When properly fitted does the chain element of a half check collar sit on top of the dogs neck or underneath? Sounds daft but I see dogs wearing em both ways up....

It depends whether a lead is attached as the lead attaches to the rings on the half check.

Jesse

Underneath :) ....When you have a lead attached it will come around to the side

Melody :)

Normally it sits underneath on our dogs but when the lead is attached it, it sits wherever the lead is, is the lead is lose the chain again sits underneat.  Sometimes however when not attached to a lead the chain part will sit ontop.  There is no right or wrong way of how it sits round a dogs neck as it is lose enough to move!

Rox

Thanks everybody :) The half check is part nylon or leather and part chain with a hoop in the middle which the chain moves through. Its a compromise between a check ( choke) chain and a flat collar. If the dog surges forward the chain tightens enough to check its progress forward, then releases as soon as the dog stops. When the links of the chain move it rattles and cues the dog in to stop pulling.  The half checks main advangtage is greater control for strong dogs without the disadvantage of the check which could choke dogs if not properly fitted as they wouldnt release.

This IS a silly question, but can someone explain to me exactly what the half check collars are for? why are they better than standard leather or nylon collars?

Personally I don't think they are, I use flat leather collars for my dogs.

They may be better for long coats, my Afghan had one for a while but she now has an ordinary rolled leather collar which is just as good.  I don't find the need for lead corrections or checking when I train which is what they would be used for I guess.
Sally

IMO they are better for walking a dog on as they can't be slipped out of.  Some breeds don't need to worry about this, but so many dogs can back out of collars that I personally feel these are a better option.  I cringe when I see a 2-3inch gap between a dog's neck and the collar/lead, knowing that if that dog wanted loose the owner couldn't stop it:(  This is my own opinion, but I've seen dogs that were loose get hit by cars, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.  They don't get left on in the house, are just used for walking.

Wendy