.::.STOP GLOBAL WARMING.::.

Sometimes, one article is not enough to relay all the information pertaining to a subject. That is the case with the recent column about Martingale collars and half check collars. The debate about the different types of choke collars was the subject but there was not space to discuss the proper fit and position of these types of collars, which is a very important aspect of using Martingale and Half Check collars.

To provide a quick summary of the previous article, half check collars and Martingale are quite similar to choke collars but are considered by many to be much more humane. These collars were conceptualized for sight hounds to prevent them from backing out of a regular collar on account that their necks are too large.

Half check collars, or half choke collars, are typically manufactured of leather or nylon webbing and chain, while Martingale collars are made entirely of nylon webbing. Both collars have a dual-loop design which functions by tightening around the dogs neck when it is attempting to remove its head from the collar, yet it will loosen when the struggling dog stops fighting. The distinctive, restricted closing of the half check collar and the Martingale collar averts it from becoming too snug. Nonetheless, proper fit and positioning is crucial when using these types of collars.

The Martingale collar, which is generally constructed entirely of nylon webbing, has two loops. A smaller, control loop, contains a dee ring for attaching the leash. The second loop enables the collar to tighten or loosen to fit the dog perfectly. Buckles are sometimes added so the collar can be buckled around the dog's neck.

To properly fit and position the Martingale collar, slip it over the dog's head and pull the collar up right behind the ears of the dog. The collar is adjusted here because this is the point where a normal collar slips over the head. The control loop should close when the dee ring is pulled. The two hardware pieces attached to the control loop should be a minimum of two inches apart or the standard two-finger allowance. The two pieces should never touch. If the two pieces touch, your collar is too loose.

The Half Check Collar is comparable to the Martingale except part of this collar is made with chain. Similar to the Martingale, it has two loops which work the same way. The control loop on this type of collar is made of chain. The dee ring is attached to this circle of chain and is used as the attaching point for the leash. The chain is connected to the webbing or leather part of the collar with metal rings

As with the Martingale collar, the half check collar is positioned and fit in the same manner. When the dog pulls or tries to slip this collar over its head, the chain slides through the rings, tightening the webbing around the dog's neck. The chain itself never tightens around the neck. The dog only feels the webbing or the leather. The distinctive clinking noise also serves as a training tool as the dog pulls against the Half check collar.

When trying out both of these collars, it becomes apparent how equivalent these two collars really are. Fundamentally, these collars act the same way. More importantly, these two collars are more gentle to your dog while tethered to a leash.