If you want to control your dog better but don’t know how to; a dog collar will prove very helpful in solving your woes. Dog collars give you better control and leading ability and they are also very comfortable for your dog. The two types of training collars or head halters that are very popular are the gentle leader and the Halti. Both the training collars are very close in their design, but the usage and safety is where the difference lies.

The gentle leader has a better design that the Halti and also lets you control and lead your dog more effectively. Even though the gentle leader looks like a muzzle it’s very different from it. With a gentle leader you use the dog’s nose to control his movements. It starts behind the ears and goes around the muzzle where it is attached with nylon straps under the chin. It is a very simple design that lets you control your dog while ensuring his comfort.

The Halti on the other hand has a considerably complex design, which raises concerns about its usage and functionality. Even though it’s designed on the lines of the general leader it’s not nearly as safe or comfortable for you dog. Many incidents of neck and spine injuries in dogs have been reported after the use of the Halti. So if you intend to use this training collar use it with extreme caution.

The third type is the pronged training collar. This collar looks menacing but is actually quite harmless. This is particularly suitable for larger breeds that have a thick neck. The collar has a very simple principle the prongs on the inner side of the collar pinch the neck lightly to and help you to lead your dog in the right direction. The pinch is not painful or harmful. However, this is not a collar to be used with dogs that are prone to pulling and yanking while walking. It should be used as a correction tool and not as a constant collar. Since, very little is known about the harmful effects that may be caused due to this collar, try not to use it too much

Finally you also have the choke chain which is one of the older training collars. The choke chain exerts pressure on the neck when the dog pulls on the leash. Regardless of which type of training collar you choose to get for your pet always consult the vet before using it. Many collars like the choke chain have been associated with neck injuries.

Always put in some research before buying a dog training collar and don’t use one if you are a first time dog owner unless you have ample information on using one. After all you I am sure you don’t want to hurt your pet in the process of getting him to obey you.