. Is 2.25 ok for my Belgian Malinois? I do have a 5month old pup now and planning to have this prong collar until he is adult. Can it still fit though? Thank you! New subscriber from Phils 🇵🇭

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Welcome to the crew! A 2.25 is fine for a Malinois, but there are two things to be aware of. First, the gauge is thinner than the 3.0 and can be bent easier. If your dog is reactive on leash this is something to consider. Second, the 2.25 will almost certainly need links added as your dog grows. You can buy extra links when you get the collar and add them as needed. There isn't really a right or wrong choice here. I generally use a 3.0 with Mals, but many people use a 2.25 and really like it. I hope this helps and reach out with questions any time!

[@alfonsomagpayo1661]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining Thank you! This will sure help. I already ordered the 3.0 HS prong collar.

[@KRKM89]

All the pet store had at the time I went was the 3.2 springer. They told me to size down by removing links, I'm down to 6 prongs now, had to remove 4. Is that enough?

[@KRKM89]

I should add she's a 45lb pitbull mix

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Having only six links isn't necessarily a problem, but it can affect the fit. How does it feel like it is working so far? Sometimes when there is a smaller amount of links the collars don't rotate well around the neck and get stuck in an awkward position. There is no safety issue or major training issue with that set up though, it just might not work as well.

[@KRKM89]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining appreciate the quick response!! we haven't tested it out yet, tags are still on as I think we might need to do a return lol. I put it on her and figured it looked kind of awkward and came back to the video to reference. Was originally looking to get the 2.25 or 3 but all they had at the store was the 3.2 and 4's

[@Infamous5ive_]

I use w 2.25 on my female pitbull her neck is a little on the small side

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

The 2.25 works great for mid size dogs like yours! We recommend using a backup collar for midsize or larger dogs on a 2.25 if they are reactive on leash. If they aren't reactive then the backup collar isn't needed nearly as much. Thanks for taking the time to drop a comment!

[@noelhenry8772]

What size would you recommend for a 22lb mini schnauzer?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Definitely a 2.25!

[@noelhenry8772]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining Thanks for your quick response!!

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Absolutely! Feel free to reach out with questions anytime!

[@aidanmontaner]

I got a 3.2 for my 75 pound boxer is that fine?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

A 3.2 will be fine. I prefer the 3.0 but it isn’t worth buying a new collar if you already have a 3.2. The 3.0 is just slightly easier to operate.

[@Mastiff420]

I prefer to buy two 2.25s making it into one for my cane corsos . I prefer them smaller has got more effective pinch. Attach it with a safety clip also to my lid and normal collar

[@BrinleyLloyd]

When tested a month after force-based training, dogs still show a more negative, pessimistic, emotional response toward learning new tasks.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Can you link to the study you are referencing?

[@WormHome]

That’s force-based, or escape avoidance, not balanced. Balanced is never correction without direction, it becomes part of a communication system. Nobody is forcing any dogs to do anything.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

@@WormHome Well said!

[@susans7091]

Sorry, I do not want to be anywhere near someone who has a prong collar on their dog. That means bad training in my opinion.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Why do you feel like prong collars mean bad training?

[@susans7091]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining If a dog is well trained there is absolutely no reason for such a collar.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

A lot of people use prong collars during the training process before their dog is well trained. Are you opposed to prong collars when people have a large dog that pulls on leash and they are trying to fix the leash pulling issue?

[@susans7091]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining Keep it away from innocent people until it is trained enough not to need such a collar. I cross the road if I ever see anyone using such a collar on their dog.

[@KrisMaertens]

​@@SuburbanK9DogTrainingyes, I am against it. Most people don't know how to use the prong correctly. And you can train any dog to walk on leash not pulling without using any special tool...