Sometimes, one article is not enough to relay all the information pertaining to a subject. That is the case with the recent column about Martingale collars and half check collars. The debate about the different types of choke collars was the subject but there was not space to discuss the proper fit and position of these types of collars, which is a very important aspect of using Martingale and Half Check collars.
To provide a quick summary of the previous article, half check collars and Martingale are quite similar to choke collars but are considered by many to be much more humane. These collars were conceptualized for sight hounds to prevent them from backing out of a regular collar on account that their necks are too large.
Manufactured of either leather or nylon webbing with chain, the half check collars or half choke collars, differ as the Martingale collars are made entirely of nylon webbing. Both have a dual-loop design that acts by contracting around the dog's neck when an attempt is made to escape, yet it will release when the struggling subsides. The unique, limited closing effect of the half check collar and the Martingale collar prevents the collar from becoming too tight.
Martingale collars are generally made up entirely of nylon webbing with two loops. A smaller control loop contains a 'D' shaped ring for connecting a dog leash. A larger loop allows the collar to tighten or loosen to fit the dog's neck. Buckles are frequently added so the collar can be snapped around the dog's neck with ease.
To properly fit and position the Martingale collar, slip it over the dog's head and pull the collar up right behind the ears of the dog. The collar is adjusted here because this is the point where a normal collar slips over the head. The control loop should close when the dee ring is pulled. The two hardware pieces attached to the control loop should be a minimum of two inches apart or the standard two-finger allowance. The two pieces should never touch. If the two pieces touch, your collar is too loose.
The Half Check Collar is similar to the Martingale except part of this collar is made with nylon webbing or leather and the other part is chain. It also has two loops that have the same functions as the Martingale collar. The control loop on this collar is the chain which is a circle. The dee ring is in this circle of chain and is also the attach point for the leash. This chain is also attached to the webbing or leather part of the collar with metal rings. The adjustment loop is in the part of the collar that is webbing or nylon.
The half check collar is fitted in the same fashion as the Martingale collar. If the dog attempts to back out of the collar, the chain retracts the webbing or leather and contains the dog. The chain will never contact the dog. The noise that the tightening chain makes also makes a training tool as the dog tugs against the collar.
When trying out both of these collars, it becomes apparent how equivalent these two collars really are. Fundamentally, these collars act the same way. More importantly, these two collars are more gentle to your dog while tethered to a leash. - 29895
To provide a quick summary of the previous article, half check collars and Martingale are quite similar to choke collars but are considered by many to be much more humane. These collars were conceptualized for sight hounds to prevent them from backing out of a regular collar on account that their necks are too large.
Manufactured of either leather or nylon webbing with chain, the half check collars or half choke collars, differ as the Martingale collars are made entirely of nylon webbing. Both have a dual-loop design that acts by contracting around the dog's neck when an attempt is made to escape, yet it will release when the struggling subsides. The unique, limited closing effect of the half check collar and the Martingale collar prevents the collar from becoming too tight.
Martingale collars are generally made up entirely of nylon webbing with two loops. A smaller control loop contains a 'D' shaped ring for connecting a dog leash. A larger loop allows the collar to tighten or loosen to fit the dog's neck. Buckles are frequently added so the collar can be snapped around the dog's neck with ease.
To properly fit and position the Martingale collar, slip it over the dog's head and pull the collar up right behind the ears of the dog. The collar is adjusted here because this is the point where a normal collar slips over the head. The control loop should close when the dee ring is pulled. The two hardware pieces attached to the control loop should be a minimum of two inches apart or the standard two-finger allowance. The two pieces should never touch. If the two pieces touch, your collar is too loose.
The Half Check Collar is similar to the Martingale except part of this collar is made with nylon webbing or leather and the other part is chain. It also has two loops that have the same functions as the Martingale collar. The control loop on this collar is the chain which is a circle. The dee ring is in this circle of chain and is also the attach point for the leash. This chain is also attached to the webbing or leather part of the collar with metal rings. The adjustment loop is in the part of the collar that is webbing or nylon.
The half check collar is fitted in the same fashion as the Martingale collar. If the dog attempts to back out of the collar, the chain retracts the webbing or leather and contains the dog. The chain will never contact the dog. The noise that the tightening chain makes also makes a training tool as the dog tugs against the collar.
When trying out both of these collars, it becomes apparent how equivalent these two collars really are. Fundamentally, these collars act the same way. More importantly, these two collars are more gentle to your dog while tethered to a leash. - 29895
About the Author:
The owner of the dog ought to be well-informed about the various collars available and how to use them properly as to not cause harm to the dog. Jim Witt suggests visiting Country Brook Design to view the vast inventory of custom made Martingale Collars that are available in many sizes and colors.
