04/16/2026
I’ve seen a few common martingale fit mistakes that can put dogs at risk — here’s a quick check you can do in minutes. Our handmade, tested collars at LePope Designs come from greyhound experience, so I want you to feel confident using them. 1) Collar too loose when slipped over the head — should sit snug at the throat without choking. 2) Too tight at rest — you should fit two fingers under the collar comfortably. 3) Slipping loop too large or small — when the collar is pulled, it should tighten enough to prevent backing out but stop before contacting the trachea. 4) Worn or bent hardware — check rings and clips for cracks, rust, or deformation. 5) Incorrect strap routing — make sure the control loop runs freely through the side rings without twisting. Easy step-by-step check: • Place collar on your dog at rest and fit two fingers under the strap. • Have someone hold the leash while you gently pull as your dog would when backing up — observe how far the loop tightens and where pressure lands. • Inspect all stitching and metal parts; tug each connection once to test security. • Move the control loop back and forth to ensure smooth action. What to look for in replacements: choose solid, welded D-rings, corrosion-resistant clips, and nylon or leather webbing rated for your dog’s size. If anything looks questionable, replace it before using the collar again. Save this post and share it with fellow greyhound lovers — and if you want, visit our measurement guides or repair pages to learn more: https://wix.to/SKGYxgy