Proper Fit and Positioning of the Martingale Collar
Posted by adminThe Martingale collar is a fabric alternative to the controversial metal choke chain collar. The metal choke chain collar is a collar made of metal links that will tighten on the dog’s neck if the dog is pulling hard against the leash.
The martingale also tightens with the dog’s pulling, but with its softer fabric design, often nylon webbing, most consider this collar the more humane choice. Originally, it was created with smaller-head dog breeds in mind. Whippets, Greyhounds, Bolzoi, Saluki, and Italian Greyhounds are all dog breeds that have a larger neck than head, making it much easier for such a dog to escape a collar.
The Martingale collar has a small control loop that holds the dee ring, the attachment point for the leash. The second loop adjusts the width of the collar to fit the dog’s neck properly. The collar may also have a buckle for easy removal and replacement of the fitted collar.
In order to position it correctly, the collar should be placed directly behind the ears of the dog. The two pieces of hardware, the two rings, should be about two inches apart and should never touch. If the rings are touching, the collar will be too loose.
Pulling on the dee ring should cause the control loop to close. Make sure that you can fit two fingers under the dog’s collar comfortably. If not, the collar is too tight and needs to be loosened a little more. Ensuring proper fit, in this way, can protect your dog from injury at the same time as keeping him or her from breaking free from the collar and getting lost.
There are many dog collars available on the market today. Your choice is simplified if you know a little about what the collar is designed to do. In order to find the right collar for your dog, here are some of the possibilities.

