Tool: Martingale or Training Collar

A Martingale Collar, also called a Training Collar, is a collar with two loops; the larger fitting around the dog’s neck. The smaller loop can be made of chain or fabric.They were originally designed for sighthounds as their head is smaller than their neck, which means they can slip a flat collar more readily. For this reason, they are sometimes called Greyhound or Whippet collars, or Humane Choke Collars. More specific Greyhound or Whippet collars are also available now (more on these in future maybe).

The Martingale has two loops, the larger fitting around the dog’s neck. If the dog moves to slip its collar, the smaller loop tightens, which in turn tightens the larger loop around the dog’s neck, preventing escape. Fitted correctly the collar can be worn fairly loosely normally. For training, the collar should sit high behind the ears, where the pressure of the collar will be more easily detected by the dog. With the chain-style Martingale the tightening is coupled with the noise of the chain, which the dog will often learn to associate with pressure to come.

All collars come with inherent risk as they are around a dog’s neck and there is potential for choking or neck damage. However, if fitted correctly this risk is minimised. Also, this collar has a limited circumference, meaning it can only tighten according to the full extension of the small loop (see bottom diagram). If the collar is worn around the mid neck, the risk of damage to the windpipe is higher than if the collar worn high on the neck.

There are no current legal considerations for this collar in NSW.

Pros
-Hard to slip or escape from
-Limited circumference

Cons
-Can be tricky to fit correctly
-Can cause damage to the neck