Blue Cross statement on the use of pinch or prong collars on dogs
As an organisation that advises on dog behaviour, Blue Cross experts only use and recommend reward based training methods for dogs and other pets.
We don't believe that using pain or fear to train dogs is ever necessary or appropriate, and we consider that shock devices, such as e-collars, should be banned in the UK.
Prong or pinch collars don't emit an electrical shock but they do represent an aversive training technique – using fear or pain to stop undesirable behaviours.
When a pinch or prong collar is used on a dog they aren't able to pull on the lead without the collar pinching their skin, causing pain and distress.
We wouldn't, under any circumstances, advocate the use of pinch or prong collars to correct an unwanted behaviour.
Such techniques undermine dog welfare and are a “quick fix” at significant cost to the dog.
There is also potential for these collars to be misused and for the pinching action to become far more barbaric - where the dog's skin is punctured, causing injury and infection.
While research is needed to establish just how potentially damaging these collars actually are, there is much support for an outright ban.
Blue Cross would support organisations, including the RSPCA and Dogs Trust, in calling for prong and pinch collars to be banned in the UK
