Customer Reviews

Herm Sprenger Prong Collar 18 inch Mediumweight

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I was hesitant to get this collar. It looks scary and I was afraid it would hurt my dog. It was my last resort for her "leash aggression". After just two walks, she is like a different dog! I even bought a smaller one for my other dog who was pulling. She responded immediately. Now both dogs walk perfect! I wish I had bought this a long time ago. Don't let the looks of it frighten you. Your dog will get the message right away that you mean business. I am getting another dog and will start his training on this collar (the breeder uses it too).

we adopted a basset who was completely out of control on leash and out for walks. Lunging uncontrollably at people and dogs she went by for attention, we couldn't even get a block away without her going crazy.

I ordered this collar and now 2 days later I took her to my daughter's bus stop and she sat at my side didn't lunge or try to drag me towards the kids so she could jump all over them. I've only done maybe 3 small corrections and then she gets praise for being a good girl.

our hopes are to get her to act this well on a standard buckle collar in time but this is definetely a life saver for her! And she is happy to wear it never seems to be in pain and we've had it properly fitted by our trainer before using it. I do not believe these are bad collars when used properly and this is he best brand on the market. They do not instill pain me and my husband both tried it and gave ourselves a much harder correction than given to the dog.

I was not a fan of these types of collars before talking to a trainer about this specific brand. It's sturdy, it works, and the ends of the 'teeth' are flat so they don't remotely come close to piercing the skin on the dog's neck. Works well and is easy to adjust.

I was at a loss w/leash training my wild pup. So, after hearing the Herm collars were the best, I decided to get one for my 9-mo-old 30-lb dingo mutt. The sizing was a bit tricky for me, i removed two links & it still seems effective. She's growing, so overall it's a good choice. She's a sturdy pup & pretty nuts on our walks. I tried loose-leash training w/a regular collar & also a harness, both just ended in frustration for both of us. This is a dog w/an endless supply of puppy energy, usually we walk 3mi+ daily--even in the heat, her squirrel reserve light is always on, & she will lunge at every bird/squirrel/dog etc we pass. On the prong collar, she's doing better. The first time i just led her in the house so she could get used to it. The next day we just did a half block outside, & she did yelp when she lunged at a squirrel, seemed really confused, looked at me accusingly. I did the short quick tug when she started getting a lil ahead, she responded. She's not a dumb dog, but, it's a new experience for sure. I guess the key is to stay in charge, don't feel too bad, if you're using the collar correctly it won't really hurt them, tho when they lunge I imagine it's not pleasant of course, which is the point. It helps to find more usage instructions online--the collar did not come w/any tips.

After several weeks, she's definitely fine w/me putting it on every time, ecstatic we're headed on a walk. I always take her regular collar w/me in case I need it for some reason, but haven't so far. Only issues: It's probably not as effective if you remove 1 or 2 links (she'll grow into it, tho); that said, she will sometimes slowly puuuulll towards something (through the pinch!) & I have to tug a few times to correct her; &, I'm not sure how long I'll need to use the collar b4 she will heel, etc., w/out the prong collar. Regardless, the collar for us has totally been worth the price & made a GIGANTIC difference in the quality of our outings. It's all about focus for us both, every time. I don't talk on the cellphone or daydream, & I use structure & stop occasionaly for "sit" or other lil exercises, & she knows I'm in charge & honestly seems much more relaxed on our walks! :)

The Sprenger collar was specifically recommended by our trainer for our two dogs - a 70-pound shepherd mix and a 30-pound schnauzer mix. The big guy was too big to control during a walk and the little girl was choking herself. After just a few minutes in these collars, the little one was trotting along like a pro and the big one was tons better (though not perfect yet). This without ANY "correction" from my husband or me. In fact, the absolute key is NOT correcting. Keep your hand steady on the leash, and the dog will immediately understand that any pressure they feel is in direct correlation with their own lunging. Our trainer actually taught us first how to walk and turn, so if you have reservations, please consult a trainer and get a lesson of your own!

Anyway, please don't think these are cruel at all. My husband and I were shocked when the trainer recommended these collars and immediately objected, but when we put our arms in and yanked, the sensation was not painful. The trainer said the spacing and dullness of the prongs mimics the mother's teeth when she corrects the puppies. That's why he recommended this brand specifically.

My dogs love to see these collars and I have absolutely no hesitation recommending them to others who are committed to using them properly.

When I got this I was very excited because not only did the product was shipped extremely fast but also because my 2 year old Siberian Husky just couldn't stand staying at home all the time anymore. He was destroying my house by running around and bumping into stuff. He literally howl at me and dash to the door every 5 minutes (his way of telling me he wants a walk. I know, I fail at being alpha to him). I had to remove 3 links because my dog neck is very small, however, my dog strength can rip through any weak chains so I had to purchase this size. I saved the 3 links for future accidents or something. The quality is very high so I might not even need it. After I re-size the collar I quickly put it on him. As soon as I snap the links together, he gives me a weird look. Then when I try taking him out side, he bolts out the front door and give me another weird look. At that moment on, I thought I was walking with a different dog. He stay right by my side. I only had to give him a few minor corrections and he goes straight back. I was afraid the links might become unhooked so I solved the problem by tying 2 leash together, one hook is longer than the other; I hook the shorter one to the prong collar and the longer one to the normal collar. That way, when I need to give corrections, I would be giving the corrections through the prong collar and not his normal collar.
PS. Before I put this collar on my dog, I actually tried it on myself just to be on the safe side for my dog (I didn't just try it on my arm, I tried it on my neck). I felt much better about putting the collar on him. Despite the look, it actually feels better than the choke collar (that thing should be banned).

I'm a petite person, but we have 2 large dogs (a husky/malamute mix and a german shepherd/hound mix). It was impossible for me to walk them at the same time. If they saw a squirrel, cat or neighborhood dog they wanted to rumble with, it was over. They were going after it and taking me with them. It was embarrassing and painful as I worried they would one day completely pull my arm from it's socket.

But no more!! With these fantastic collars they go to the end of their leash and no further. Cannot recommend these enough if you have "active" dogs that need managing. The dogs are not bothered by the collars or in pain at any time. Just well adjusted, happy (giant) pups. The price is more than reasonable considering the return on investment, and the shipment came only a few days after I ordered.

Thank you!

first of all we had this for our first family dog Hannah and she was by far the best dog ever. she went through a puppy training course with a professional teacher and with the right training and handling with this sort of collar she was the most gentle obedient dog. never had to worry about her with kids never jumped unless invited to. she was the best and will be missed [r.i.p 7/11]

Now, I recently bought this for my 8 month old shepherd mix. Over all he is an awesome puppy and had basic training down and when he was younger he was amazing on the leash but as he got bigger and stronger he started pulling so much that it was more of tug of war work out then a nice walk in the park. since buying this there was an instant difference! one walk and he knew i meant business. though i made sure that the whole experience was Positive~praising and petting when he didnt pull or lunge through out the walk. he heels and is much calmer even when we pass wild life (bunnies and such alike) or the neighborhood dogs. This collar is not meant for all day wear mind you!! he ONLY wears his on walks! he even knows when he hears the chain and he cant wait to go out! he even willingly puts his head out for it to be put on.
With proper training AND proper use of this collar i would Highly recommend it!

I got this as a size up from the smaller version as my dutch shepherd pup grew.

She was a rather strong puller with just about any other collar. With traditional choke chains or even a martingale, she would pull hard enough to start coughing a lot, despite daily heeling training. I was worried she would damage her larynx. I did try a head halter and it seemed to work ok ... but she HATED it, and I worried about her injuring something in her neck, should she ever really pull hard [like chasing a squirrel, etc].

While this thing LOOKS like a medieval torture device [my wife still has her doubts about it], it's really just the ticket for a strong puller. And the way it is designed, the prongs are not sharp and don't really dig in that far. They sort of contact the dog's neck at an oblique angle. If you wrap part of it around your own arm and squeeze, you can get a similar feeling your dog might get. Not really 'stabby' ... just sort of medium spikey. Its supposed to simulate the feeling of their mother's mouth on their neck.

And like a martingale collar, it only closes so far, without going into a full on choke situation.

For me, it flat out works great. My girl is quite the polite leash walker whenever we use this collar.

Nice design. Great stainless steel material. You can easily expand it. Overall, an excellent product.

I have a service dog, and this was one of the requirements for her to have going through her training.
These are sturdy, well-made collars- and what one person labeled as "inhumane" in my dealings is in the hands of the trainer, not the tool. My dog isn't even two yet, and understands that, if it comes to me tugging on her leash, that there's something really wrong with her behavior.
As for the collar, there are models with clasps on them to make them easier to put on and take off. This is often something my pup and I go through several times a day, and I wish I'd gotten one with a clasp, rather than one that would be a bit of a struggle to get on and off each day. If I hadn't fit this collar properly, it wouldn't be a hassle, but for any dog that wears it regularly, it will cause unnecessary pain if it's not fit well.