Dog collar

Basic collars

Leather buckle collar with traditional buckle.

Buckle collars, also called flat collars, are usually made of nylon webbing or leather (less common materials can include polyester, hemp, or metal) with a buckle similar to a belt buckle, or a quick-release buckle, either of which holds the collar loosely around the dog’s neck. Identification is commonly attached to such a collar; it also comes with a loop to which a leash can be fastened.

Nylon quick-release buckle collar with identification and medical tags.

Flea collars are impregnated with chemicals that repel fleas. They are usually a supplementary collar, worn in addition to the conventional buckle collar.

Elizabethan collars, shaped like a truncated cone, can be fitted on a dog to prevent it from scratching a wound on its head or neck or licking a wound or infection on its body.

Break-away collars look similar to buckle collars, but have a safety mechanism installed that allows the dog to break free of the collar if excessive force is applied. These collars are useful in situations where a non-quick release collar could get snagged and strangle the dog.

Safety Stretch Collars an elastic panel in the sturdy nylon collar allows escape from potential strangulation dangers such as branches, fences, gates and other dogs. Unlike breakaways a stretch collar acts like a traditional static collar when clipped with a leash.

Stud collars are leather collars fitted with dulled points and/or metal studs that traditionally prevented another animal from biting the dog’s neck. In modern societies, stud collars are more commonly considered a fashion accessory.

Training collars

Several types of collars are used for the purposes of training dogs, though sometimes a collar is not used at all (such as in the case of dog agility training, where a collar could get caught on equipment and strangle the dog). Each training collar has its own set of advantages and disadvantages (briefly outlined below) which trainers might consider before using a select one. Training collars are typically used for training only and not left on the dog’s neck all the time, as some collars can be harmful or dangerous if left on a dog unsupervised.

Flat collars

Some dogs are trained on leash using a buckle or quick-release collar.

Slip collars

Slip collar, showing how the chain pulls through the loop at one end.

Slip collars (also called choke chains, slip chains, or choke collars) are a length of chain or nylon rope with rings at either end such that the collar can be formed into a loop around the top of the dog’s neck, just behind the ears. The ring which connects to the leash goes over the back of the dog’s neck, not under. When the leash is attached to the dead ring the collar does not constrict on the dog’s neck. When the leash is attached to the live ring the chain slips (adjusts) tighter when pulled and slips looser when tension is released. A quick jerk with an immediate release, euphemistically called a leash pop, snap, or correction, is used to coerce the dog into a ‘heel’ position.

Prong collar

Prong collar; the looped chain limits how tightly the collar can pull in the same way that a Martingale functions.

Prong collars (sometimes incorrectly termed pinch collars) are a series of chain links with blunted open ends turned towards the dog’s neck. The design of the prong collar is such that it has a limited circumference unlike slip collars which do not have a limit on how far they can constrict on a dog’s neck. The collar is designed to prevent the dog from pulling by replicating the action of an alpha dogs teeth against the neck.

Prong collars must never be turned inside out (with the prongs facing away from the dog’s skin), as this may cause injury against the body and head. Plastic tips are occasionally placed on the ends of the prongs to protect against tufts forming in the fur or, in the case of low quality manufactured collars with rough chisel cut ends, puncturing the skin. Like the slip collar, the prong collar is placed high on the dog’s neck, just behind the ears, at the weakest point.

Some dogs can free themselves from prong collars with large wire looped sides by shaking their head so that the links pop out, so some trainers have come to use a second collar (usually an oversize slip collar) in addition to the prong collar so when this happens the dog does not run loose.

Martingale collar

Martingale Collar with Chain Loop; martingale collars also come with a fabric loop instead of chain as well as optional buckles on both styles.

Martingale collars are recommended for Sighthounds because their heads are smaller than their necks and they can often slip out of standard collars. They can, however, be used for any breed of dog. Their no-slip feature has made them a safety standard at many kennels and animal shelters[citation needed]. A martingale collar has 2 loops; the smaller loop is the “control loop” that tightens the larger loop when pulled to prevent dogs from slipping out of the collar. Similar to a prong collar, the martingale has limited constriction on the dog’s neck and applies even pressure.

Head halters

The halter-style collar controls the dog’s head but does not restrict its ability to pant, drink, or grasp objects.

Head halters, sold under the brand names Halti or Gentle Leader or Snoot Loop, are similar in design to a halter for a horse. This device fastens around the back of the neck and over the top of the muzzle, giving more control over a dog’s direction and the intensity of pulling on a leash than collars that fit strictly around the neck. Pressure on this type of collar pulls the dog’s head towards the handler.

Controversy

Proponents of the head halter say that it enables the handler to control the dog’s head, and makes the dog unable to pull using its full strength. It is especially useful with reactive dogs, when control of the dog’s head can be a safety issue.

Opponents of the head halter say that some dogs find it unnatural and uncomfortable[citation needed]. If the collar is too tight, it may dig too deeply into the skin or the strap around the muzzle may push into the dog’s eyes[citation needed]. Injury can result from improper use of the head halter; if a dog is jerked suddenly by the leash attached to the head halter, the dog’s neck is pulled sharply to the side, which might result in neck injury.

E-Collars

Shock collars (or training collars, remote training collars, e-collars, electronic collars and hunting collars) are electronic training aids developed to deliver an electrical signal, vibration, tone, through contact points attached to a dog collar.

Used correctly under a professional trainer, E-collars can suppress a wide range of behavioral problems to help a dog become more well-behaved and obedient without reducing drive. Used incorrectly, even under a well-meaning professional trainer who doesn’t fully understand them, these collars have the potential to make dogs extremely fearful and reactive. It is important to use E-collars preferably with the help a professional who regularly trains with them and understands how canine behavior can be both positively and negatively affected by these tools.

Wolf collars

Wolf collars or protection collars are metal collars fitted with large spikes radiating away from the dog, usually worn by dogs protecting livestock in case they are attacked by wolves or other predators. Such collars protect the neck of a dog from direct attack. It is rare to see these collars being used in modern societies.

JASA Force Collar

A force collar is a leather collar with metal prongs staggered along the inside; similar to a prong collar.

See also

Collar

Shock collar

The Dog Collar Museum at Leeds Castle, Kent, England

References

^ Hodgson, Sarah (2006). Teach Yourself Visually Dog Training. Wiley Default. ISBN 0471749893. 

^ BBC item using “dog collar” to refer to clerical collars

External links

Misuse of Choke Chains – article by Des Hawgood

The Problem With Head Halters – article by Suzanne Clothier

Training With the Prong Collar – article by Suzanne Clothier

A gallery of wolf collars

A gallery of many types of collars (including the rarer wolf and force collars)

Leather Dog Collars Cleaning and Maintenance

A History of Dog Collars from Ancient to Modernen:Dog collar

Categories: Dog equipment | Dog training and behavior | Animal identificationHidden categories: All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from October 2007

Tagged with: Collar

Filed under: Dog Agility Training

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