Martingale/No-Slip Collars

LDAR recommends use of martingale collars for all dogs. A martingale collar is a type of dog collar that tightens if the dog tries to pull away, preventing the dog from slipping out of his/her collar and getting loose. Because shelter dogs can be more skittish at times, these collars are the safest way to prevent escapes.

A martingale collar is made with two loops. The larger loop is slipped onto the dogs neck and a leash is then clipped to the smaller loop. When the dog tries to pull, the tension on the leash pulls the small loop taut, which makes the large loop smaller and tighter on the neck, thus preventing escape.

Important reminders about the use & fit of the Martingale collars:

  • The leash gets hooked to the middle ring -- this is sometimes the chain part and sometimes it is cloth. But, it must be attached to the part of the collar that makes it tighten as the dog pulls back. Some Martingale collars have additional side rings -- attaching the leash to the side rings negates the effect of the collar.
  • If you pull the leash back and the two rings touch, the collar is too big. You should be able to pull the collar tight and not have the rings touch.