Dog Owners' Guide To Martingale Collars

If you are looking to make the switch to martingale collars or just want to find out more information about martingale collars, then you have come to the right place. This article is an all-in-one guidebook to all you need to know about martingale collars.

Originally popular only with owners that own greyhound dogs, the popularity of martingale collars has been steadily increasing in recent years. The reason why many choose to adopt martingale collars is because of their ability to safely keep dogs on their leash without choking them.

Martingale collars are also commonly known either as no-slip or limited-slip collars. Martingale collars provide dog owners more control as compared to the typical flat collar, greatly lowering the likelihood of dogs backing or slipping out of them. While they may look similar to the typical flat collar, approximately one-third of the leash is actually a smaller fabric that is attached to a D-ring which allows for adjustability. When dogs pull on the leash, the collar becomes constricted which makes the grip on your dog tighter, but not too tight to the extent that it may hurt the dog. As such, when you adjust the fit of the martingale collar on your dog, you should ensure that the fit does not tighten past the width of the dog’s neck.

Martingale Collars vs. Choke Collars

The biggest difference between martingale and choke collars lies in their name. When fitted properly, martingale collars do not choke dogs. Due to the way martingale collars are constructed, there is a maximum point as to how tight a collar can be. As such, martingale collars are seen as a safe and human way to keep dogs in control.

What Breeds Are Suitable for Martingale Collars

While martingale dogs are most commonly used on greyhound dogs due to how their heads are generally narrower than their neck, they can essentially be used on any breed of dog that has the tendency to back out or slip out from their collars. This includes breeds such as Salukis, Whippets, as well as other slim-headed breeds.

Choosing the Right Martingale Collar For Your Dog

Martingale collars come in many variations and hence can make choosing one confusing. For narrow-headed dogs, it is recommended to use martingale collars that are wider and padded to provide them greater comfort.

Additionally, it is also recommended to look for leather martingale collars. Not only are they comfortable for dogs to wear, but leather is also a material that has chemical properties most similar to dogs, reducing the likelihood of them developing allergies or reactions.

Things to Look Out for

While there is a fair share of benefits associated with using a martingale collar for your dog, there are also a few things you need to take note of.

One important factor is that the D rings in martingale collars can potentially get caught on objects. As such, dogs on martingale collars should always be supervised when out on walks.