Collar Varieties: What's the Difference?

​With so many different types of collars out there for your pooch, you may begin to wonder “What’s the difference?” Each type or style of collar has a unique purpose. The ultimate goal of any type of collar is to get your dog to walk on a leash without pulling you. How do you choose the right collar for you and your dog?

The most basic type of collar is called a flat collar. You have likely had one on your dog. Most of these collars come in a variety of thicknesses, colors, designs, and patterns, making them an adorable fashion statement!  Flat collars are designed for dogs who already know how to walk on a leash and are not meant for training purposes. These collars are usually adjustable; however they will not adjust as your dog walks as some other collars. If your dog pulls you when you are walking him or her, you may want to consider switching to a different type of collar until they have learned to walk without pulling. 

Another popular type of collar is the martingale collar. These collars do not buckle. They slip over your dog’s head and sit around their neck much like a flat collar. What makes a martingale collar different, is its ability to tighten. When your dog begins to pull on their leash, this collar will gradually tighten, and will hopefully cause your dog to stop pulling so hard. If you have a dog that pulls, this collar might be a good place to start your training with them. If a martingale collar is not enough to discourage your dog from pulling, you may want to take a look at the next type of collar.

For many people, flat collars and martingales are just not an option for their pulling pooch.  A great alternative to try is called a gentle leader. Gentle leaders look very similar to a horse halter. They slip on over your dog’s snout, and then buckle behind their head. This collar allows you to control your dog by their snout rather than by their neck, which will give them very little leverage to pull you. Gentle leads are NOT the same as muzzles. Dogs can still eat, drink, bark, and even bite while wearing a gentle lead! They are a great option for anyone with a dog that needs a lot of training and guidance to be able to walk well on a leash. 

Each of these collars have a common goal: to help train your dog to walk well on a leash. While these are not all of the different types of collars, these are some of the best and most popular designs. Consulting your vet or a trainer is always a great idea when deciding what type of collar will be most beneficial for you and your dog.