When your dog is constantly pulling on their lead on a walk, it can be incredibly frustrating and ruin what should be a lovely relaxing walk. You want to keep your dog safe, yet have control so you can both enjoy those precious walks together. The right dog collar can help you to regain control and enable you to work towards preventing your dog from pulling. Let’s jump in and take a look at 5 of the best dog collars for pulling, comparing material quality, control, breed suitability, and comfort.
The Best Dog Collars for Pulling2023 Review
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The Best Dog Collars for Pulling
Editor's Choice
PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar- Best overall
- Provides great control and comfort
- Suitable for all breeds
Runner Up
Halti Nylon Dog Headcollar- Best for directional control
- Allows steering via the dog’s nose
- Comfortable yet durable
Also Good
PetSafe Quick Snap Buckle Nylon Martingale Dog Collar- Best for escape artists
- Tightens when dog pulls for control
- Suitable for all breeds
More Detailed Dog Collar for Pulling Reviews
Ann-Marie Sharpe
PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar review
Features
- Best overall
- Provides great control and comfort
- Suitable for all breeds
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar is 1 of the best collars to stop pulling, created by a veterinary behaviorist, and regularly used and recommended by vets and dog trainers. The collar puts pressure on the back of the neck rather than your dog’s throat, preventing choking and discomfort for your dog while giving you the ultimate control. The nose loop is padded for extra comfort for your pup.
This collar is made from high-quality, durable materials to stand up to wear. It’s available in a wide range of sizes and is adjustable, suiting all breeds and allowing you to create the perfect fit for your pal. I personally use this collar with my springer spaniel on almost every walk and swear by it; it gives me the control I need, reduces pulling massively, and makes walks pleasant again.
Pros
- Most owners said that this collar significantly reduced or stopped pulling for their dogs, across a range of small to giant breeds
- Many said this was a game-changer, allowing them to finally enjoy walks with their dog
- Some said this was extremely helpful during training, not only for pulling but with other aspects of obedience
- Owners felt that this item was gentle on their dog’s neck and face, and didn’t hurt them even if they did pull forward on walks
- Many said this gave them greater control and that they felt their dog was safer on walks
- Owners were pleased that their dog could pant, drink, eat, play, carry toys, and breathe easily with this collar on, feeling it didn’t restrict their dog
- Many felt that this collar was great value for money, stating that they would recommend it and would repurchase
Cons
- Without getting the dog used to the collar, some will try to pull it off their face or refuse to walk with it on which some owners found frustrating
- Some found the plastic buckle was faulty or broke quickly
- Some breeds with very round or flat faces, or those with excess skin were unable to use this collar
- Some felt that the collar was not as high-quality as they expected
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Halti Nylon Dog Headcollar review
Features
- Best for directional control
- Allows steering via the dog’s nose
- Comfortable yet durable
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you’re looking for the best collar to keep dogs from pulling, the Halti Nylon Dog Headcollar is a fantastic option. The Halti brand is well known for its high-quality materials, durability, and practical use during training. I found that this collar allowed me to steer my dog from the nose and features an optional muzzling action, providing excellent control.
The nose strap is padded to prevent rubbing and no metal parts make contact with your dog’s skin to ensure their comfort. The collar is available in a range of sizes to fit all breeds. I’ve used this collar with my spaniel and found it provided plenty of control and significantly reduced pulling when paired with appropriate training.
Pros
- Many found that this collar helped to reduce or prevent pulling, making walks more pleasant
- Owners said they felt this collar gave them more control, which is helpful during training
- Soft, padded loop around the muzzle, which many owners felt was comfortable and gentle for their dog
- Several said the collar is well-made and high-quality, making it good value
- Owners said that with training and a gradual introduction, their dogs found the collar comfortable and were happy to wear it
Cons
- Some owners felt that the size description was misleading, ending up with the wrong sized collar for their dog
- Some felt the collar was not as strong or durable as they hoped, with some experiencing breakage after a period of use
- Some owners found their dog didn’t like having this collar on their face and kept trying to take it off
- Some felt this collar wasn’t good value for money
Ann-Marie Sharpe
PetSafe Quick Snap Buckle Nylon Martingale Dog Collar review
Features
- Best for escape artists
- Tightens when dog pulls for control
- Suitable for all breeds
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The PetSafe Quick Snap Buckle Nylon Martingale Dog Collar provides control and reduces pulling while being safer and gentler than a prong collar or a choke chain. The collar tightens when your dog pulls and loosens when they stop pulling, encouraging less pulling on walks. This collar is also great for preventing dog’s escaping their collars, keeping your pup safer and giving you more control.
I found the material was durable to stand up to wear and weather changes during hikes. Available in a range of sizes, this collar is suitable for all breeds. I found this collar gave me a good amount of control and prevented my dog from breaking loose when they wanted to chase something, which gave me confidence that they were safe on the lead.
Pros
- Many said this collar helped to reduce pulling, particularly when paired with training, making walks more pleasant
- Owners liked the choice of colors, feeling the collar was bright and stylish
- Some said this collar helped to prevent their dog from escaping, making walks safer
- Several said they felt the collar was well-made and good value
- Some said they felt this collar gave them more control when walking their dog
- Generally gentle and doesn’t pinch or rub your dog’s skin
Cons
- Some owners said the sizing was misleading, leaving them with a collar that didn’t fit their dog
- Some owners felt that while the collar was affordable, it wasn’t as good quality as they expected
- Some found the collar was prone to breakage after a short period of use
- Not suitable to be left on when dogs are at home or are playing
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Martingale Dog Collar with Chain review
Features
- Best for large breeds
- Chain provides extra strength and security
- Tightens when dog pulls for control
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Martingale Dog Collar with Chain provides an excellent heavy-duty option for strong dogs who pull on walks. The nylon material is thick and durable, while also providing comfort for your pup; it’s even reflective for night-time walks! The chain provides additional security and strength.
The clasp can be locked for additional security, which I found reassuring as it eliminated the risk of my dog pulling too hard and escaping the collar. The collar tightens as your dog pulls and loosens when they stop, giving you control and providing a great training aid. While this collar is available in a range of sizes, I found it was best suited to large breeds given the strength and security of the collar.
Pros
- Some said this collar is well-made and very secure for their dog, with the locking clasp providing extra security
- Owners said this was a gentle, kinder option than a choke chain, with them feeling it was comfortable for their dog
- Many said they felt this collar gave them more control on walks and during training, allowing them to efficiently correct pulling and other bad behavior
- Some said they felt their dog pulled less when wearing this collar and were less likely to escape, especially owners of large breed dogs
- Owners said they felt this collar was high-quality, particularly when compared to other similar collars
- Several owners mentioned that they liked that the company donates a collar to a dog rescue for every collar they sell
Cons
- Some found that the locking feature didn’t stay locked, which they felt wasn’t secure
- Some stated the collar stained their light-colored dog’s fur a darker color
- Some felt that this collar didn’t give them as much control over their dog as they would have liked
- Can be too heavy and sturdy for smaller breeds, with the materials being thick and heavy
- Some stated that the sizing was inaccurate, leaving them with the wrong sized collar for their dog
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Chai's Choice Comfort Cushion 3M Polyester Reflective Dog Collar review
Features
- Best for small breeds
- Padded, soft material for small necks
- Enough control for most small dogs
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Chai’s Choice Comfort Cushion 3M Polyester Reflective Dog Collar is padded, soft, and made with high-quality materials to keep your pup comfortable. It’s durable and strong, as well as being reflective for walks at night. A strong, stainless steel ring allows you to attach your lead securely.
While this collar comes in a range of sizes, I would particularly recommend it for small breeds who pull because of the padded material providing both comfort and gentle control for small necks. I found this collar was comfortable for my chihuahua and enjoyed the range of colors, so I could pick her favorite.
Pros
- Owners said they liked the padded aspect of the collar and felt it was comfortable for their dog, even for those with sensitive skin
- Many found the reflective aspect of the collar useful for walks at night or in low light
- Some said they enjoyed the color choice of the collar, feeling it looked stylish on their pup
- Many said the collar is durable, secure, and high-quality
- Some stated they felt the collar was safe and gave them control on walks
Cons
- Can be hard to adjust the collar at first, making it tricky to get the right fit for your dog
- Some felt the collar was too wide for their small dog’s neck
- Some felt the sizing guide was inaccurate, leaving them with the wrong size collar
- Some said the collar was not as good quality as they were expecting
- Some owners felt that the D ring on the collar was oversized, making it bulky and awkward when their dog was wearing the collar
Things to Look for in a Dog Collar for Pulling
When you’re looking for the best collar for pulling dogs there are a few things you should keep in mind to help you make the best choice:
Correct Fit
The correct fit is crucial for your dog’s safety and comfort, as well as to give you the right amount of control. Look at the size description and measure your dog carefully to ensure you choose the right size. Most collars will be adjustable to allow you to get the exact right fit for your pup.
In general, the collar should be tight enough that your dog can not wiggle out of it. You should always be able to fit 2 fingers between the dog’s collar and their neck, to ensure it’s not too tight.
High-Quality Material
High-quality materials ensure your dog is getting the best collar possible. A high-quality collar is more likely to be sturdy, durable, and wear well. It’s also likely to be more comfortable for your dog.
Comfortable for Your Dog
As well as high-quality materials and choosing the right size, other aspects can make a collar more comfortable for your dog. Padded materials prevent rubbing and are gentle on sensitive skin. Wider collars may be more suitable for those with thin or delicate necks to reduce the pressure around the neck.
Headcollars can help to reduce pressure on your dog’s neck, lessening choking if your dog pulls which can be useful and increase comfort. Take your time to figure out what’s best for you and your dog.
Control for You
When your dog pulls, the more control a collar can give you the better. Look for collars that apply gentle pressure or allow you to direct your dog’s attention. These features give you more control and allow for gentle correction during training.
Quick Release
It’s important the collar as a clasp or buckle to allow you to remove it from your dog quickly in case of emergency. This also makes getting the collar on and off easier in general.
Why Dogs Pull On Their Lead
In essence, dogs pull on their lead because they believe that’s how they can move forward or get to where they want to go. This is typically due to lack of training, as it’s our job to teach our dogs how to walk correctly on the lead. Some breeds are more predisposed to pulling, perhaps because of genetics, due to the work the breed was bred to do, or simply because they’re more high-energy.
Quite often this behavior is inadvertently rewarded if your dog pulls and then gets to keep walking. This is enforced further if your dog is able to pull and get to their favorite place (such as the dog park), gets to meet other dogs, or even gets treats during a walk. You’re essentially ‘teaching’ your dog that pulling gets them what they want.
Other Ways to Stop Your Dog Pulling
As well as collars, there are a variety of no-pull harnesses available to help you stop your dog pulling on walks. Some produce gentle pressure over the dog’s body when they pull forward, while others allow you to attach the lead to the side or front of the dog to redirect them when they pull.
You can also use a lead with attachments at both ends, allowing you to attach the lead on your dog’s harness as well as a collar. I use this method with my springer spaniel with a gentle leader and a side harness. I find it gives me greater control, while also ensuring the pressure isn’t just on her neck and nose if she does pull.
While the right equipment can help you to stop your dog pulling on the lead, it must be paired with training to get long-lasting results. There are lots of great guides and videos online to help you with leash training, like this 1 from the Dog’s Trust and this guide from Blue Cross.
In essence, training your dog not to pull involves teaching them that they don’t move forward when they’re pulling and that they only move forward when the lead is loose. It’s important to reinforce good behavior with treats and praise. If you need help, training classes or 1 to 1 training with a professional can give you the tools you need to get things back on track.
Collar Safety Advice
Always make sure your dog’s collar fits correctly so that it’s comfortable and safe. It’s crucial you don’t leave your dog’s collar on when they’re in a crate or pen, or during play, as this can be dangerous if their collar gets caught on anything. Ideally, a collar should have a quick release buckle or button to help you remove the collar from your dog’s neck in case of an emergency.
Never pull back quickly on the lead when your dog is wearing a collar, as this can damage their neck. Try to keep any corrections gentle and more verbal than physical, as this is safer and produces better results during training.
Choke chains and prong collars are not recommended, as they can be very harmful both physically and psychologically for your dog. If you are going to use these items, it’s essential you do so under the guidance of an experienced trainer.
Dog Collar for Pulling FAQ
Should dogs wear collars 24/7?
No, it’s not advisable for your dog to wear a collar 24/7 as it can be uncomfortable, and cause rubbing against their fur and skin when worn constantly. It can also be a hazard during playing or when in a crate or pen.
Do collars hurt a dog’s neck?
No, when sized and used correctly a collar won’t hurt your dog’s neck.
Is it ok to pull a dog by their collar?
You should never pull your dog by their collar as this can hurt their neck. Instead, you should use gentle pressure and verbal direction.
Conclusion
With the right collar combined with training, you can stop your dog pulling and both enjoy relaxing adventures together!
References
Dogs Trust, (2021), “Walking nicely on the lead: How to stop your dog pulling on the lead”.
Blue Cross, (2019), “How to stop your dog pulling on the lead”.
The Best Dog Collars for Pulling
Editor's Choice
PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar- Best overall
- Provides great control and comfort
- Suitable for all breeds
Runner Up
Halti Nylon Dog Headcollar- Best for directional control
- Allows steering via the dog’s nose
- Comfortable yet durable
Also Good
PetSafe Quick Snap Buckle Nylon Martingale Dog Collar- Best for escape artists
- Tightens when dog pulls for control
- Suitable for all breeds
