Dog Collar Or Halti - Which Is Best?

by Bonnie Durtnall

In the world of dogs, a dog collar is on way of training your dog. Traditionally, the battle for what is better has always been between the dog collar and the harness. In the past couple of decades, a new challenger has entered the scene. This is the dog halti.

Halti

A halti resembles a horse collar. It is also mistaken for a muzzle. The intent of a halti is to control the direction of your dog’s head. The premise is if you control the head, you control the body. As result, the halti leads the dog and controls its behavior in a gentle manner.

The halti is useful for controlling very active dogs. It works with a dog leash to train a dog to behave well when walking. Unlike a collar, you never leave a halti on all day. In fact, it works in conjunction with a dog collar to ensure your dog is safe.

A halti is gentle on the animal. Unlike a slip collar or collars in general, there is no hard pulling or choking. It is not, however, good for all dogs. If you have a small muzzled animal, a halti is not suitable.

Collar

A dog collar is a bare necessity of a dog’s life. Whereas many may argue against its usage for walking or training, you cannot replace it in terms of security or safety. A basic dog collar carries the essential ID of your dog. You may tattoo or implant your dog with identification, but a collar says it all. It is a visual representation. It immediately gains notice. It clearly identifies an animal as “belonging” to someone.

Collars function on other levels. Dogs wear different types of collars for training, casual wear and shows. Everyday collars differ according to finances and dog type. They also change according to fashion. Effectiveness enters the picture for training. Some dogs respond well to a leather flat or rolled collar and leash combination. Others may require a choke or half slip collar.

At a show, some dogs wear a dog collar sparkle-style, glittery or noticeable collars, while others sport collars that highlight their qualities. Glittering and cutsey collars find their way as expressions of the owner. Some people coordinate their dog’s collars to suit their own human fashion. This is not necessary, but may be amusing or silly. It depends upon the viewpoint.

Final Remarks

A halti and a collar are both means of controlling or managing the behavior of a dog. Haltis provide a gentle way to address behavioral problems. Collars utilize more force. Each has its own distinct approach to training and to your life with your dog. Haltis and collars are not for every single animal. Collars are, however, a clearly accepted form of identifying a dog as “owned” and not a stray. In reality, both have benefits and faults. Whatever you choose as “best”, halti or dog collar, do so in the best interests of the dog.