Martingale Collars

[Linda]

I have used a pinch collar for about a year with my 2 1/2 yr. old Doodle. Now I'd like to get some opinions on the Martingale collar. The pinch collar has been great especially in emergency situations where my 70 lb. Webster is more than I can handle. The main reason that I'm interested in getting opinions on the Martingale is because I use it for the TDI test. It also looks more 'friendly' to the young kids at school.

[Diane]

I use one pretty successfully with Ringo but he is only ~40lb. I used to think I'd need to use the easywalk harness to get him to heel on walks but he does great with the martingale, except when we meet other dogs, people. That's something I still need to work on with him (He's 12 mos.). I think some have found that it causes matts but I haven't had an issue, yet (though he matts in other areas).

[Linda]

Thank you so much, Diane. Since I posted that message, I did a little search on harnesses (esp. Victoria Stillwell's suggestions). With your advice and my search, I've decided that I will get a Martingale for his reading days at the school and still use the pinch collar when we walk - for the same reasons you mentioned. He loves to 'greet' every dog. He's stopped greeting people as vigorously and will allow petting without jumping on them - most of the time.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I tried the Martingale Collar when Fudge was much younger and it did not prevent her from pulling. It has been a little while ago, so maybe it would be different now. Currently, we use the Easy Walk harness and she does great on this unless we see a squirrel. On a recent walk, I had a gentleman ahead of me throwing nuts out for the squirrels and let's just say, it was a good training opportunity. Good luck!

[Karen P]

You might want to check out the Ring Around the Collar group. I know that there is info on Martingale collars in there.

[Linda]

Didn't know about the 'ring around the collar' group.... thanks.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Alternatively, they have, or you could add to your own pinch collar, fabric or leather woven in the links, which partially disguises the collar. I find the martingale was much less effective than the pinch collar.

[Linda]

I'm not 'crafty' enough to disguise my pinch collar. I do appreciate everyone's replies... think I've found my solution.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Martingale collars can cause mats if you have a doodle prone to matting. They do look much nicer than corrective collars, but if your dog pulls, they don't do much better than a regular collar.