Everything you need to know about Martingales
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Time to read 5 min
When it comes to walking your dog safely and confidently, the right gear makes all the difference. At Dog Forbid, we specialise in durable, high quality martingale collars designed for adventurous, escape-prone dogs. But what exactly is a martingale collar, where did it come from, and why do we swear by them?
Where it all started...
Back in the 19th century Coachmen used to have working dogs to accompany them on their travels, but minding both horse and dog in one go wasn't easy, so in a place of need, they created a martingale style collar as a solution to stop the dog from fleeing the coach whilst travelling. The collar would also allow the coachman to have considerably more control, which was needed when being responsible for 2 animals simultaneously.
Martingale collars originated in the world of sighthounds, breeds like Greyhounds, Whippets, and Salukis. These sleek, athletic dogs have necks that are often larger than their heads, which makes traditional flat collars easy to slip out of. As a solution the martingale we know today was developed, a safer, escape-proof tool that applied gentle pressure without choking the dog.
Over time, the martingale's design gained popularity into other dog breed markets. Everyday dog owners began to recognise it's value for a wide variety of breeds, especially those prone to pulling or slipping their collars.
How the martingale works
A martingale collar features two loops within it's design, a main collar loop that goes around the dog’s neck, and a smaller control loop that tightens slightly when tension is applied (usually by a lead). This design provides more control without the harsh constriction of a choke chain or full slip.
When the dog pulls or tries to back out of the collar, the smaller loop tightens just enough to keep the collar snug, but not enough to cause pain or restrict breathing. Once tension is released, the collar relaxes back to its original size. The limited slip function has allowed it to be a tool that can be more comfortable than a full slip tool. It’s a clever system that balances safety, security, and comfort.
What dog typically uses a martingale?
The martingale was brought to the sighthound community a long time ago but has since grown in popularity with other breeds, especially working breeds. Any breed can wear a martingale collar, but it is mostly popular amongst flight / escape-prone breeds such as sighthounds, and breeds who have high drives and tend to pull through flat collars.
Martingale collars are also a popular choice for dog rescues, especially on new dogs that may be nervous or try to flee. It's primary use is to prevent the escape of your dog. A lot of rescues use the martingale as emergency safety tool along with s harness incase the harness fails.
At Dog Forbid, we cater specifically to medium and large dogs with a taste for adventure, and the strength to match it. That’s why our core product martingale collars feature anti-escape design, rust-proof stainless steel hardware, and strength-rated materials tested to 500kg or more
How does the martingale work?
The martingale has two loops that work together to disperse tension evenly around the dogs neck providing safety but not discomfort. The limited slip design will stop applying tension when the 2 triglides come into contact or when the tension put on the control loops stops.
The tension will only be applied when the dog pulls or tries to back out. The martingale design will prevent a dogs neck from slipping back through the collar should they try and back out of the collar.
A well fitted martingale is the ideal collar to have if you have a reactive or nervous dog breed.
Measuring your dog for a Martingale collar.
First things first, ensure you have taken measurements of your dog in 2 places.
1. The top-middle part of the neck where the collar should sit snugly.
2. The part of the dogs head just on the cartilage of where the ear bends forwards (This is so you can remove the martingale safely)
Martingales do not have a buckle so to ensure you can get the martingale on and off ensure both measurements are taken. For more information and an illustrated step-by-step guide click here.
Once you have you're measurements find a suitable retailer of martingales, if you need it for an escape prone dog or sighthound, make sure the company providing the collars understands the head shape of a sighthound. If not this could lead to the martingale working incorrectly which may be dangerous.
If you're wanting a martingale for a dog who pulls, ensure that the collar you buy has strength testing values and data. This is imperative should the dog want to pull through the collar.
For a martingale collar that is both designed by a sighthound owner for all breeds and strength tested to over 500kg shop our collection here.
Wearing your martingale safely
Putting your Martingale on your dog is simple once you know how to do it, but from our experience we've seen these collars put on in a variety of different ways, all wrong, and any other way than the correct way can be dangerous and even harmful.
Firstly, the Martingale is made up of two loops, the Main Loop, this is the bigger loop, and the Control Loop, these should be easy to differentiate from one another.
Using the triglide, adjust the collar until it's at its largest size, then gently place the large loop over your dogs head. Once it's on, readjust the triglide to tighten the collar around the neck, making sure to stop tightening once you can comfortably put just two fingers between the neck and the collar.
If sized and worn correctly, the collar should be a snug fit, and sit flush around your dogs neck, with no hanging loops, no excess room between the collar and neck nor should it be too tight. The collar should also sit in the upper/mid neck not hang loose or sit a the base of the neck, this will potentially stop the collar from doing its job and being comfortable.
The importance of the correct fit
We designed our martingales to have the easiest way to achieve the perfect fit. Our martingales are designed based on our own sighthound and his needs and then improved to become an inclusive everyday dog collar.
Getting the right fit is so important, as this collar does tighten and it does not have a buckle to release it. So ensuring it is the perfect fit is paramount as injury is likely with an ill fitting martingale.
A tool designed for one purpose, transformed into an every day collar
At Dog Forbid we have nearly 20 years of experience in design and have spent the last 4 years perfecting what we believe is the perfect martingale, one build with your dog in mind following the experiences we had with our own. We have allowed a tool that was mainly for on lead use due to its design, into a collar that can be used every day, more safely and comfortably. If you want to know more information about our mission and what we do Follow our journey over on Instagram at @dog.forbid.
