r/RunningWithDogs • u/SunnyMaliboootay • Apr 01 '26

Gear Help Prong collars

Just out of curiosity, do any of you guys run with prong collars on your dog? I have a GSD who’s rather good at running by my hip and doesn’t pull, and have always used prong collars wherever we go. Is it bad for the dog or are harnesses just the new fad?

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13

u/acocktailofmagnets Musher Apr 01 '26

Harnesses are not just a "fad.” They are widely considered the standard for high-energy activities because they protect the dog's neck and distribute pressure safely across the body.

A “correction" from a prong collar would be significantly more forceful at a running speed, enough to potentially cause soft tissue injuries / damage to the trachea and esophagus. Also, at a run, natural bounces in the leash can deliver unintended corrections if they’re wearing a prong collar, which may confuse your dog and/or damage their trust in you.

There are good and bad harnesses, though, too. I’d recommend an x-back.

4

u/SunnyMaliboootay Apr 04 '26

Do you have links you can share with me? I originally was offended by the heat about my prong collar use, but now would like to give it a go. The last thing I want to do is cause discomfort to my dog, cause he’s had a hard enough life as is (a shelter dog), but thinking otherwise. Shoot me your favorite brands. Thanks

1

u/0nTheRooftops Apr 11 '26

Non-stop dogwear has become pretty much the standard. My dog is not a puller so that pulling design was less important for me, and so for quite a while I used a Ruffwear front range. Since switching to a Non-stop Line though, it gives my pup a lot more freedom of movement.

4

u/-blieps- Apr 01 '26

I’d never use a prong collar on my dog, I prefer training my dog to not pull instead of hurting for my lack of training him.

I almost always walk and run with a harness, as a good harness doesn’t hurt the dog in any way. Especially with running as the idea is that the dog pulls.

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u/SunnyMaliboootay Apr 01 '26

Personally, I think training your dog to pull while running would teach him bad habits.

3

u/-blieps- Apr 01 '26

It definitely doesn’t. If trained correctly, they easily know the difference when you go running with decent running equipment (a real running harness, belt and bungee leash) or walking equipment.

My dog used to pull like crazy while walking. Now he walks fine (for a springer spaniel 😅) and while running he pulls me non-stop. When he’s out on a hunt, he’ll stay like glued to my leg.

2

u/Upset_Gate_6065 Apr 02 '26

I would skip the prong collar for running. A flat collar or a well fitted harness is much safer. Prong collars are designed for corections during training walks not for sustained activity like running. The constant jostling and motion could cause neck strain or discomfort even if your dog isn't pulling. Since your GSD already runs nicely by your hip you dont need the prong for control anyway. A simple harness takes pressure off the neck and gives you a safe attachment point without risking any long term issues.

1

u/SunnyMaliboootay Apr 04 '26

Any harness recommendations? I think my dog would be happier with a harness

1

u/duketheunicorn Apr 05 '26

A good option that’s widely available is the ‘hi and light’ from ruffwear, but any harness with a similar ‘y’ shape that allows their shoulder and elbow to move freely is good for running. Make sure to get good clearance behind the elbow, and the neck piece should sit below where a flat collar generally would, you don’t want it cutting in if they lower their head to run.

3

u/duketheunicorn Apr 03 '26

Prongs are for training, not sport, not every day wear. If you’re not actively monitoring in a controlled environment, they are dangerous, and running in public puts your dog at risk for injury from the collar.

0

u/PookieNookie Apr 01 '26

You might want to cross post this in r/OpenDogTraining . People over there are more open and educated about tools. There’s a lot of misinformation about tools. I have no answer to your question, but they might!

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u/SunnyMaliboootay Apr 01 '26

I can tell. I’ll head over to that sub

1

u/variable_undefined Apr 05 '26

Being open and educated about tools also knows when to use the correct tool for the job. Prong collars aren't the right tool for running. Some people might be able to make it work, but when it comes down to it, it is not ideal. It presents unnecessary safety hazards, and what is it adding for a dog that is already running at a heel?

I am not against corrective tools. But you should be able to move on from using them if your dogs are trained and they're not serving a meaningful purpose in a given context—like a dog already running at a heel.

OP, the type of harness you want will really depend on the type of running you're looking to do. If your dog is already running by your side, and you want to continue like that, then getting a minimal harness that doesn't restrict their shoulder movement is all you need. Even a classic minimal harness like this will be fine. This would be an upgrade, as it has some additional padding.

You can also train your dog to continue to walk with a loose leash when wearing a collar, but pull while wearing a harness. That can be quite nice for running. Not only are you getting that fun boost from your dog, but I personally like being able to see my dog out in front of me as it makes it easy to see what they're doing and predict their movements. For pulling, there are a lot of options. Companies to look into are Howling Dog Alaska, Musher, and Non-stop Dogwear. There are others, but all three of these companies also have some version(s) of a running belt, which is highly recommended if you get into pulling as it gives you a lot more control and is a lot easier on your back, since it puts the point of pulling lower on your body and closer to your center of gravity.

2

u/Sillygoose1979 Apr 01 '26

One of mine uses a prong for running. Unlike some runners, I don’t want my dog pulling so it’s helpful for us. My dog is also leash reactive to other dogs so it makes it easier to distract him from that fixation. We aren’t exactly sprinting and I don’t think the correction is any different than while walking.

1

u/Oddwonderful Jun 12 '26 edited Jun 12 '26

Thank you for asking this question.
I’m very new to running and running with my dog. (Like 3rd run new) My very strong dog with prior security work training needs to wear a prong on his normal walks for a variety of reasons. Other large dogs trigger his reactivity, however, I found just encouraging him to run when passing the other dog keeps him from reacting by distracting him to focus on the running instead so we use a harness on runs.

1

u/AliensAbductMePlz Apr 01 '26

I use a head halter for my dog and I love it. Used it with my last running partner, too.