If you are the kind of person who likes to pay attention to the other dog walkers and pups in the park everyday, then something you might have noticed is the surge in popularity of martingale collars.
Seen by many to be a great tool for both dog training and maximum control, this is a kind of collar that is designed to prevent your pup from being able to slip out of its collar while you are walking. Because of this, it has become one of the most popular accessories for owners of breeds with narrower heads like whippets and greyhounds.
However, we think it’s always important to have a full picture of any story before deciding one way or another, and with martingale collars in particular this promise of better control can potentially come at a hidden cost. There is no doubt that they are super effective in certain situations, but the truth is that a martingale collar can actually pose a few serious risks for your precious pup, from choking hazard to the danger of it getting caught on objects and more.
Imagine your furry friend playing on their own in your secure garden when their collar all of a sudden catches on something like a fence post or a tree branch. In a situation like this, a martingale collar can turn quickly from a helpful tool into a source of danger.
Don’t worry, though, we have good news, there is a much better alternative out there! We are talking, of course, about a good old fashioned wide leather collar. Let’s take a closer look at everything that has already been mentioned, and by the time we have finished, we are sure you will know which purchase is better for you and your precious companion!
Risks of Martingale Collars
The nature of a martingale collar is that it is designed to tighten when pressure is applied to it, with the aim of keeping the collar secure around your dog’s neck. Whilst, of course, this feature is of great benefit simply to prevent escapes, it also brings with it a number of risks.
Choking Hazard
If you have a pup who is tempted to pull too hard on their leash/collar, then a martingale can have the effect of compressing the neck and restricting their airflow. Any dogs with histories of respiratory issues and/or smaller windpipes will be super vulnerable in a situation like this. Regardless of history and windpipe size, prolonged use of any kind of tightening collar has the risk of leading to injuries to the neck or trachea.
Risk of Getting Caught
Martingale collars have lots of adjustable loops and moving parts, which makes them a lot more likely to snag on anything from furniture to fences to other objects. You don’t need us to paint the picture, but this can obviously lead to severe injuries or strangulation if your pup isn’t supervised for a moment. It could be a scenario as unassuming as your dog jumping up to investigate a nice smell on the countertop, only for their collar to get caught up on a handle or corner.
Improper Fit
Any collar that is too tight will put unnecessary pressure on a dog’s neck, but this is particularly the case with a martingale design. And on the other end of the spectrum, a martingale that is too loose isn’t going to fulfill its primary purpose, and will also increase the likelihood of your pup wiggling out of it and running off on an unsupervised adventure! To avoid this, some owners might inadvertently misuse their martingale collars and have them be too tight to avoid escapes.
Why Wide Leather Collards Are Safer
So, you know now that martingale collars shouldn’t be at the top of your list, but what should? Please welcome to the stage, the classic wide leather collar! We recommend this as a much safer and more reliable collar option, managing to perfectly combine style with substance. Here are some of the biggest reasons why!
Even Pressure Distribution
Wide leather collars are specifically designed to provide a more even distribution of force across a larger surface area of your pup’s neck and shoulder areas. This is in direct opposition to martingale collars that prefer to put pressure on a smaller single portion of the neck. Essentially, the wider and softer the collar, the less likely it is that any sudden jerks or incidents will result in a trachea damage for your precious pal.
Comfortable Fit
The wide leather collars that we recommend are made from natural material that is gentle on a dog’s skin and much less likely to cause skin irritation. Vegetable tanned leather in particular is hypoallergenic thanks to the lack of harmful chemicals used in its manufacturing, resulting in a wonderfully smooth texture that is perfect for comfortable long term wear.
Durability
To put it simply, leather collars are just built to last! They are able to resist so much more wear and tear than synthetic material alternatives, and importantly for the more adventurous dogs out there, they keep their strength when faced with things like moisture. The durability of a leather collar makes it the ideal option for walkers who like to explore rougher terrain.
Safety During Play
A wide leather collar won’t have the potentially problematic tightening mechanism that a martingale collar has. The design is much more simple and classic, which not only looks great but also reduces the risk of getting caught on objects and causing strangulation when unsupervised. Even the most dedicated pet parent can’t be with their furry friends every second of every day!
Aesthetic Appeal
They might not be able to tell you themselves, but all dogs want to look cool, we promise! Thankfully, a leather collar offers a truly timeless and stylish look, and you can pretty much find any color, pattern and finish that you desire. Leather collars always look especially great when paired with customized ID tags, adding both a personal touch and an extra layer of protection and information should your pesky pup ever get away from you.
The bottom line here really is that when you compare them to martingale collars, wide collars are head and shoulders ahead in terms of providing a humane and secure way to keep your dog manageable, without making a big compromise on their safety. This is especially the case if you have a larger breed, whose size and natural strength demand something much more robust and reliable than a martingale.
Proper Fitting Tips for Leather Collars
Once you get around to finding the wide leather collar that you think will work best for you and your pup, it is crucial to make sure that you get the fit completely right. Let us make it easier for you with these handy tips.
Measure Accurately
Before buying any collar, it’s important to have an idea of your dog’s measurements. Grab a flexible measuring tape and record the circumference of your dog’s neck. Measure at the base where the collar is going to rest, and the trick is then to add two inches for a larger dog breed or just one inch for a smaller breed.
Two Finger Rule
Once the collar you have selected is on, you can ascertain whether or not you have the right fit by doing the two finger check. If you can comfortably but snuggly fit two of your fingers between the collar and your pup’s neck, then that is tight enough to stay secure without risking restricting any airflow.
Check Regularly
As dogs grow, their proportions and weight can fluctuate (just like us!), so to keep on top of any changes it is important to get into the habit of regularly checking the fit of a collar. You can then adjust as needed to accommodate any changes, from size to fur thickness and everything in between!
Avoid Overloading
Try to avoid attaching too much unnecessary stuff to a collar, because it can add more weight and create distraction for your pup. Just a single ID tag should be enough to do the job you need, along with a good quality, sturdy leash attachment point for walk times.
Inspect for Wear and Tear
Make sure to regularly check for signs of any major wear and tear on your collar, like fraying edges of cracks in the leather. As soon as you think that the collar has reached the point of no return, then it is time to replace it. Thankfully, with something like vegetable tanned leather, this isn’t an issue that you are going to encounter very often!
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Ultimately, if we’re looking to sum up the situation, our conclusion would go something like this; martingale collars can definitely offer some benefits in specific training scenarios, but looking at the bigger picture, the potential risks to your pup just cannot be overlooked. The tightening mechanism that is the main selling point of the collar will certainly be effective in preventing escapes, but at what cost? Potentially the choking or strangulation of your beloved pet? We don’t think so. These two dangers alone are enough to make us prefer safer alternatives.
Wide leather collars, in our opinion, stand out as the ideal choice for any dog owner who values safety along with style. They are super durable, super comfortable and help to provide that all important even pressure distribution that makes them perfect for dogs of all shapes and sizes.
You might have to spend a little more up front, but we think that investing in a high quality vegetable tanned wide leather collar is so much more than a practical choice, it’s also a commitment to your precious pup’s well being for months and years to come!
