Slipped Collar

[Poodle wrangler]

At training an energetic GSP slipped her collar and took off. this time, but she wouldn't want to be near a road. Owner had a nylon, adjustable collar on his dog. I probably missed it, but didn't hear the trainer suggest anything to him about it.

What would you suggest for the owner?

I also know why people buy Haltis: My arm was ready to fall off with the bucking bronco at the end of my leash last night who spent a lot of time with his nose on the ground and/ or longing to join the dogs at agility. A "quick fix" seems so attractive . More training for me, I know, no relying on contraptions . Think I need to work on dog paying attention better attention to me with distraction.

[Erny]

If people are using flat collars at training, I am often suggesting/advising them to check them to ensure the collar cannot come off. Also suggest they tighten the collar up one notch or two (depending how firm to begin with) and loosen it off when they get home. It is amazing how many people don't think to check this until it is too late. It isn't rocket science - just common sense.

I used to do that with my girl. She had a notch that was for when the lead was on or we were otherwise 'out', and another when we were at home.

IMO a slip collar is better, especially (but not only) for those with dogs whose shape and size of head compared with their necks can make it difficult if not impossible to hold a collar without it being too tight.

Edited May 31, 2007 by Erny

[Poodle wrangler]

I could see the collar was too loose- 3cm or more of daylight b/w neck and collar when dog pulled on the lead . Collar was as tight as it could go. Friends of mine did the same with their younger dog- bought collar bit to big for him to grow in to. I'd be worried about dog hanging themselves .

What are your thoughts on slip collars or haltis for bucking broncos (aka a 5 month old standard poodle)? Not as a total solution, but to stop my arm falling off while I work on training? I use a flat collar at the moment.

Think I had a bad night at beginner training last night. Am I clutching at straws, or, just need to get back to getting basic attention with my dog? Just stop when he starts to pull when walking? We do a lot of heel, turn, about turn, stand, halt (with sit), down/drop and place, so this is a bit hard to do without getting in everyone's way.

It's a bit difficult as I'm part of a large beginner class. Still worth it for socialisation.

[Erny]

What are your thoughts on slip collars or haltis ... to stop my arm falling off while I work on training?

Can't advise you without seeing you or your dog. Make sure you obtain good tuition on how to use whichever piece of equipment you chose to use. I would suggest that it's your technique that needs some help, but agree that something other than a flat collar (example only: martingale; pinch collar) would help, but only if they too are used properly.

If you're going to go for a head-collar, it is important these be used properly too, as they have very real potential to cause physical damage to the dog - even if simply by it struggling/scratching/clawing to get it off.

By the sounds you need some help. Have you asked your dog school for a bit of specialised help to get you going on your way?

Edited May 31, 2007 by Erny

[MrsD]

Jarrah is an experienced collar slipper (from before I owned him), first time I found out was one day at herding & he decided he knew where he wanted to be & I was left holding an empty flat collar & lead & he was sitting at the paddock gate waiting to be let in with the sheep .

He now wears a martingale at herding & still tries to slip it often, but no luck now .

[wheres my rock]

we use limited slip or a martingale then they cant get out of it

[Kavik]

I second the limited slip or martingale idea

I have seen some people who still fit these too loosely though! It is important to fit and know how to use any equipment you decide on.

[Guest Steph & Bam]

I have to ask (sorry for the niave question) but what is a Limited Slip collar? Is it the same as a Martingle collar?

[Erny]

A martingale is limited slip.

A prong collar is limited slip.

A check chain is not.

And, when you think about it, a head-collar is not limited slip either (muzzle strap tightens infinitively).

"Limited slip" is where the collar tightens when tension is applied by the lead, but it can only tighten so far.

Not niave and don't be sorry for asking, S&B. We all learn by questioning.

Edited May 31, 2007 by Erny

[Ms James]

Yeah, the martingales are probably a good idea, I'm thinking of getting one for my Bella-buttons. Not because she's an escape artist, rather I'm too flaming unco to keep her check chain in the correct position when we're training

[wheres my rock]

if you go to

www.callicoma.com.au

they have both and very cheap

[Erny]

Yeah, the martingales are probably a good idea, I'm thinking of getting one for my Bella-buttons. Not because she's an escape artist, rather I'm too flaming unco to keep her check chain in the correct position when we're training

Hey!! MsJames!!!

Practice, practice, practice.

[Ms James]

Yeah, the martingales are probably a good idea, I'm thinking of getting one for my Bella-buttons. Not because she's an escape artist, rather I'm too flaming unco to keep her check chain in the correct position when we're training

Hey!! MsJames!!!

Practice, practice, practice.

tee hee! I'll do that & maybe when the doggies are tired of being practised on, I can practise eliminating my unco-ness on the OH, he'd look so pretty in a check chain & on the other end of my lead

[Guest Steph & Bam]

A martingale is limited slip.

A prong collar is limited slip.

A check chain is not.

And, when you think about it, a head-collar is not limited slip either (muzzle strap tightens infinitively).

"Limited slip" is where the collar tightens when tension is applied by the lead, but it can only tighten so far.

Not niave and don't be sorry for asking, S&B. We all learn by questioning.

Thankyou!! I think I may have to get a Martingale one (Bam's too soft for a prong) they have this made entirely of fabric with stainless steel fittings right? Bam's scared of chains so one of the ones with a chain won't work, and I don't want to force him into a chain because I don't think that will be productive on him. At the moment I just work him on a flat collar.

[Erny]

I think I may have to get a Martingale one ... this made entirely of fabric with stainless steel fittings right?

The webbing style with the stainless steel fittings are the most common. K9 Force sells them. Don't know his price, but you could check his website.

I have seen Martingales made of all chain too, though.

[J...]

Steph, if you're worried about the chain, you could always look at a Blackdog martingale/LS collar - theirs are all material as opposed to having the chain section like some do....

http://www.blackdog.net.au/collars.php

[Kavik]

The Blackdog martingales are very nice and easy to fit as you can adjust it once and then buckle it on from then on. Unfortunately I have found with some of mine that they don't give enough control as they seem to respect chain more.