Walking an aggressive dog can be really nerve-wracking. You want to keep your dog, yourself, and others safe, and the tension can often make walks unpleasant. With the right collar combined with training, walks can become pleasurable again and you can relax in the knowledge that you’re the 1 in control. We’ll look at 5 of the best dog collars for walking an aggressive dog, comparing strength, control, comfort, and breed suitability.
The Best Collars for Aggressive Dogs2023 Review
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The Best Collars for Aggressive Dogs
Editor's Choice
PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar- Best for control
- Guides your dog by the nose
- Comfortable and durable
Runner Up
Halti Nylon Dog Headcollar- Best for behavior modification
- On-off muzzling option
- Allows gentle, efficient corrections
Also Good
Remington Rope Dog Slip Lead- Best slip lead
- Strong and durable
- Allows for gentle correction
More Detailed Aggressive Dog Collar Reviews
Ann-Marie Sharpe
PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar review
Features
- Best for control
- Guides your dog by the nose
- Comfortable and durable
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you’re looking for the best collar for aggressive dogs, the PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar is an excellent choice. The collar goes over your dog’s nose and around their neck to give the ultimate control, enabling you to guide them and correct bad behaviors easily. The collar is made from strong nylon to stand up to wear and tear.
This collar doesn’t only offer control, it also provides comfort for your dog with padding on the nose loop and pressure being put on the back of your dog’s neck rather than their throat to prevent choking. I found that my dog could eat, drink, and pant comfortably in this collar. It comes in a wide range of size to suit all breeds.
I use this collar with my springer spaniel regularly and gives me a lot of control, as well as being comfortable for her to wear even on long hikes.
Pros
- Owners found this collar was very helpful in stopping pulling and other negative behaviors on walks
- Many found that this collar gave extra control and was helpful when training their dog
- Gentle on dog’s neck and face, even during corrections
- Many said they felt their dog was safer on walks because of the control this collar gave them
- Dog can eat, drink, pant, play, carry toys, and breath easily while wearing this collar, with owners saying they felt it didn’t restrict their dog
- Many felt the collar was good value for money and stated that they would repurchase or recommend this collar to others
Cons
- When first using the collar, without a period of training and adjustment, some dogs will try to pull the collar off their face or refuse to walk, which some owners found frustrating
- Some owners found the plastic buckle was broken or broke quickly after a period of use
- Some breeds with round or flat faces, or with excess skin were unable to use this collar
- Some owners felt the collar wasn’t as high-quality as they would have liked
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Halti Nylon Dog Headcollar review
Features
- Best for behavior modification
- On-off muzzling option
- Allows gentle, efficient corrections
Ann-Marie Sharpe
On your search for the best training collar for aggressive dogs, the Halti Nylon Dog Headcollar should be a top contender. It’s made from strong nylon with a tough construction, designed to last. The collar gives plenty of control, allowing you to steer your dog from the nose and stop bad behaviors efficiently.
The collar also offers an optional muzzling action to allow you to control your aggressive dog safely and quickly. The Halti is comfortable for your dog, with no metal parts touching your dog’s skin, allowing for gentle corrections. When using this collar with my dog I found it gave me the control I needed to make training more positive for both me and her.
This collar is available in a range of sizes to suit small to large breeds.
Pros
- Many owners found that this collar gave them more control during training
- Many said they felt the collar reduced pulling and other negative behaviors on walks
- On-off muzzling action gives greater control and safety for aggressive dogs and their owners
- Owners said the soft, padded nose loop was gentle and comfortable for their dog
- Owners stated that with training and a gradual introduction, their dog wore the collar happily and comfortably
- Several stated the collar was well-made and high-quality, making it good value
Cons
- Some owners found the size description misleading, ending up with the wrong sized collar for their dog
- Some found the collar wasn’t as durable as expected, with the collar breaking after a short period of use
- Without a gradual introduction, some dogs found the collar distressing and kept trying to remove it
- Some felt the collar wasn’t good value for money
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Remington Rope Dog Slip Lead review
Features
- Best slip lead
- Strong and durable
- Allows for gentle correction
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Remington Rope Dog Slip Lead is a fantastic choice for gentle correction, tightening gently with a soft adjustment on your end of the lead or when your dog pulls. You can use the lead around your dog’s neck or in a figure of 8 around your dog’s nose and neck depending on the control you need. It’s even recommended by trainers for control and correction.
The lead is made from strong, braided nylon for durability which is also soft enough to offer comfort for your pup. Since this lead is adjustable, it will suit most breeds from small to large, but may be too chunky for toy breeds with delicate necks. I found that this lead was both stylish and practical, and enjoyed the option of 3 beautiful colors.
Pros
- Many owners felt that this lead was great value and high-quality
- Owners found the lead easy to slip over their dog’s head and felt secure in the knowledge their dog couldn’t escape on walks
- Helps to stop pulling and other negative behaviors on walks, giving more control and allowing for easy corrections
- Option to use around the neck or as a figure of 8 around the nose and neck for greater control
- Durable and strong without being too heavy, with owners saying they felt it was well-made and long-lasting
- Choice of colors, with owners saying they felt the lead was stylish and looked good on their dog
Cons
- Some owners found that their dog coughed when the lead tightened, which they found concerning
- Some found that their power chewer could chew through the lead when left unsupervised
- Some stated the lead was stiff at first and therefore didn’t slide and adjust easily
- Can be too chunky for small or toy breed dogs
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Martingale Dog Collar with Chain review
Features
- Best martingale collar
- Strong and durable
- Provides gentle correction
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Martingale Dog Collar with Chain is a great, heavy-duty option, made from strong nylon webbing with a chain for extra strength. A lockable clasp prevents unwanted unlatching during training, while also keeping your dog safe if you need to remove the collar quickly. The collar gently tightens when you pull on the lead during corrections, or when your dog pulls.
It’s soft and wide enough to be comfortable on your dog’s neck. This collar is suitable for small to large dogs. I found the collar easy to use during training and when on walks and liked the bonus of the collar being reflective.
Pros
- Many said they felt this collar gave them more control on walks, allowing for effective corrections and preventing negative behaviors like pulling
- Owners stated they felt the collar was well-made and secure for their dog
- Some stated they felt this was a gentler option than a choke chain and was comfortable for their dog
- Prevents dogs from escaping, which many owners found reassuring particularly with large breed dogs
- High-quality and well-made, with some owners saying they felt it was much better quality than other similar collars
- Many liked the fact that the company donates a collar to a dog rescue for every collar they sell
Cons
- Some found that the clasp didn’t stay locked, making the collar less secure
- Some stated that the chain part of the collar turned their light-colored dog’s fur a darker color
- Some owners felt the collar didn’t give them as much control as they would have expected
- Materials are thick and heavy, which can make the collar too heavy and large for smaller dogs
- Some found the sizing inaccurate, leaving them with the wrong sized collar for their dog
Ann-Marie Sharpe
PetSafe Nylon Martingale Dog Collar review
Features
- Best budget option
- Low price offering great value
- Provides control and security
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you’re on a budget, the PetSafe Nylon Martingale Dog Collar is a wonderful option for control and comfort. The collar slips on and tightens when your dog pulls, or when you gently adjust the lead. This allows for quick correction, as well as preventing your dog from escaping the collar.
Made from durable nylon, this collar is designed to be strong and sturdy. I found that the collar was comfortable for my pup, especially because it’s designed to prevent matting and rubbing. The collar is suitable for small to large breeds and comes in a range of bright colors which I really enjoyed.
Pros
- Many found this collar prevented their dog from slipping out of the collar, even for escape artists, keeping them safe on walks
- Gives greater control and allows for prompt corrections, with owners saying it helped them during training and in preventing bad behaviors like pulling
- Owners felt this collar was good quality and great value for money given its low price
- Some said they felt the collar was gentle and comfortable on their dog’s neck
- Some said they felt the collar was sturdy and durable, saying it stood up to months of regular use
Cons
- Some owners with strong dogs found that this collar wasn’t sturdy enough for corrections or preventing pulling
- Some found the size guide misleading, ending up with the wrong sized collar for their dog
- Some found the collar hard to adjust and stated when they did adjust it, it wouldn’t stay in place
- Not designed for chewing, with some owners finding their dog could chew the collar when left unsupervised
- Some owners didn’t like that there wasn’t a clasp on the collar, feeling it would be difficult to remove in an emergency
- Some found that the tightening function didn’t work correctly
Things to Look For in a Collar For Aggressive Dogs
When you’re looking for the best collar for an aggressive dog, you should keep the following in mind to ensure you get the right collar for your needs:
Strength and Security
1 of the most important things is to ensure the collar you choose is strong and secure. It’s crucial an aggressive dog can’t escape from their collar during walks, as this could lead to a dangerous situation.
Look for collars made from strong, sturdy material. If the collar has a clasp or buckle, ensure its lockable or very secure and won’t come open while your dog is wearing it. Check the reviews and description for this and avoid ‘quick release’ clasps.
Control For You
It’s vital you have as much control as possible when working with an aggressive dog. Consider how the collar allows for corrections and control, and how well you feel the style of collar would fit your needs.
Some collars will allow you to lead from the nose or put pressure on the back of the dog’s neck for control. Others may tighten gently to allow for quick correction.
Comfort For Your Dog
Control and strength should not take the place of comfort for your dog. The best collars for an aggressive dog will provide comfort as well as control. Look for features like padding, soft material, and a comfortable fit.
High-Quality Materials
Choosing a collar made from high-quality materials will ensure it’s more durable and comfortable for your pup.
Correct Size For Your Dog
Choosing a collar that is the right size for your dog ensures they’re comfortable, as well as making sure they don’t escape. It’s also crucial that the collar fits properly so that your corrections are effective. Measure your dog’s neck carefully and check the size guide.
What Causes Aggression in Dogs
No dog is born aggressive, and an aggressive dog isn’t a ‘bad dog’. Aggression forms due to experiences the dog has within their life. There are so many types of aggression and therefore, many potential causes. The most common causes include:
- Fear: Often a dog is aggressive because they’re frightened. This might be directed towards other dogs because they’ve been attacked in the past. It may be towards humans if they’re a rescue dog and have a traumatic past.
If a dog is put in a situation in which they feel threatened or frightened, such as being cornered, they may react aggressively to try to protect themselves. - Lack of socialization: Dogs need to be socialized around other dogs and people from an early age. If they lack this socialization, they don’t learn how to act appropriately around others and may become aggressive.
- Possessiveness: Some dogs become possessive over toys and food, which is known as resource guarding. They might even become possessive over people. They feel they need to protect these items or people and might do so by displaying aggression.
- Dominance: Dogs are used to living in packs, within which there is a hierarchy of dominance. If they are unsure of their place in the pack, they may display aggression to fight for dominance (both with other dogs and people in the household).
- Lack of protection shown by owner: As we mentioned, dogs are pack animals, and you should be the pack leader. This means your dog will look to you for rules, guidance on how to behave, and to keep them safe, which is why training is vital. Without training, your dog might not understand how to behave and sometimes this can result in aggression.
If your dog encounters a ‘scary’ situation, such as a strange dog approaching who they are unsure of or a place or person they are worried about, they look to you for protection and guidance. If you don’t provide that protection, they may feel they need to protect themselves and lash out.
- Frustration: If a dog is frustrated because they aren’t getting enough physical or mental stimulation, this can build up and can sometimes lead to aggression.
- Illness or injury: Finally, even the most placid and gentle of dogs can become aggressive if they are unwell or injured. If your dog suddenly starts displaying signs of aggression and it’s out of character, you should always get them checked at your vet to eliminate physical causes.
Other Ways to Deal With Dog Aggression
This all sounds negative but don’t worry, with the right training, socialization, and equipment, aggression can be prevented and dealt with so you and your dog can live a happy life together. As well as collars for control, other equipment can be helpful to keep your dog, other dogs, and people safe.
Muzzles can be useful during training and when out on walks. Harnesses, collars, leads, and lead attachments that are bright colors and state that your dog is nervous or not friendly can let people know they should keep their distance.
While the right equipment can be a helpful tool, the only way to truly tackle aggressive behavior is through training. If you aren’t experienced in training an aggressive dog, it’s always best to do so under the guidance of your vet or a professional dog trainer.
Collar Safety Advice
Always choose a collar of the right size and strength for your dog. Don’t leave your dog’s collar on when they’re in their crate or pen (especially if it’s heavy duty), or during play as this can pose a safety hazard. Avoid prong collars and shock collars, as these can be dangerous especially when used incorrectly.
FAQ
Can an aggressive dog be ‘cured’?
With the right training, aggression can be greatly reduced so that you and your dog can live a happy life together. In some cases, aggression can be overcome completely.
Do shock collars help with dog aggression?
No, shock collars don’t help with dog aggression. In fact, they can increase aggression because they cause physical and mental distress for your dog, as well as ruining the trust between you which is crucial during training.
Conclusion
The right collar can aid you in training your dog and getting aggression under control, allowing you both to relax and make the most of your life together.
The Best Collars for Aggressive Dogs
Editor's Choice
PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar- Best for control
- Guides your dog by the nose
- Comfortable and durable
Runner Up
Halti Nylon Dog Headcollar- Best for behavior modification
- On-off muzzling option
- Allows gentle, efficient corrections
Also Good
Remington Rope Dog Slip Lead- Best slip lead
- Strong and durable
- Allows for gentle correction
