Pros & Cons of Martingale Collars

Martingale collars tighten when your dog pulls, but only to a certain point to reduce the risk of choking. These products look like regular flat collars but with a loop on the part that attaches to your dog’s lead. When your dog pulls on their lead, the loop causes the collar to tighten slightly around their neck. 

These unique collars are frequently used for dog training and to prevent dogs from slipping out of their collars. They’re a practical training tool that can help set your dog up for success when it comes to leash training.

Pros: Why Use a Martingale Collar?

There are lots of amazing reasons dog parents turn to martingale collars, such as:

• Gentle, Controlled Tightening - A martingale collar’s tightening occurs gradually and has a stopping point to prevent choking. This makes it a safe way to get your dog’s attention without putting too much strain on their neck.
• Great for Preventing Pulling - When dogs pull, the collar tightens around their neck. During leash training, you can teach your dog that the tightening feeling means to check in with you. It gives them clear, immediate feedback, allowing you to more easily reduce pulling during walks when pairing the collar with positive reinforcement.
• Great for Flight Risks - For nervous dogs that try to squeeze out of their collars, martingale collars are a great solution. They’re secure around your dog’s neck while still being humane. Sammy’s Hope Rescue explains the importance of using these collars for newly adopted dogs by saying, “when a dog panics or tries to back away (a very common reaction in new environments), a regular collar can easily slip off.”
• Popular with Dog Trainers - Since martingale collars offer ease of control and a classy look, many dog trainers use them, especially at dog shows. Panos Anagnostou from Nooch’s Pooches Dog Training almost always uses martingale collars. However, he says, “it’s important that we don’t just buy the collar and we just put it on our dog, but it’s the use and application of it.”

Cons: Potential Drawbacks

While martingales are life-changing for many dog parents, every product has its downsides, especially if used incorrectly. Here are some potential cons:

• Risk if Used Improperly - Make sure the collar fits properly and is paired with positive reinforcement training for best success. If it doesn’t fit right, it can get caught on your dog’s jaw or tighten too much. Also, if you don’t teach your dog what the tightening means, it could cause them to pull more instead of checking in with you.
• Not for Everyday Use - Martingale collars are best for transporting dogs who love to escape and training dogs with bad leash manners. These collars might not always be best for daily use, especially if your dog hasn’t learned any basic commands yet. Dogs that pull constantly can become extremely uncomfortable with these collars, so they may need more training before walking with a martingale.
• Not Ideal for Some Breeds - Tightening around the neck can be dangerous for some canines, such as dogs with respiratory issues, brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs), and dogs with short necks. In these cases, you may want to turn to different training tools. A vet med study states: “Using a collar for brachycephalic breeds causes increases in intraocular pressure (IOP), which may be detrimental to the health and welfare of these dogs. Exercising in a harness does not increase IOP in dogs in the same way as a collar.”
• Over-reliance Can Slow Training - Relying too much on one training tool can do more harm than good. It might mask underlying issues rather than fixing the pulling, making training take longer than normal. So, use martingale collars for training sessions, but don’t expect them to offer an instant fix.

How to Use Correctly

Most of the risks associated with martingale collars only occur when they’re used incorrectly. So, familiarise yourself with the proper techniques.

Proper Fit & Placement

Martingale collars typically slide over your dog’s head, or clip over the neck, and can be adjusted as needed. They should rest under your dog’s jaw and be snug but not tight. You should be able to easily fit two fingers between your dog’s neck and the collar when your dog is resting and not pulling.

Adjustment Techniques

When you put a martingale collar on for the first time, double check its size by making sure there’s space for two fingers. Like traditional flat collars, you can adjust the size using the tri-glide slide. You should adjust the size based on the resting collar size, not the size when your dog pulls and causes the collar to tighten.

Training Best Practices

Your dog should see their new training collar as an exciting tool rather than something to be wary of. Therefore, positive reinforcement is key. Whenever your dog stops and looks at you after the collar tightens, reward them. The collar acts as a short correction which should immediately be followed by praise or a training treat when your dog reacts appropriately. 

Timing is everything for dog training. As soon as your dog does what you want them to, reward them. If you wait too long, they might not understand that they’re being rewarded for stopping instead of pulling.

When to Switch Off

Martingale collars are excellent tools for most dogs, but every canine is unique. It’s important to know when to use it and when to stick with other training methods. For example, if your dog’s martingale collar is tight for the entire walk, it’s best to stick with a harness for the time being to reduce strain on their neck. You can still use the martingale collar for short training sessions, but don’t use it for long periods until your dog starts to reduce their pulling habits.

Who It’s For & Who It Isn’t

It’s a good idea to consider your dog’s unique personality and needs when choosing training tools. Yet, there are certain dogs that are more likely to benefit from these collars that others. 

Martingale collars work best for patient trainers and dogs that are receptive to new training methods. Show dogs and dogs who are already familiar with the basics thrive with this tool. It can also be ideal for escape artists since it prevents your dog from sliding out of their leash. Young puppies, brachycephalic breeds, and dogs with severe health concerns generally shouldn’t use these collars since their necks are more sensitive than other dogs. 

If both you and your dog are new to dog training, teaching with a martingale collar may be tricky at first. Turning to an experienced trainer for guidance can make the process smoother.

Alternatives Compared

Martingale collars aren’t the only training tool that doubles as walking gear. If you’re not sure if a martingale is what you need, take a look at how similar products compare. For many pet parents, it’s all a matter of personal preference based on your dog’s behaviours.

Flat Buckle Collars

Flat buckle collars are the traditional collars that most dogs wear. They remain a consistent size rather than tightening when your dog pulls. While they’re easy to use and find, they’re not typically used as a training tool. Instead, they’re better for everyday wear and holding your dog’s ID tags.

Pros:

• Easy to put on
• Wide variety of sizes and colours available
• Good for everyday use

Cons:

• Not a training tool
• Applies pressure to your dog’s neck

Head Collars

Head collars, also known as head halters and gentle leaders, go around the dog’s muzzle and nose rather than their neck or chest. When dogs pull while wearing one of these, it gently applies pressure to their muzzle and pulls their head toward you. This can help you teach them to stop and check in with you when they pull without putting pressure on their neck.

Pros:

• Helpful for leash training
• Prevents pressure on your dog’s neck
• Your dog can still drink with it on

Cons:

• Uncomfortable for some dogs
• Not ideal for brachycephalic breeds

Front-Clip Harnesses

Harnesses are great for dogs with sensitive necks because if your dog pulls, the harness applies pressure to their neck instead of their chest. Front-clip harnesses are a unique harness style for leash training because when your dog pulls, they get turned around to face you. This can encourage them to stop pulling while also helping you teach them to frequently look at you. 

Pros:

• Helpful for leash training
• Reduces pulling
• Prevents pressure on your dog’s neck and chest
• Secure for escape artists

Cons:

• Can be confusing for dogs if not paired with proper training
• Can be difficult to put on

Slip Leads

Slip leads are like martingale collars, but they keep tightening further rather than having a stopping point. These leashes have a loop on the end that slips over your dog’s head. They’re great for quickly securing a dog, and like martingale collars, they can help train dogs not to pull. 

Pros:

• Easy to put on and take off
• Offers quick control over reactive dogs
• Prevents dogs from escaping
• Helpful for leash training

Cons:

• Can cause injury if tightened too much
• Unsafe for brachycephalic breeds and other dogs with sensitive necks
• Can make dogs reluctant to walk if not introduced properly

Real‑life Trainer & Vet Insights

Many dog trainers, veterinarians, and animal rescue groups use martingale collars because of their benefits. Dog trainer Thomas Davis is a huge advocate for martingale collars, saying that they can save dogs from slipping out of their collars and getting lost. He says, “we work with thousands of dogs here at the Upstate Canine Academy every single year, and a martingale collar is something that goes on all of our board and trains.”

Vets recognise the benefits of martingale collars, but they often emphasise the importance of proper usage since these collars can damage some dogs’ necks. Phoenix Veterinary Center says, “these collars are recommended for dogs with slender necks or smaller heads” since those are the dogs that can escape the easiest.

If you need help deciding if a martingale collar is right for your dog, consult a professional like a trainer or vet to get personalised advice.

Shopping & Care Tips

Once you know that you want a martingale collar for your dog, it’s important to know how to choose the right one and how to maintain it long-term.

What to Look For

When choosing a martingale collar, look for one made of sturdy materials. This includes fabric that won’t fray and metal that won’t rust or break. Some dog parents prefer collars made of only fabric while others like the ones with a metal stainless steel chain for the loop. The chain may make noise when it tightens, so think about if that noise will help with training or scare your dog.

Next, look for your dog’s size. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between your dog’s neck and the collar when the loop isn’t tightened. The internal stop should tighten around your dog’s neck enough to keep them secure but not so much that it chokes them. If you can’t try it on before buying, measure your dog’s neck just under their jaw. Check the size chart below for an idea of the size your dog may need:

Maintenance Advice

Since dogs almost always have collars on, they get dirty easily. About once a month, clean your dog’s collar to prevent skin irritation. If it smells before a month is up, clean it more often. Most dog collars can be soaked in a bowl of warm water with pet-safe soap. Then, thoroughly dry the collar with a cloth before putting it back on your dog.

When using a martingale collar, it’s a good idea to occasionally check your dog’s neck for signs of redness or swelling. If you notice any irritation, the collar might be causing them discomfort, so you should switch to different walking gear. When in doubt, ask your vet if they think a martingale collar is okay for your dog’s specific needs.

Summary & Recommendations

Martingale collars are extremely useful when used correctly, but they’re not an instant fix. They can help redirect your dog’s pulling when paired with positive reinforcement, and they can prevent dogs from escaping their collars. For best results, consult a trainer to help you use martingale collars and other tools to improve your dog’s walking habits.

If you need help finding the right martingale collar, check out True Charlie’s martingale collar range, which includes no-fuss, durable collar options. You can also ask your dog trainer for personalised product recommendations.