Martingale collar how does it work

The tightening around the neck when they start to pull on the leash can be a clear signal to change this behavior. But how good and how safe a training technique is this really for your dog?

First, we will have a closer look at Martingale collars, their design, how they work, and how exactly they are different from choke collars. We will also talk about a few essential tips for using these collars safely. We will then look at how these collars are used for training, the pros and cons of this, and how to do it safely. Finally, we will share some of the best Martingale collars that you can buy today from Chewy if you do decide that a Martingale collar is right for your dog.

Martingale collars are designed to stop your dog from slipping their head out of the collar. The size adjustment is present on the larger loop, and the leash is attached to the smaller loop, which may be made from the same material as the rest of the collar or is sometimes made from a chain. When your dog pulls on their lead, the small loop is pulled taught, which in turn causes the larger loop to tighten around their neck.

This prevents them from escaping and encourages them not to pull on the lead. These collars are primarily designed for dogs with thick necks and narrow heads, such as greyhounds, who manage to escape standard collars with relative ease.

For this reason, they are also sometimes known as greyhound or whippet collars, or even human choke collars. However, because the Martingale collar tightens when the dog pulls, it is also used by some trainers to teach them to walk loosely on the leash without pulling. Many years ago our Lab mix ,Linus slipped out of his regular buck collar and chased a coyote across the golf course. Ever since then we use a martingale training collar with all of our dogs. Reading the above description, you might think that a Martingale collar sounds a lot like a choke collar, but there are essential differences that make the Martingale collar much safer for your dog.

Of course if your dog pulls on his leash then there will be some amount of choking similar to wearing a standard non-martingale collar. You should also only put the Martingale collar on your dog when they are out for walks, and never leave the collar on them when they are at home, especially if they are unsupervised.

It is amazing the trouble that dogs can get into. Your pooch might easily be able to get something like a paw into the small loop of the collar and find themselves pulling the collar taught, placing uncomfortable and unnecessary tension on their neck.

While Martingale collars were initially developed as something to stop dogs with small heads from escaping from their collar, many trainers quickly identified it as a potential training tool and as a safe alternative to choke collars. It is considered by many trainers as a viable tool to use for leash training and showing your dog how to walk on a loose leash. This is because the safe tightening around the neck provides immediate feedback to signal to your dog that they need to adjust their behavior.

This all sounds very good in theory, and a Martingale collar can be a great tool to train some dogs—but not all dogs. For example, a Martingale collar actually might not be the best choice if your dog is a serious puller and tends to pull on the leash most of the time when you are out on your walks.

Similarly, if your dog is the type that gives hard, sudden pulls, you might want to avoid a Martingale collar. While I always worry about the necks of dogs that jump away with vigor, the tightening of the collar can make this more dangerous and lead to serious bruising.

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This feature also comes in handy when training your dogs. The tightening of the loop discourages them from pulling and tugging at the lead. And this is why martingale collars are among the most recommended products by dog trainers. Martingale dog collars were developed for hounds with large necks and small heads. The most common breed that fits this description is the sighthound. Sighthounds refer to dogs that hunt primarily by sight and speed rather than by scent.

Some of their key features include:. This makes it a lot easier for them to slip out of regular collars. Sighthounds are also known for their sharp hunting instincts.

And when triggered, they often dart off, chasing after quick-moving objects. Potentially putting themselves in danger. The double loop collar design allows you to make alterations to the straps for a secure fit. This provides the necessary control over your pet and ensures they cannot slip out of their collars.

But martingale collars are not exclusive to sighthounds. They are just as effective on other breeds. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes to suit every dog. And are an invaluable asset when training pups. Especially those that like to tug on the leash, or have a knack for slipping out of their collars. Their design offers more control when needed, and is much safer on dogs of all ages. This is why martingales come highly recommended for puppies and older dogs alike.

Visit 2 Hounds Design to see available martingale options, and find the perfect one for your pup. You can also find other products and items that cater to every dog walking need. For many dog owners, there are few things more terrifying than their pet getting away from them.

Nothing can turn a pleasant walk sour like your pup slipping out of their collar. To prevent this, you need a safe and reliable collar for your dogs. This is where the martingale design comes in. As discussed above, some breeds, like sighthounds, can easily slip out of their collars.

However, the martingale design makes this a lot harder.