Collar Question--Not Sure Where to Post

The SPCA here issued guidelines that a collar should be the width of two (of the dogs) vertabrae as anything smaller can cause neck damage - esp if they pull. From what I understand thin collars can put pressure between vertabrae.

I got told off at obedience for having a slip collar on my male but he is an escape artist when it comes to normal collars so it was a darn nuisance. At flyball and agility we are not allowed martingales or slip while they are running.
 
I think I may order one of those martingales from leashes by design. I think it would look awfully classy on my youngest pup when I start competing with her in novice rally this fall.
 
HopeShelties said:
I think I may order one of those martingales from leashes by design. I think it would look awfully classy on my youngest pup when I start competing with her in novice rally this fall.
Click to expand...

Mention my name - maybe I'll get a commission ???!!!! :lol::lol: Yeh, right!
 
OntarioSheltie said:
The martingale is almost like a cross between a choke chain and a nylon collar. The front of the collar (the part that goes under the dog's chin) is nylon and has a buckle for adjusting. The back of the collar has a chain on it that attaches to the leash and tightens when pulled.

The beauty of this collar is that you can adjust it so that it DOES NOT choke your dog, but at the same time will tighten just enough so that your dogs head won't slip through if he/she bolts.

Sadie used to be bad for bolting and this collar has been a wonderful solution.

This is a great photo illustrating how it fits and tightens. If you do get one I'd suggest getting one that is 1/2" thick so that it doesn't flatten your dog's coat when he gets older, which can cause matting.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2751415
Click to expand...
I use this collar and Love it on My Shelties!
 
Finally found the link.....!

Apart from my personal favourite custom made collars, here is the other link that sells rolled leather martingales that I had found previously.

http://store.collarsandmore.com/mer...ore_Code=C&Product_Code=MGCR&Category_Code=CC

Interestingly enough, these are more expensive than the custom that I bought through Leashes by Design.

I had also bookmarked this site as having rolled leather collars, but when scanning the website, it was not obvious where to find them. I'm attaching the link in case someone else has better luck.

http://store.shopfurrytales.com/

And another shop that sells the nylon variety.

http://www.bigdogboutique.com/productcart/pc/viewcategories.asp?idCategory=6&pageStyle=H

Note: Some martingales have chain as the "tightening mechanism" others use nylon through loops that matches the pattern of the collar. I personally prefer the chain because it reacts more quickly, without catching.

Caro did raise another good point, that I did not think of.....too thin a collar could have the potential of serious damage if your pup is a big puller. I suppose that it is possible that it could slide between the verterbrae. A wider collar distributes the pressure point.

That being said, a martingale is not necessarily intended to be used for correction. And since I don't believe in serious correction on leash pulling (e.g. yanking on the lead), for me its a moot point. But if severe pulling is an issue for you, than I'm not sure the martingale is the right answer anyway. The martingale provides a medium level of control and avoids slipped leads. It is not, in my opinion, intended to replace a choke collar, for example.

Yadda, yadda, yadda...Enough about the martingales already (I can hear you all saying! ) OK - officially off my soap box. I'll shut up now! Promise! :razz::yes:
 
Puppies? I have been accused my dogs didn't have legs when they were tiny, because I carried them around everywhere. They did leash break easy, but I use a harness that is like a figure eight that I bought at Petsmart. They don't get out of them.

We go to a leash park walking my shelties, and the harness works great for both.
 
Calliesmom said:
The problem I had with this site is the smallest size is 16"
Callie needs a smaller collar than that and probably most other shelties would too. :wink2:
Click to expand...

Now that I think about it again....I think both my boys collars are measured at 14"....probably why I went custom in the first place. Thanks for the reminder!
 
Folks: In desperation, I hit one of our local pet stores (not big box) and walked out with a no-slip nylon collar. Like $7.00. I can't tell you how wonderful this is and how much peace of mind this little collar gives me when I walk Gus now. And he took to it no questions asked!.

Since he's only 14 weeks, I know I'll be buying many more collars in the months ahead, and definitely have my heart set on something custom when Gus is "grown-up."

Thank you all for for your valuable insight and terrific links. I've bookmarked them all for future reference.

Prof
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top