Combo collars, like an all fabric half check, any good?   

My big boy Lab has such a chunky neck that his normal flat collar often ends up around his ears, literally :) 

Thought this might be the answer but wondered if anyone uses them and what thy're like.  Also it says not leave it on the dog unattended and I wondered why, can't see it being more of a danger than any other collar.  I like to leave collars on all the time as we have a stream of kids in and out :)

Any thoughts appreciated.

I use and like fabric half check collars they are not that easy to find these days. because my breed have powerful necks and wedge shape heads they can slip most collars but properly fitted half checks are fine, however I would never use a chain on because it cuts the coat.

Think that's just a usual caution incase they get caught. I have a lupine full collar and they are fab

Hi, I'm a fan of the Combo. Good quality and very strong.

I use this type of combo/martingale collar and have the Lupine and Earthdog versions.  I started to use them since I realised one of my dogs could easily slip a conventional collar - we encountered a swan guarding a nest on a footpath so I decided to walk briskly past (looking neither to my right or to my left) but when I arrived at the other end of the path I noticed my pup was still sat patiently at the beginning!!!

I don't leave collars on though...   However, if you take the time to fit this collar properly and someone is at home with the dog then I can't see that he would easily get into trouble.  The one thing you do need to watch, if you need to hold/grab the collar, is that if you don't pick up the section that tightens - your dog will just slip it over his head.  Hope that makes sense :)

Incidentally I buy my Lupine collars from an American site, even with shipping it works out cheaper, although I tend to buy more than one at a time. eBay is also pretty good for prices too.  Collarways in the UK are excellent Lupine stockists but not cheap

You can find lots of fabric half checks from any of the sled dog suppliers as the majority of them wear alaskan slip collars which are the same thing.

I used to have half check collars on during the day and removed at night till one day whilst playing one of my dachsies teeth got caught in the chain of anothers, she panicked and started flipping over and over and the collar was getting tighter and throttling the dog, luckily I was there and quickly cut through the collar and managed with difficulty to get the collar off the teeth,it gave me a scare thinking what could have happened if I hadn't been there, now they only wear collars or harness when leaving the house.

Ordered the collars from Collarways and were delivered next day :)    I got 3 different designs, Woofstock, Bling bones, and Wild Thing, the quality is amazing and I probably won't be able to justify adding to my collection any more as I have a feeling these will last and last...;)

It's a bit difficult to see from just the picture how these work. Mine have half-checks which are getting a bit old now and should be replaced before they break :) What is the advantage of the combo-collar ?? (Mine don't wear collars at home, only out on walks. These are a bit brighter than the black that mine have - somebody is having a laugh somewhere ..... :) :) )

Hi Daisy - as far as I know the combo / martingale / half check or training collar are all different names for the same thing.  Or at least these are the names I've found when looking for an all fabric version...

This page at Lupine might help - see How does a combo collar work?

The big advantage with Lupine is that they have a lifetime guarantee, even if chewed, and they will be replaced.  I had one that got a bit 'felted' and they replaced it no questions asked.  A friend had a chewed one replaced and they went to a lot of effort to source a discontinued design for her.  Incidentally you can get the plain colour colours from Lupine too but I don't like the fabric as much - it's a bit thin - the patterned collars feel more substantial.

Thanks, DAB :) I can see how they work now :) They look pretty strong collars - my oldest can still pull very strongly at times, despite being 13+ and as we walk on roads a lot can't risk them breaking (he would come back/stop, but with cars on country roads, can't risk a collar breaking).

When OH has had a chance to get over the cost of Christmas presents, I'll get a couple :)

I agree, the patterned fabric is a heavier weight material,   I also have plain coloured flat collars which are very good too.   Take a look at all the groovy patterns you can get.  I'm particularly pleased with the Bling bones design which is black with a metallic silver skull and cross bones :)

I don't think you'll be disappointed Daisy...    You must let us know what patterns you go for... :)

> You must let us know what patterns you go for

As my dogs have only had black collars, it will be difficult to choose :) :) I may have to take advice :)

Ha ha, up until now I've always had plain black collars but some people were having difficulty telling my dogs apart so I've gone for patterns that have a black theme... :)

I have 2 Wirehaired Vizsla's and have to be careful with their colours - I like Gecko but it didn't look right :) - so I have one with Brook Trout and another with Outback (I managed to source some new old stock as it's been discontinued).  My terrier type has one called Squares (I think) but his is discontinued now too.

I have Woofstock in mind for future but knowing my luck that will also have been discontinued by the time I need it.  The company I use in the US (Pet Expectations) deals in old patterns and has been great at finding what I wanted, I can check her prices with my discount code Daisy if you know what you might want - no rush just message me when you're ready :)

**Whilst I think of it Pet Expectations were able to design their own collar pattern which they've had made by Lupine - it's called Moose on the Loose and it's very nice, a good addition to the range but only available from them direct

I liked Brook Trout too, but wanted a black theme to mine.   Woofstock is really nice on my black boy, he looks like a hippy now ;)  I really quite like the Web Master design too, looks ever so silvery.  In fact all the designs are really nice, one to suit every colour of dog I should think :)

I like the Lupine design and quality - unfortunately since discovering they make collars with the appropriate holes in specifically for use with e-collar and invisible fence collar units, I refuse to buy their products any more. Its not a fact widely known in the uk as use of these is much less than in the US so I thought I would mention this here for those not wishing to support the manufacture/use of such things. (You CAN buy the ones with holes in for ecollars here though!)

> I can check her prices with my discount code Daisy if you know what you might want - no rush just message me when you're ready

Thanks, DAB :) Will do :)