Any dog collar mainly serves two functions. It helps to keep the ID tag attached to the dog at all time in case it gets lost. Also, it is where you attach the leash when you go out for a walk with him. A collar and a leash are crucial devices to ensure your dog’s safety. Otherwise, a peaceful morning walk can result in an accident as your dog might get lost or hurt if he runs away.

Thus, it is crucial that you make sure he doesn’t damage anything or hurt anyone while also ensuring that he remains safe and doesn’t get lost. A comfortable collar is a necessity as it will do just that.

There are various types of collars on the market, from standard side ones to chain chokers. However, the Martingale Collar has seriously changed the game. Where chain choke collars can severely hurt your dog, the martingale is much gentler. Yet, it still gives you a lot of control.

What Is a Martingale Collar?

Martingale Collars are actually a variation on choke chain type of collars; however, they are much safer and more comfortable. They were specifically created for dog breeds with small heads and large necks such as Whippets and Greyhounds. Due to their small heads, these dogs could easily slip out of their collars. However, the martingale ensures that the collar never slips up.

They are effective training collars and help reduce pulling and tugging. Moreover, they are loosely fitted and only become tight when the dog pulls on the leash.

How Does It Work?

It basically consists of two loops. The first is a traditional nylon loop that goes around your hound’s neck. The next is a smaller loop which may be constructed out of chain or nylon. There is a D-ring on this loop and the leash attaches to this ring. When your dog pulls on the leash, the collar immediately tightens to a certain extent.

The most notable point here is that the collar doesn’t tighten enough to damage your dog’s neck. When the dog stops trying to pull and tug, the collar automatically loosens. This can help in training your dog as the tightening will heavily discourage him from pulling on the leash.

Our Top 3 Martingale Collars

With so many varieties out in the market, how do you know which is the best one? Luckily for you, we have extensively researched the market and selected our top three choices. These are:

Types of Martingale Collar

You may find a variety of martingale collars on the market; however, the main two types are:

1. Limited Slip

This variation of the martingale collar is specifically to ensure that the dog doesn’t slip out of the collar. They are perhaps the most popular type on the market. When your dog pulls on the leash or tries to back out of the collar, the collar immediately tightens evenly. However, the fixed loop limits the choking action so that it doesn’t damage your dog’s neck.

They usually consist of two nylon loops or two loops of other fabrics. Their main advantage is that they do not tighten after a certain point.

2. Half Check

The Half-Check Dog Collar is actually a combination of a nylon martingale collar and a choke chain one. The main loop that goes around the neck is made of nylon or some other fabric while the second loop is made of metal chain. This adds to the durability of the collar and ensures a longer life.

They make for much more effective tools than their full-fabric counterparts. This is because the tightening action is accompanied by the sound of the chain. Pet owners can simply train the dog to associate the sound with danger or something negative. So, their dogs would be more deterrent to pull on the chain. The sound of the chain will alert you as well that your dog is trying to back out of the collar.

In addition, this collar doesn’t tighten all the way through so your dog remains safe. This ensures a safer and more humane way of training your dog. As a result, they are also known as training collars.

Why Should You Use a Martingale Collar?

A martingale collar has the following uses:

1. Difficult for the Dog to Slip Free

Depending on the texture of their fur as well as the shape and size of their heads, some dogs can easily slip out of collars. A martingale collar effectively stops this by tightening around the dog’s throat.

Dogs with narrower heads such as Whippets, Shelties and Greyhounds would benefit a lot from these collars.

2. Helpful Aid for Training

When the martingale collar tightens around the neck of the dog, it might force him to stop pulling and tugging and that’s when it becomes loose again. So, the dogs associate the uncomfortable tight feeling with pulling and tugging.

In the same way the dog gets positive reinforcement with treats and dog food, they get the mild punishment for negative behavior with a collar. 

Dogs who have trouble following leash manners will likely benefit from these collars. The best part is that these are humane as they do not fully choke the dog.

3. Gentler Than Other Options

Another reason to choose the martingale is that the other options in the market are too inhumane. A choke chain collar may choke and hurt your dog. Also, this is perfect for cases where you only want slight control.

4. Aesthetics

The martingale collars are available in a number of different colors and styles. This allows you to choose from a variety of collars.  

Pros and Cons of This Type of Collar

While the martingale collar seems to be almost perfect in all respects, it isn’t without its drawbacks.

Measuring Your Martingale Collar

Determining the perfect fit for your collar is quite necessary. Otherwise, you might end up with a collar that’s too loose and easy to slip off or a collar that is too tight and causes choking. Here’s how to measure your dog’s martingale collar depending on whether it needs to be slipped on or buckled:

Slip-on

Buckle

The Width of the Collar

Another point to consider when picking out the accurate size of the collar is the width of the collar. While width may not be a big deal with some dogs, it may be crucial with others. If you have a small necked dog, then picking out a wider collar can result in choking. Also, wider collars tend to be much heavier and bigger while collars that are too thin may be less durable.

Fitting

After you’re done with measuring, you need to fit the martingale collar with your dog perfectly. This involves the following steps:

Top Safety Tips

When using a martingale collar, it is essential that you consider the safety of your dog. While they are safety and training collars combined into a single collar, you still need to be careful when using them. They can be a cause of danger to your dog, if not used properly.

What to Consider When Buying a Martingale Collar?

Ask yourself these questions before you proceed to buy a martingale collar:

Martingale Collars are the perfect solution to your training and walking needs. They ensure that your dog behaves while out on a walk. Furthermore, they heavily discourage any pulling and tugging, making walks much more enjoyable. There are many products in the market, out of which we have chosen and reviewed our top two. Of course, every dog is different and has different needs. You might find other collars that suit him much better.

Who says training dogs has to be tough? With a Martingale Collar, your dog will go from a tramp to a gentleman.