Dog Training Collars for Walking

Walking your dog should be a joyful experience for both parties. With many new products on the market, choices of collars, harnesses and leashes made specifically for the purpose of walking your dog are plentiful. The equipment you purchase should be chosen based on the dog's size, type and level of training.

  1. Martingale Collars

    • The proper collar can help you walk your dog.

      Martingale collars are available in a range of widths, styles and sizes and are appropriate for just about any breed of dog. This is a two-piece collar that should be placed over the head of the dog and then tightened so the collar cannot slip off the head. Martingales are made of wide, flat fabric, so they are kind to the dog's neck. Leashes are attached to a triangular shaped section of the fabric, which allows the collar to tighten slightly if needed, but lay like a flat-buckle collar when relaxed. Proper fit is essential. Martingale collars are available at pet stores and custom-made designs can be ordered online.

    Head Harnesses

    • Proper equipment will stop your dog from pulling.

      Head harnesses offer the best control for extremely large dogs or dogs intent on pulling, no matter the level of training. They are humane and come with instructions for proper fit and use. Head harnesses fit like a harness on a horse. Once a dog is used to this type of color, it is a safe and effective walking tool. There is a bit of misconception regarding this piece of gear, as those who do not understand it may think it is a muzzle, which it is not.

    Walking Harnesses

    • Walking harnesses should take the place of collars on some of the toy-breed dogs that have very small, delicate necks and dogs with short muzzles, like pugs, Pekingese, Boston terriers, boxers and bulldogs. These harnesses are good for dogs with a condition called "collapsing trachea" where any pressure against the throat causes the dog to cough and have trouble breathing. If you decide on a harness in place of a collar, have your dog properly fitted by experienced retail personnel or a trainer. Harnesses come in comfort-fit and no-pull varieties. The comfort fit is a wide, soft harness. The no-pull compresses the dog's chest when he pulls on the leash causing a discomfort the dog avoids by not pulling on the leash.

    Training

    • With proper training you can walk your dog with ease.

      An essential part to being able to successfully walk your dog is training. With a little practice and the help of a proper collar or harness, any dog can be a pleasure to walk.

    Collar Considerations

    • Collars come in all sorts of colors, fabrics and with a variety of clasps. A belt-type buckle collar or plastic push-in buckle is best for a dog who walks nicely at your side. Choke chains and pinch collars are rarely recommended because most people do not know how to use them correctly. If you do use a choke chain on your dog, always remove it when not in use as it can easily get caught on an object and choke your dog.

    Collar Choices

    • Collars can be custom made, decked out with bling or plain. They are made of leather, nylon, cotton and webbing. The more expensive collars are no more serviceable than the inexpensive, solid color ones. The most important consideration when purchasing any collar is to get the right size and keep in mind if you are buying a collar for a puppy, it needs to be adjustable so the collar grows along with the puppy.