CHOKE CHAIN vs PINCH/PRONG & MARTINGALE COLLAR

The basic function of  collars is the same. These training collars work to grab the attention of the dog by providing an unwanted stimulus. In the case of the choke chain, a tug on the leash tightens the collar around the neck, while the pinch or prong collar provides a sharp pinch of the skin with the same action. The primary difference between the choke chain and the pinch/prong collar is in terms of function.  The prong collar can only tighten enough to provide a pinch, while the choke chain can tighten to the point of cutting off the dog's ability to breathe.

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   CHOKE CHAIN 

                        

   

   PINCH  or  PRONG 

   
   

   
   

   SAFETY

   Safety is the largest concern when considering a choke chain or a pinch collar. Both collars are capable of providing a correction in training, but the pinch collar is a safer option because it can only tighten to a specific point. Choke chains are designed to tighten as far as they can when the leash is pulled, so a dog that is pulling hard on the leash can cause damage to its throat or hamper its ability to breathe. The pinch collar, on the other hand, has a limited slip amount. That means it can tighten enough to cause a pinch of the skin between the prongs, but cannot tighten any further, preventing harm to the dog.

   
   

   TRAINING   CAPABILITIES

   • Both collars provide training capabilities because they provide what is known as a correction. When a dog misbehaves, such as pulling on the leash while walking, the trainer can sharply pull the leash, creating this correction. The pinch collar correction is more than enough correction to gain the dog's attention and incite the desired reaction, getting the dog to stop. The choke collar can cause harm to the dog before it stops pulling. The pinch collar has a menacing appearance because of its prongs, but only causes a pinch of the skin and does not dig into the dog's skin when being worn.

   EASE OF USE

   • Another difficulty with choke chains or slip collars is that they can be put on incorrectly, which causes more problems when using them. If you put a choke chain on backward, it will not release once it has been tightened , and has to be released manually, otherwise it may choke the dog. A pinch or prong collar cannot be fitted backward. It will always release after a correction because of the nature of the "slip," which is the chain connecting the two ends of the collar together. This means that as long as a prong collar is properly sized, there is no danger of choking the dog.

     
     

     
     
     

     

                                      MARTINGAL

     How A Martingal Collar Works:
     

     A martingale collar is a special type of dog collar that helps a dog stay comfortable while being completely secure on their leash

     
     

     

     ILLUSTRATION OF HOW MARTINGAL WORKS

                                                           

     A martingale collar is made with two loops.  The large loop is placed around the  dogs neck and adjusted to fit loosely.  The leash is then clipped to the D ring on the small loop.  when the dog tries to pull their head out of the collar, the tension on the leash pulls the small loop taut which makes the large loop smaller and tighter on the neck, preventing escape.  When adjusted properly the dog is never choked, but the collar stays snug around the dog's neck (just behind the ears)  until  the pressure is comfortable.
     

     

     Martingale Collar
     (Greyhound is the breed Martingale collars were
     first made for because of their small neck, but recognized now  as a collar  good for any neck-size dog)

     
     
     
                          
                                        
     

     

     Martingale Collar
     The advantages of Martingale collar over other standard collars:

     The problem with standard buckle collars is that for the collar to be tight enough that it can't slip over the ears when pulled forward by a dog backing up, it must be uncomfortably tight all the time.  The martingale collar allows the dog to wear a comfortably loose collar that is only tight when it needs to be tight.
     
     
     WARNING
     When using any type of training collar, it is of vital importance that you receive proper training in fitting and using the collar for the best results. All training collars, including martingale collars, prong collars and choke chains, must be fitted correctly in order for them to be safe and effective. Consult a veterinarian, Canine Massage Therapist or a professional trainer to make sure that you are using your training collar correctly in order to best benefit your dog