I choose collars based on their style or function. However, more often than not, I am most interested in a collar's function as it relates to a given task. Here are some of the collars I use, along with information on when I use them. An eCollar can be paired with any of the collars listed below. When the eCollar is used in conjunction with another collar, the eCollar is used for pressure on / pressure off and the leash attached to the other collar provides directional guidance.

Flat-buckle Collar

The only purpose I have for a flat-buckle collar is to hold dog tags. The flat-buckle collar does not provide me with a meaningful way to communicate with the dog wearing it. I choose flat-buckle collars based on their material and aesthetics because I do not connect a leash to them.

Martingale Collar

The martingale collar is my collar of choice for most dogs. The collar is designed to tighten when tension is applied to its D-ring, so it is nearly impossible for a dog to slip out of it. Additionally, I like that it provides a very generic pressure on / pressure off sensation for the dogs that is perfect when I have the dogs dragging a long-line behind them during off-leash training exercises.

Prong Collar

A prong collar is not magic, but it is really close to it. The prong collar provides a simple way to communicate with our dogs, i.e., pressure on / pressure off. The prongs on a prong collar provide a bite-like sensation to dogs' necks that makes them more effective than a collar like the martingale that does not have them. Dogs respond quickly to the sensation of the prong collar, so it very easy for us to teach them what we want them to do. The prong collar is my go-to for teaching dogs positioning for the Heel command.

Chain Slip Collar / Choke Chain

The chain slip collar, also known as the choke chain, is the staple dog training collar used in modern dog training. The chain slip collar is a good middle ground between the martingale collar and the prong collar, as the additional weight in the chain allows for a leash correction that is more meaningful to a dog than a martingale collar, but is less intense than the prong collar. Like the other collars the chain slip collar functions with the pressure on / pressure off concept. The collar is engaged when tension is applied to the leash and the collar is immediately disengaged when tension is released from the leash.

Dominant Dog Collar

The dominant dog collar is for dangerous dogs. I deem it mandatory when dealing with any kind of aggression in dogs. When you have a dog that will snap and lose it, you want to be sure you can deescalate the dog by applying the right amount of pressure to cool it down. The dominant dog collar is essentially a slip lead, but without the built-in leash.

Electronic Collar (eCollar)

The eCollar is the dog collar that gives me off-leash control. All dogs enrolled in my Board & Train program are trained using a low-level eCollar. The low-level sensation sent through the eCollar allows me to to communicate using the same pressure on / pressure off concept provided by the other collars, but without the need for a leash. Once a dog is conditioned to the novel sensation of the eCollar it becomes a very powerful tool.

It is important to use a reputable brand of eCollar that gives you granular control over the stimulation levels. You do not want an eCollar that only operates at correction levels. An eCollar that only operates at correction levels is analogous to trying to have a casual conversation with someone when the volume of your voice is restricted to a yell instead of being able to use the appropriate volume for the conversation. I recommend the ET-300 Mini Educator 1/2 Mile Remote eCollar which is available for purchase through my training programs or directly from the manufacturer at ecollar.com.