Training With a Martingale Collar: What I Learned With Remy

My puppy Remy somehow made it through his basic obedience class. (He’s quite a handful!)

One thing that stood out about this class was the instructor’s recommendation that we use martingale-style collars. I was used to other equipment, so I wasn’t immediately sold on the idea.

But I wanted to keep an open mind. I started using a dogIDs martingale collar with my Weimaraner puppy, Remy, and began to understand why people like this style of collar.

What Is a Martingale Collar?

A martingale is a limited-slip collar. Its smaller loop allows the collar to tighten under leash tension, while its design limits how far it can tighten when properly fitted.

That limited tightening can help prevent a dog from backing out of the collar. It also makes martingales an option for supervised walks and training sessions.

However, limited tightening does not mean there is no pressure on the neck. A martingale still needs to fit correctly, and it should not be used to deliver leash jerks or maintain constant pressure.

Why I Tried a Martingale With Remy

A More Secure Fit in Busy Settings

An obedience class brings plenty of distractions: unfamiliar dogs, new people and lots of movement. In an exciting or startling situation, a dog may try to back away and slip out of a collar.

A properly fitted martingale can help reduce that risk. This is particularly useful for dogs whose heads are narrow relative to their necks, but dogs of other shapes and breeds may benefit from the fit as well.

It is still important to check the fit on your individual dog. No collar makes escape impossible, especially if it is loose, damaged or adjusted incorrectly.

An Option for Walking and Training

Martingales are not limited to dogs that have already slipped out of a collar. They can also be practical equipment for supervised everyday walks and training, provided the fit and the dog’s needs are considered.

For Remy, trying a martingale gave me another option to work with during class. But the collar did not replace the actual training: helping him pay attention, practicing around manageable distractions and rewarding the behavior I wanted.

dogIDs offers several styles, including an Embroidered Martingale Collar and a Personalized Waterproof Chain Martingale Nameplate Collar.

The Collar Does Not Teach Loose-Leash Walking

Heck, I still had a hard time walking Remy on a martingale in some situations!

That is an important distinction. A collar can help you keep your dog securely attached to the leash, but it does not automatically teach your dog how to walk without pulling.

Practice in a quiet area and reward your dog for checking in with you and walking with slack in the leash. Keep sessions short, and give your dog opportunities to sniff and explore.

If your dog starts pulling, pause or create more distance from the distraction rather than jerking the leash. If pulling remains difficult to manage, a qualified reward-based trainer can help you work on the underlying skills and choose suitable equipment.

Fit and Supervision Matter

Follow the fitting instructions for your particular martingale collar. When the smaller loop tightens, the collar should remain comfortable and should not constrict your dog’s breathing. Check both the relaxed fit and the tightened fit before heading out.

• Recheck the adjustment regularly, especially with a growing puppy.
• Inspect the collar, stitching, hardware and leash attachment for wear.
• Use the collar for supervised activities and remove it when your dog is unattended or crated.
• Avoid situations where the collar or its loop could catch on objects or become tangled during play.
• Stop and reassess if your dog coughs, gags or shows discomfort when pressure is applied.

If your dog has a neck, airway or other medical concern, ask your veterinarian about suitable walking equipment.

No Single Collar Is Right for Every Dog

Trying a martingale with Remy reminded me that it is worth keeping an open mind about equipment. It became another option for us, rather than a solution to every training challenge.

I also used a harness for Remy when hiking. A well-fitted harness may be appropriate for some dogs and activities, particularly when avoiding leash pressure on the neck is a priority. Fit, comfort and freedom of movement matter with either choice.

The goal is to find equipment that suits your dog and the activity, then pair it with patient, consistent training. For Remy and me, the work of learning together mattered much more than the collar alone.

For help comparing options, read How to Choose the Right Dog Collar for Your Dog.