Collars that help you keep your pup securely on-leash, humanely and safely.
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We tested Martingale collars from Wolfgang, Ruffwear, Pawtitas, and more to find products that offer the most secure control without discomfort, particularly for dogs that can slip out or pull hard on their leashes.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Product Ratings
- Understanding Martingale Collars: The Basics
- Selecting the Right Martingale Collar for Your Dog
- Proper Use and Care of Martingale Collars
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about why a martingale collar might be the perfect choice for your furry friend, you’re in the right place. Designed for gentle control, these collars are ideal for dogs that tend to slip out of their collars or pull on the leash. To help you navigate the world of martingale collars, we’ve researched and tested 10 top-rated options, bringing you the best in class. This article will dive into the benefits, selection tips, and maintenance guidelines, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your dog’s training and safety needs.
Looking for Fi collars? Check out our review article on Fi Series 3 dog collars.
Key Takeaways
- Our roundup includes a side-by-side comparison of the 5 best in class martingale collars, with our #1 pick being Wolfgang’s Premium Martingale dog collar.
- Martingale collars, designed for increased control and safety, tighten evenly when the leash is pulled, preventing dogs from slipping out without choking them.
- When selecting a martingale collar, it’s important to consider the dog’s size, breed and the collar’s material for sizing accuracy and durability, with special consideration for sighthounds due to their physique.
Product Ratings
| Wolfgang Premium Martingale Dog Collar | Pawtitas Customized Martingale Dog Collar | Ruffwear Web Reaction™ Martingale Dog Collar | The Artful Canine Martingale Collar | Country Brook Design – Martingale Heavy Duty Nylon Dog Collar | |
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| Nice to Know |   | |
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| Price | Check today’s price | Check today’s price | Check today’s price | Check today’s price | Check today’s price |
| Primary Benefit | Stylish designs | Customizable ID | High production quality | Customizable design | Quirky designs |
| Overall Score | |||||
| Pros | Durable and strong, adjustable fit for various dog sizes, attractive design and vibrant colors, quality materials, martingale style for secure use, easy-to-use buckle for quick application and removal, suitable for large and strong dogs as well as smaller breeds. | High-quality and durable, customizable with pet’s name and phone number, highly reflective for night safety, comfortable for pets, easily adjustable for a perfect fit, and vibrant colors for enhanced visibility. | Reflective and visible, secure leash attachment, easy side-release buckle, convenient tag attachment, and noise-reducing tag silencer. | Customers appreciate the collar’s wide variety of colors and customization options, including an extra D-ring for tags, highlighting its quality, durability, and the reflective material’s visibility. Its easy on-off clip and martingale design enhance safety and convenience during walks, complemented by fast delivery and exceptional customer service. | Vibrant, culturally inspired designs, sturdy and adjustable construction, wide D-ring for multiple tags and leash, room for growth, and high-quality materials. |
| Cons | Sizing issues leading to loose or tight fits, metal parts prone to wear and tear, color fading with time, some find the collar too bulky or heavy, lack of a middle size for optimal fit, concerns about the durability of plastic clasps. | May have sizing issues with larger sizes being too big for the intended dog size, lacks a clasp for easy removal, some concerns about the collar loosening over time, limited adjustability, and potential for the reflective material to wear off with extensive use. | Sizing inaccuracies leading to loose fit, plastic components may lack durability, and the tag attachment ring might detach, posing a safety concern. | Some customers report issues with the tag tab’s placement and metal buckle durability, alongside sizing inaccuracies for both small and large breeds, which compromise functionality and safety. The non-returnable policy on custom items also stands out as a point of dissatisfaction. | No buckle for easy removal, potential fading over time, concerns about durability in harsh conditions, and occasional sizing issues leading to a loose fit. |
| Bottom Line | This collar boasts fabric durability, an adjustable fit, and attractive designs. Its stylish appearance and easy-to-use buckle are appealing. However, it faces sizing inaccuracies and concerns over metal wear and color fading, alongside occasional feedback about bulkiness and clasp durability. | Great for visibility at night and personalization, the Pawtitas collar offers durability, high reflectivity, and customization options. However, it faces challenges with sizing accuracy, absence of a clasp for easy removal, and concerns over adjustability and long-term durability of the reflective material. | Ideal for dogs that pull or try to escape, this collar offers a secure and adjustable fit, quality craftsmanship, and vibrant colors. However, it may present sizing inaccuracies and durability concerns with plastic components and the tag attachment ring. | The Artful Canine Martingale Collar is well-regarded for its quality, wide range of customization options, and reflective features, appealing to dog owners seeking a reliable option. However, attention should be given to sizing, buckle durability, tag tab placement, and the restrictive return policy on custom items. | Vibrant, culturally inspired designs with sturdy construction, making it ideal for larger breeds. However, the lack of a buckle for easy removal and potential durability concerns in harsh conditions might be drawbacks for some users. |
| Performance Scores | Wolfgang Premium Martingale Dog Collar | Pawtitas Customized Martingale Dog Collar | Ruffwear Web Reaction Martingale Dog Collar | The Artful Canine Martingale Collar | Country Brook Design – Martingale Heavy Duty Nylon Dog Collar |
| Fit (40%) | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Style (20%) | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
| Security (20%) | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Durability (20%) | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 |
Understanding Martingale Collars: The Basics
To appreciate the advantages of martingale collars over traditional flat or regular ones, it’s essential to understand their unique design. These collars, also known as ‘limited slip collars,’ are designed to prevent dogs, especially those with slender heads, from slipping out of their collars. This dual-segment design includes a stable neck loop and an adjustable control loop, offering better containment and control than a regular collar.
The lightweight nature of the martingale dog collar adds to its appeal, as it provides a comfortable fit while maintaining consistent effectiveness for dogs of all sizes. This means that regardless of whether you have a petite Chihuahua or a hefty Saint Bernard, a martingale dog collar can offer secure control without causing discomfort.
How Martingale Collars Work
Martingale collars use an innovative dual-loop system, a larger loop that fits around the dog’s neck, and a smaller loop to which the leash attaches. This unique martingale design ensures that the collar tightens evenly when the leash is tugged, providing a humane form of control.
When the leash is pulled, the smaller loop triggers the larger loop to tighten around the dog’s neck, thereby preventing the dog from pulling away and escaping. This tightening effect only occurs when the dog pulls, ensuring that the collar does not choke the dog, thereby providing a humane form of control. Owing to this design, martingale collars are highly recommended for training sessions or walks as they offer enhanced control and security.
Benefits of Using a Martingale Collar
Martingale collars have numerous benefits, especially for dogs like Greyhounds and Whippets with smaller heads proportional to their neck size. These collars help prevent dogs from slipping out, ensuring their safety during outdoor activities or leash training sessions.
Moreover, martingale collars serve as a good training tool. They:
- Allow greater control without causing harm or discomfort, encouraging dogs to stop pulling
- Distribute pressure evenly around the neck, which can be advantageous for dogs with sensitive necks or tracheal issues
- Offer a safer alternative to choke chains, which can cause injury if not used correctly
Considering these benefits, martingale collars become an indispensable accessory in your dog’s training toolkit.
Selecting the Right Martingale Collar for Your Dog
To select the right martingale collar for your dog, it’s important to consider various factors such as the dog’s size, breed, and specific needs. While flat collars are useful for daily use and initial training, martingale collars are specifically designed for dogs that tend to pull strongly on their leash, offering enhanced control.
Martingale collars are particularly beneficial for various sighthound breeds, such as Afghan Hound, Borzoi, and Whippet. These breeds are known for their slender necks and heads, and a martingale collar’s design caters perfectly to these physical characteristics. So, whether your dog is a strong puller or a breed with a slimmer neck and head, there’s a martingale collar that’s just right for them!
Sizing and Fit
Identifying the right size is imperative for the effectiveness and comfort of the martingale collar. Here’s a simple guide: measure the largest part of the dog’s head and the mid-neck, then add a 1 inch for necks under 13 inches, or 2 inches for necks over 13 inches.
Once you’ve found the right size, adjust the collar starting at the largest size, slip it over the dog’s head, and then tighten for a snug fit that still allows a finger or two between the collar and the neck. A properly fitted martingale collar should tighten to the dog’s neck size without allowing it to slip out or choke when it’s at its smallest adjustment.
As the dog’s size changes, make sure to routinely check the fit to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
Material and Durability
When it comes to material and durability, a more active dog may require more durable materials such as thick nylon or leather for their martingale collars. Webbing options offer more strength, making them suitable for larger or stronger dogs. Some brands even offer a “martingale re-looping program” to extend the life of the collar when the loop wears out.
From hypoallergenic materials like bamboo fibers for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies to fade-resistant woven jacquard with a nylon webbing backing, the choices are endless. Martingale collars made with these materials are not only durable but also machine washable.
For dogs exposed to water, materials like biothane or coated webbing prove to be waterproof and quick-drying. With a wide variety of materials, you can choose a collar that’s not only durable but also fits your dog’s needs and your lifestyle.
Reflective Features
In low-light conditions, the reflective features on martingale collars augment visibility, thereby ensuring the safety of the dog and providing reassurance to the owner. Reflective threading or stitching found in some martingale collars is specially designed to catch even the smallest bit of light, thereby enhancing the dog’s visibility during dusk, dawn, or nighttime.
Martingale collars often employ high-quality, 3M reflective material, renowned for its ability to ensure that dogs remain visible even in poorly lit environments. Personalized reflective dog collars add an extra layer of protection as they help prevent accidents by making dogs more discernible to drivers and pedestrians in low light.
Proper Use and Care of Martingale Collars
After choosing the ideal martingale collar for your dog, understanding its proper use and care can prolong its lifespan and retain its effectiveness. Martingale collars are ideal for monitored walks and training sessions, but they should be removed during unsupervised times or play to ensure the dog’s safety.
Safe Usage Guidelines
Safe use of a martingale collar entails proper adjustment and removal when the dog is unsupervised. A martingale collar must be properly adjusted to ensure safety and effectiveness, and should never be left on an unsupervised dog to prevent potential risks.
In addition, do not leave martingale collars on puppies or unattended dogs, as there is a risk of chewing or getting caught which can cause injury. Prioritizing your dog’s safety, avoid allowing dogs to go outdoors off-leash with a martingale collar to prevent choking hazards if the loop gets caught in brush or on fencing around the dogs neck.
Martingale collars must not be worn by dogs when confined in kennels or crates, as there’s a risk of the loop getting hooked on the cage, which could lead to choking.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Keeping your dog’s martingale collar clean and durable not only extends its lifespan but also preserves its effectiveness. Martingale collars are designed to be easy to clean, which assists in maintaining their durability and appearance. These collars are machine-washable, making their maintenance hassle-free.
Certain types of martingale collars, such as hemp collars, can be machine washed with cold water and tumbled dry for easy maintenance. To preserve the look of natural color martingale collars, they should be washed with a load of white clothing. By regularly cleaning your dog’s collar, you can ensure it remains in top condition and continues to provide safety and control during your walks and training sessions.
Summary
In conclusion, martingale collars are a versatile and essential tool for dog owners. They offer a unique design that prevents dogs, especially those with slender heads, from slipping out of their collars, ensuring their safety during outdoor activities or leash training sessions. The lightweight nature of these collars provides a comfortable fit while maintaining consistent effectiveness for dogs of all sizes.
Choosing the right martingale collar involves considering the dog’s size, breed, and specific needs. Sizing and fit, material and durability, and additional features such as reflectivity and personalization all play a role in selecting the perfect martingale collar. With proper use and care, a martingale collar can be a durable, reliable, and stylish addition to your dog’s training toolkit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are martingale collars good for dogs?
Yes, martingale collars are good for dogs, especially for those who are adept at slipping out of their collar or for fearful dogs who may try to retreat while out on a walk. They are a must-have for anxious and fearful dogs.
Is it OK for a dog to wear a martingale collar all the time?
No, it is not okay for a dog to wear a martingale collar all the time as it can pose a choking hazard when left unattended. Be mindful of your pet’s safety.
What is the point of a martingale collar?
The point of a martingale collar is to prevent dogs from slipping out of it, as it tightens in response to a pull on the lead. This can be especially useful for dogs that tend to escape traditional collars, including Greyhounds and Whippets with smaller heads proportional to their neck size.
How to measure my dog for a martingale collar?
To measure your dog for a martingale collar, first measure the largest part of the dog’s head and the mid-neck. Then, add an inch for necks under 13 inches, or 2 inches for necks over 13 inches. For buckle martingale collars, measure the dog’s neck and add 1 to 1.5 inches for smaller dogs, or 2 inches for larger dogs.
How to maintain a martingale collar?
To maintain a martingale collar, it can be machine-washed with cold water and tumbled dry to keep it clean and durable.
