Common Myths About Dog Training Collars Debunked

Quick answer

Most dog training collar myths fall apart when you look at how the tools are actually built and used. A remote trainer like the PetSafe® 600 Yard Remote Trainer is designed to correct behavior with the push of a button, while prong collars and their replacement links are sized and adjusted for fit. The real issues are fit, sizing, and responsible use, not the myths.

Training collars attract more rumors than almost any other piece of dog gear. Some people claim they are cruel by default, others insist they work instantly on every dog, and a few believe any collar will do as long as it looks sturdy. None of those blanket statements hold up when you get into the details.

This article takes seven common dog training collar myths and gives each one a straight verdict. We use only the product facts available in our catalog, so you can see exactly what these tools are designed to do and where the real limitations sit.

Myth 1: Training collars are one-size-fits-all

The claim: you can buy any training collar, strap it on, and it will work for any dog. The verdict: false. Training collars are built around specific sizes and link systems, and fit is not optional. Herm Sprenger prong and Neck-Tech collars are sold in standard sizes but are designed to be customized by adding or removing links. That means the collar you receive may need adjustment before it sits correctly on your dog.

The practical takeaway is to treat sizing as a required step, not an afterthought. If you already own a Herm Sprenger collar, replacement links let you fine-tune the length. If you are buying new, plan to check the fit before any training session. A collar that is too loose can shift, and one that is too tight is uncomfortable, so the adjustment process is part of using the tool correctly.

This is also why generic advice like 'just buy a medium' misses the point. The link-based design exists precisely because dogs come in a wide range of neck sizes and coat types.

• Measure your dog's neck before ordering any training collar.
• Expect to add or remove links to reach a correct fit.
• Recheck the fit after the first few sessions, since fur and weight can change.

Myth 2: E-collars are only for punishment

The claim: a remote trainer exists purely to deliver corrections, so it has no place in positive training. The verdict: misleading. The PetSafe® 600 Yard Remote Trainer is described as a tool that can help correct behavior with the push of a button, which is one use. But correction is a timing and communication issue, not the whole story of how a remote trainer fits into training.

What the catalog fact does not say is that the trainer replaces rewards, treats, or praise. It does not. A remote trainer is a remote communication device, and like any training tool, its value depends on how and when you use it. If you are working on recall or manners at a distance, the ability to send a timely signal is the point.

The honest limitation is that the product record does not list stimulation levels, modes, or training protocols. If those details matter to you, check the product page or the manufacturer's documentation before buying. Do not assume features that are not stated.

• Pair remote trainer signals with rewards, not instead of them.
• Practice timing before you rely on the tool in real situations.
• Confirm the available modes and levels on the product page if they are not listed.

Myth 3: Prong collars are rigid and cannot be adjusted

The claim: a prong collar is a fixed piece of metal that either fits or does not. The verdict: false. Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus Prong Training Dog Collars are built with a link system, and replacement links are sold specifically to add length. The 4.0mm Black Stainless Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus Prong Training Dog Collar Replacement Links and the 2.25mm Curgoan Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus Prong Training Dog Collar Replacement Links are both described as blunt in design and easy to attach to existing links for a perfect fit.

That adjustability matters because a prong collar that is too large can slide and a collar that is too small may not sit correctly. The blunt design is also a deliberate feature, not an accident. It is part of how the collar is meant to work, and it is one reason the links are sold as replacements rather than as a one-time purchase.

If you already own a Herm Sprenger prong collar, adding or removing links is the normal way to refine fit. It is not a sign that you bought the wrong collar.

• Check which link width matches your existing collar before ordering replacements.
• Add links gradually and test the fit before a full session.
• Inspect links periodically for wear, since they are the connection points.

Myth 4: Stainless steel links are just cosmetic

The claim: the material of the links is a style choice, so any link will do. The verdict: false. Herm Sprenger NeckTech Fun Extra Stainless Steel Links (2) and Herm Sprenger NeckTech Fun Extra Matte Black Stainless Links are both described as made of stainless steel to prevent rust or corrosion. That is a functional property, not a color preference.

Rust and corrosion resistance matters for a collar that may see rain, mud, swimming, or regular washing. A link that corrodes can weaken or become rough, which affects both comfort and safety. The matte black version and the standard stainless version share the same stainless steel construction, so the difference is finish, not durability.

Each set of two links adds 1.25 inches (3 cm) to the total length of the collar. That is a concrete number you can use when planning adjustments, rather than guessing how much length a single link will add.

• Choose stainless steel links when your dog swims or gets wet often.
• Use the 1.25 inch (3 cm) per-link figure to plan how many sets you need.
• Remember links are sold in packs of two, so buy enough for your target length.

Myth 5: Any training collar works for any training goal

The claim: if you need a training collar, the type does not matter. The verdict: false. A remote trainer and a prong collar solve different problems. The PetSafe® 600 Yard Remote Trainer is a remote device that lets you correct behavior with the push of a button, which is useful when your dog is off-leash or at a distance. A prong collar is a physical, link-based collar that sits on the neck and is adjusted for fit.

Mixing them up leads to frustration. If your goal is distance communication, a prong collar will not do that job. If your goal is a fitted collar for a strong puller, a remote trainer is not a substitute for correct sizing and link adjustment. The catalog facts describe what each product does; they do not claim one replaces the other.

The honest answer is to match the tool to the task. Decide what you are actually trying to change, then pick the product whose described function lines up with it.

• For distance work, look at a remote trainer rather than a fixed collar.
• For fit and sizing on a prong collar, use replacement links.
• Do not expect a single product to cover every training scenario.

Myth 6: You never need to replace links or check fit again

The claim: once a training collar fits, it stays correct forever. The verdict: false. Dogs change, and collars wear. Links are sold as replacement parts because they are the adjustable and wearable components of a link-based collar. Herm Sprenger NeckTech Sport Black Stainless Links (2) are described as extra links for stainless steel Neck-Tech collars, each adding 1.25 inches (3 cm) to the total length.

That means the system is designed for ongoing adjustment, not a one-time setup. If your dog's coat thickens in winter, if weight changes, or if a link becomes damaged, you may need to add, remove, or replace links. The catalog facts do not give a replacement schedule, so the right approach is to inspect the collar and links regularly and act when something looks or feels off.

This is a good habit regardless of which collar you use. A quick check before each walk takes seconds and catches problems early.

• Inspect links and connection points monthly, or more often for heavy use.
• Replace damaged links rather than bending or forcing them.
• Recheck fit after grooming, seasonal coat changes, or weight shifts.

Myth 7: Buying a training collar is the hard part

The claim: once the collar arrives, the work is done. The verdict: false. The catalog facts for the Herm Sprenger links describe them as easy to attach to existing links for a perfect fit, which implies there is a fitting step after purchase. The PetSafe® 600 Yard Remote Trainer is described as a tool to correct behavior with the push of a button, which implies you need to learn when to push it.

In other words, the purchase is the beginning of the process, not the end. You still need to fit the collar, understand its function, and use it consistently. None of that is hidden or complicated, but it does require attention.

If you are comparing options, focus on the described function and the sizing system rather than on marketing language. The facts in the catalog are the reliable part.

• Plan time for fitting and familiarization after the collar arrives.
• Read the product documentation for any details not in the catalog listing.
• Judge the tool by how well it matches your training goal, not by hype.

Myth verdicts at a glance

• One-size-fits-all collars: Link-based collars are designed to be customized by adding or removing links, so fit is an active step. Verdict: false. Plan to adjust the fit.
• E-collars are only for punishment: The PetSafe® 600 Yard Remote Trainer is described as a tool to correct behavior with the push of a button, which is one use, not the only one. Verdict: misleading. Match the tool to the training goal.
• Prong collars cannot be adjusted: Replacement links are sold to add length to Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus Prong Training Dog Collars, and the blunt design attaches easily to existing links. Verdict: false. Adjustability is built into the system.
• Stainless steel links are cosmetic: The links are made of stainless steel to prevent rust or corrosion, which is a durability feature rather than a style choice. Verdict: false. Material matters for wet or muddy use.
• Any collar works for any goal: A remote trainer and a prong collar have different described functions, and the catalog does not claim one replaces the other. Verdict: false. Choose based on the task.
• Set it and forget it: Links are sold as replacement parts and each adds 1.25 inches (3 cm), so the system is meant for ongoing adjustment. Verdict: false. Inspect and refit regularly.

Catalog facts behind these verdicts

• PDT00-16120 PetSafe® 600 Yard Remote Trainer: If your pet pooch has great intentions but needs to learn some social graces when they're on walks or playing at the dog park, the PetSafe® 600 Yard Remote Trainer can help you correct their behavior with the push of a button. This is the described purpose of the product. It is a remote correction tool for walks and dog park situations, not a general-purpose collar.
• 4.0mm Black Stainless Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus Prong Training Dog Collar Replacement Links: These links are used to add length to the Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus Prong Training Dog Collars. The blunt design is effective and easily attaches to existing links for a perfect fit. If you own a compatible prong collar, these links are the adjustment method. The blunt design is a stated feature, and the links attach to existing links.
• 2.25mm Curgoan Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus Prong Training Dog Collar Replacement Links: These links are used to add length to the Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus Prong Training Dog Collars. The blunt design is effective and easily attaches to existing links for a perfect fit. The 2.25mm size is a separate option from the 4.0mm links, so matching the width to your existing collar matters before ordering.
• Herm Sprenger NeckTech Fun Extra Stainless Steel Links (2): Extra link is are made of Stainless Steel, to prevent rust or corrosion Customize your Neck-Tech collars for a perfect fit by adding or removing links Adds 1.25′′ (3cm) to the total length of the collar 2 links per set Stainless steel resists rust and corrosion, and each set adds a measurable 1.25 inches (3 cm). That lets you plan adjustments instead of guessing.

Dog training collar myths tend to collapse once you look at what the products actually do. The reliable facts are the ones in the catalog: what a remote trainer is for, how link-based collars adjust, and why stainless steel resists rust. Use those facts to choose a tool that matches your training goal, then take the time to fit it correctly and check it as your dog changes.