As Golden Retriever breeders, we know how exciting it is to get everything ready for your new puppy—including picking out their first collar. But while it’s fun to choose colors and styles, your puppy’s collar is an important tool that contributes to both safety and training success.
In this post, we’ll share our recommendations for choosing the right collar, why we often use martingale collars, and how we approach training collars—with one important exception.
🐾 Why Collars Matter for Puppies
A puppy’s first collar serves several key functions:
- Holds ID tags for safety
- Connects to a leash for walks and training
- Helps guide your puppy during leash learning
- Offers you gentle control in new environments
Since Golden Retriever puppies grow rapidly, it’s essential to check the fit of their collar regularly (we suggest weekly) and adjust or upgrade as needed.
🔁 Why We Recommend Martingale Collars
We frequently recommend martingale collars for Golden Retriever puppies. These collars provide a safe, effective way to prevent slipping without being harsh.
What is a martingale collar?
A martingale is a flat collar with a loop that tightens slightly when tension is applied. This helps keep the collar snug when needed—especially helpful for young puppies who may try to back out of a regular collar—but it relaxes immediately when there’s no pulling.
Why we prefer martingale collars:
- Prevents slipping: Ideal for wiggly puppies or new walkers
- Gentle correction: Tightens only as needed—no sharp pressure
- Comfortable fit: When properly adjusted, it stays loose until needed
Martingale collars are great for training walks, but should not be left on an unsupervised puppy or used during crate time.
📏 Getting the Fit Right
No matter the collar type, a proper fit is essential:
- The collar should rest high on the neck, not loose and low
- You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the puppy’s neck
- For martingales, the sliding loop should be adjusted so that the two rings just touch when pulled tight
🧠 A Note on Training Collars
There are many training collar options available today—prong collars, head halters, slip leads—and we take a neutral stance on these tools. We believe training equipment should be chosen thoughtfully, with the guidance of an experienced, reward-based trainer.
However, we do not support the use of electronic (shock) collars for young puppies or for most companion dogs. These tools can create fear, anxiety, or confusion when used improperly, and they are not necessary for the average Golden Retriever.
Our position is simple:
- Focus first on positive reinforcement and relationship-based training
- Use training tools only with education and professional guidance
- Avoid any tool that causes fear, pain, or stress to the puppy
🐶 Final Thoughts for New Puppy Families
When it comes to your Golden Retriever puppy’s collar:
- Start with a well-fitting flat or martingale collar
- Check and adjust the fit frequently
- Use it to gently guide and train, not just for style
- Supervise collar use and remove during crate time or play with other dogs
And above all—ask questions! We’re here to help guide you through the early stages of your puppy’s training and development. With the right tools and a thoughtful approach, your Golden will grow into a confident and well-mannered adult.