Free Articles OnlineFree Articles & Content for Webmasters

Sometimes, one article is not enough to relay all the information pertaining to a subject. That is the case with the recent column about Martingale collars and half check collars. The debate about the different types of choke collars was the subject but there was not space to discuss the proper fit and position of these types of collars, which is a very important aspect of using Martingale and Half Check collars.

In summary, Half check collars and Martingale collars are variations of choke collars that are considered to be more humane that the chain choke collar. These two types of collars were originally designed for sight hounds, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Bolzoi, Saluki, etc., which are breeds that have necks larger than their heads, but prevents any dog from backing out of a regular collar.

Half check collars, or half choke collars, are typically manufactured of leather or nylon webbing and chain, while Martingale collars are made entirely of nylon webbing. Both collars have a dual-loop design which functions by tightening around the dogs neck when it is attempting to remove its head from the collar, yet it will loosen when the struggling dog stops fighting. The distinctive, restricted closing of the half check collar and the Martingale collar averts it from becoming too snug. Nonetheless, proper fit and positioning is crucial when using these types of collars.

The Martingale collar, which is generally constructed entirely of nylon webbing, has two loops. A smaller, control loop, contains a dee ring for attaching the leash. The second loop enables the collar to tighten or loosen to fit the dog perfectly. Buckles are sometimes added so the collar can be buckled around the dog’s neck.

To fit and position the Martingale collar correctly, slide it over the dog’s head and pull the collar vertically at the rear of the dogs ears. Adjust the collar at this point as this is the position where a regular collar slides over the head. When the dee ring is pulled, the control loop should close. The two pieces of hardware attached to the control loop should be no shorter than two inches from one another and they should never contact one another. If they do touch, the 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.

As with the Martingale collar, the half check collar is positioned and fit in the same manner. When the dog pulls or tries to slip this collar over its head, the chain slides through the rings, tightening the webbing around the dog’s neck. The chain itself never tightens around the neck. The dog only feels the webbing or the leather. The distinctive clinking noise also serves as a training tool as the dog pulls against the Half check collar.

When learning how to properly fit and position these two collars, it becomes apparent how similar the Martingale and the Half check collars to each other. These collars work virtually the same way to control breeds that would normally be able to slip a regular flat collar over its head. Also, it is apparent that these collars are a more humane way to control dogs that the plain chain choke collar or the prong collar. The owner of the dog must be knowledgeable about these collars and how to use them so that no injury comes to the pet.

A dog owner ought to be well-informed about the various collars available and how to use them properly as to not cause injury to the dog. Jim Witt urges you to visit Country Brook Design to view the vast inventory of custom made Martingale Collars that are available in many sizes and colors.