Ask a dog trainer: what type of dog collar should I use?

You have a lot of choices when it comes to your dog’s collar. Many are marketed like an “accessory” with pretty colors, charms and even flower attachments.

But your dog’s collar is much more than just a fashion statement. It can keep them safe if they get lost since it’s proof that they have an owner and the attached tags may help them find their way home. It keeps them with you and helps you train them–with the use of a leash, of course!

But what type of collar should you use? Are some better than others? Are there types to stay away from? Here is a quick Dog Collar 101 to help you decide which one might be best for you and your best friend.

Regular Collars

1) Flat Collars

This is your typical collar. Usually it has a plastic or metal snap buckle, and some have buckles like a belt. Below is an example. This is what most people think of when they hear the word “dog collar.”

Pros

They lay flat against your dog’s neck and are quite comfortable for them to wear all the time, provided you don’t have it on too tight.

Cons

Video: Starting A Dog On A Prong Collar With Conversational Leash Work | Tyler Muto Dogmanship

Many dogs can slip out of these collars, which can be dangerous if you are out for a walk in the neighborhood. If your dog is a constant puller, it does put pressure on your dog’s neck and throat, which can cause injury.

Fitting

Video: Punishment Versus Reward Training in dogs using smarties and a shock collar on humans.

When fitting the collar, you should be able to put two fingers between the inside of the collar and the dog’s neck. Remember to check your growing puppy’s collar often – they can get tight quick!

Should my dog wear a flat collar?

If you have a well-mannered dog that doesn’t pull constantly and has a blocky head, than this type of collar is just fine. If your dog does back out of or slip their collar, then skip this type for safety reasons.

2) Martingales

Some have never heard of a martingale. A martingale is a collar that has an extra loop where the leash attaches that tightens when tension is applied. These collars were created to fix the problem of dogs slipping out of their flat collars. Sometimes there are referred to as “no-slip collars” due to this feature.

Pros

Makes it so your dog cannot slip their collar, which is very important.

Cons

If fitted improperly, they can work like a choke collar, so they must be fitted correctly. Also, on short legged breeds, the extra loop can cause a tripping hazard if their foot gets caught. The loop is also a danger for getting caught on things so it’s not recommended that this collar be left on your dog when he is loose in your house or yard. Keep a flat collar with tags on it handy for yard play.

Fitting

As mentioned above, fit for this collar is imperative, otherwise it becomes a choke, which is NOT the intended use. When the collar comes together on your dog (as it’s pulled tight), you should be able to fit your two fingers between it and your dog’s neck, just like with the flat collar. Then test to make sure your dog can’t slip out by bringing the loop on the martingale to the top of your dog’s head, then gently pull forward to test if your dog can back out when it’s tightened.

Should my dog wear a martingale collar?

They are almost a must for dogs with slim heads like Greyhounds, Shelties, etc., as these types of “bullet heads” slip collars easily. But, they can be worn by any dog as an added safety measure. I’ve met some pretty talented dogs with all sizes of heads that could wiggle, fling and/or back their way out of a regular collar.

Types of Material

Both the flat and the martingale come in a variety of materials. This is mostly personal choice, but there are some useful things to be aware of:

Metal parts. Some dogs are allergic to metal. If yours is, then stay away from martingales with a chain for the loop part. Also, this chain can cause finer hair to get caught and tangle, which can be painful for your dog.

Synthetic. If your dog spends a lot of time in the mud and/or water, you may want to consider a synthetic collar that is made to resist odor, mildew and is waterproof. Ruff Wear makes a cool line of collars and leashes made of a coated webbing that is waterproof, stink-proof, and easy to clean.

Nylon. Nylon collars are nice because you can throw them in the washing machine (some embellishments may not be washable).

Leather. Classic and beautiful, leather collars can be very expensive. Leather holds up as long as you take care of it (cleaning it with a leather cleaner and polishing it every once in awhile).

Leather can crack if it gets wet/muddy and is not cleaned properly before it dries. In addition, I have heard of instances where some leather collars shrink when they get wet, so that’s something to check for when buying a brand new collar. Also, some dyes will rub off on white fur when wet, staining the fur.

Aversive Collars

The following three collars are aversion or “correction” collars. There is no reason to use one of these on your dogs. Below I explain just a few reasons these should not be used. There are many more reasons, but they would take a whole article all by themselves.

3) Prong

Prong collars, also sometimes called pinch collars, have been around a long time. The collar is made of links with “teeth-like” prongs on the inside.

When the control loop is pulled, these teeth pinch your dog’s skin, causing discomfort and pain as a form of correction. Some say they are supposed to synthesize the bite of another dog, but this makes no sense- another dog is not going to “correct” a dog for pulling on a leash or not sitting quickly enough.

Originally, these were always metal, but they are now being made with plastic prongs, and even nylon covered ones that “conceal” the prong collar.

These collars are popular with correction-based dog trainers. They are often given to owners to use on dogs that are reactive, strong pullers, or just generally hard to handle. However, they come with great risks. Prong collars can damage a dog’s trachea as well as cause injury to their neck.

Since science has proven that positive reinforcement techniques are more effective, there is no reason to use a prong collar. These collars have actually been banned in many countries including New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, Austria and Switzerland. There is currently a movement to get them banned in the United States.

4) Choke Collar

Almost every dog owner is familiar with the choke collar. Usually a chain (but can also be made of fabric or even leather, which are typically seen in the conformation ring), choke collars do exactly what their name implies. As soon as either end of the leash pulls, it tightens around your dog’s throat, with no stop or restriction. You can literally choke a dog to death with this collar.

Again, like the prong collar, the choke collar has a lot of health hazards including trachea damage. If your dog pulls enough on a choke collar, especially a little dog, you will be facing trachea surgery, which costs thousands of dollars. In addition, if you leave one on your dog and that ring gets caught on something, your dog could strangle to death.

There is no reason to use a choke collar, especially when you are aware of the risk of injury to your dog.

5) Electric Collar

Electric “shock” collars should never be used. They cause pain and fear in dogs and do not teach them anything that positive methods cannot — except fear and distrust.

A prime example: If you have a dog that is scared, it may be reactive (lunges, barks, etc. at dogs as they pass). Does it really makes sense to shock them for that reaction? Now they associate the pain of the shock with every dog they see – definitely not something that is going to ease their fear.

Instead, what if they got a tasty treat every time they saw a dog and did not react? All of sudden other dogs means food – something almost all dogs love. Don’t you think that dog would start to look forward to seeing other dogs, because they know what it means?

Plus, dogs are smart. They know when they are not wearing that collar. Do you want a dog that minds because he wants to and it’s rewarding, or a dog that only does what is asked because he is afraid of being punished? As soon as that collar is off, that dog will most likely misbehave.

Don’t sell your dog short. They can learn and think just as well as a toddler and we all know you wouldn’t put this on your child. Instead, pick one of the first two collars and work with a dog trainer who uses positive methods. You and and your dog will be happier.

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