The Difference Between a Martingale Collar and Chain Choke Collar

With so many different kinds of dog collars on the market, it can be difficult finding the right one for your dog. I've used the chain choke collar for years for a couple different reasons. However, this type of collar is clouded in controversy for good reason. But it does have a purpose in controlling a dog who is hard to handle and they can't slip out of it. A similar type of collar called the Martingale collar has been available for awhile and it's more humane, safer and just as secure as a chain choke collar. There is a difference between a Martingale collar and a chain choke collar.

I had a Husky who would slip out of her collar faster than butter in a hot skillet. Once free, she always ran as fast as she could towards a meadow half a block away; disappearing in the high grass. She always returned a couple hours later, panting and dying of thirst after her brief period of freedom, but I still panicked all the same. No matter how tight I buckled the darn collar, her heavy coat made it hard to tighten it enough to secure her. She had learned how to twist her head just right to escape. I finally went to a chain choke collar because she couldn't pull out of it. A choker chain will give you control over a dog who's harder to handle or slips out of their collar, but there's a right way and wrong way to put it on and even when it's worn correctly, this type of collar can be harmful to the dog.

The chain choke collar can do serious damage to a dog's trachea, soft muscle tissues and cause spinal injuries if it's not used correctly or put on the right way. Dog owners who choose to use a choke chain need to educate themselves on how to use it. It's a collar actually meant to be used for training purposes only, but many dog owners have found the choke chain useful in controlling a dog who slips out of a regular collar or one who is more aggressive or stubborn.

If a chain choke collar is put on backwards, when the collar is tightened during corrections or if the dog pulls on his leash, it won't release the tension on the dog's neck. When using the collar during training sessions, the dog can become confused because when he does what you asked and the collar remains tight around his neck, he thinks he's still being corrected. Even with the collar on right, it can pinch the dog's skin if it's pulled too tight and sometimes the skin is pulled through the ring of the collar. The name of the collar says it all. It literally chokes the dog into submission. But it does have a purpose and if you use a chain choke collar, make sure to put it on right, understand how to use it correctly and use gentle jerks when correcting the dog.

The correct way to place a chain choke collar on your dog is simple. Hold it up to you before you slip it over the dog's neck. You should see the letter P. It's important to make sure you get the correct size of choke chain for the dog. Measure around the dog's neck and then add 2 inches. A chain collar that's too long has enough excess chain hanging down on their neck, it's easy for them to get it caught in their mouth if they chew on it, which most dogs will do. It can be difficult removing the collar from their mouth and if it's been stuck for awhile, the chain can damage their mouth, tongue or teeth. It's not advised to use a choke collar of any kind on small dog breeds.

A better collar that's more humane is a Martingale collar. It's a variation on the choke collar. Instead of the collar tightening so much it chokes the dog, like the chain choke collar, the Martingale is made to tighten just enough to get the dog's attention. Don't confuse this collar for a half-check collar. They're similar in how each works, but the Martingale collar is made entirely of nylon instead of the more common leather or nylon and chain construction used in half-check collars. The all nylon material used in the Martingale eliminates the chances of the dog's hair or skin getting caught in the chain. Sight hounds like Whippet, Saluki and Greyhound can easily escape a conventional collar because their heads are smaller than their necks. The martingale collar is also called the Greyhound collar or humane choke collar and is a safer and secure collar for these breeds.

The difference between a Martingale collar and a chain choke collar is the way the collar is made and how it works. This collar has two loops. The large loop goes over the dog's head and the smaller one (the Control Loop) that has the leash attached to it tightens as the dog pulls on his leash or when you make a correction. However, unlike a choke chain, the Martingale collar won't choke the dog as long as it's properly adjusted on the dog's neck. The small loop releases the tension on the neck as the dog relaxes or when you relax the leash and prevents the collar from becoming too tight. This is more humane and doesn't have the potential to harm the dog like a chain choke collar. However, a dog owner using this type of collar will need to educate themselves on the proper way to use it. It's made to be worn up on the dog's neck around the ears.

You can leave the Martingale collar on your dog as their regular collar, but be aware the small loop can get caught on things. If you let your dog off leash on walks or while hiking, always remove the Martingale collar with the leash. Chain choke collars or other types of choke collars should also be removed to avoid the risk of the collar getting caught which could result in the dog choking to death if no one is around to free them.

There is a difference between a Martingale collar and chain choke collar. Both require an understanding of how each collar works and how to use them correctly. By knowing your dog and what your specific needs are in a collar, you can make an intelligent choice that's humane and keeps your dog safely and comfortably attached to his leash and under your control.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Choke Collars, Country Brook Design

How a Martingale Collar Works, BigDogBoutique.com

Daniel Cobalt, How to Put On a Dog Choke Collar, The Daily Puppy