Collars

Buckle/ “Flat” Collars

The most common type of collar that is used for wearing identification is the flat collar. These collars may have a metal buckle or a plastic snap, and can be found in flat or rolled leather or in a variety of colored nylon. This type of collar is commonly worn most of the time, though they can be removed for kenneling; this can prevent parts of the collar or tags from catching on an enclosure and choking the dog. There are also flat collars available that have a safety clasp that is designed to break open under such circumstances.

To fit a flat collar properly, place two fingers underneath the collar when it is fastened on your dog. It should be snug but comfortable, and should not be able to slip off of the dog’s head. This collar should not be used in early training, as it can cause the most force against one area--the front of the throat, if the dog should pull or if the leash is pulled.

Greyhound/ Martingale Collars

For dogs that have a large neck, or a neck that is about the same circumference as the head, a greyhound collar may be more appropriate for daily wear (though not the best for training, for the same reason as the flat collar). This collar is most often made of leather or nylon, with chain, cord, or nylon shaped into a loop at the ends. A leash can be attached to a metal piece at the top of the outside loop. The collar is designed to slide over a dog’s head, but tighten when the dog pulls on a leash. The dog cannot easily escape by backing the head out from the collar when proper leash control is applied. This type of collar is commonly used by owners of greyhounds and bulldogs.

A Martingale collar should not cause discomfort when slipped over your dog’s head. Fit it as you would a flat collar once it is on. When your dog pulls on leash, you will see a triangle shape form in the top loop of the collar. The bottom corners of this triangle should not meet in most circumstances. Many dogs have unique shapes, so always seek professional guidance if you are unsure of a proper fit for your particular dog’s needs.

Chain/ Slip Training Collars

This type of collar is a common type of training tool that has been used and recommended by professional trainers for many years. It is made of chain links or nylon cord and is usually slipped over the dog’s head. Nylon slip collars and chain toggle collars may have a clasp or toggle that allows the handler to achieve a better fit.

The collar is designed to tighten at the dog’s neck when the leash is “popped” upwards. This should be a brief and slight correction only, and should not be so severe as to cause the dog pain; it should only be used to get the dog’s attention and communicate to him. However, too often the collar is misused and dogs are allowed to pull against the leash, causing pain and choking, as well as possible injury. A dog allowed to wear this collar without supervision may get it caught on something and may suffocate. It should only be worn during training; never leave this type of collar on a dog that is unsupervised.

The links of a chain collar should be large and sturdy enough that they too not put undue pressure on the dog’s skin when pulled tight; show-type slip leads are not meant to be used for training. When fitted properly, the collar will make an upside-down “P” shape. The ring the leash attaches to (the “running” ring) moves across the top of the neck and toward the dog’s right side when in the heel position. When tightened gently, only about two to three inches of chain should remain outside of the loop. The collar should fit loosely when there is slack in the leash, but pull tight when the leash is pulled upwards. Herm Sprenger has the best quality steel collars.

Pinch/ Prong Collars

Pinch collars have strong metal or plastic links with inward-facing prongs and a chain or cord loop. The loop is designed much like that of the Martingale collar— it pulls the ends of the collar toward each other. The collar is designed to gently squeeze the dog’s neck, especially at the scruff, with steady pressure when either the dog pulls away from the leash or when the handler pulls at the leash to make a correction. It requires a subtle touch, and can be effective with many dogs simply by putting it on. It can be safer than other collars as a training tool because the stress of a corrective action is distributed more evenly, and not on the front of the throat. It is not recommended for aggressive dogs.

When fitted properly, the collar will be snug directly behind the dog’s ears, and will not fall down his neck. The chain or cord loop will spread across the distance between the ends of the links. Should a dog pull away from the leash, the loop should form a slight triangular shape, but the ends should not be so close as to touch each other. In most cases, the collar will be very effective instantly, and the dog will cease pulling. This can be an effective tool for teaching large or strong dogs to walk loosely on a leash. This collar should never be worn outside of training sessions, as the links could get caught on something.