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Types of Dog Training Collars Including Slip Collars, Electric Collars, Choke Collars, Head Collars and Pinch Collars
While many trainers feel that the best dog training collar is no collar at all, dog training collars are, at best, training tools. When training your dog, you should always work toward not needing the training collar at all. Dogs that only obey when wearing their training collars are not really trained at all. Most dog training collars should “only” be used during training sessions. The exception to this is the flat buckle and quick-release collars.
There are many different kinds of dog training collars. Choosing the right training collar can be intimidating! No matter what collar you decide on, proper fit is of vital importance. Non-slip collars should be loose enough to allow you to fit two fingers between the training collar and the neck of the dog (without choking the dog). Slip/choke collars, prong collars, head collars and harnesses should be fitted with the help of a professional who is experienced in their use. This is extremely important because dog training collars that aren’t fitted properly can result in injury to your dog with incorrect usage.
Following is a brief explanation of the many different types of dog training collars available and their uses.
Quick-Release Dog Training Collars
These are flat nylon buckle collars, with a plastic closure that makes getting the collar on and off a little quicker. These training collars are adjustable and don’t tighten once they’re fastened.
Break-Away Dog Training Collars
Break-away collars are special quick-release dog training collars that unfasten when a strong pull is placed on the collar. This dog training collar is specifically designed to help avoid dogs from choking to death if their collars get caught on something. This collar will not unfasten when attached to a leash.
Slip Training Collars
Slip Collars come in several different varieties. Slip collars are made of braided nylon, cotton, or leather, with "O" rings at either end. The collar loops through one of the rings, making a "P" shape. The lead is usually attached to the ring at the bottom of the "P," which allows the collar to tighten and loosen with pressure from the lead. The floating ring is called the dead ring - if a lead is attached to the dead ring, the collar will not tighten. They are also referred to as chokers or choke chains.
Limited Slip Collars
These collars are a combination of slip collars and quick-release collars. They are adjustable dog training collars designed to tighten around a dog's neck, but to stop tightening before constricting around the dog’s neck.
Martingales
Martingale dog training collars are similar to limited slip collars but don't have a buckle. Martingale collars slide over the dog's head, and then a piece of plastic tubing (typically) is slid down to the desired tightness.
Choke Chains
While this dog training collar is still used in many “traditional” (jerk & praise) training techniques, it has been proven that these training collars can cause neck back and tracheal injuries to dogs when used improperly. It is imperative that if you choose this type of dog training collar to train your pet that you are shown by an experienced and qualified instructor the proper way to use this training tool. Choke training collars should never be used on puppies and shouldn’t have anything including tags attached to them because they’ll interfere with the sliding action of the dog training collar.
Choke chains, also known as metal training slip collars come in a variety of types determined by the widths and weights of links. The heavier the chain, the less smooth the sliding is. Consider wide-link chokers for long-haired dogs, so the chain won’t pull out the hair around the dog's neck.
Prong or Pinch Collars
Used for the same purposes as the choke training collar, prong or pinch collars "correct" the dog by yanking on its neck if it does not obey. However, the prong collar is far safer than the choke training collar in that it’s been proven that no neck/back/trachea injuries result when this collar is used correctly. Prong collars are commonly used with dogs that pull while on lead. Like choke collars this type of dog training collar shouldn’t be used on puppies and requires proper instruction for their use. It should be noted that this type of collar can spring open on the dog and the prongs do wear and stretch.
Head Collars (Head Halters)
Head collars also called head halters (Gentle Leaders, Halti, and Promise collars) are another type of dog training collar commonly used with dogs that pull. This type of halter sits right below the eyes of the dog, and makes many dogs uncomfortable. Head collars are not muzzles. Dogs can still drink, eat, bark, and bite when wearing the head collar. The head collar has a number of advantages and disadvantages associated with them that people who are considering their use should be aware of.
Electronic Dog Training Collars
Often called "remote" dog training collars, these hi tech dog collars deliver an electrical stimulus to the dog as a "correction." A low-level stimulus is given at first, and then if the dog continues to disobey the intensity is increased. Electronic collars are strictly for training and should never be used without a professional's guidance.
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