One of the most frequently asked questions I get from dog owners is about Martingale collars-how to use them, what are their benefits, etc. So I decided to share some info that may be helpful to people who are not familiar with this type of dog collars but are interested to learning about them.
History of Martingale collars:
Originally Martingale collars were used mostly on Greyhounds as well as other hound dogs that have smaller heads as they can easily slip out of a traditional buckle collar.
When wearing a Martingale collar, as the dog pulls or tries to escape, the collars tightens around the dog's neck. And when the dog stops pulling, the collar relaxes back to a comfortable state.
This prevents the dog from getting out of its collar and when paired with proper training, can slowly discourage the dog from pulling.
Martingale collars soon became popular tools among dog trainers and owners alike, and their use has expanded to all breeds of dogs.
What is a Martingale Collar?
A Martingale collar is consisted of two loops, a larger loop and a smaller loop that's also known as a control loop. These two loops are connected together by metal hardware.
How to put on a Martingale collar?
With the dog facing you, extend the large loop to its longest length and put it over the dog's head. Now adjust the collar back to a comfortable length around the dog's neck.
How to use a Martingale collar?
When you're ready to take your dog out for a walk, attach your leash to the D-ring on the small/control loop. Now when you pull on the leash or when your dog pulls you, the control loop will pull and cause the collar to tighten around your dog's neck. When the pulling stops, the collar loosens.
I recommend walking your dog on the Martingale collar and teaching your dog to heel and walk appropriately. Whenever you want to correct a behavior or get your dog's attention, gently pull and let go of the Martingale collar.
Never pull on the collar continously, always pull and let go immediately, and repeat.
I hope you find this information helpful. Martingale collars come in a variety of designs, sizes, and widths. Click
here to see the Sirius Republic collection of Martingale collars.
http://www.siriusrepublic.com/ Connect for more about dogs:
Yesterday our mailman delivered us a thank you note from the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society (BEBHS), along with an update on its recovery after the tragic fire that destroyed its facility as well as the lives of many rescue pets over a month ago.
Recently some friends of ours who are also proud owners of Doberman Pinschers have successfully trained, participated and passed the Working Aptitude Evaluation (WAE). Hosted by Doberman Pinshcer Club of American (DPCA), the purpose of the test is to evaluate the overall temperment of the dog according to its breed standard. Some parts of the test include having the dog meet "neutral", "friendly", and "mean" strangers, as well as encounter "gun shots". 
