The 7 Best Martingale Collars and How To Use Them

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Martingale collars, also called no-slip or limited-slip collars, provide more control than a typical flat collar to prevent dogs from backing or slipping out. They look like a flat collar, but about a third of their length is a smaller loop of fabric with a D-ring attached.

“They are designed to tighten when a dog pulls on the leash, providing gentle control and preventing the dog from slipping out of the collar,” explains Dr. Alex Crow, MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon practicing in the UK. 

Tension on the leash causes the smaller loop to tighten, which in turn pulls the larger loop tighter—but not too tight! Martingale collars are adjustable and shouldn’t tighten past the width of the dog’s neck. They offer comfortable security without harming your dog.

To help pet parents choose a collar that works for them, we ask Dr. Crow which dogs make good candidates for a martingale—calling out seven collars that work well for different pups and situations.

Best for Greyhounds and Whippets: Country Brook Petz Nylon Collar

According to Dr. Crow, dogs with narrow heads, like Greyhounds, Whippets, Salukis, and other sighthounds, can benefit from a martingale collar. “These dogs can easily slip out of regular collars, making martingale collars a safer option,” he says. 

This Country Brook Petz nylon collar offers gentle control and prevents dogs from slipping their heads out—without becoming too tight. Made with silky soft nylon webbing, these collars are comfortable for sighthounds with sparse fur. 

This collar is wide and sturdy. There’s box stitching along its pressure points for extra strength. Plus, nickel-plated steel hardware and welded metal rings should hold up against rowdy pups and strong pullers.

Features we like:

• Soft and supple, not stiff or scratchy
• Colorfast dye means it won’t fade when wet
• Seven sizes available (including “micro” and “mini” for very small dogs)
• Made in the U.S.
• Affordable option

Things to consider:

• No buckle: this collar slips over the head

Best for Escape Artists: Ruffwear Web Reaction Martingale Collar

For determined Houdini dogs or nervous pups who might try to escape while on leash, a martingale offers extra security. 

With its limited-cinch function, the Web Reaction helps prevent dogs from backing out. Ruffwear is known for its durable and long-lasting dog gear; this collar is no exception. It’s crafted with sturdy materials, including a strong aluminum leash attachment. It also integrates tubelok webbing for reflectivity in low light. 

Five sizes make it easier to get the right fit and keep your dog from bolting. Plus, this martingale is lightweight and comfortable, which helps to dissuade dogs from attempting a getaway. A silicone tag silencer also sits between your dog’s tags to reduce jangling.

Features we like:

• Silicone tag silencer 
• Reflective stitching
• Colorfast: pattern should stay bright even with extended wear
• Side release buckle makes it easy to put on and take off
• Attractive color combinations

Things to consider:

• Limited adjustability range

Best for Puppies: CollarDirect Reflective Martingale Collar

Martingale collars are safe for puppies, and they can be a convenient training tool—provided they’re fitted properly and used under supervision. “Puppies grow rapidly, so regular adjustments would be necessary to ensure the collar remains comfortable and effective,” says Dr. Crow. 

Size adjustments are easy with this nylon martingale, making it a safe option for growing puppies. In addition, the nylon is soft and hypoallergenic, so it’s gentle on pups with sensitive skin. And lastly, this collar has reflective stitching and comes in several bright colors to keep your puppy visible. 

Features we like:

• Three sizes available
• Durable metal hardware
• Eight vibrant color options

Things to consider:

• May not work for toy breeds

Best for Large Dogs: Max and Neo Nylon Martingale Dog Collar

For your dog’s safety and comfort, a martingale collar needs to be fitted correctly, says Dr. Crow. “It should tighten just enough to prevent the dog from slipping out, but not so much that it causes discomfort or restricts breathing,” he explains. 

Sizing a collar for a bigger dog can be challenging, but this Max and Neo martingale should work well for most large breeds. The large size ranges from 19″ to 25”, and the XL runs from 21″ to 33”, so it can fit even the biggest dogs. These collars have a width of 1 inch. 

The brand also considers safety. They’ve included a loop for ID tags. And a locking tab on the buckle prevents accidental unclipping. Finally, this martingale collar is reflective, like all Max and Neo gear. As a bonus, the company donates a collar to a dog rescue for every one that they sell.

Features we like:

• Durable and long-lasting nylon
• 2mm wide bands of reflective stitching around both edges of the collar
• Available in four colors: black, blue, red, pink
• For every purchase, the brand will donate an identical collar to a rescue

Things to consider:

• Some pet parents didn’t like how wide this collar is

Best for Small Dogs: PetSafe Martingale Collar

Small dogs that can wriggle free from a standard collar may also benefit from a martingale, says Dr. Crow.  

This nylon PetSafe collar is just right for a Toy Poodle, Mini Dachshund, or Chihuahua. It’s available in several smaller sizes, including Petite (7″-9”), Small (9″-11”), and Medium (11″-15”). The width is also suitably sized for smaller dogs: the Petite is ⅜” wide, and the Small is 2/4” wide.

Pet parents will appreciate the nylon’s strength—and small dogs will appreciate its smooth texture against their necks. It’s also lightweight for more enjoyable walks.

Features we like:

• Nylon is comfortable and lightweight
• Very small sizes available 
• Quick snap buckle 
• Affordable

Things to consider:

• Not reflective

Best Wide Martingale: If It Barks 1.5″ Martingale Collar

If you have a large dog or a sighthound whose neck is bigger than their head, a wider martingale tends to work best. These are more secure and make it harder for such dogs to slip out of the collar. 

This popular martingale sports a width of 1.5”, making it an excellent choice for dogs who might otherwise slip out of a regular collar. It’s made with thick nylon that features tight stitching for durability. Plus, all of the hardware is made with solid metal. We also like the polyester grosgrain ribbon, which allows for easier cleaning.  

Features we like:

• Webbing is made to military specs for strength and longevity
• Strong nickel-plated hardware
• Available in three sizes and several striped designs
• Handmade in the U.S.

Things to consider:

• This is a slip-on collar: there is no buckle

Best for Training: Blueberry Pet Essentials Martingale Collar

For training purposes, martingale collars are considerably safer than choke chains or prong collars, says Dr. Crow. A martingale offers gentle control without choking dogs who are learning the basics or those with a tendency to pull on leash. 

This Blueberry Pet martingale is durable, made with high-density nylon webbing and heavy-duty hardware. It’s also fully adjustable, so it should work for your puppy-in-training.

You can personalize the collar with your pet’s name and contact info as an additional safety measure during training. The embroidery is clear and easy to read. 

Features we like:

• Can be personalized for easy identification
• Lots of room for adjustment
• 21 color options

Things to consider:

• With no buckle, this might be tricky to put on fidgety dogs

How We Chose

The martingale collars featured here were selected based on a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms and an interview with veterinarian Dr. Alex Crow. We prioritized collars with durable yet comfortable materials, a wide range of adjustability, and safety features like reflective stitching. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.

New Pet Parent Resources

Leash training isn’t easy—and neither is a new pet schedule. Get your new friend some exercise and give your leash arm a break with Rover. Dog walkers are here for all kinds of romps, whether that’s a meandering sniff or a calorie-burning blitz. Find loving, experienced walkers in your neighborhood and on your schedule, or book a sitter for care while you’re away.

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