Choosing the Right Collar for Your Dog - Robert Cabral Dog Training

There are so many options when it comes to choosing the right collar for training your dog. In this video I talk about the choices and their benefits. What is the best option for your dog and what is the proper way to fit them onto your dog?
I cover choke collars, martingale collars, flat collars, slip leads and pinch / prong collars. There is so much information out there and it can be a daunting task. This video should answer most any question you might have.
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Disclosure: I get a small commission when you purchase products via our Amazon links, this doesn’t cost you anything extra, it’s a cut that comes out on Amazon’s end. But please be aware the Amazon links provided are affiliate links.
Choke Chain / Fur Saver: amzn.to/3e5BCYV
Martingale Collar: amzn.to/3c71P7L
Prong Collar: amzn.to/39XJW9O
Slip Lead: amzn.to/2wy55dc
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[@RobertCabralDogs]

For all the best information on training your dog, check out my online dog training lessons at: robertcabral.com

[@begley09]

100% on point about NOT leaving the choke collar on your dog. When I had my shepherd, he had a scare moment with the choke chain. He was laying out back the one day on the deck, I walked outside to see him struggling so I rushed over. To my horror, I saw that the link had fallen into between the deck boards essentially pinching him so he couldnt break free. I quickly pulled the link out of the crack and the choke chain went into garbage never to be used again. Sadly just recently had to put him down, loved that guy, was an amazing resuce dog.

[@mihaeladog7187]

Terrifying ☹️

[@freddie3206]

begley09, I just read your comment and I am so glad you got to your dog on time to remove the collar. I am a German Shepherd owner many times over and I always remove the collar from around his neck once I bring him in. One never knows when a freak accident can occur.👍👍♥🦴

[@sheilangumi-mbugua2173]

Goody's really well trained. He soooo wanted to run and play, he was looking out there so longingly. But he stayed.

[@helenmallazzo7094]

If one person learns from my mistake my dog will not have died in vain. Please DON'T leave choke collars on your. Dog. My dog lost her buckle collar, so to have ID for her until I could replace her buckle collar I put on a regular choke collar. While playing with another dog, the other dog twisted her choke collar. I couldn't get it off of her, no matter how hard I tried and she passed away.. Please don't use a choke collar unless you need it for training.

[@RobertCabralDogs]

Helen Mallazzo Im so sorry for your loss. How terrible. I have another video on "breakaway collars". I agree 100%. Never ever let your dog play or be alone with any type collar other than a breakaway.

[@mklnelson77]

Omg how horrible! I'm so sorry! :'(

[@ehm2943]

I know what u mean. I am a big fan of choke chain - only when i walk my dog. I 'm afraid those other collars would slip or break when something spooks him. I like this video and will try what he is using for flat collars. I like flat collars that are not too heavy and thick coz my golden has tons of hair - its too warm and the more metal they add unnecessarily is too much for his neck and causes him to stoop due to all that weight. I think i'll try the second collar he is showing here. Collars r the most important thing u need to buy to keep your love one safe , comfortable and identified without all that high tech gps bs causing more neurological harm next to their brian. All that radiation can cause cancer ☹️

[@debbietampasheher3682]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dog. Thank you for sharing to keep others safe

[@hansstrouf]

Forbidden in Belgium

[@TeslaNick2]

I love slip leads. It's my go to tool for teaching dogs how to follow leash pressure. It's a thing of beauty when a dog gets to experience proper leash skills from a handler and suddenly "transforms" into a dog who want's to follow the slack.

[@hankwang2951]

Mendota slip lead really works. Thanks. I just got it 5 mins ago. The difference between walking my 35 pound 4 month old puppy is like night and day.

[@rinorloli2477]

7:17 he was feelin that frisby😂

[@RobertCabralDogs]

yes he was!!!

[@masjut1]

Goofy is such a an incredible looking dog. You’re videos have saved me from making countless mistakes. I really love those dogs, but they are too much for my old ass could handle. Thanks to your videos .

[@nusratrashid306]

Thank you so much for all your help me petrified of dogs & my son brings home a belgian malinois. 3 months on . you have helped & taught me so much. We still have a lot more to learn but I won't give up on my baby & he is becoming much more better behaved. Thank you

[@Knittyneeds]

Hi. Thanks for this excellent video to refresh my memories on HOW TO USE THE CHOKE CHAIN. I ordered one from the Netherlands for my young Newfie and am waiting impatiently to try this on my dog. I live in France and wish I had a great trainer. I had completely forgotten how to use this collar. I had a Newfie before. She was 15 years and left me on the 26th June 2018. I used it on her when she was 1 year and only one year of choke chain and she never needed this ever since. She was a water rescue dog.👍👍👍 Thanks for sharing and caring. 🐾🐾🐾

[@heybrothers]

He's watching the dog in the background playing frisbee. 😃

[@margaretmeaker2830]

Well done Goofy.. that toke real self discipline on ur side..

[@theonlinedogtrainerreview5747]

AWESOME video! I'll use this idea tomorrow.

[@bibin7bhaskar]

Goofy wants to play... Love Goofy...😍😍❤️❤️❤️ Such a disciplined... Long live...

[@brendaarchuleta7358]

Nnnnnn

[@brutibear1423]

Am I the only one watching the dog in the background

[@macygroom538]

H Baer sammmeeee

[@VV-tj5qv]

Great info keep them coming.

[@superiordogsupplies9435]

Very informative, now I can finally get the right collar for our dogs.

[@deemac2294]

I have so many questions because I want to make sure I’m doing right by my dog and everything i come across seems to contradict eachother! This was very helpful for me!

[@kitchen3050]

This topic is like discussing whether to tip your server or not while discussing Roundabouts over dinner. Great channel thank you for the information.

[@workingmuttandmagic7273]

This was very informative thank you

[@nizzychai2804]

Love this video, it was very helpful. But when the guy in the back began playing with his dog using a frisbee I was too busy watching the dogs reaction lol beautiful dog btw

[@Ahbroh38]

Love your content. Thanks for posting these videos. I've been using a flat collar on pitbull, that i recently got from a shelter. I used to have a prong collar on him, but it wasn't the greatest quality since it left him with marks on his neck. I'm going to have to look into the martingales or the slip lead. Thanks again. Keep up the great work!

[@ambercoffey7701]

You're probably not using the pouring correctly if it's leaving marks. As well as the dog could be slightly allergic to the metal in the one you used.

[@kcb73mgb1]

nice video, really liked your biking with dogs video. Keep up the good work.

[@lucas284655]

great video! thanks

[@kweenjade01]

I love how you covered everything. I come across a tok of people who will mention a product but never go into detail as they don't support its use. (Prong and choke collars get so much hate but I think what we should really focus on is the lack of info here. ) Thx for a great vid

[@pinoyvlogtv5238]

Another tips regarding our best collar in our Dog's thanks again.

[@blancam9241]

I use a choke collar for my dog, many people don't like it and often tell me I'm abusive to my dog but he is just training and I don't like these new positive methods since they have failed on my dog. Thanks for making this video it had alot of information and I am glad there are still others who use these collars.

[@RobertCabralDogs]

good for you. don't let someone else tell you what is good for your dog. you owe it to yourself to give your dog a great life! thank you!

[@blancam9241]

SpiritWolf2K I used positive reinforcement with him once he turned 1 year old, that's when I got him. I took him to professional dog trainers who gave him treats and did all this stuff to help him but he wasn't getting it. He turned 3 years old by the time I have enough and decided to use a choke collar, that's not to say I hurt him just because he misbehaved but I give him treats and rewards when he does something right, he has changed so much in just 3 months vs the 12 months when using "positive" methods. I don't regret switching over amd I know he is living a much happier life then before, so no, I didn't fail him I helped him. Oh and I didn't say they don't work, I just said they failed on MY dog.

[@iiiena]

Same. Gentle training did nothing for my Rottweiler. She just learned to behave when she felt like it, instead of learning to behave and respond to commands because this is what I'm expecting from her. Positive methods may work with low energy, highly sociable, not aggressive breeds and dogs of those breeds raised by puppyhood. When a certain problem arises, then those methods just don't do. Traditional methods aren't necessarily harsh. Those who speak trash about them only focus on certain things, as if positive reinforcement wasn't a part of those same methods. The only time I saw a famous traditional trainer be a bit harsher on a dog it was because that dog was a Dobermann which used to aggressively bite her own owner everytime it saw a dog. I would have liked to see a positive only trainer handling that dog.

[@naythin8354]

Im glad i found this video.

[@mycrazylife8980]

I use a half check collar and it’s great for me

[@goharsgallery212]

No doubt you are a great trainer Amazing

[@markmondaini4088]

beautiful Mal !!

[@rajendrashastri8312]

Amazing video

[@nicolasderuiter1699]

Great, informative video. I'll definitely be trying one of these, probably the Martingale. I've been using the prong collar for months to improve heeling and obedience. It helped so much! With a flat collar, my dog is liable to pull hard and strain her throat. With the prong collar, she's learned to keep by my side and she's very responsive without strain. She loves the prong collar; putting the collar on her is like a reward in itself. Used with patience and control, the prong collar was one of the best tools I've found for training.

[@karamitchell1041]

.-=BackRound=-. *Dog runs to catch Frisbee* Dog sitting by man: O_O i wants it......

[@burtonavenged28]

Great videos. From watching them it is apparent that you are a wonderful trainer and a great role model for those wanting to set their dogs up to succeed at training/obedience at any level. What is your opinion on gentle leaders?

[@CindyCastro-fu9gc]

I use the slip on lead it has helped tremendously! My dog is about 10 months old a rescue very anxious and scared of everything dog. I have her in training and we’re exposing her to different things and places. We used to use a harness but she slipped out of it twice in flight mode trying to escape people she’s very scared of people but not aggressive at all. So this slip on lead has been so perfect! No slips at all.

[@CindyCastro-fu9gc]

I’m looking into buying the choke collar and seeing what would be best.

[@allenszykula8071]

At the end of the day every tool has a purpose knowing the purpose of the tool and when and how to use those tools is the most important part of training or really in job where you have a various amount of tools to complete a job one of my dogs has a gentle leader one has a martingale and I dog I'm training has a chain which I use more similar to a slip lead and just maintain head control other wise he pulls like a tank.

[@Duke49th]

Thanks man. I had no idea martingale collars exist. (Saw them probably but never realized what they are) Will get a couple of them for our dogs.

[@acer1929]

Goofy wanted to play so badly 😁🥰. Him wanting to play was distracting in the video lol☺️

[@bingsballyhoo711]

For a lead where your dog might be running free, I prefer a non-choking collar of some sort on the dog's neck, and a lead without a handle or loop on the end, so that it doesn't catch on something. That way your dog is safe from a jarring choke that could really harm him. You can just cut the handle loop off of an inexpensive leash to get that "drag leash" for running free.

[@annmarievincent2599]

Learnt something new today.. I not know there was a right way to use a choke chain.

[@brandonmounts5267]

I was against using prong collars but honestly I was so impressed. He is a long haired lab and is over a 100lbs and strong puller but the prong collar worked great and he wasn't choking himself and foaming at the mouth like his regular name collar or harness did to him.

[@RobertCabralDogs]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@TopGunDogTraining]

I train all of my dogs with the slip leads, same ones in the video.

[@bridgetkosempel1743]

Thank you for this great video. Do you have any suggestions for a good slip lead you could purchase in Canada?

[@KirbaeGacha]

Yesss tysm

[@repairdrive]

Look at that scenery! I want to live there.

[@kevins.5472]

That's what I was noticing as well. Awesome background.

[@pinkiepie20119]

Very informative bro

[@mlambrechts1]

Thanks for the information!! But also LOL: this is a real malinois, checking the environment while you are talking... Love it! PS every body should be aware not to entangle the ear of the dog in the collar.

[@Radiofm52]

Since last 6 month i was watching dog training videos. That time I didn’t have money to buy a german shepherd now i have money but have to wait next 3 month for breeding. Hope i will become a good trainer

[@notesfromleisa-land]

All sorts of great info on fit, safety and control. I did volunteer dog transport (dogs coming out of kill shelters traveling to human societies...often traveling for more than 15 hours in a volunteer transport relay). These dogs had a name for all of 24 hours...equipment failures (or dog slipping out due to physiology not suited for collar) at hand off points can cause huge risks for a dog that is under stress. There is no reliable recall for these types of dogs. And equipment that they come with (leads/collars) out of a shelter are often substandard. (Our team back stopped by ensuring that we had high quality equipment). Regarding equipment security: I would add that security extends to the quality of the shank on the snap/swivel. If that snaps,. . . dog gone. For flat buckles that snap, a powerful dog (or a dog with huge forward momentum) can cause the plastic buckle to fail by breaking (plus plastic can break down over time.) Choosing a metal buckle (or a Martingale) can provide more peace of mind.

[@abbeymcdermott5586]

I love the dog in this video!

[@ravenjo7]

Omg, he named his dog Goofy! XDDDDD

[@darmasarma1006]

Don't ask. I named mine Rocky.

[@kathystough6574]

Great video, my gsd is not that good, graduated level one obedience, but still needs work

[@luuuuuvdonnie]

Hey Robert! I went through the link in the description for the prong collar but they are unavailable. Is there a second option you can recommended? Love your videos they are very helpful for me and my dog.

[@williamgrimberg4048]

If my dog is trained not to pull , I would use a good quality padded flat collar which has more surface area and than maybe use a wide chain collar as a secondary back up collar along with the padded wide collar .

[@nehtomania1705]

Hello, can you please tell me exactly brand of your martingale collar? Thank you

[@joslac5018]

Great video! I hope that pooch was set free to run around after all the demonstration. LOLOL

[@owenseamann7942]

Good informative video. On collars. My wife and I train in Nebraska. There is a place for all of them.

[@michelle7mostandardschnauz192]

Although my 14 mo SS is coming along on her leash reactivity with you help to make my signals better for her, using a martingale until my HS 2.25 gets here and I can drive 2 hrs for a competent trainer who will help us. ( rural, 97 acres for exercise and driving to town 4 to 5 days / week for ‘town walk’. Problem- almost no visitors to our house!

[@katarinakaragic4741]

Oh and did you play with him in the park after the video? He looked really eager to play

[@RobertCabralDogs]

we always end training sessions with either treats or play!

[@danilodarmanovic2533]

My gsds name will be bruno

[@kennieelizabeth9782]

Hi Robert, thank your for posting videos on choosing the right collar for dogs. They are very informative. I do not know what type of training collar I should use for my dog. There is so much information out there as to what type of training I should use for my dog. I rescued a German Shepard 9 months ago. It has been tough training him to say the least. I have not taken him for long walks lately because he barks and lunges at people, pulls me to the point where it looks like he is walking me and gets too excited to where he slips out of his collar. As a result, he runs away after I have chased him around the neighborhood. He was obedient when I first got him and I could take him for walks with no problems. Now It has been so hard to take him out for walks. Help! What type of training collar should I use for my German Shepherd? I have been leaning towards the pinch collar. If I get the pinch collar you mentioned and get 2.25mm, would that work for my dog? My dog Max measures 18 inches around his neck. What is the other back up training collar I would have to use If I got the pinch collar? That part is confusing to me. Help! I tried the shock collar but that did not work. I am currently using a flat collar with a chain leash. That method is not effective for my dog. Also what type of leash should I use? There are so many options out there.

[@dancersdigst1754]

We're very successful using a choke chain on both our dogs. They wear them all the time to reinforce the positive feeling of having it on so that when they are on the leash, it's not a problem for them. We use a harness periodically when training to get the dogs used to it but generally we use just the choke chains.

[@magnoonmomma]

Dad, I wanna play! I wanna play! I wanna play frisbee! It was so cute watching Goofy. Adorable and educational. Good Boy Goofy!

[@kennywilliams9400]

Glad you explained this the first 1 letter p over dogs neck. Thanx. Do you leave it on the dog all the time.

[@RobertCabralDogs]

no, only when training or walking

[@5wisher5weet]

I had a chain where the D ring wasn't welded shut and my wolfhound/cattle dog x straightened out the thing and got off.

[@Withtychannel]

What would you recommend for a beagle?

[@chrisrunge5373]

What length are you using with the choke chain?

[@okish02]

Love the old school approaches....i always use choke collar for training. Even though I get new age trainers that tell me not too.

[@williamgrimberg4048]

Choke chains if used all the time will lead to nerve damage especially if the dog is not yet trained to not pull. I have found the prong collar when used only as a training tool ( to correct the dog from pulling amongst other training)is for the most part an excellent collar when used properly.

[@Falconxr8]

It's a shame they're banned here in Australia, Victoria

[@jayankaithapram788]

Will you please Demonstrate training of a Show dog that 'How to stack , Running together with Handler' etc

[@RobertCabralDogs]

that really isn't my specialty... sorry!

[@farmeraaron505]

What dog harness do you advise for a German Shepherds long haired that does not pull over head in a tie out system

[@slowpie]

is that last leash for training also? or is that more for after training/hiking/etc with your dog? We are shopping for collars now for our puppy. I thought martingail (sp) collars were half fabric half metal/choke chain style?

[@SSGSNAKE1]

What that leash the last one being more for walking your animal or would that be also for training your animal? And if you can use it for training how does that work compared to the prong collar? It’s on the prong collar shows you put in slight pressure and the dog comes back and says how would that work for that last leash that you were talking about?

[@pastoraris1001]

Robert Thanks again for all you do I need you help again please. I have a 15 month old GSD. He is very friendly however I rescued a 5 month only GSD male as well and I’m having trouble introducing the new dog to the older one. I’ve never seem my dog so aggressive, What can I do to make sure they can leave together? Thanks in advance

[@jakemarshall5658]

What collar is best for just wearing round the house just with name tag contact number etc, just for escape attempts while young so they can be identified

[@giuliadogtrainer]

I vostri metodi mi fanno sempre ridere!!!!

[@Imwright720]

I don’t believe I’ve ever heard a trainer recommend a choke chain. It’s just to easy to put on wrong.

[@RobertCabralDogs]

I can't imagine a trainer not recommending one..

[@panchaljitendra1521]

@@RobertCabralDogs dvvx

[@damianhernandez8484]

Robert Cabral Victoria Stilwell

[@yaramazje]

@@RobertCabralDogs they are prohibited in Holland. ....

[@luciesneep]

@@yaramazje : i don't think so; one can buy them everywhere in Holland. You mean the shock -collars/ e-collars i think? (i'm living in Holland and i'm Dutch)

[@lauratester5960]

Ok. I’m happy you made this video. It was very informative. But I’d like to ask. I am getting a German Shepard guide dog for the blind and am a 4’8 small petite woman and am curious to know what colors to get and use when he is working I didn’t know that the different collars had purposes. I’ve had dogs in past but never Germans, and have only ever used standard collars well I just gave up a staffordshire terrier due to pulling and spraining my wrists but she always pulled out of the collar and I’d have to send my husband or my neighbor to get her. Help would be much appreciated

[@germanshepherdlove4814]

Where can i order for the quality choke chain for my dog? Thanks

[@bryanthang]

Which one you recommended for a German shepherd cuz she like pulling the lesh

[@Toki1908]

That must be the most stable Belgian Malinois on earth

[@malcolmbrown5437]

That's a German Shepherd I think

[@zacharyclifford8339]

Malcolm Brown no. Goofy is a malinois. (I initially thought goofy was a GSD a couple years ago when I started following this channel) Robert says so... cheers.

[@carlbarat3183]

I use a slip lead

[@ffbarnette]

I am currently use a slip lead. Do you think the choke chain is better or same?

[@freedomforall88]

Nice looking dog.

[@AlCatrraz]

Hi there Mr Cabral... I enjoy your videos very much! It's been A LONG TIME since I had a dog... I just don't have the required resources ... I used to have German Shepherds and I learned from a POLICEMAN how to train them. I was told then -- many years ago, not in The USA -- that the dog always has to be led on the LEFT! I noticed, watching various videos of various instructors, that this "rule" is not adhered to... Is there a general "rule" that promotes which side the dog is being led? Many Thanks !

[@kevinbaker2401]

right now im using a martingale collar and I have an 8month Belgian Malinois . i dont know if its strong enough. prong collars have to be used in a way if you have good training.

[@kitty-kittyssecretandodin-2266]

Hi, we are about to get 2 lurchers from a rescue centre in the UK. The male is terrified 2 year old male and the female who gets on with him is 4. She has had quite a few teeth removed as they were rotten when she came into the rescue centre. they were both found (separately) as strays. Please give me all the advice needed. The best collar (I think a wide collar so not to damage such skinny necks). I want to get a short 5 foot lead but plan to use a 50 foot lunge lead so they can run in the park/woods. Both dogs have been very badly treated and both very underweight too. .I have bought a large 42" metal dog crate with 3 doors and a large plastic dog bed. I am planning to buy another crate. I have put lots of blankets in ready for their arrival. I am guessing you may say I must be mad to have taken on a very scared dog and another with half her teeth missing??

[@karennorth9318]

can you use a slip lead and leave a flat or martingale collar on at the same time? Or is it safer to just use one or the other?

[@EcoNeato]

Which lead is best? Flat or round?

[@p.richter9592]

Hello Sir, could you let me know the make/model of the adjustable buckle less Martingale collar. I’m trying to locate a collar like the Martingale in Norway, but not having much luck. In advance, thank you. Love your videos 👍🏻👍🏻🇳🇴

[@RobertCabralDogs]

Try "GoGo Pet" on Amazon!

[@p.richter9592]

Robert Cabral Thank you Sir.

[@mabelcraig7789]

What brand of choke collar are you using?

[@jonimzari1687]

That braided leash looks nice, what brand is it? cheers

[@RobertCabralDogs]

A friend made it for me. Check sexy beast dog collars.

[@chriscastagner1]

What is the brand of this martingale collar?

[@YeethusCries]

I used to be a fan of the prong collar but this year's annoying fireworks that lasted 8 months put me into a situation where I had to use a bolt cutter on my German Shepherd's prong collar. For the love of god, I could not remove it off of him, he had pulled so hard that the prongs broke skin. I did have it perfectly sized but they were so far in there that I couldn't squeeze the prong to remove it the correct way. It hurt him so much that he tried biting me when all I was trying to do was help him. These 8 months of hell has changed my dog. I don't mind the fireworks if it's one day but man on a daily for 8 months straight is way too much! I bought a martingale style collar to test out this weekend as his body harness isn't that effective on correcting his pulling. Let's see how it goes.

[@briancastellanos179]

9:50 what's the size of that Mendota leash?

[@desmit6]

Great review of the types. I used chain on 1st 3 personal GSDs, but now prefer prong. Personal choice but at 7:14, great catch by the dog in the background. Lol. Love ya.

[@mattystewart8]

Robert i have a regular small link chain link choke chain for my long haired shepherd. It appears to be getting stuck in her fur and not releasing, would you recommend using the type of choke chain you have? Would that not snag in her fur as much?

[@RobertCabralDogs]

You must use a fur saver. Check out my amazon store. Herm Sprenger fur savers

[@luisdelagarza3350]

Hello Robert. Great vids! I have a 12 weeks old female Mal; incredibly clever puppy! A rescue and the most active if the litter. Aside that we are definitely putting her through training, what collar would you recommend for walking/training? Thanks !

[@RobertCabralDogs]

always start with a martingale!

[@luisdelagarza3350]

Thank you Robert! Will do.

[@roseyaw]

Hi Robert what size pinch/prong collar would you use on a 4yr Bernese Mountain Dog?

[@RobertCabralDogs]

probably a medium...

[@ismaeljimenez6670]

How long was the choke chain?