We would like to get a collar for Amber Lee + the chip. With shelties having so much fur on there necks,which collar would work best. We want to put her name tag and contact info on it. I don't like to use a collar with a leash. I prefer a harness. I definitely won't use a choker chain collar. I think they are cruel to use on a dog.
What type/style of collar
- Thread starter dkean
- Start date
MisfitBrian
Forums Enthusiast
Martingales are what I use on both my boys. They are loose when not on a leash, but are tight(without choking) when a leash is used.
Emmasmom
Forums Sage
I have a rolled leather buckle collar for Emma and plan on getting one for Liam. He has a collar with a plastic snap buckle for now. I use a harness on them when walking.
Chris
Premium Member
We chose braided kangaroo martingales from Leashes by Design. They're pricey, but they last forever!! And the design works well with long fur. 
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
We chose braided kangaroo martingales from Leashes by Design. They're pricey, but they last forever!! And the design works well with long fur.
Yep, yep, yep! Chris! You beat me to it again! Definitely, I advocate martingales for Shelties. The thinnest possible and rolled leather if possible. These collars sit loose around their necks when not attached to a lead, so no matting. And yes I'm talking about Leashes by Design. There are other manufacturers but I've never found one that compares.
These are not to confused as choke chains. When measured properly, they tighten just enough to avoid that slim Sheltie head from slipping its collar. And because they fit loose I can leave the the collars on all the time, which means they always have their ID tags.
I'm not a fan of harnesses except as last resort but that is a personal bias. I believe that Shelties, of all breeds, can be trained to walk nice with minimal training. I'm no training expert myself, but I can walk my dogs on leash without them pulling me down the street.
Control of the leash is key. Its a two handed technique. Assuming you are right-handed, dogs walk on your left. You hold the leash loop in your right hand. With your left hand, you control how much leash play your pups have. If they start to pull you shorten the leash length with your left hand by pulling it across your front and holding it firm.
When they are walking steady by your side, you treat and praise. If they start to pull again, you left hand shortens the leash again and brings pup back to your side.
My tuppence worth.
dmeyer123
Forums Enthusiast
Has anyone had trouble with the chain part of the martingale turning the white ruff around the dog's neck grey? I have this problem with Lexi.
k9kreationz
Forums Celebrity
I don't use a martingale with a chain, however, just thinking back to when I used to wear those metal bracelets (think YEARS ago), I recall how it would discolor me after awhile. Just from being dirty or too much rubbing. Remember, I'm sure the chain part is coated in something and if that coating comes off, what's underneath is probably what is making her coat turn gray.
Just a thought.
corbinam
Moderator
I'm just thinking out loud...but I wonder if it's a good idea to leave a martingale on a dog when you're not around. I know that it only tightens to a certain degree, but I'm not sure I would feel comfortable using a martingale as an "every day" collar.
I have a regular collar that the dogs wear when they go out (rides in the car, trips, walks) or when we travel (at a hotel, etc...) and a martingale that they wear when they are on leash (on top of the regular collar). It might be overkill, but I don't like the idea of them wearing the martingale at all times.
I have a regular collar that the dogs wear when they go out (rides in the car, trips, walks) or when we travel (at a hotel, etc...) and a martingale that they wear when they are on leash (on top of the regular collar). It might be overkill, but I don't like the idea of them wearing the martingale at all times.
Yes, they actually do not recommend leaving the martingale on when the dog is not with you. Too many have hanged themselves in crates and ex-pens with it getting stuck in the wire...
None of mine wear collars except when going out of the house. Than they were a show lead...which is like a choke chain...im not sure why you are dead set against a choke?
After using a martingale and I find it hard to get tight enough without being able to slip over their heads since you have to have it loose enough to slip over going on...I dont trust them. One of mine did slip his martingale while in a parking lot...I was going one way he decided that was not what he wanted, and he was running free. After that I dumped them and im back to the show leads.
Id suggest if you want to leave a collar on your dog try to find one that has a release if the dog gets stuck, or he can slip his head out of.
A breeder friend of mine recommended what she uses on her Shelties: it's actually a custom-length cat collar!
http://nationalleash.com/cat_safety_collar.htm
They are made of soft, very thin mountain climbing cord and are available in many colors - as well as two styles. I use these collars only for tags, as they are not secure enough to use with a leash. The one I use is the one you can tighten up using the two little metal things. If the dog gets a collar caught on something, it simply pulls out bigger and the dog slips out of it. That's not very likely to happen with a Sheltie, because it sits pretty deep into the fur, and does not discolor the white fur and does not cause or exacerbate mats. Plus, they are inexpensive (less than $5 a piece), so I can buy several and have them on hand. To get the custom lengths, send an email requesting it, and the guy will be glad for your business.
For regular walking, I use a martingale collar and a leather leash that has out-lasted my last 4 dogs. It only gets more supple and beautiful with time.
http://nationalleash.com/cat_safety_collar.htm
They are made of soft, very thin mountain climbing cord and are available in many colors - as well as two styles. I use these collars only for tags, as they are not secure enough to use with a leash. The one I use is the one you can tighten up using the two little metal things. If the dog gets a collar caught on something, it simply pulls out bigger and the dog slips out of it. That's not very likely to happen with a Sheltie, because it sits pretty deep into the fur, and does not discolor the white fur and does not cause or exacerbate mats. Plus, they are inexpensive (less than $5 a piece), so I can buy several and have them on hand. To get the custom lengths, send an email requesting it, and the guy will be glad for your business.
For regular walking, I use a martingale collar and a leather leash that has out-lasted my last 4 dogs. It only gets more supple and beautiful with time.