Are Martingale Collars Safe? Yes… When Used This Way

Martingales are a safe and effective option to prevent dogs from slipping out of their collars. To get the most effective use out of them, you need to ensure three things:

• Proper fit
• Proper size
• Proper use

What Is A Martingale Collar?

A martingale collar, or a no-slip collar, tightens when the dog pulls on it. This provides more control without harming the dog’s neck and throat. If you own a martingale collar, put it around your arm and pull it to see how it works.

We all know the danger to dogs and others when they can escape from their collars. Martingale collars can prevent this.

Note: Martingale collars are primarily meant to prevent dogs from slipping out of their collars when they pull. They may also be a short-term training tool but are more apt as a safety device.

Are Martingale Collars Cruel?

Martingale collars are not cruel. Their design provides more control, distributing pressure evenly. Like all dog training tools, they become cruel when they’re overused or used improperly. Combine your martingale collar with positive reinforcement and proper training techniques.

When Martingale Collars Are Unsafe (And Cruel)

1. When a dog is left unattended with a martingale collar. Use them only for training or walks while you supervise. Sadly, your dog can get caught on something, which could tighten the collar dangerously. We’d suggest additionally fitting your dog with a traditional buckle collar.
2. When they’re used on dogs with weak necks and breathing issues. Martingale collars tighten under tension. Harnesses are a safer alternative, distributing pressure more evenly and avoiding airway constriction.
3. When they’re used on stubborn dogs who pull no matter what. Some dogs don’t associate the tightening of martingales with the discomfort around their neck. If this sounds like your dog, they’re a better candidate for professional training and a harness. Constant tightening around the neck can damage the trachea.
4. When used as a long-term solution to train a dog to stop pulling. Let’s make this clear, martingale collars are NOT a long-term solution. Use them as a second or third option and plan to phase them out.

How To Size A Martingale Collar

• Fitting Buckle Martingale Collars: Measure the middle of your dog’s neck (where the collar will sit). Add at least 1 inch for smaller dogs and at least 2 inches for larger dogs.
• Fitting a Slip-On Martingale Collar: Measure the largest part of your dog’s head and the middle of your dog’s neck (where the collar will sit). Add at least 1 inch for smaller dogs and at least 2 inches for larger dogs.

NOTE: If your dog’s head is larger than its neck, use its head measurement to determine the size you need. If your dog’s neck is larger than its head, use its neck measurement to determine the size you need.

For small dogs, the typical width of a martingale collar will be around 3/4”, while the most common option for medium to large dogs is 1”, and the most popular choice for medium to extra-large dogs is 1.5”.

How To Fit Martingale Collars

Generally, a dog collar should be snug but not too tight or loose. Be sure to follow the “two-finger rule,” meaning that once the collar is secured on your dog, your pointer finger and middle finger should fit between the collar and neck. Based on your dog’s neck measurement, you want to add 1-2 inches to the collar size.

Note: If you have a puppy, it is essential to check its collar weekly—at minimum—until it is fully grown.

Martingale Collars Vs. Choke & Prong Collars

Martingale collars are similar to choke collars in that they tighten when pulled on. Unlike choke collars, however, martingale collars have a maximum tightness that, when properly fit, won’t choke your dog. Choke collars fall at the bottom of the “humane hierarchy” because they rely on negative reinforcement and punishment to work.

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior says that:

Martingale Collars For Dogs With Sensitive Skin

Martingale collars can be an effective tool for dogs with sensitive skin. Collars being too tight is one of the top causes of dog collar rash and other skin irritations. You may feel the need to tighten you dogs collar either after a succesful back-out or if your dog constantly pulls.

Although tempting, this is a bad idea.

Constant pressure on the neck is not only uncomfortable, but it can cause permanent damage to your dog’s neck.

It can also harm them psychologically if they establish wearing their collar and going for walks as a punishment ritual.

A better solution is a properly adjusted martingale collar. This type of dog collar cannot be backed out of like a traditional collar. We suggest investing in either a collor or a harness for your dog if they have sensitive skin.