Debunking common myths about prong collars and e-collars

Myth 1:

“Prong collars and E-collars don’t hurt”

The claim that prong collars simply mimic a mother dog’s bite or that e-collars provide a harmless “tap” is misleading. Natural ‘corrections’ from a mother dog are brief, appropriate to the puppy’s behaviour, and sensitive to the context and environment. A mother dog’s teeth never encircle a pup’s neck completely.

It also fails to mimic a mother dog’s ‘correction’, as these tools are inanimate objects without any form of the visual ‘language’ that typically precedes behaviours in dog interactions. Before a dog signals another, a range of body language cues serve as warnings or communicative gestures—something that these tools cannot simply replicate. In contrast, prong collars exert continuous pressure and can increase in intensity when a dog pulls, which does not accurately replicate the context-aware way a mother dog communicates with her puppies.

Similarly, e-collars function by delivering electric stimulation, which ranges from mild to severe. Research has shown that even at low levels, the shock can cause pain, stress, and confusion. Dogs have no way of understanding why the sensation occurs, leading to fear-based/anxious responses rather than true learning^[3].

Myth 2:

“These tools work faster than positive reinforcement”

Punishment-based tools like prong collars and e-collars may suppress unwanted behaviours quickly, but this comes at a cost. Rather than teaching the dog what to do instead, they create avoidance behaviours based on fear. A dog may stop lunging at other dogs during walks not because it has learned to remain calm, but out of fear of the consequences of lunging. This behaviour is often a manifestation of the dog’s inability to cope in that situation, rather than a true adjustment to their emotional state. This suppression can also lead to unexpected aggression or anxiety in other contexts.

Myth 3:

“They are safe when used correctly”

Advocates argue that proper use eliminates harm, but in reality, even “correct” use poses risks. Studies have linked e-collars to increased cortisol levels (a stress hormone), and prong collars can cause soft tissue injuries and even damage the trachea over time^[4].

Furthermore, no one is perfect—handlers may unintentionally apply the tool too harshly or inconsistently, exacerbating stress and confusion for the dog. Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, avoids these risks entirely while achieving long-lasting behavioural change.

Myth 4:

“They’re the only option for strong or stubborn dogs”

Many trainers and owners mistakenly believe that larger or more reactive dogs require prong collars or e-collars to maintain ‘control’. However, effective training hinges on understanding and utilising positive reinforcement. This is supported by extensive research across various species^[5], focusing on rewarding desirable behaviours, which naturally encourages the individual to repeat them. You don’t use a ‘stronger’ method for a stronger behaviour. When a dog exhibits a strong behaviour that an owner finds challenging, it’s often a sign of deeper issues. These can range from undiagnosed physical health problems to inherited traits—which themselves open up a vast area of discussion—or even past traumas and negative associations that are causing significant distress for the dog

Effective force-free methods exist for every breed and temperament. Proper appropriate training focuses on building engagement, teaching impulse control, and reinforcing desired behaviours rather than punishing or ‘correcting’ unwanted ones.

Myth 5:

“They build reliability off-leash”

E-collars are often encouraged for off-leash reliability. While some dogs may respond by avoiding punishment, this is not the same as true engagement with the handler. Dogs trained with positive reinforcement and recall games develop a more enthusiastic and reliable response without the risk of associating the owner with discomfort or fear.

Research in modern behavioural science strongly supports positive reinforcement as the most effective and humane method for training. This approach is backed by evidence that shows it not only improves learning but also strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners^[6].