Dog Training > Dog Training Collars > Dog Training Collars Review

Dog Training Collars Review

When choosing the type of collar that will assist you in training your dog, it will help you immensely to do your own review of dog training collars. The number and types of dog training collars out there are endless, and being well informed about how each collar works is the first step in a successful training program. You must also decide on which type of training method you plan on utilizing as it will play a big part in the type of dog training collar you choose. If you train your dog using traditional methods, you will want a dog collar that allows you to implement corrections when the dog does something he is not supposed to. However if you train your dog using positive reinforcement, you should choose a collar that allows you some control but you will not require one that is specifically meant for correctional purposes. Let’s take some time to review some of the most popular and well-known types of dog training collars.

Choke Chain – A choke chain collar is made up of a series of metal links with a large round ring attached to each end. By pulling the links through one of the rings you have brought the two ends together and have created a collar, which allows you to implement corrections when training the dog. When the leash is clipped onto the correct ring, you can control the contraction and expansion of the collar. When the leash is pulled, the collar will contract around the dog’s neck providing control to the handler. Upon releasing the leash tension, you then allow the collar to loosen again.

Martingale Collar – A martingale collar mimics the action of a choke collar, yet in a much more gentle and safe way. The majority of this collar is of flat nylon material with a small, attached portion of chain link, which sits on the under portion of the animal’s neck. When the leash is pulled, only the chain portion of the collar contracts, allowing the handler to implement corrections or gain better control of the animal. The beauty of this collar however is that the collar will never become constrictive to the animal or cause any harm, as it does not have the ability to contract to a size smaller than that of the animal’s neck.

Nylon or Leather Collar – The nylon or leather collar is a common variety of collar and is affixed to the dog by using either a belt buckle or snap-in piece. This is a great collar to use once your dog is fully trained to walk properly on a leash but does not offer the handler a lot of control over the animal if you are training with corrections. It is also important with this type of collar that you ensure it is properly fitted on the animal. A collar that is too loose may allow the dog to wriggle out of it and something too tight may cause the dog discomfort or to choke.

Electric Collars – The idea of the electric collar is that when the dog has performed incorrectly the collar will correct the wrong behavior by shocking the animal. Some of these collars offer the handler a remote device so that they can implement the electric correction themselves when it is necessary to do so. Other collars however, do it automatically and attempt to teach dogs not to bark or to stay within the boundaries of their property. Therefore, the collar is designed to shock the animal when it barks or when it reaches the property limits.

Prong Collar – The prong collar looks exactly the way that it sounds. It is a series of large metal links with prongs protruding inwards. When the collar is placed on the animal, the prongs sit against the neck of the dog. When the leash is attached to the collar and pulled on, it works in a similar way to that of the choke chain, in that the collar contracts. The prongs dig into the animal’s flesh and pinch it, forcing the dog to correct its behavior.