A small puppy should never be yanked around. You can teach a mild-mannered older puppy to walk nicely on a leash by using a rope or long leash and following the same routine. Problems arise when the older puppy has been allowed to have his own way, is thoroughly distracted by his surroundings, or is handled in class by someone who is not physically strong enough to work a large, boisterous dog. A pinch collar may be preferred in these situations, although some trainers have great success with the humane choker or the nylon snap-on slip collar. The prong collar can be used to get these dogs under control, to remind them to walk nicely, to pay attention to the handler, and to quit pulling.
Many dogs benefit from a week or two of training on the prong and then do fine on another collar.
Some dogs are bullheaded and need a prong for a longer amount of time. Some trainers use the prong collar for a couple of practice sessions, then leave it on the dog's neck along with the buckle or slip collar so they can switch the leash back and forth if necessary. Some experienced trainers do use the prong on puppies or shy dogs, but they pad the neck under the collar by slipping a child's tank top around the pup's neck. Although some trainers routinely use the prong collar on large or dominant breeds, the choice of collars should be based on the individual dog and owner, not the breed. When choosing an obedience school or club, pet owners should look for those that offer instruction geared to the individual dog and owner and pass by the ones that insist that one collar and one technique fits all.