Miss Lola is sporting her Frog Collar

What is a Martingale Collar

A Martingale collar is a type of dog collar that provides more control over the dog without the choking effect of a slip collar. It is referred to as a martingale, because it is similar to a horse’s martingale. They are also known as Greyhound, Whippet or humane choke collars. It was originally designed for Sighthounds because their necks are larger than their heads and they can slip out of buckle collars. They have become increasingly popular with other dog breed owners and with many trainers who prefer the gentle control of a martingale collar over a choke chain, as well as owners of dogs who try to back out of their traditional buckle collars, and agility and flyball trainers who want a handle on their dog’s collar at all times.

How a Martingale Collar Works

A martingale collar is made with two loops. The large loop is placed around the dog’s neck and adjusted to fit loosely. The leash is then clipped to the D ring on the small loop. The additional D ring on the large loop is for dogs tags. When the dog tries to pull their head out of the collar, the tension on the leash pulls the small loop taunt, which makes the large loop smaller and tighter on the neck-- preventing escape. When adjusted properly the dog is never choked, but the collar stays snug around the dog's neck (just behind the ears) until the pressure is released. Make sure when adjusting the martingale collar when you pull on the smaller loop that the two slip locks come together without choking your dog. Ideally, there should be a finger width or two when smaller loop is fully pulled to limit any potential choking. The problem with standard buckle collars is that for the collar to be tight enough that it can't slip over the ears when pulled, it must be uncomfortably tight all the time. The martingale collar allows the dog to wear a comfortably loose collar that is only tight when it needs to be tight.

 

Watch trainer Robert Cabral explain how the
Martingale Collar works in the video below