How to Fit a Martingale Collar

Martingale collars are an essential tool for many dog owners. Martingale collars are made of one large loop of material that fits around the dog̵7;s neck and a smaller loop of fabric that pulls the larger loop tight to prevent the dog from escaping. Originally designed for sighthounds with small heads, martingale collars can be used on any breed. Proper fitting of a martingale collar is essential to prevent your dog from slipping out of the collar and possibly injuring himself.

Things You'll Need

  • Flexible tape measure
  • Martingale collar
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your dog̵7;s neck with a flexible measuring tape. A martingale collar rests in the middle of your dog̵7;s neck between his should and the base of the ear, so take your measurement from this location.

    • 2

      Purchase a martingale collar in the size range of your dog̵7;s neck measurements. Most martingale collars are made in various sizes to fit all breeds and will list the neck size they will fit in inches, so select the size that corresponds to your dog̵7;s neck measurement.

    • 3

      Look at your collar to determine which loop goes over the dog̵7;s head. Your martingale collar will have one large loop with buckles that allow you to adjust the size and one smaller loop, known as the control loop, with a D ring for your leash. The larger loop is the one that fits over the dog̵7;s head.

    • 4

      Slide the collar over the head behind the ears with the control loop resting against the back of the neck. Pull up on the control loop and see how tight the collar gets. There should be approximately two inches between the two ends of the control loop. If the ends of the control loop touch, the collar is too loose.

    • 5

      Adjust the collar by feeding the slack back through the adjustment buckle until you can fit two fingers between the control loop and the neck of the dog. This will keep the collar from slipping off the dog̵7;s head but allow your dog plenty of room to move and breathe.