Martingale Collars for Dogs

Martingale Collars for Dogs

If you want to learn about Martingale collars, read the guide and learn about martingale collars, what they are, how they work and how to pick the best one for your dog.

If you are in a hurry here is the quick guide or for more information read on.

7 of the Best Martingale Collars

A martingale collar is a top option for may dog parents and their dogs. As they are gentle and almost escape-proof and can be incredibly helpful when training your dog.

In this Guide to Martingale collars, we aim to give you all the information you need when it comes to a martingale dog collar. What they are, what they do and then we give some tips on how to buy a martingale collar for your dog.

What is a Martingale Collar?

Above in multiple colors and sizes is a top selling martingale collar from Amazon.

Sometimes you need to give a gentle reminder of proper walking etiquette. So a martingale collars also know as a slip collars (training collar) allows you to communicate guardian-to-dog. With a carefully used it helps to prevent excessive tugging behaviour. A Martingale collar is a dog collar that gives more control over your dog who would otherwise slip out of a regular flat collar.

They’re also known as a limited-slip, no-slip or greyhound collar. And they’re ideal for dogs with narrow heads especially when taking your dog outside. As they are easy to slip on and off.

The collar has a loop built into the main body, which allows it to tighten to a certain point but no further when pressure is applied.

They are often not readily available at your local pet store, however there are plenty of quality design online. They are well worth considering as they are very useful when training and walking your dog.

What Does a Martingale Collar Do?

When fitted properly, Martingale collars tighten enough that the collar will not slip off your dog’s head. With this said they do not tighten up like some collars. These collars adjust and release to so they do not choke your dog or injure their sensitive neck. They are a ideal compromise between standard collar and slip collars.

Difference Between Martingale and Choke Collars

Both Martingale collars and choke chain collars are used as training tools to teach dogs proper leash manners. These types of collars provide dog owners and canine trainers better control. But the similarities between the two end there.

Most Martingale collars are typically made out of nylon, leather, or some other type of fabric. While choke collars are made with chain of metal.

And while both types of collar tighten around your dogs neck, a choke chain collar does not feature a safety mechanism. This means that it’s entirely possible for you to accidentally choke your dog while trying to prevent him or her from chasing a squirrel in the park. If not used correctly a choke chain collar maybe devastatingly harmful. You can literally strangle your dog or at minimum do terrible damage to his trachea or esophagus at the very least.

There are collars specifically designed for Greyhounds. These feature a two-loop design that serves as its safety mechanism that when adjusted correctly can limit how much the collar can tighten around your dog’s neck.

So back to the questions what is the difference between martingale collars and choker chains. Simply put, a choke collar is an inhumane and incredibly dangerous training tool ( for any size dog). A martingale collar is a better and safer alternative.

Martingales for dogs are a more humane to train and walk your dog. We also talk about other options for training such as no pull harnesses and no shock collars.

Martingale Collar vs. Slip Collar What’s the Difference

Both Martingale collars and slip collars make it nearly impossible for a dog to pull out of the collar. However, there are some key differences:

Slip collars tighten infinitely, whereas Martingale collars tighten only to a certain degree. A slip collar goes over the dogs head, where a martingale collar can either go over the head or has a buckle to take on and off a dog more easily. In addition a slip collar is  often continuous with the leash. Where as a martingale collars are separate to its leash. Overall Martingale collars are generally a safer and more comfortable option for your dog.

Since the tightening is limited, your dog will not be able to choke themselves or damage delicate neck structures when wearing a Martingale as they would when wearing a slip collar.

Furthermore, Martingales with a buckle can be released quickly in case your dog should get it tangled on something. Slip collars, by contrast, can be very difficult to get off if your dog gets tangled up

How do you choose the right size collar for your dog?

Martingale collars come in various sizes and widths. There are no standard sizes, so you need to check the manufacturer’s measurements before making your choice. Martingale is the best choice for dogs with either very slim heads or very thick necks where regular collars are less than useful. While Martingale collars tightens enough that these dogs won’t be able to pull out of it.

To find the right size for your canine friend, you need to measure around the base of your dog’s head – the top of the neck which is directly behind his ears. The number you get is the size of the collar when tightened.

Choose the smallest size that will provide a comfortable fit for your dog. Let’s use the size chart provided below as an example. If you get a measurement of 14 inches, then you should get a martingale collar that has an adjustable length ranging from 10 to 16 inches.

Are They Escape-Proof Collars for Dogs

Because of the design a Martingale it’s good for dogs that may try to back out of a regular collar. Some dogs that struggle and pull against a regular collar may be able to slip their heads out. This can be true even for collars that appear to be very secure.

However, with a Martingale, even a dog who struggles vigorously won’t be able to slip out. Not only does this prevent escape, but it can train your dog not to keep trying to slip out of the collar.

If you have a dog whose is a houdini escape artist then you may consider a harness. Or consider using both; a harness along with a martingale collar.

Best Collars for Training Your Dog

Beside being a good collars for walking, Martingale collars also work well for dog training. Because they work with resistance, when a dog who pulls on the leash can feel the collar tighten. This sends a signals telling your dog that they should ease up and stop pulling. When the ease the pressure the collars is quite loose and comfortable. And it tightens again once pressure is employed.

One thing to note is if you buy one with a chain in the design, it make a distinct clicking sound when they tighten. This in itself can be an asset as it sends a signal to your dog. A light pull on a Martingale collar is a cue for a dog to obey a command that has been given.

For example if you ask your dog to “sit” but they don’t seem to be paying attention, a light pull on the collar can get their attention. It’s remind them to listen to the command without you having to repeat yourself.

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Can You Use Martingales On a Puppy?

Puppies can easily slip out of a regular collar. But a properly fitting martingale collar is a good option for puppies. The important thing is that you apply the right pressure as a pups neck is delicate. For tiny puppies and small breed dogs also consider a good puppy harness that keep them comfortable and secure.

What’s the Difference Between a Martingale Collar and Harness

When you are searching for the best gear for your dog you will hear about both a martingale collar and harness. As they are both humane options to walk your dog, as well as for training  them. Harnesses are also more difficult for dogs to escape from than regular collars.

Though martingales’ are ideal for a dog who is prone to escape, a harness may be less stressful for a dog who is not yet used to wearing a collar or unfamiliar with leash. This may be in the case of a new puppy or an adult dog such as a rescue or shelter dogs who has yet to have the right training. One solution that is utilized by many animal rescues and shelters is to use both a Martingale collar and a harness.

Attaching the leash to both or using two separate leashes ensures that even if the dog manages to break free of the harness, they will still be contained by the Martingale collar.

Martingale Harness Aka No Pull Harnesses

You may find harnesses that mention a martingale feature. These harnesses are typically recommended for dogs with a tendency to pull. This feature is usually at the chest portion.

These work like this – when the dog pulls, this section tightens. Which provides physical feedback to your dog that pulls in the same way that a Martingale collar would do. I particularly like a good harness for small breeds that do not require the same restraint as a large breed that may pull.

Types of Martingale Collars

There are a wide range of martingale collars available to meet your dog’s needs. Many of these types will overlap. For example you may buy a slipover or buckle collar that is either waterproof or has reflective stitching. So be mindful when choosing the best martingale collars that it has all the features you require.

Some of the features to look for are:

Slipover. A simple adjustment slider lets you make it big enough to put over your dog’s head and then tighten to the appropriate size.

Buckle Collar. The collar will have a latch or buckle so that latch or buckle closes on the martingale collar neck so it doesn’t have to be readjusted every time you use it. Choose one that offers a lock on the clasp for added security. In addition these collars can be safer if your dog. If a dog gets the collar stuck on something it can therefore be easily released without having to pull it over your dog’s head. The martingale dog collar below has a side buckle to easily put on and take off.

With chain. The Martingale loop is composed of chain, while the rest of the collar is usually made of nylon or leather.

Prong collar. Prong collars are typically made in a Martingale style so that the prongs will only apply when the Martingale is tightened.

Waterproof. Most Martingale collars can get wet, but some are made of rubber or another material that doesn’t absorb water at all.

Reflective. A reflective band of material or reflected stitching surrounds the collar, making your dog visible at night.

You can choose the last two features in the collars you choose for your dog.

Concluding Martingale Collars

Martingale collars have lots of benefits. This may be walking your dog safely or stopping your dog from pulling and many other training behaviors. And if you worry that your dog is an escape artist the collars adjust and tighten if they wriggle or pull.

There are plenty of martingale collars to pick from. Make sure you look for all the feature you want such as reflective materials and quick release buckles. Then pick the right size according to the manufacturer’s size chart. With most of them collars starting around $12 – $20 you will find one that is just right for your dogs needs and one that is one budget too!

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