--- title: Why We Ask You to Remove Prong Collars | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/prong-collars-and-kennels/ 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/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Why we ask you to remove metal pinch (prong) collars # Why we ask you to remove metal pinch (prong) collars at check-in Metal pinch (prong) collars can catch on the chain link of a kennel run, so Happy Paws asks owners to remove them before check-in. The reason is practical: any collar that can snag becomes a hazard when a dog is left in a run. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) This is a safety rule about runs and fences, not a judgment about how you walk your dog. Staff handle every dog on arrival, and a collar that is fine on a leash can behave differently on its own. ## The reason, in one picture A kennel run has chain link, doggie doors and a lot of places where a collar can catch. A metal pinch (prong) collar tightens when pulled, so a dog that gets hung up on a fence or door can be hurt. Happy Paws asks that these collars come off before your dog goes into a run. ## It is not only about prong collars The AKC's article on collar dangers explains that even a plain collar can snag, and that the risk rises with collars left on in crates, with wrestling between dogs, and around branches, fences and decks. Its advice is: if in doubt, remove the collar. Breakaway collars are one alternative it describes. ## What to do at drop-off - Take off any metal pinch (prong) collar before you arrive. - Make sure your dog has a flat collar or harness with ID, or tell staff you want ID on the paperwork. - Leave your dog in the car at check-in; staff will carry in your belongings and walk your dog in. - Tell staff how your dog walks on a lead, and what helps with pulling. - Mark every item you bring with your name. ## A word on training equipment Veterinary behavior groups, including the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, publish position statements on humane approaches to dog handling. This page does not take sides in those discussions. It explains how metal collars interact with kennel runs, which is a separate question from how you walk your dog at home. ## What else not to pack Skip your dog's own bed and favorite toy; one ordinary toy is fine. Runs have a Kuranda bed and blankets, and heating or air conditioning keeps them comfortable. See [what to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) and the [short answer](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-remove-a-prong-collar/). ## If your dog pulls on the lead Pulling on the leash is a common reason owners reach for metal collars. At check-in staff walk your dog in, and leashes and bowls are supplied, so you do not need special equipment for the stay. A front-clip harness or a head halter are common alternatives; ask your veterinarian or a qualified behavior consultant what suits your dog. The stay itself is a good chance to reset: walks are included, and the grass field and fenced play areas give your dog room to move. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [American Kennel Club, collar dangers](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/collar-dangers/) - [American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, position statements](https://avsab.org/resources/position-statements/) ### 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 remove a prong collar?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-remove-a-prong-collar/) - [What to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) - [Dog boarding checklist](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-boarding-checklist/) - [Why do you ask me to leave my dog in the car at check-in?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-do-you-ask-me-to-leave-my-dog-in-the-car-at-check-in/) - [New clients: first-stay plan](https://happypawskennels.com/new-clients/) - [Kuranda beds](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kuranda-dog-beds/) ## Read next - [Kuranda beds](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kuranda-dog-beds/) - [How often should you bathe a dog?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-to-bathe-a-dog/) - [Deshedding double coats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/deshedding-double-coats/) - [Is day care good for dogs?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/is-dog-day-care-good-for-dogs/) - [Dog day care cost](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-day-care-cost/) - [How often should my dog go to day care?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-should-my-dog-go-to-day-care/) - [Puppy day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/puppy-day-care/) - [Enrichment ideas from our kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-enrichment-ideas/) 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/). ### Why do I have to remove my dog's prong collar? Metal pinch collars can catch on chain link and doors in a run. ### Can my dog wear a flat collar? Yes. Make sure it carries ID, and ask staff if you are unsure. ### What about harnesses? Ask at check-in. Staff can tell you how they will handle it.