Whippets, greyhounds, lurchers, and similar breeds are agile and quick dogs. However, their slender heads and swift movements make them prone to slipping out of standard dog collars. Martingale collars are designed to prevent escapes and ensure the safety of these breeds. In this article we explore the reason martingale collars could be a good choice for you and your dog.
Understanding the Problem
Sighthound breeds - whippets, greyhounds, lurchers and the like, have truly unique features and behaviours that make them more likely to escape from a traditional dog collar. Their necks can be as wide as their head which means they can easily slip out of standard collars. Most sighthounds have a high prey drive and sudden bursts of speed, which can lead to unexpected escape attempts. They are also particularly sensitive souls and can be jumpy; the outside world can be an overwhelming place especially for rescue hounds making them a potential flight risk. A martingale collar can keep your dog safe from the risk of injury or becoming lost.
What is a Martingale collar?
A martingale collar, also known as a limited-slip collar, has two loops of material - a larger loop around the dog's neck and a smaller loop connected to a metal ring. The lead then attaches to this metal ring. When the dog pulls or tries to back out of the collar, the tension on the lead means that the smaller loop will tighten slightly. This action gently creates pressure around the dog's neck and stops them from slipping out of the collar while still making sure they are comfortable and safe.
In contrast a standard collar can so easily slip over a dog's head. With the martingale collars tightening action triggered by any attempt by a lively or nervous dog to pull or back out, they can't escape. It's important to emphasise that the collar only tightens a little when it needs to, just enough so that it stays snugly in place. This gives reliable control during walks without constricting excessively or hurting the dog. When properly fitted, it sits comfortably around the dog's neck so the dog can still move naturally.
How to use a Martingale Collar
Here we'll share our guidelines to make sure you and your dog are getting all the benefits of a martingale collar.
- Fit Properly: the collar needs to fit snugly around the neck when tightened but with enough room to be comfortable. The two pieces of hardware either side of the small loop should not touch when the collar tightens. If they do, the collar is fitted too loosely and needs to be adjusted to a smaller size.
- Check Regularly: routinely inspect the collar and replace immediately if there is any damage or wear and tear.
- Use under supervision: always supervise your dog when wearing a martingale collar, especially during playtime and remove your dog’s martingale collar when indoors.
- ID tags: should not be attached to the martingale collar. Instead, use a house or ID collar alongside a martingale collar.
The Benefits of Martingale Collars
- Security: a properly fitting martingale collar ensures your dog is secure and safe. It will give you peace of mind by reducing the risk of any escape during walks or time spent outdoors.
- Comfort: martingale collars have a wider fit to distribute weight. The collar has a gentle tightening mechanism, so it is not as uncomfortable or even painful as standard collars, choke chains or slip leads can be.
- Versatile: martingale collars are suitable to use in different places including training sessions and everyday walks.
You can find our Martingale collars here!
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