About Martingales

What’s the Scoop on Martingales?

Martingales are a common training aid, and address two major issues in dog handling. A true martingale has no buckle and is put on over the dog’s head. This precludes the collar breaking at the buckle point. No buckle, no buckle failure. Leash attachment is a short loop of chain or webbing that allows a limited amount of constriction when the leash is pulled.

The first problem a martingale solves is escape. Some dogs have thick necks and slender skulls, and they learn they can just back up against the leash to slip out of their collars, no matter how snug they are fitted. Once in a martingale is used, the pressure against the leash tightens the collar to grip onto the pup’s neck and keep them secure. This solution works very reliably.

The second problem a martingale helps with is pulling. It’s worth noting that this function does not work on every dog. Generally speaking, higher intellect dogs can learn that pulling = squeezing, and backing off = a more comfortable fit. I find that most lower intellect dogs cannot make that connection. I suspect the constriction triggers their primitive brain and doesn’t allow them to learn. That’s why you see many “big dumb lovebug” type dogs pulling into a martingale with their eyes popping out, every day with no change. As long as these dogs are not able to escape their collars, a different type of collar would be a better choice. And remember, even in a more intelligent dog, a martingale should not be thrown on and expected to teach loose-leash walking by itself. No training aid replaces actual training, they are just used to reinforce ideas being taught by the handler.

Quality counts with martingales, as cheaply made chain can bend open and release the dog. Each link and each piece of hardware must be individually welded. Use caution with “quick release martingales” which have an added side-release buckle. Side-release buckles, even metal ones, do not have the tensile strength to use in a collar designed for pulling dogs.

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