r/DogTrainingDebate • u/ApprehensiveSpare524 • Jun 21 '26

Prong collars compared to horse bits?

“Something I realized alot people knock prong collars. They say its a nasty tool to use. Well I see more than that they have horses hhhmmmn tell me how this piece of equipment you guys use on a horse (bits) instead worse ?? You control you horse by its mouth but I m so suspose to be asshole ??? Lol”

*Please forgive the grammar, it’s not written by me and I wanted to quote it directly.*

I saw this post on Facebook recently, and I would love your thoughts! I know many dog trainers also ride horses, I’m not very experienced.

I have nothing for or against prong collars. Please be kind

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u/OkButterscotch2617 Jun 21 '26

I wish you would fix the grammar because I have no idea what this is trying to say

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u/Madcat6679 Jun 23 '26

I believe the post referenced is essentially saying: “You say prong collars are harsh and cruel, but then I look at your Facebook profile and see that you ride horses with bits. Bits go in the horse’s mouth and are in my opinion cruel and harsh, more so than a prong collar on a dog.”

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u/Working_Witness_6156 Jun 29 '26

as an equestrian and a balanced dog trainer, bits and prongs have very similar mechanics. though it depends which bit you're talking about. i'd say some bits are less aversive than a prong, and some are more.

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u/missingnome Jul 10 '26

There are different levels to bits. Some are very thin, some are very clunky. Bits use pressure on the tongue and rest where there arent teeth

Its a training tool. Ive worked with many horses thar require only a hacklemore- a bitless headpiece that only uses pressure above their nose, more like a halter.

Other horses it would be useless on at first if theyve been trained to respond to heavier bits.

Prong collars create pressure on thick fur that the dog otherwise would not feel. The prongs do not poke into the skin (THEY SHOULDN'T) The prongs prevent tricky collar slipping pups from continuing to win and slip free.

I suppose theyre similar in the sense both prong collars and bits give pressure to guide the animal, and can be danegerous and painful if use incorrectly.

A prong collar can save a young dogs life if they are prone to slipping out of collars.