Australia’s move against prong collars: A turning point for pet welfare

Australia’s approach to dog training is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation.

Across the country, states are progressively tightening restrictions on choke and prong collars – devices designed to pinch a dog’s neck to correct behaviour. With Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania already enforcing bans, and New South Wales introducing similar reforms as part of its sweeping 2026 animal welfare overhaul, momentum is building toward a more consistent, humane national direction.

A shift backed by science and community expectations

The growing rejection of prong collars reflects a broader evolution in how Australians view their pets.

Research has increasingly shown that aversive training methods – those relying on pain, fear, or discomfort, can lead to unintended consequences, including heightened anxiety, physical injury, and in some cases, increased aggression.

Organisations such as the Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA) have long advocated for their removal, citing both welfare concerns and public safety risks.

“Prong collars work through pain, fear, and discomfort. They compromise both physical welfare and emotional safety, and they have no place in modern dog training,” Pet Professional Guild Australia president Sarah Campbell said.

She added that “effective training is built on skill, education, and trust – not fear or intimidation.”

As pets become more deeply integrated into family life, expectations around their care are rising. Owners are not just just seeking obedience – they are seeking safety, wellbeing, and long-term behavioural outcomes.

The hidden risk: An unregulated training industry

While legislative reform is progressing, one structural issue remains: dog training in Australia is still largely unregulated.

This has created an environment where pet owners are often exposed to conflicting advice – particularly through social media and television, where “quick fix” solutions are widely promoted.

These approaches can appear effective in the short term, but can fail to address the underlying causes of behaviour. In some cases, they can exacerbate issues, creating more complex problems over time.

Industry bodies like the PPGA continue to advocate for higher standards, encouraging owners to seek qualified professionals who adopt force-free, reward-based methods grounded in behavioural science

The role of pet insurers

As the regulatory landscape evolves, insurers are beginning to play a more active role in shaping outcomes.

Petcover Australia is aligning closely with this shift, supporting the move away from aversive training methods and reinforcing its commitment to responsible pet ownership.

Importantly, this position is being embedded into policy – not just messaging.

Petcover Australia is updating its policy framework to exclude claims involving prong collars and similar devices considered harmful or inhumane.

In parallel, the business is strengthening its internal processes to ensure consistency and accountability, including:

• Requiring disclosure of training methods and equipment in Behaviour Modification Plans
• Establishing clearer escalation pathways for cases involving potential mistreatment
• Embedding welfare considerations more deeply into claims assessment

Petcover Australia leads through education

As part of upcoming campaigns, Petcover plans to promote force-free training methods and highlight partnerships with trusted organisations such as Animal Care Australia, alongside leaders in the veterinary and training community.

The goal is to empower pet owners with the knowledge to make informed decisions = reducing risk, improving welfare, and strengthening the human–animal bond.

While state laws may still vary, the direction of travel is clear.

Australia is moving toward a more unified, humane approach to dog training – one that prioritises welfare, safety, and long-term behavioural outcomes. NSW’s reforms are not an isolated development, but a critical step in accelerating this broader national shift.

Those who embrace this change have an opportunity to do more than comply. They can build trust, strengthen their position in the market, and help shape a more compassionate future for animals.