MARTINGALE COLLAR THE ARTFUL CANINE HOW TO
MARTINGALE COLLAR THE ARTFUL CANINE PRO

MARTINGALE COLLAR THE ARTFUL CANINE PRO

Six animal behaviorists and I share our pro tips for boosting the confidence of a fearful dog.

MARTINGALE COLLAR THE ARTFUL CANINE HOW TO

How to Help an Anxious Dog Conquer Their Fears The term martingale likely comes from a piece of horse tack known as a martingale, which is also known as a “tiedown” or “headcheck,” and is a strap that prevents the horse’s head from whipping so far back that it risks hitting the rider. It’s unclear when, exactly, the martingale collar was first invented, but experts agree that it was first used primarily for Sighthounds like Greyhounds, Whippets, and Salukis, who have long, thick necks and narrow heads that regular collars can easily slip over.

Below, everything you need to know to determine if a martingale collar is right for your dog and how to adjust the fit to use it correctly. When the collar is correctly fitted, the design of the martingale allows one to tighten the collar without choking the dog. The first wraps around about three-quarters of the width of the dog’s neck, and the two ends of it are connected by a “control loop,” which can be made of fabric or chain and is where the leash is attached. The martingale collar, also known as a “limited-slip collar” or a “Greyhound collar” is a collar with two loops. But for many dog trainers, walkers, and rescue professionals, one collar has become an indispensable tool for ensuring the safety of dogs who might slip out of a regular collar: the martingale. The answer, of course, depends on your dog and their specific needs. But then, the spiral begins again: What kind of harness? Back clip? Front clip? Head haltie? The sheer number of possible canine restraints is dizzying. Do you go with a standard, utilitarian nylon collar with a buckle? One of those elaborate, beaded Susan Alexandra collars that could be mistaken for currently trending human accessories? Did you know that even Gucci makes collars now? Maybe you forgo a collar entirely in favor of a harness. When it comes to buying a collar for your dog, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of options out there.

Martingale collar the artful canine