Herm SprengerBlack Small 16" x 2.25mm 12" Prong Training Collar, One Size

Love the black color. I will have to buy extra links in the future. But for now it works.

Purchased the small for my medium sized dog, on trainer recommendation, and added links to size appropriately. Note, the size refers more to the size of the links than it does to the neck size. I like the black (really gunmetal) color, as it's less obvious in my dog's darker fur. I live around a lot of people who don't approve of the use of certain training tools, and since I'm not a crusader for prong collars, I'd rather not invite unnecessary conversations. Learning to put the collar on and take it off was quick for me. After watching a number of good training videos on proper prong collar use, I'm finding this to be a great training tool. I recommend watching prong collar how-to videos by Sean O'Shea of The Good Dog, and those done by Argos Dogworks in Atlanta, GA, before using one. They both have free videos to view online. I had previously purchased the Herm Sprenger Neck Tech Training Collar, but my dog seemed extra nervous with that one, so it didn't get used after the first couple tries. My dog very much prefers this collar and responds well with proper use. He self-corrects by pulling less and stopping himself when he wants to take off after a squirrel, and any corrections I need to make are almost imperceptable to the human eye and still effective. That was my goal, since I have a drivey, strong dog, and a flat collar felt unsafe for his neck/throat and my back, with the size of corrections necessary in the occasional moments of jerking to go after a critter. As such, when you're still working on training these issues, a prong can be a great tool. I will note that while a prong collar can look scary, my dog took off after a fly the other day, jerking us both really hard, putting maximum pressure on this collar, and was completely unfazed. I was shocked that he didn't seem to feel it or care about that much pressure. And I was really relieved that hadn't happened on a flat collar, as that likely would have resulted in a trip to the vet to check his esophagus.

I initially purchased a large 3.25mm Herm Sprenger collar for my 6 month-old, long-coated German Shepherd dog, but because the links are so large, the collar would either be a little too big, or a little too small, as we needed about 4 and a half links removed. With this small Herm Sprenger collar, I am able to size it much better on my dog to get a better fit. In fact, I just needed to remove only one link for the collar to fit my 50 lb, 6 month-old German Shepherd, snugly, and because the links on the collar are smaller, and fewer needed to be removed, more links on the collar mean less force is needed to make corrections, so I find this smaller collar to be more effective and even more gentle than the larger 3.25mm collar.I will definitely keep using this smaller H.S. collar, even when my dog is an adult, and I will just keep the larger prong collar for a temporary backup in case this one ever wears down or is lost. Likewise, I recommend purchasing this collar and also possibly a few extra links if you have a dog larger than a 55-60 lb German Shepherd, as this collar will fit up to a 16" neck or less without purchasing additional links; just remember that unlike regular collars, prong collars are to be worn very high on the neck, right under the ears; the higher the better, so less force will be needed for corrections.Aside from the much better fit and adjustability this smaller collar offers, I really like how the black stainless steel looks on dark coated dogs, and the swivel on this collar is great as well. The non-swivel prong H.S. collars are their older, "classical" models, but I really like their modern swivel models, as they help prevent the collars from getting tangled during training. Overall, I highly recommend this collar, and would definitely purchase it again. My dog trainer who trains police dogs, complemented me on the collar and its nice color as well. Additional small prong links: Herm Sprenger - Package of 3 - 2.25mm Black Stainless Steel Spike / Pinch / Prong Extra Link 50530

Have a dog that pulls or tugs? This will change walks forever. I have a Pittie-lab mix and even at 4 months her tugging on the leash was enough to strain my lower back. Enter the Herm. Put it on and after a few quick "snaps" with the leash and some verbal commands and walks are enjoyable. Along with a vibration collar and I can have her off leash for most walks (in approved dog hiking trails). When she stops following the heel command I put this on for the next walk or two and bingo, she is back on point at just under 6 months old.I know some people find these barbaric but for me it was much safer for my dog. She would pull so hard I was worried about hurting her throat especially as she would hack and cough for a long time after. Harnesses had her hopping on back legs entire time and still caused coughing as she strained against it. The Herm has a plate to go over the larynx to prevent damage and evenly distributes pressure. It is important to know how to properly, and confidently use it. I recommend Tom Davis No Bad Dogs on YouTube as he uses this collar specifically for training. If you are debating it because of it possibly causing your dog pain then do what you would (and should) with a shock collar. Put it on yourself and see what they will experience. If you don't feel comfortable putting your dog through the experience then return it. And if you like it, hey, no judgement! 😉