Collars - Choosing & Fit

CHOOSING A DOG COLLAR
 
Choosing the right dog collar is about function as well as personal preference. Consider your dog’s size, temperament and favorite activities – are they a couch potato or a water hound? Does your dog have behavior problems? You may want to learn about specialty dog training collars such as martingales.

Martingale collars tighten in response to how hard a dog pulls, then relax and loosen while he is at rest. Martingale collars are especially helpful for dogs whose heads are narrower than their necks, as they risk slipping out of ordinary dog collars. They are also recommended as a puppy collar for those who are not sensitive to the touch of regular flat dog collars.

Size and Fit
You should be able to fit two fingers between the dog collar and your dog’s neck. To measure your dog’s neck size for a collar, use a cloth measuring tape or string and slide your two fingers underneath it. For growing puppies, check the collar’s fit frequently and consider an adjustable collar. Most dog collars come in two widths – one inch wide for medium to large dogs and narrower ½” to ¾” wide for small dogs.
 
Dog Collar Material Considerations
Most dog collars are made from leather, nylon or ribbon stitched onto nylon webbing.  High quality leather dog collars will last a long time if cared for. Rolled leather collars help prevent chafing. Nylon webbing and ribbon dog collars are colorful, stylish and long-lasting. They are especially nice for puppies because they adjust as your puppy grows and they aren’t as heavy. If you take your dog for evening walks, consider changing into a reflective dog collar. Eco-Friendly Bamboo webbing is naturally anti-bacterial and odor resistant, more absorbent and fast drying than other natural fabrics, breathable, and 100% biodegradable!

Why Use A Martingale Collar?
Martingale Collars have 2 loops. The smaller of the loops is called the "Control Loop". This is the portion of the collar that is attached to the leash and tightens when it is pulled. The second loop is the adjustment loop. This is the part of the dog collar that you adjust to the right size to fit your dog. Dog trainers prefer Martingale Collars because of the gentle choke. Martingales are much more humane then a choke chain. For this reason Martingale collars make great training collars for all breeds. AKC Dog Show Owners prefer the Martingale Collar because it does not damage the fur and will not crush the trachea.

Martingale collars are also known as Greyhound Collars or Humane Choke Collars. The Martingale Dog Collar was designed for Sighthounds (ie, Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Borzoi, Saluki, etc) because their necks are larger than their head and they can slip out of traditional side release dog collars; these collars have gained popularity as training dog collars with other breeds in the recent past because trainers prefer the humane choke aspects.