Prong collars have been a controversial tool in dog training for a long time, and it’s great to see that Victoria, Tasmania, and Queensland have banned their use under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001. In Queensland, Section 37A of the Act (updated on December 12, 2022) prohibits prong collars unless there’s a reasonable excuse. These collars are designed with prongs or teeth that pinch the dog’s skin when tightened. The aim is to control, but the effects can be far worse than most people realize.
Correct training builds trust and cooperation between you and your dog. With the right techniques, most dogs will walk beautifully on a leash without force or harsh tools like prong collars. Using these collars can cause severe physical damage, including skin trauma, puncture wounds, nerve damage, and even acute blindness. On top of that, they can harm the emotional bond with your dog by fostering fear rather than trust.
At Good Dog Training, I firmly believe in reward-based methods that build your dog’s confidence and strengthen your connection without resorting to harmful tools. I support the move to ban these collars across all jurisdictions and encourage dog owners to choose positive training methods.
If you need guidance on the best type of collar or have any training concerns, feel free to reach out for support. Your dog deserves a life free from pain and full of trust!
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