Herm Sprenger2.25mm/Small Curogan Prong Training Collar 16 Inches Fits Up to 13 Inches Neck

Let me start by saying, a dog training tool needs to be matched with the team. As with any training device, this could be dangerous if used improperly. Therefore, you should work with professional trainer to be sure you are using this correctly.For a multitude of reasons, our trainers have chosen to have us use a prong. Sadly though, we discovered that my dog has an allergy to nickel. Therefore, the silver or black versions of this prong will not work for us. I tested the silver one with a metal analyzer and it's actually 78% nickel! If you saw how badly he broke out from other nickel collars, you would understand my hesitation to try anything new. With reservations, I tried this and it's working! We can now continue with training using the tools we are familiar with and it's not causing an allergic reaction. It's also, strangely, not causing a reaction from the public either. Over the years, using other prong collars with other dogs, I've noticed that public reaction isn't always favorable. Strangers WILL make negative comments now and again. I don't know if it's the color or maybe that my attitude has changed, but we're not getting that with this curogan one. Admittedly, I think the color is beautiful! It's kind of a rose gold and on my brindle dog, it does look fantastic! Instead of negative looks and comments, we actually have people smiling and striking up positive conversations with us. We're out a lot and in 2 months, I've yet to have a negative Nelly scoff at us about this collar. It is notably a softer metal than the others and you can feel that it has more give. Therefore, as recommended by the company, we do use a back up leash clip system, in case the collar were to open or the metal were to fail. I am a tad confused as to why the chain is thicker than the silver version. As some other reviews say, it doesn't move through the holes quite right and hinders some of the function. In addition, it would be nice to have a swivel loop on it for the leash, but I'm guessing the softer metal renders that impossible. That could also be why the chain is thicker? That said, due to my dog's metal allergy, we have to make this one work.In short, I feel a prong can be an effective training tool, if used properly. This particular curogan one is a MUST, if your dog has a nickel allergy. It's also a beautiful color. I have not had any issues with neck discoloration, like some people complain of. That said, if you don't need curogan for allergy issues, I would suggest sticking to the silver or black. The metal seems stronger and more durable.

I use this prong daily. It has held up for over 8 months now and is just as sturdy as the day I bought it. The color is very appealing, and even though some people think prongs are torture devices, I have not dealt with any negative feedback out in the wild (knock on wood.) There hasn't been any discoloration of the coat or hair pulling, as some have described. Though because my dog is a sighthound and their heads tend to be more narrow than their necks, I'm aware that the placement is lower than ideal. The collar still communicates well with her, regardless. She doesn't need it so much for pulling anymore, but wearing it greatly improves her overall focus on lead.

1. It's a "pinch collar" because you pinch the segments together to secure it or open it.2. Make sure the chains are in loop not twisted.3. When connected together, use one O ring to attach leash. Pulling on one ring will cause an action for the collar to tighten.4. Place under chin and right behind ears, on the high neck. Lower collars can cause throat damage. Up high, large muscles protect soft anatomy.5. Should fit very snug and not slide down.The middle plate can be removed if dog is in between sizes. Reorder segments so they all go in same direction.6. The copper one is hypoallergenic.Copper oxidizes so it will dull with contact to water and oils. (It should not stain fur.)7.Copper polish runs about $6. Place collar in zip bag with enough polish to conver surfaces. It smells strong. Close bag and massage gently. It will turn blue as tarnish removes. Use old toothbrush for missed areas or do each link separately. Discard bag. Wash collar before using on animal.8. Learn pressure and release training. Dogs will pull while attached to anything, do not let them do that with the prong collar. American Canine Educator on YouTube shows how to use properly.9. Play, train and love!!Last photo is Hermsprenger Fur Saver

I bought the Herm Sprenger 2.25mm/Small Curogan Prong Training Collar 16 Inches for our 35 pound rescue dog. I’m a real person. I don’t write a lot of reviews. A friend recommended I try this. WOW! Works great! Our dog is very lively and strong and pulled on walks. The FIRST time I put it on her she never pulled. It was like night and day.I watched a training video and it is tight, I took one link off, but that’s how it’s supposed to be. I literally could walk her holding the leash with one finger now.As far as it being hypoallergenic I’m not sure. My dog has very sensitive skin but it seems to be okay.This collar was a game changer and I’m definitely not receiving anything for this positive review. Just a happy owner and a well behaved dog on walks.

I did a ton of research and watched countless training videos using prong/pinch collars. If used correctly, these are an amazing training tool. Key words being training tool. Notice I'm not referring to it as a means to restrain my dog. Because that's not what these collars are meant to be.Two days in and this collar is a miracle. Arya is already responding to cues better and paying attention to me on walks instead of constantly pulling and trying to do what she feels like doing. The collar is very light weight, so I know it doesn't apply any unnecessary pressure at any point. I also tested the prongs with considerable pressure on myself and I am confident that this collar is much more effective and humane than a standard flat collar or choke collar. I tried a harness prior to this, and while that was better than standard collars, it doesn't hold a candle to this Sprenger collar.Also the Curogan finish looks great against her black coat. Very happy with the quality, functionality and appearance.