The ongoing dilemma for any pet parent: which is the best collar to pick for my dog?
There are many options to choose. So what makes them different from each other?
Flat buckle is the most common collar you’ll find out and about. It features a plastic or metal buckle that clips together to close.
Great for:
- puppies
- dogs that don’t pull
- wearing with a harness
Not great for dogs who are pullers. Not saying a dog who pulls can’t wear a flat buckle collar, but there are better options for those who pull.
Martingale collars have a control loop that cinches when pressure is put upon it. This means the collar will snug up, keeping dogs who are collar slippers from backing out. The cinch can also be used to give your dog a little correction on a walk. (Tug and it snugs, reminding your dog to mind her pulling).
Great for:
- puppies to old dogs
- dogs with heads narrower than their necks
- dogs who slip out of their collars
- shy and nervous dogs
- dogs who tend to pull
The downside to martingale collars is when your dog is sitting with a leash on the control loop droops. Not great if you’re snagging pictures for their Instagram. Or if their wearing it for family portraits.
Limited slip collars are designed to cinch like their cousins martingales, but instead of a control loop, the cinch slides through an O ring and is limited by the second D ring. This collar is great for dogs who have potential to slip out of their collars and also works as a check to remind your dog to ease up on the pulling.
The limited part of the limited slip collar means there’s no risk of over cinching the collar.
Great for:
- puppies, adult and older dogs
- dogs who slip their collars
- dogs who tend to pull
When at rest with a leash attached, the cinch does extend, though it’s less messy looking than the open loop of the control loop of a martingale collar.
Other collars you might find are buckle collars (they have rivets at increments and buckle like a belt), full slip collars, prong collars, and head collars.