Table 3.2 compares common styles of collars and halters (headcollars) used in training.
How they work:
Collars and halters generally have a leash attached to restrain, control, guide or position the dog. (For information on leashes, see Section 3.4.) All collars should be properly fitted, as described above.
An ordinary non-slip or "flat" collar does not tighten around a dog's neck. It may be made of flat or rolled material, with a buckle or a quick-release closure. It resembles a belt.
A halter has a loop that goes around the dog's snout and another loop that goes behind the dog's head. The leash clips to a ring that joins the two loops. It resembles a halter used on a horse.
A limited-slip collar has 2 parts. The first part goes around the dog's neck resembles a "U," with rings on each end. This part is just long enough to fit snugly around the dog's neck. The second part is a continuous loop that goes through the 2 end rings of the first part. The continuous loop allows the collar to be more loose around the dog's neck when the collar is not tightened. The leash is attached to a ring on the continuous loop. The loop restricts the amount the collar tightens around the dog's neck.
Slip collars, sometimes called choke collars, may be made of metal or nylon. The collar is a single piece, with rings on each end. One end of the collar is passed through the ring on the other end, then attached to the leash, making a loop that tightens. There is no limit to the amount the collar can tighten around the dog's neck.
Prong or pinch collars are similar to limited-slip collars, in that they restrict how much the collars tighten around the dog's neck. The "U"-shaped part of the collar is made from a series of metal links with metal prongs on the end, facing the inside. This part of the collar is just long enough such that the prongs put pressure on the dog's neck. The continuous loop restricts the amount the collar tightens around the dog's neck.
Limitations:
If collars are used for aversive control, the standards laid out in Section 2 should be followed. Continuous or too-frequent pulling on any collar by the handler detracts from the training process.
Risks and warnings:
Any type of collar left on an unsupervised dog is a potential strangling hazard; however, collars that tighten around the dog's neck pose the greatest risk. Trainers should be familiar with the manufacturer's instructions as to whether or not a halter may be left on an unattended dog, and should make recommendations accordingly. Misuse or harsh use of any collar can injure a dog. Significant pressure on any collar can collapse the airway of a small dog. Painful use of leashes and collars can result in fearful and aggressive responses.
| Type of collar | How it works | Benefits | Limitations | Risks and warnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | Puts variable pressure on throat and sides of neck, but does not slip or tighten when tension is applied. | Comfortable for most dogs to wear most of the time. | Puts pressure on airway and can cause gagging when leash tightens. | Some dogs may be able to back out of even a properly fitted flat collar. |
| Halters/ Head collars | Puts variable pressure on back and sides of neck and around dog's nose, but not on airway, when tension is applied. | Controls dog by guiding head, instead of by putting pressure on airway. Has calming effect on some dogs. | Only some designs are suitable for brachycephalic dogs (see manufacturer's instructions) | Leash attached to a halter should never be jerked. Owners should be taught how to fit and use halter correctly. |
| Limited-slip | Allows limited tightening action around neck. | Dog is unlikely to be able to back out of the collar. Comfortable for most dogs to wear most of the time. | If tightly fitted, puts pressure on airway and can cause gagging when leash tightens. | Potential for wearer or another dog to catch jaw or foot in tightening loop on collar. |
| Slip | Allows unlimited tightening action, putting pressure on airway and on muscles of the neck. | Dog is unlikely to be able to back out of the collar. | If tightening is prolonged, pain, injury, gasping, or choking can result. A slip collar left on an unsupervised dog is a potential strangling hazard. | Use with excessive force can cause injury or death. If put on incorrectly, collar will be tight all the time. |
| Prong | Prongs press on neck when leash tightens. | Limits constricting action around neck. Distributes pressure evenly. May be effective with lower level of handler skill than some other collars. | Links may come loose from one another, causing collar to release. Hooking links requires more hand strength and better vision than some owners have. | Bare metal prongs can injure dog's neck. Another dog playing with wearer may catch teeth in the chain, resulting in injury to either or both dogs. |
