Martingale collars are the perfect tool to help take back control of your walks. These collars are reliably safe and comfortable for dogs of all shapes and sizes. If your dog has ever slipped out of or backed out of his collar, you may want to think about getting a martingale collar. The collar is also commonly used for dogs who need to be reminded of their manners when walking on a leash.
Martingale collars fits loosely on a dog’s neck but tightens when it needs to. It has two loops. The first looks like a traditional nylon collar that is adjustable and hangs around the dog’s neck. The second is for control when the leash is attached. When the dog pulls, the collar tightens and will stay snug around the dog’s neck without choking the dog. When the tension is released, the collar loosens again.
The tightening of the control loop does not hurt the dog but does cause discomfort that encourages them to stop pulling while on leash. It is important that your dog does not lean into the collar and consistently pull. Martingales are designed to tighten when necessary and remain relaxed the majority of the time. When your dog pulls, gently pull back. Stop walking if necessary. As soon as your dog releases the pressure applied to the collar, continue walking. Your dog will quickly learn not to put pressure on the collar.
Benefits of a Martingale Collar
Escape-Proof Functionality – even if your dog pulls very hard, suddenly, or from an unexpected direction. Martingale collars are composed of two sections: a fixed portion (neck loop) and a control loop. The leash is attached to a D-ring on the control loop, which adjusts. This loop can only tighten to the length of the fixed portion – allowing enough tightening to keep your dog from slipping out no matter how hard they pull, but ensuring the collar will not be able to tighten so far as to injure your dog.
Reliable safety features provide peace of mind on every walk
Comfortable to wear for dogs, easy to use for humans
Suitable for any size, shape, or breed of dog (although not recommended for new puppies)
Pressure is evenly distributed around the neck so that the collar doesn’t pinch or choke
Sizing
Measure the dogs neck as well as all the way around the head to be sure the collar can be slipped on and off over the head. Martingale collars should fit loosely and comfortably. They only tighten when necessary. Use the larger of the two as the size.
Sizes
Adjustable
Small 11-15 inches (28-38cm) – 19mm wide Large Breed Puppies, Jack Russell Terriers, Shelties
Medium 14-21 inches (35-53cm) – 25mm wide Border Collies, Spaniels
Large 18-26 inches (45-66cm) – 25mmwide Labradors, German Shepherds
X-Large 20-30 inches (50-76cm) – 25 = 38mm wide Mastiffs, Rottweilers
Fitting
The control loop on the collar should have enough slack to pull into a symmetrical triangular shape when a leash is attached and pulled
If the control loop is flush against the collar and does not provide slack when pulled, the collar is too tight
If the hardware at the base of the loop is touching, the collar is too loose
It is important that your dog does not lean into the collar and consistently pull. Martingales are designed to tighten when necessary and remain relaxed the majority of the time. When your dog pulls, gently pull back. Stop walking if necessary. As soon as your dog releases the pressure applied to the collar, continue walking. Your dog will quickly learn not to put pressure on the collar.
Safety
Not for Unsupervised Use – Martingales should not be left on your dog when they are unsupervised, they can be snagged and pulled off or pulled tight on your dog.
Not for Sole Restraint for Constant Pullers – Dogs that constantly pull against the leash should have a harness to restrain them in addition to the martingale.
Not for Off leash Play – Because martingale collars sit looser on a dog’s neck than flat collars, they may be more easily snagged when a dog is playing with other dogs or adventuring.
Not for Retractable Leashes – The constant tension from retractable leashes can tighten the martingale collar at inappropriate times and make it difficult for your dog to understand whether she is pulling too hard or not. Additionally, these leashes come with their own safety concerns and should be used with caution.
Not for Tethering or Use on a Tie Out – Martingale collars should never be used to tether your dog to an object, even for an instant. Always be within reach of your dog’s leash when they are wearing a martingale collar.
Not for Use When Crating – Most experts recommend removing your dog’s collar before crating, no matter the style. Crating your dog with a martingale collar could result in potentially life threatening consequences.
Not for Pet Tags – Pet tags should never be hung from the d-ring on the control loop of a martingale collar for safety reasons. Tags can be hung from the slides.
