Collar confusion. Breeder suggests slip collar for my new puppy?

Newport said:

Breeders, the good ones are showing dogs in conformation, spend a lot of time protecting coat. I have often used a slip collar like white pine outfitters sells in order to reduce the coat friction around my poodle's neck. I recently bought a roll collar (closes with a buckle) that is also supposed to reduced the wear and tear on the coat. At home a lot of poodle people, especially show people, do not use a collar at all. Microchip your dog!

Martingales are often used in training. "Choke" collars are often used when running around a conformation ring because it has least impact on the hairstyle.

For a poodle kept in a very short clip a flat buckle collar is perfectly fine. However many people like some fluff around the neck and then buckle collars become a coat issue.

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cowpony said:

I think a lot of show breeders don't like harnesses, as harnesses rub the hair, cause mats, and in general do bad things to a show coat. Additionally, slip chains are commonly used in the show ring, so any show dog needs to be used to them.

Not being a show dog owner, I prefer to use a harness on tiny puppies. I think a harness provides more protection for tiny developing necks while the puppy learns leash manners. Once the puppy gets older I may start using a martingale.

A martingale is like a cross between a slip collar and a flat collar. It has a chain connecting two rings on the end of the flat pieces. Unlike a slip collar, a properly adjusted martingale can't tighten enough to choke the dog. Unlike a flat collar, the dog can't drop his head and pop out of it. The martingale sits comfortably loose on the neck until the dog starts pulling, at which point it tightens to its set point.

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Michigan Gal said:

I prefer a harness with a puppy. It is very handy for getting them out of dangerous situations. If fitted properly they cannot back out of them. If an inexperienced person takes your dog for a walk or pulls on the harness the puppy is not going to get hurt or slip out of it.

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DeniseM said:

My inner mom voice is telling me that a harness is the way to go. Eventually my dog will need to wear a harness anyway as she will be training as a mobility service dog.

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DeniseM said:

Again, I appreciate the explanation. In the horse world, a Martingale is a totally different thing so I really didn't know what it meant as it applies to dog collars. It sounds perfect though. My beagle (who is now 15 years old) learned very early how to slip backwards out of a flat collar and so he has worn a metal choker type collar ever since. I hate the risk they pose though, if the dog were to get hung up on something by accident.

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ttownjayne said:

I worked with a trainer who is a big fan of slip leads. I purchased these rolled leather slip leads from Amazon. They are fairly soft which is nice and don't mat hair too badly. I don't leave them on in the house. (I clip a long line to a flat collar for that) but they are very simple and easy for walks.

My breeder also told me never to use a harness on a puppy. I didn't ask why (I was too in love snuggling my new puppy) but i guess it's a common opinion?

As my dogs have gotten out of their puppy stages, I sometimes turn the slip lead into a gentle leader-style halter. Very useful when they don't feel like paying attention! (Which is more often than I like to admit)

As for flat collars, I like rolled leather or I'm really loving collars made from biothane. They clean easily and typically aren't too expensive. Widely available on Etsy.

Have fun!

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DeniseM said:

I heard someone else mention on YouTube that they were loving biothane long leads for outdoor play because they clean up and dry off so easily. I am going to have to check them out.

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