9 Best No Pull Dog Collar Choices in 2020 (Top Rated for Dogs That Pull)

Dogs commonly pull on the leash for many reasons and that can be a significant and even a dangerous problem for owners, especially those without much experience. Not only can a dog hurt their throat, thorax and even eyes by pulling too hard, but the owner is also at risk of various dangers.

Dogs that pull a lot on their leashes, collars and harnesses need to be gradually retrained, but it’s best to start with equipment specifically designed for pulling dogs. So here’s why your dog might be pulling on the leash and how you can prevent or minimize this simply by choosing the right collar (as well as leash and harness).

Why Your Dog Pulls on Collar and What to Do About It

Dogs can pull on the leash for different reasons. You may have an overeager dog that gets easily excited, or your dog is overprotective and jealous. The most common reason why a dog might pull on the leash lies in the fact that the dog is not leash trained. Even if your dog is trained, he may still pull if you are using the wrong leash and collar/harness.

As you can see, the most important thing is to choose the right equipment and leash train your dog. So, before I discuss the best no pull collar for dogs that pull in detail, I want to give you a few tips to help you leash train your dog:

• Introduce the dog to his collar and leash – Start by letting him wear them for a short time in your home while you play with him and give him treats. That way, he will associate his collar and leash with something positive.

• Teach your dog to come to you – The next step is to teach your dog a command to let him know that he should come to you while he is wearing his leash and collar. Use treats for positive reinforcement.

• Walk with him inside – Practice walking with your pooch inside your home. A few steps here and there at first and gradually increase the number of steps. Don’t rush to take him outside, let him learn with as few distractions as possible.

• Take your dog outside – After a week or so, your dog should be ready to go outside. This will be challenging because there will be many distractions, so take it slowly and take short walks at first. If you notice that your pooch is getting distracted or you think he is going to lunge forward, issue the command you taught him and move a few steps away. When he comes to you, reward him with a treat.

Leash training is not that hard if you have a puppy but if you have an older rescue dog who was not leash trained, it may take a lot more patience and work. And if your dog does pull on the leash, don’t jerk the leash or try to drag your dog. Instead, stand still and refuse to move until your pooch comes back to you.

Types of No Pull Collars for Dogs

Whether you want to leash train your dog or you are looking for a collar to help you with a dog that pulls on the leash, there are a few different types of no-pull collars you can use.

Head Collar

Head collars are a great way to deal with the most stubborn pullers and get some control over them. Head collars differ from regular collars that go on your dog’s neck because they attach to his snout instead. This is pretty similar to a halter used on horses, which is why head collars are also called head halters.

Since they are attached directly to your dog’s head, these collars give you the most control over your dog’s movement compared to other types of no-pull collars, which is their main advantage. They also prevent injuries to your dog’s neck that may happen with regular collars if your dog pulls too hard.

Another benefit of head collars comes from the fact that they can’t be chewed through. Your dog will not be able to pull through his head collar either, making it almost impossible to escape from it.

Head collars are very different than regular collars, so it may take some time for you and your pooch to get used to it. Many dogs find these collars uncomfortable and some try to resist them. But with patience and time, your dog will probably adapt.

Choke Collars

Choke collars are another type of no-pull dog collars but they have the potential to seriously harm your pooch by choking him or inflicting injuries to his neck. These collars are best used by experienced dog owners and trainers, especially if your dog is strong and pulls on the leash hard.

In addition to this, choke collars are teaching your dog not to pull through fear, instead of positive training methods. That means that they are usually effective in the short term, not in the long run, just for training purposes.

Martingale Collars

Martingale collars are similar to choke collar since they also tighten when your dog pulls on a leash. Like choke collars, they are supposed to cause discomfort and discourage pulling behavior.

However, these collars are usually gentler than regular choke collars and not as dangerous. That also means that they are not as effective either but they are a better choice for inexperienced dog owners since they are much safer.

Prong Collars

Although prong collars look medieval and scary, they are actually more humane and safer than choke collars. They work by causing discomfort to your dog when he pulls but otherwise they sit comfortably on his neck despite looking scary.

These dog collars don’t choke your dog or restrict his breathing. They just pinch your dog’s skin slightly, enough to discourage him from pulling on the leash. Prong collars have a limit on how tight they are supposed to go as well. Still, these collars are also not good for inexperienced dog owners since they can harm your pooch if they are not fitted properly.

How to Choose the Best No Pull Dog Collar?

While the type of no-pull collar is the most important thing to consider, there are other factors to take into account when you buy a collar for your dog:

Your Dog’s Temperament

This is directly correlated to the type of collar and you need to choose the one that will suit your dog’s personality.

If he has a mild personality, a head collar is the best choice regardless of your dog’s breed. But if your dog is aggressive and stubborn, then you should consider getting a choke or prong collar, as long as you use them carefully.

Size

Size is probably the most important factor to consider, especially for the choke and prong collars. You need to measure your dog’s neck carefully to ensure the proper fit. If the collar is too small or too big, it may hurt your dog or not have the desired effect.

Materials

Once again, the best materials will depend on the type of the no-pull collar. For example, prong collars are usually made from metal, while martingale and choke collars can also be made from leather or nylon. Meanwhile, head collars are commonly made from nylon or synthetic materials.

The quality of materials will directly affect the collars’ effectiveness and durability. In most cases, the quality of materials will be reflected in the price of the collar. Fortunately, when it comes to no-pull dog collars, there are many options you can find online. We have chosen the best products to review and help you find the right collar for your pup.

Top 9 Best No Pull Dog Collars

1 PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
by PetSafe

This dog collar was created by a dog behaviorist, so that’s a huge plus right off the bat. The collar is available in multiple sizes, ranging from the smallest dog breeds that weigh up to 5 pounds, all the way to the largest dogs that weigh more than 130 pounds. There is also a great selection of different colors you can choose from.

The noose loop is made from soft, padded neoprene to ensure that your dog is comfortable while he wears the collar. And while there are different sizes, the collar still comes with adjustable nose and neck straps so it can fit any dog perfectly. You won’t have any problem to put this head collar on your dog, as long as he doesn’t resist.

When I first used this head collar, I noticed the results immediately since my dog was not pulling at all, other than one initial pull. And my dog was able to switch to a regular collar after a couple of weeks, although I did spend a lot of time to make him comfortable in it and teach him to stop resisting it.

The collar seems durable but it also comes with a one-year warranty for any damage caused by chewing. The only problem I had was with the clip since it wouldn’t unhook instantly a couple of times.

» PROS: Available In Many Sizes and Colors, Adjustable, Easy to Use, Durable, Chew-Proof, Suitable for New Dog Owners, Safe to Use

« CONS: Your Dog Will Have to Get Used to It, Clip/Clasp Could Get Stuck

 

2 Halti Head Collar for Dogs
by The Company of Animals

One of the first head collars that appeared on the market was made by Halti and they still offer a reliable product at affordable prices. This head collar comes in various sizes and two colors – red and black.

The collar is made from lightweight material that is used to ensure that your dog is comfortable and safe. That’s why the collar has padded noseband as well, so it should prevent chafing. The webbing is both waterproof and reflective, so you can use it to take your dog on evening walks or walk him early in the morning.

This collar gives you a lot of control over your dog’s movement, without having to put much effort to direct your dog during walks. One thing that I didn’t like is the fact that I always struggle to put this head collar on because of all the extra things that are hanging down. Other head collars seem easier to use. However, I like that this collar has a safety strap to keep it secure even if it becomes loose.

» PROS: Available In Many Sizes, Adjustable, Durable, Suitable for New Dog Owners, Safe to Use, Has a Safety Strap

« CONS: Only Available In Two Colors, Your Dog Will Have to Get Used to It, Hard to Put On/Take Off

 

3 Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus Prong Collar
by HS Herm, Germany

This prong collar is one of the safest you can find on the market but it is still a very effective training tool. This is the original prong collar, manufactured by the company that invented them. The central plate provides even pressure to ensure your dog’s safety. Of course, if you don’t have experience with dogs it is best to go with safer choices like head collars.

The collar only comes in one size and can fit dogs that have a neck size up to 18 inches. It is made from high-quality steel, while the prongs are also chrome plated. The metal won’t rust and the collar should last a long time.

I have used this collar only a couple of times to test it and my pooch responded well. It didn’t seem to hurt him even when he was pulling a lot at the beginning. The collar can also be adjusted easily by removing or adding links. I did have some trouble with opening and closing the prong but nothing too serious.

» PROS: Effective, Durable, Rust-Proof, Safe, Adjustable

« CONS: Only Available In One Size, Not for Unsupervised Use, Not for Inexperienced Owners, Some Troubles with Closing and Opening

 

4 Country Brook Martingale Nylon Dog Collar
by Country Brook Design

This martingale collar is a very affordable and safe solution for dogs that pull on the leash often. The collar is made from soft and durable nylon material that fits comfortably around your dog’s neck and comes in four different neck sizes.

In addition to this, you can also adjust the neck size to fit your dog better. While the collar is made from nylon fabric, the clasp and other parts are made from stainless steel and aluminum.

The collar is also available in many colors, most of which are bright and good for visibility in low-light conditions even though they aren’t reflective. The huge assortment of colors you can choose also allows you to find the one that suits your fashion sense. While the collar is made from nylon fabric, the clasp and other parts are made from stainless steel and aluminum.

As I mentioned before, martingale collars use gentle pressure to control the dog’s pulling behavior, so they are not as effective as other no-pull collars. Still, this collar did the trick for me and I was glad that I don’t have to think about my dog’s safety.

Remember to remove the collar after walking your dog because it can still cause problems if you leave your dog unsupervised. I also found the edges on the collar to be a bit sharp and I suspect that this wasn’t very comfortable for my pooch. And while I didn’t notice this, some dog owners reported that the color starts to wear off after a while.

» PROS: Available In Many Sizes and Colors, Affordable, Safe, Adjustable

« CONS: Not As Effective As Other Collars, Sharp Edges, Color May Fade, Not for Unsupervised Use

 

5 Mighty Paw Leather Training Collar
by Mighty Paw

This is one of the best martingale collars you can find since it is both stylish and effective. The collar is available in there different sizes that fit dogs with neck sizes from 12 to 22.5 inches. While this collar works by inflicting discomfort, it is a useful and safe training tool if you know how to use it properly.

The collar is made from real and durable leather. The leather, combined with the stainless steel chain, gives this collar a classy look and improves the collar’s durability. However, this also affects the price of the collar, which is a bit more expensive than most, although the difference is not that high.

When I received this collar, the first thing I noticed was the smell. It has that distinctive leather smell and that bothered me a little bit. In addition to this, some dog users reported the leather snapping after a few weeks of use but I didn’t notice any problems with durability.

» PROS: Available In Different Sizes, Stylish, Durable, Safe

« CONS: A Bit Expensive, Smells Bad, Reports of Leather Getting Broken, Not for Unsupervised Use

 

6 Coastal Walk’n Train Head Halter
by Walk n Train

Like the rest of the head collars on my list, this item also offers more control to dog owners during walks, keeping the dog’s head up when he tries to pull. This is a very affordable head collar and it comes in multiple sizes and colors.

The design of this head collar ensures your dog’s safety thanks to the fact that it doesn’t put any pressure on the neck. Also, the collar has a padded noseband to make it more comfortable, as well as a safety strap to ensure added security. There is also an adjustable clasp located under the jaw which allows you to choose how tight the collar should go around the dog’s snout. This is a nice and useful feature that I liked the most about this collar.

I also had no problems putting this collar on and off. That being said, the strap itself seemed to be cheaply made and I am not sure how durable this collar is. I had no problems in the couple of weeks that I used it but the material doesn’t seem very sturdy and could snap easily after some time. The plastic claps also don’t seem very reliable.

» PROS: Available In Different Sizes and Colors, Affordable, Adjustable, Easy to Put On, Suitable for New Dog Owners, Safe to Use, Has a Safety Strap

« CONS: Your Dog Will Have to Get Used to It, Doesn’t Seem Durable, Not for Strong Pullers

 

7 Guardian Gear Martingale Dog Collar
by Guardian Gear

This is another martingale collar on my list. I love this type of collars because they provide similar results as regular choke collars while being much safer. This particular collar has a limited closure design that prevents it from choking the dog. Of course, it is not as effective as other types of collars but if your dog is not too stubborn, this collar can be a good choice.

The collar comes in three different sizes and six different colors. In addition to this, the collar can be adjusted further on your dog’s neck to ensure the proper fit and sit comfortably. Unlike most martingales that are made completely from nylon, this collar combines it with stainless steel to make it more durable.

I did notice that the central ring seems a little flimsy and it may not be as durable as the rest of the collar. Another problem with this collar comes from sizing since many users have complained that they received a larger collar than they expected.

» PROS: Available In Different Sizes and Colors, Affordable, Safe, Durable, Adjustable

« CONS: Not As Effective As Other Collars, Sizing Chart Problem, Central Ring Not Durable, Not for Unsupervised Use

 

8 SPORN Head Dog Halter
by Sporn

This is a rather unique head collar that applies pressure on the dog’s muzzle and keeps him in check when he starts to pull. This halter is made of high-quality materials to improve the strength of the collar. The restrains on the halter are padded to ensure the dog’s comfort and prevent chafing.

This head collar is made in three different sizes but it only comes in one color. The best thing about this item is the fact that you can use it as a standard collar too. Another advantage is the ease of use since you only have to put it on the dog’s muzzle and you’re good to go.

While this product has many positive reviews and it does have its advantages, I have found the design to be flawed for my dog since it moved up all the time and didn’t work as expected unless my dog was directly in front of me. I also found it to be a bit heavy for my taste.

» PROS: Available In Different Sizes, Easy to Put On, Suitable for New Dog Owners, Durable, Safe to Use, Has Unique Design

« CONS: A Bit Heavy, Hard to Adjust, Might Not Stay on the Dog’s Snout

 

9 Deluxe Adjustable Prong Training Collar
by Downtown Pet Supply

This is another prong training collar and I have to say once again that this collar is not for inexperienced owners. That being said, this collar is one of the best for dogs that are stubborn and strong pullers.

The collar comes in three neck sizes, ranging from 14 to 22 inches. You can also get this product in three different styles – regular chrome-plated collar, chrome-plated collar with nylon quick-release clip and black anodized collar.

I used the chrome plated collar with quick-release since it makes it much easier to put the collar on and take it off. The collar has a smooth contracting loop that reacts when he starts to pull and applies discomfort with its smooth and rounded prongs.

This collar does have rounded prongs but the one I received had a few that were pretty sharp. In addition to this, some dog owners reported the collar snapping in half, so it is probably not as durable as it appears.

» PROS: Available In Three Sizes and Styles, Effective, Safe, Adjustable, Quick-Release Clip

« CONS: Not for Unsupervised Use, Not for Inexperienced Owners, Some Prongs May Be Sharp, Not Very Durable

Conclusion

A dog pulling on the leash is something that many dog owners have to deal with, especially if their dog was not leash trained before. Luckily, there are many different no-pull collars to be found online and they can be used to leash train a dog, as well as to reduce or eliminate pulling. I hope that our reviews of these best no pull dog collars were helpful and that you will find the perfect collar for you and your pulling furry friend.

READ NEXT: 10 Leash Pulling Training Tips Using a Dog Harness