--- title: Prong Collar | Happy Paws Kennels Glossary url: https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/prong-collar/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Glossary](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/) - Prong collar # Prong collar A prong collar, also called a pinch collar, is a metal-link training collar. Happy Paws Kennels asks owners to remove it before check-in because metal collars can catch on the chain link fencing in the runs and injure a pet. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) The request is about safety in an unsupervised space, not about the tool itself. ## What the kennel says The things-to-know page asks you to remove a metal pinch-type collar before checking in. Metal can snag on chain link, and a dog caught on a fence can be hurt. The page adds that the kennel has these collars for dogs who need them and, upon request, will use one to walk a dog. If your dog depends on one for walks, tell the staff and they will talk through it. ## What to put on instead A flat buckle collar or a breakaway-style collar with your phone number on a tag is best in a run, and many owners also leave the tag on a flat collar only. Check the collar fits snugly but comfortably: two fingers should slide under it. Leave harnesses with metal clips at home if they dangle. Mark the collar, leash and harness with your dog's name. The kennel provides leashes, so you do not need to bring one. ## Check-in routine Because the kennel asks you to leave your dog in the car while checking in, plan to change the collar in the car before you hand the leash over. A staff member walks your dog in from the vehicle. This keeps parking-lot scuffles and escapes to a minimum. Keep the removed collar in the bag with your other belongings, which the staff will carry to the run. ## Training and walks If your dog pulls on walks, a front-clip harness or a head halter are alternatives to ask your trainer about. This glossary does not teach training. For the reasoning in more detail, read [why we ask you to remove metal pinch (prong) collars at check-in](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/prong-collars-and-kennels/) and [why remove a prong collar](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-remove-a-prong-collar/). ## Related pages See [what to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) and [indoor/outdoor run](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/indoor-outdoor-run/) for how the runs and fencing are laid out. ## Questions owners ask Owners often wonder whether removing the collar will make the walk difficult. The staff are used to dogs of every size, and they can discuss your dog's habits at check-in. Others ask whether a head halter or harness is safe in a run. Dangling parts can catch, so remove anything that is not flat and snug. When in doubt, ask. The goal is a dog who arrives and leaves with no scrapes. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [Happy Paws Kennels boarding agreement (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Happy-Paws-Boarding-Agreement.pdf) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Why we ask you to remove metal pinch (prong) collars](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/prong-collars-and-kennels/) - [Why remove a prong collar?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-remove-a-prong-collar/) - [What to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) - [Indoor/outdoor run](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/indoor-outdoor-run/) - [What to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/what-to-bring/) ## Read next - [Lick mat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/lick-mat/) - [Pup cup](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/pup-cup/) - [PCS](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/pcs/) - [TDY](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/tdy/) - [Abandoned-pet clause](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/abandoned-pet-clause/) - [Rabies area](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/rabies-area/) - [Doggie door](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/doggie-door/) - [Card on file](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/card-on-file/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Can the staff walk my dog with a prong collar? The kennel has them and, upon request, will use one to walk a dog. ### What about other metal collars? The kennel's note says metal collars can get caught on the chain link in the runs. Call 707-678-6600 to ask about a specific collar. ### Do I need to bring a collar? Your dog should arrive with a flat collar and an ID tag. ### Will I get my collar back? Yes. Keep it in your bag, and the staff will return belongings at pick-up.