Proper Fit and Positioning of the Martingale Collar or Half Check Collar

Many times, writing one article will trigger the beginning of another. That is exactly what happened with the most recent article about Martingale collars and half check collars. The article discussed the debate over the various types of choke collars. It mentioned the proper fit and position of these types of collars but did not address it. Indeed, this is a crucial aspect of using a Martingale or Half Check collar.

To sum up the previous article, Half check collars and Martingale are similar to choke collars yet are considered to be more humane. Originally designed for sight hounds such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Bolzoi, Saluki, etc., to prevent them from backing out of a regular collar on account that their necks are larger than their heads.

Manufactured of either leather or nylon webbing with chain, the half check collars or half choke collars, differ as the Martingale collars are made entirely of nylon webbing. Both have a dual-loop design that acts by contracting around the dog’s neck when an attempt is made to escape, yet it will release when the struggling subsides. The unique, limited closing effect of the half check collar and the Martingale collar prevents the collar from becoming too tight.

Martingale collars are generally made up entirely of nylon webbing with two loops. A smaller control loop contains a ‘D’ shaped ring for connecting a dog leash. A larger loop allows the collar to tighten or loosen to fit the dog’s neck. Buckles are frequently added so the collar can be snapped around the dog’s neck with ease.

To properly fit and position the Martingale collar, slip it over the dog’s head and pull the collar up right behind the ears of the dog. The collar is adjusted here because this is the point where a normal collar slips over the head. The control loop should close when the dee ring is pulled. The two hardware pieces attached to the control loop should be a minimum of two inches apart or the standard two-finger allowance. The two pieces should never touch. If the two pieces touch, your collar is too loose.

The Half Check Collar is similar to the Martingale except part of this collar is made with nylon webbing or leather and the other part is chain. It also has two loops that have the same functions as the Martingale collar. The control loop on this collar is the chain which is a circle. The dee ring is in this circle of chain and is also the attach point for the leash. This chain is also attached to the webbing or leather part of the collar with metal rings. The adjustment loop is in the part of the collar that is webbing or nylon.

The half check collar is placed in the same location as with the Martingale collar. If the dog tugs or attempts to slide the collar over its head, the chain tightens the webbing around the dog’s neck. The chain itself never comes in contact with the dog. The unique chain tightening noise also acts as a training tool as the dog pulls against the collar.

When experimenting with these two types of collars, it becomes obvious how comparable the two collars really are. Essentially, these collars function in the same fashion to control dogs that would more often than not be able to slide an ordinary collar over its head. In addition, it is evident that these two collars are a more humanitarian way to manage dogs while on a leash. The owner of the dog ought to be well-informed about these types of collars and how to use them properly as to not inflict injury to the dog.