3 Best Collar for Large Dog That Pulls (2023)

Some dogs just love to pull the leash while walking. As much as this is an annoying habit, it’s your job as the pet owner to correct this behavior. From there, you can reclaim the authority over the walk, and your pooch will be safe from potential neck injuries. Aside from that, you should also get the best collar for large dog that pulls. With the right equipment, you can start the training on a sound footing.

COLLAR	BRAND	EXPERT RATING	CHECK PRICE
	Blueberry Pet Martingale Dog Collar		Check Price
	PetSafe Gentle Leader No-Pull Collar		Check Price

Take note that collars may not be suitable for some dogs, especially those with thick necks like Pitbulls, Frenchies, Pugs, and the likes. Still, you can use collars on these breeds if they already know to walk on a leash properly.

Safety precautions in using collars for pulling dogs

Collars are safe for dogs as long as you choose the right type, material, and design. However, for large dogs that pull, it could be injurious if the behavior isn’t addressed early on.

First of all, size up the collar to your dog. Don’t purchase blindly and hope that it will fit your dog based on your approximations. Also, for large dogs, try to look for a collar with a thicker width.

Safety should be the priority…

You should also check the collar and your dog’s neck after every walk. This way, you can spot potential injuries and irritations from the collar. Take note that sometimes, it’s not the pulling habit that causes the neck irritation. Some dogs tend to develop allergies to some collar materials like nylon and plastic.

If you notice that your dog’s neck fur is matting, balding, or if its skin is showing scratches, refrain from using a collar and consider a harness instead. You should also seek the opinion of a veterinarian if you suspect that your pooch has an allergy to the specific collar material.

Important note:

Check if the collar is pilling, unraveling from its stitches, or showing signs of wear and tear. Replace a collar with rusting hardware or if the fabric is starting to have rough edges. These edges will chafe your dog’s neck and cause irritations.

What’s a no-pull dog collar?

A no-pull collar is designed to halt the dog from its pulling habit. Some of the types include the martingale collar, prong collar, and halter collar.

Of the three, prong collars are the most inhumane. This type consists of a steel chain with prongs that will dig through the dog’s neck if it tries to pull. As much as it could discourage the pooch from pulling, it’s also fueling aggression and physical harm.

This leaves us with either the martingale or the halter collar.

Martingale collars are safe, as long as you choose a piece made of soft material. This collar has a separate loop on which the D-ringed ends of the strap are wounded. So when the dog pulls, it will tighten. However, if the doggo retreats and quits pulling, the collar relaxes. This prevents choking and other injuries, while teaching the dog that pulling is an unfavorable behavior.

On the other hand, halter collars work similarly with the martingale type. The only difference is it has a loop that runs on the circumference of the dog’s upper muzzle. So when the pooch pulls, the muzzle strap will tighten and cause discomfort. Still, it doesn’t harm the canine in any way. The strap will become loose again once the dog quits pulling.

How to discourage a dog from pulling

Correcting your dog’s pulling behavior requires a firm hand and consistency. If you’re at a loss about the process, you can start with the following tips:

*Don’t reward the behavior

Sometimes pet owners inadvertently reward the pulling behavior by letting their dog get its way. When this happens, you’re giving your pooch the authority over daily walks. Worse, their pulling habits will be much worse since they expect you to yield on their determination.

So what should I do when my doggo starts pulling? Simple. Stop on your tracks. This will fluster your dog and the pooch will surely look up to you to know what’s going on. At this moment, call your dog’s name and make eye contact. Say a firm “No!” and wait for the dog to calm down.

When your pooch calms down, give it a low-value reward like a pet on the head or a piece of kibble. After that, continue walking in the direction that your dog wants to go. However, if it pulls again, repeat the process; but this time, you should go somewhere else.

*Teach your dog some basic commands

Before taking your doggo to long walks, make sure that you’ve already taught your pet some basic commands. This includes “Leave it!”, “Stay!”, and “Come!”. Your dog should also recognize its name when called.

With these commands, you can get your dog’s attention when it tries to pull. Also, a dog must come whenever you call its name. This is so they won’t be in harm’s way should your leash’s clip gives off.

*Don’t punish the behavior

This may sound counterproductive for novice dog owners, but punishment will only lead to more problems. Hurting your dog doesn’t fix the pulling problem. Worse, you’re also associating negative things to walking. The next time you show them the leash and collar, your dog will run away instead of getting excited.

*Be unpredictable

Avoid going through the same path every single time. This way, your dog will have to guess which way you’re going. This may not fix their pulling habit, but it will give them the notion that you control the walks.

Basics of leash training

If there’s one thing that will correct a leash pulling behavior that would be comprehensive and firm leash training. You should start this drill as soon as you get your pooch from the breeder – around 8 weeks old.

The earlier you get your dog used to wearing a collar and being on a leash, the easier it will be to correct the pulling behavior. Also, it’s easier to handle a pulling pup than an 80-pound adult dog.

Here are the basics of leash training that you should keep in mind:

*Choose the right collar

Earlier, we discussed about the type of collar you should use for pulling dogs. It can be a martingale or a halter type depending on your preference.

It’s best to use a collar with a front attachment so you can divert your dog’s attention whenever it tries to pull.

*Walk them in the yard first

Before you show them the big world outside your gate, get them accustomed to leash walking on the yard. While on a loose leash, walk around the perimeter of your lawn and ask your dog to follow you. A stinky treat will surely get their attention. If your pooch walks without pulling, give it the treat.

Practice this repeatedly, with your dog walking side by side. Later on, reduce the treats and replace it with affection.

*Teach your dog to heel

Heeling is walking with your dog close to you. This is an important skill, especially if you’re walking them through distractions. You can also use some treats to practice this on your yard. The pooch should stay close to you at all times so you wouldn’t have to tug the leash.

What to look for the best collar for large dog that pulls

Now that you have an idea on how to deal with the pulling behavior, it’s now time to look for the best collar for large dog that pulls. This way, your dog will stay safe while you correct the bad habit.

-Proper size

Sizing is crucial in all pet accessories you’re going to get, especially with collars. Always measure the girth of the thickest part of your dog’s neck. After that, compare the measurement to the sizing chart of the manufacturer.

Remember that a very small collar will choke your dog and cause neck problems along the way.

-Soft material

When it comes to no-pull collars, always opt for soft material. Nylon is the most common since it’s easy to clean, quick-drying, and durable. Still, you should switch to other fabric options if your dog has a history of nylon allergy.

You can also find fabric collars, but it’s rare for martingale and halter designs.

-Easy to use buckles

It’s important that the hardware of the collar is easy to put on and off without sacrificing the quality. If possible, look for stainless steel buckles as these are more durable, especially if you have a strong puller. Anyway, plastic buckles will work, but it may start to crack over time.

-Durable D-rings

Dog collars usually come with a single D-ring. Make sure that this is made of metal so it will endure the force of your dog’s pulling.

-Adjustability

The best collar for large dog that pulls must be highly adjustable. This way, your doggo can grow in it and you don’t have to purchase collars repeatedly.

Dog collar sizes don’t always come perfectly as compared to its sizing chart. This is why an inch or two leeway is necessary for a perfect fit.

–Visibility

This isn’t a requirement, but you’ll surely get more value if the dog collar has reflective stitching. This will keep your dog visible even in the dark; thus, reducing the risk of accidents.

-Durability

Dog collars should put up with daily use and the stress of dog pulling. Usually, nylon collars are the strongest options in the budget-friendly department. It’s also a versatile choice since it comes in different colors.

-Warranty

If possible, look for a collar with a decent warranty, so your money is protected. Some dog collar brands offer a money-back guarantee or a replacement if you’re not happy with the product’s quality.

-Price

Even the best collar for large dog that pulls shouldn’t be too expensive. Dog collars are just one of the accessories you’re going to purchase for your dog. With that, you wouldn’t want to spend too much money on it. Besides, it will soon require a replacement if your doggo outgrows it or if it shows major signs of damage.

2 Best Collar for Large Dog that Pulls

OUR TOP PICK: Blueberry Pet Martingale Dog Collar

Product Name: Blueberry Pet Martingale Dog Collar

Product Description: For dogs that love to pull, we recommend the Blueberry Pet Martingale Dog Collar. This one is made of nylon fabric with high-density webbing. Take note that this collar doesn’t have a buckle so you should choose the size that’s adjustable enough to slip through the largest part of your dog’s head. This one-inch-thick collar is highly adjustable, plus it has metal D-rings. Overall, it’s available for neck sizes between 18 to 26 inches.

Offer price: 15

Currency: USD

Availability: InStock

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• Material
• Construction
• Value for Money

Overall

5

Summary

Also, we like that this Martingale collar is available in more than a dozen colors. You can choose one that matches the color of your leash.

Pros

✔️One-piece construction, no buckles

✔️Made of nylon with high-density webbing

✔️Highly adjustable

Cons

❌You have to measure the largest part of your dog’s head first since this is a slip-on collar

RUNNERS-UP

PetSafe Gentle Leader No-Pull Collar

If martingale collars don’t work, you should try the PetSafe Gentle Leader No-Pull Collar. This one has a halter design made of densely webbed nylon with neoprene padding for added comfort.

This is a durable collar that suit doggos between 60 to 130 pounds. Also, we really like its 1-year chew guarantee where PetSafe gives you a discounted replacement should the collar got damaged.

With this collar, the force is applied at the back of your dog’s neck instead of its throat. It’s also available in different colors and varying sizes to suit dogs in every life stage.

This is fully adjustable and will help you deal with problematic leash habits.

Final words

The best collar for large dog that pulls won’t just keep your canine safe. It’s also a great tool to correct the bad habit. Soon enough, your pooch will walk by your side with no need to tug the leash or call its attention.