Martingale dog collars are ideal for dogs that pull too much on the leash or try to back out of their collars when being taken for a walk. They are also ideal for training a pup or new dog, especially a shelter dog that is generally more skittish. Trainers and animal rescue staff recommend the use of Martingale collars as the most secure way to walk a dog and the safest way to prevent escape.
Made of top quality woven materials, these collars have two essential components: a fixed part and a control loop with a D-ring to attach the leash. The tightening action is designed to evenly distribute pressure around a dog’s neck but only to the length of the fixed part, preventing both injury and escape. When the collar is pulled it tightens just enough to prevent the dog’s neck from slipping out no matter how hard it tries, but not enough to cause injury. The control loop is either made out of the same material as the collar or a metal chain. Most owners prefer a fabric loop as a chain can make a snapping noise when pulled which may startle some dogs. Furthermore, there is a risk that the chain could get snagged in the dog’s coat when it is pulled tight, causing pain and trauma.
What are the Benefits of Martingale Collars?
– Keeps a dog from escaping even if it pulls very hard or suddenly from an unexpected direction
– Protects your dog from injury as it can only tighten to a set length that prevents the dog’s head from slipping out of the collar but not tight enough to injure the dog
– Easy to use and well tolerated by most dogs
– Attractive design available in a variety of colors
– Highly customizable
– Made of top quality material that will not snag in a dog’s hair, no matter the length
– Can be used for any size, weight, or breed of dog
– Won’t hurt or pinch as it is designed to evenly distribute pressure around a dog’s neck without getting too tight.
Types of Martingale Collars
There are two main types of martingale collars available: Standard Martingales and Buckle Martingales.
Standard Martingale Collar
The Standard Martingale style does not have a buckle and has to be loosened to slip over the dogs head before being adjusted for a proper fit. This style is lightweight and more suitable for small breeds as it eliminates the extra weight that buckles add, while still being strong enough to restrain pullers.
Buckle Martingale Collar
This style is equipped with a quick release buckle made from strong plastic or metal. It is designed for convenience as it is easy to attach and release. The added safety of a buckle makes this collar an excellent choice for breeds with larger heads. They are also ideal for dogs that don’t like their ears touched or tend to get skittish when someone tries to pull something over their heads.
There are three types of buckles available: Plastic, a combination of Plastic and Metal, and Aluminum.
Plastic buckles are strong, lightweight, durable waterproof, and can be used in fresh and sea water. They are generally a more affordable option.
Metal/Plastic (hybrid) buckles are lightweight, strong, and attractive but are not recommended for use in saltwater.
Aluminum buckles are heavy duty and more suitable for larger dogs and strong pullers. They should also not be exposed to saltwater.
Personalized Buckles
Having the buckle on a martingale collar personalized is safer than traditional ID tags that can become hooked or caught when a dog runs or plays. It also eliminates the annoying jingle that accompanies metal ID tags. Being less bulky, it is ideal for small dogs and it eliminates the need to replace lost tags.