| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Country Brook Petz Martingale Heavy Duty Nylon Dog Collar |
| Best with Buckle | Max and Neo Nylon Martingale Collar |
| Best Leather | Mighty Paw Leather Martingale Collar |
| Best Reflective | haapaw Quick Release Reflective Martingale Collar |
Collars are essential for every dog. Your local law might require you to do this, but that’s not the only reason. The dog collar serves as a basic requirement for identifying the dog as having a home and that there are people who care for him if he gets lost. There are many collars out there, but the martingale collar is one of the best. You might need to help your pup learn how to behave on a leash. Or maybe your dog has a tendency to slip out of its leash quite easily. No matter what the case is, a martingale collar can be of great help to you.
With its non-slip properties, a martingale collar is an excellent tool for teaching dogs how to behave on a leash without causing injury. The collar prevents your escape artist pup from backing out of his collar while you are out for a walk and breaking free. As well as preventing enthusiastic dogs from pulling on the leash, this collar allows you to maintain greater control over their actions. Due to the way they tighten when the leash is tense, you might think of martingale collars as collars that choke your dog. In spite of that, a martingale collar properly fitted won’t choke your dog. Due to their construction, martingale collars can only be adjusted to a dog’s neck width, unlike a chain choke collar, which can be tightened to any length.
Check Amazon- Sizes Micro-XLarge fits necks from 5 inches to 31 inches
- No buckle, slip-on adjustable nylon collar
- Available in 21 different colors
- Colorfast dye to resist fading when wet
Check Amazon- Adjustable nylon with locking buckle
- Sized to fit necks 10" - 33" (XS-XL)
- Available in 7 colors
- For every sale, a collar is donated to a rescue shelter
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Dog trainer approved brown leather adjustable collar
- Limited cinch collar tightens gently for correction without choking
- Sizes Small - Large fits necks 10.5" - 20.5"
- Stainless steel chain and hardware
Check Amazon- Available in 8 colors as solo collar or matching collar/leash combo
- Adjustable nylon design with safe lock buckle
- Fits necks sized 12"-21"
- Reflective piping for visibility
Top Picks: The Best Martingale Collars Today
#1 Best Overall: Country Brook Petz Martingale Heavy Duty Nylon Dog Collar
The Country Brook Petz Martingale Heavy Duty Nylon Dog Collar is our pick for the best overall martingale collar available on the market today.
A dog collar of this style is perfect for dogs of any size and breed to wear on a daily basis. Based on our requirements for durability, comfort, style, size, as well as cost, we considered this collar to be the best overall martingale collar. High-tensile strength nylon is used to manufacture this martingale collar. Box stitching is situated at pressure points to increase durability. You don’t have to worry about your pup’s strong pull snapping this heavy-duty material because it’s soft and comfortable. A major advantage of nylon is its ability to handle moisture and humidity. In the unlikely event that you get it wet, either through cleaning it or through the antics of your dog, its sturdiness will not be adversely affected.
In addition, this collar has nickel-plated steel rings that will not break or corrode. The metal won’t rub against your pet’s neck and cause discomfort, chafing, and/or sores. Whatever type of dog you have, this collar won’t be noticed by them until you pull on the leash. Country Brook offers a wide selection of dog collars, in addition to being well-made and sturdy. Martingale collars are available in sizes that suit Chihuahuas to German Shepherds and in colors ranging from mango to royal blue.
Pros and Cons of the Country Brook Petz Martingale Heavy Duty Nylon Dog Collar
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The collar is extremely affordable. | There may be a discrepancy between collar size and measurement. |
| Various sizes are available to fit different breeds of dogs. | |
| The nylon is silky soft and will keep your dog comfortable all day long. | |
- Sizes Micro-XLarge fits necks from 5 inches to 31 inches
- No buckle, slip-on adjustable nylon collar
- Available in 21 different colors
- Colorfast dye to resist fading when wet
2. Best Collar with Buckle: Max and Neo Nylon Martingale Collar
Designed from sturdy nylon, this martingale collar from Max and Neo includes locking plastic buckles to provide added safety. There are two main benefits to using a martingale collar with a buckle. The collar can be easily fitted around your pup’s neck and adjusted to fit properly because of this buckle. As a result of the buckle, you are able to remove the collar easily and safely. In the event that the collar becomes tangled or caught on something, it is particularly important to be able to untangle it easily. A unique feature of the Max and Neo collar is its buckle, which has a locking mechanism that prevents the clasp from being unlocked by pulling on the leash.
As with our number one pick, this martingale collar with a buckle is made mostly of nylon, a durable and soft material. It has reflective stitching, however, unlike a martingale collar from Country Brook, so you can easily see your dog if you take him/her for nighttime walks or early winter morning walks. As a final benefit of buying the Max and Neo Nylon Martingale Collar, the company donates a martingale collar with a buckle for every purchase. Consequently, your money helps not just your pet, but also a rescue organization for dogs in need of support.
Pros and Cons of the Max and Neo Nylon Martingale Collar
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is the mission of Max and Neo to give back to the dog community. | Owners have reported that the dog tag clip cannot hold more than one or two tags at a time. |
| In order for your dog to be more visible at night, the collar features reflective stitching. | |
| Dog tags can be attached separately to this Martingale collar. | |
- Adjustable nylon with locking buckle
- Sized to fit necks 10" - 33" (XS-XL)
- Available in 7 colors
- For every sale, a collar is donated to a rescue shelter
3. Best Leather Collar: Mighty Paw Leather Martingale Collar
Made with genuine leather and stainless steel, this collar from Mighty Paw is made to last. Besides looking great on your pup’s neck, the rich chocolate brown leather is also comfortable to wear, even when tightened. Furthermore, dogs with sensitive skin will not experience an allergic reaction to it. Despite being strong, Mighty Paw’s leather collar is also soft, so it doesn’t need to be adjusted or lubricated to fit your dog comfortably.
As with most leather products, this Mighty Paw collar is more expensive than the nylon ones. In spite of that, it’s only a dollar more than the Max and Neo collars, which is a reasonable price, especially if your dog has sensitive skin.
Pros and Cons of the Mighty Paw Leather Martingale Collar
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This 100% stainless steel chain is more durable than conventional chains. | The price of this collar is higher than that of nylon collars. |
| With 100% premium quality leather and stainless steel chain, this chain can withstand any weather conditions. | There have been some complaints that the leather from the collar bleeds on the coat of their dogs. |
| Their collars also included buckles. | |
- Dog trainer approved brown leather adjustable collar
- Limited cinch collar tightens gently for correction without choking
- Sizes Small - Large fits necks 10.5" - 20.5"
- Stainless steel chain and hardware
4. Best Reflective Collar: haapaw Quick Release Reflective Martingale Collar
There is a lot of peace of mind when it comes to quick-release buckles. Haapaw reflective martingale collars, however, add even more safety to your walking experience at night by adding reflective piping. The reflective detailing and quick-release safe lock buckle prevent accidental release of the collar, which provides the same training advantages as any other martingale collar. To round things off, this high-vis collar has been rigorously tested. The hardware, buckle, and nylon webbing are all durable enough to last for a very long time.
Pros and Cons of the haapaw Quick Release Reflective Martingale Collar
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Designed with highly reflective piping to keep you visible and safe when walking at night or very early in the morning. | There may be a problem with finding the perfect fit for your dog. |
| This leash is equipped with a quick-release buckle with a safety lock to prevent the dog from accidentally releasing it. | |
| Designed with high-density nylon webbing that is durable and long-lasting. | |
- Available in 8 colors as solo collar or matching collar/leash combo
- Adjustable nylon design with safe lock buckle
- Fits necks sized 12"-21"
- Reflective piping for visibility
How to Choose the Best Martingale Collar
If your dog pulls on the leash or escapes, you are likely looking for a martingale collar. It becomes a habit for dogs to slip out of a standard collar once they figure out how to do it, leaving them vulnerable to injury. It is also not a good idea to try to pull the dog harder because you might end up choking your dog and straining their neck if you do.
You can solve this problem by using a martingale collar with two loops that can be tightened to provide greater control and reduce the risk of a dog slipping out. When used correctly, martingale collars cannot harm your dog because they are not choking collars. In today’s market, there are hundreds of different designs to choose from. A martingale collar may be made from fabric, nylon, hemp, leather, or even a combination of these materials. This can make narrowing down your search difficult.
There are a couple of main factors when considering the right martingale collar for your pup:
- Size
- Material
- Style
Let’s look at them all in more detail:
Size
The reason martingales are popular is that they can be adjusted to fit your dog’s specific size. Each collar was evaluated in terms of its ability to accommodate a variety of breed sizes when choosing the best martingale collar. Collars for smaller dogs will differ from collars for larger dogs with bigger heads and necks.
Material
Another important factor to consider when choosing a martingale collar is the material. You might find nylon easier to clean if your dog gets dirty often or enjoys playing in water a lot. Leather collars, however, are a great option if your dog has particularly sensitive skin since dogs rarely have an allergic reaction to them. Consider purchasing a collar with highly reflective piping if you take your pup on night walks or early morning walks. Your dog may need a collar with a breakaway buckle if he jumps fences or runs off and plays during walks.
Style
When you take your furbaby for a stroll, you want them to look just as stylish as they do at home. For those who enjoy different collar colors, it is best to keep an eye out for martingale collar makers who offer a wide selection of colors. A high-quality genuine leather martingale collar will do the trick if you love the appearance of leather.
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| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Country Brook Petz Martingale Heavy Duty Nylon Dog Collar |
| Best with Buckle | Max and Neo Nylon Martingale Collar |
| Best Leather | Mighty Paw Leather Martingale Collar |
| Best Reflective | haapaw Quick Release Reflective Martingale Collar |
We Updated Our Top Picks for the Best Martingale Collar FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a martingale collar?
Also known as a limited-slip or no-slip collar, a martingale collar is a type of dog collar that constricts or tightens when a dog pulls on his or her leash. Originally called “greyhound collars”, it was initially designed for breeds with narrow heads and larger necks such as whippets, salukis, and, of course, greyhounds. This helped prevent these dogs from slipping out of their collar while on a hunt.
Martingale collars, whether commercial or custom-made, feature a unique design. It features two loops — a large one that slips over your pup’s head and a small one that is attached to the leash, tightening the collar when pulled but not too tight that it chokes them.
Martingale vs. Choke Collars:
Martingale collars and choke chain collars are both used as training tools to teach dogs proper leash manners. Both collars also provide pet owners and dog trainers with better control. But the similarities between the two end there.
Martingale collars are typically made out of nylon, leather, or some other type of fabric. Choke collars, on the other hand, feature a chain of metal. While both types tighten around your puppy’s neck, a choke chain collar does not feature a safety mechanism that will allow you to control how tight the collar can get. This means that it’s entirely possible for you to accidentally strangle your dog while preventing him or her from chasing a squirrel in the park. Even if you don’t end up choking him, you may cause damage to his trachea or esophagus at the very least.
“Greyhound collars”, on the other hand, feature a two-loop design that serves as its safety mechanism. The length of the small loop limits how much the collar can tighten around your dog’s neck. When properly fitted, this type of collar can gently correct your fur baby without harming him. Simply put, a choke collar is an inhumane and unquestionably dangerous training tool. A martingale collar is a better and safer alternative.
How do you use a martingale collar?
It is important to note that martingale collars should only be used to teach your dog how to behave while out on a walk. “Greyhound collars” were not intended to be a replacement for regular, everyday collars. This is because the small loop can easily get caught on something which can cause it to tighten and accidentally choke your dog. This is especially true if you crate your dog.
To safely use a martingale collar, you will need to make sure that you only put them on your dog’s neck before going on a walk and remove them as soon as you get home. Your dog should never wear this collar while unsupervised.
If you have a slip-on martingale collar, you need to make sure that the large loop is wide enough to easily slip over your dog’s head. Place the collar on the base of his head (just behind his ears) and tighten the large loop. Make sure that there is enough space between the loop and your dog’s neck to fit at least three fingers. Attach your dog’s leash to the D-ring located on the small loop. For collars with a buckle, just fasten the collar around the same location and follow the same steps to get the proper fit.
You’ll need to test the collar before going out. Pull on the leash to see how tight the collar will get. You should still be able to fit one or two fingers between your dog’s collar and his/her neck. This ensures that you don’t cause harm to your fur baby when the collar tightens.
Which breeds should use a martingale collar?
While martingale collars were initially designed for greyhounds and other breeds that have heads slimmer than their necks, this doesn’t mean that your pooch can’t use one. This type of collar is perfect for any dog that often backs out of its collar or requires a bit more control while on a leash. However, experts do not recommend this type of collar for dogs who continuously pull on their leash because it will leave them uncomfortable for the entire duration of your walk which can make them dislike being put on a leash.
How do you choose the right size collar?
Martingale collars come in various sizes and widths. There are no standard sizes, so you need to check the manufacturer’s measurements before making your choice.
To find the right size for your pup, you need to measure around the base of your dog’s head – the top of the neck which is directly behind his ears. The number you get is the size of the collar when tightened. Choose the smallest size that will provide a comfortable fit for your dog. Let’s use the size chart provided below as an example. If you get a measurement of 14 inches, then you should get a martingale collar that has an adjustable length ranging from 10 to 16 inches.
How do you make a martingale collar?
While it might seem easier for pet owners and dog trainers to simply buy a martingale collar, some might prefer something more custom. After all, the best martingale dog collar for your dog is one made out of love.
Steps:
- Since this is going to be custom-made, you can choose whatever material you want – cotton, nylon, leather, etc. You will also need to get three D-rings.
- Measure your dog before cutting the material – one large loop and one small loop.
- Sew the two D-rings into both ends of the large loop.
- Thread the small loop through the two D-rings and then slide the remaining one through it.
- Close the small loop by overlapping the edges of the fabric (around two inches) and sewing the top edge to the other end of the loop.
- Pull the D-Ring near the overlapping edge of the fabric before sewing the second edge. This ensures that the D-ring is located between the two seams, keeping it in place.
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