What collars are preferred for larger breeds such as GSDs? I used a standard flat collar when we have had smaller dogs however I understand larger dogs have more strain on their neck and a collar that can restrict their ability to pull is probably best given their size! There is a lot of conflicting information out there about prong collars, check collars, half check collars etc. I do not want to use a prong/pinch collar.
Josh

I use either a roll leather collar or flat collar for my longcoat gsd. I dont see it as related to the dog pulling as ideally a dog should be walking to heel not pulling. Most trainers these days are totally against check chains I have however used a half check but def no prong pinch e collars etc.

Don't have a GSD but a heavy breed with large dewlap which I don't like to restrict in a normal collar. Have always used half checks/martingale collars so as they walk at heel it hangs loose but should they pull gently tightens.

Plain or half check for my Malinois (EXTREMELY strong dogs!) but I never use the half checks to jerk on -wouldn't dream of it. Not many people would use a choke chain these days and most training classes have banned them. You'll even see a lot of police dogs with nothing but plain collars. It's all down to training. When I have dogs that pull I'll use a headcollar until they get out of the habit.

All of my RRs have leather half check collars (not that they wear them very often - lucky enough to walk on our own land :)) I prefer the half check as they can never slip out of it, as is possible with an ordinary collar.

Thanks for the replies, it sounds as though the half check collars are quite popular then. I would never rely on simply a collar to discourage a dog from pulling, I would always prefer a halti collar if this was the case however I intend to train the dog to walk to heel.

Josh

Hi Austin,

Thanks for the advice. I do sometimes wonder about the behaviours of certain animal charities and their wide assumptions that people are going to use certain things (I.E Half-check collars) incorrectly.

Why are you not keen on the headcollars or haltis?

Josh

Josh, have a look at the Canac range - they do half-checks in different widths including one that's fairly broad which is probably what you want for a strong large dog, not something too narrow that will cut into its neck if it pulls.

I use a halti and a half check collar. My dog is very good at walking on a slack lead, but we are still working on his lead-manners under extreme distraction - being ambushed by his best buddy, ususally results in me being pulled everywhere, so I'm useing the halti to try to teach some more appropriate behaviour!!.

Not really. It's down to the Dogs Trust. They recommend the use of a flat buckle collar only, and years back refused to supply the police with dogs unless they complied and took the same stance.  Hence, police dogs wearing nothing but plain collars.  Then again, not all police dogs are trained to walk to heel.

LOL you make it sound like ALL police dogs are supplied by the Dogs Trust!! Far from it, many forces now breed their own as the success rate was so much higher, and they do take pups from breeders at times. Two pups from my last litter are currently in training to become police dogs.

On the KC puppies list it seems like now a local police officer is breeding his own pups. I know that they do occasionally take rescue dogs but I too was under the impression that the majority will pick from a litter from a breeder- it would certainly make more sense from a cost-saving perspective as you could potentially save a lot of vet bills by getting a health-tested pup rather than 'risking it' with a rescue pup.

Thank you for all the replies- I will definitely have a look at that website and be sure to get a nice thick one.

I live very close to the met dog training centre. My understanding is that the police have their own breeding programme using suitable bitches that will produce what they want. They will rehome extras to the generally public and will lso take rehomes/ donated dogs where there is a need and the right  dog available.

I use a leather half check collar on my boxer, about 3/4" wide (I think!)  I like it as others have said as it's loose when he's walking to heel and off lead but he can't slip out of it.

I use 2" wide flat padded leather buckle collars for my DDB.

Not all police forces have their own breeding programmes although it does make sense for them to use a pool of reputable breeders rather than completely bring breeding inhouse.  Unfortunately as with all good ideas it brings with is a whole can of new worms. A lot of issues with the K9 units is historical and some political between interest groups and organisations, and they're such an easy target for critisims they really need to be on everyones best side. Imagine starting on a breeding programme and upsetting an organisation like The Dogs Trust?  You can just imagine how awkward that coule be, even if they don't source any rescue dogs in the future.

regards,

Austin

I started a thread for collar recomendations for dogs with dewlaps (if I had read this thread first, I wouldn't have needed too!).

Anyway, as you may not read my thread, due to it's title, here is a link to it as there are loads of links to recomended collars (half check/martingales) that may be of interest to you  :)

>I intend to train the dog to walk to heel

When one of my dogs was quite young we were happily walking along and met a swan in the middle of the footpath.  The swan took exception to us trying to walk past his/her cygnets who were in the ditch next to the path.  I had no alternative but to pass and decided to shorten the lead and walk briskly past, looking straight ahead.  When I arrived at a place a safe distance from the swan I went to congratulate my boy on his courage only to find I was holding an empty collar.  He had decided the swan was too creepy for words and was quietly sitting way back where we'd started!!

From that day to this I've used an all fabric martingale/half slip/combi collar for our day to day walks, he still walks beautifully to heel but I like to be reassured that he can't slip out of his collar :)