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The basic component of our business is webbing and the corresponding plastic and metal hardware, so it is always good to have a discussion about the differences between nylon webbing and polypro webbing. Cotton webbing can also be added to the conversation as well. The variety of webbings available can be somewhat overwhelming when trying to decide between them. Each of these webbings has advantages and disadvantages and specific uses so let’s get to the core of this debate.

Nylon webbing is the strongest and most durable of webbing straps. It has a tensile strength of about 4,200 to 5,500 pounds in the 1-inch to 1-1/2 inch widths. Tensile strength is the average breaking point of the webbing under factory conditions. This webbing is extremely abrasion resistant. It is also UV and mildew resistant as well as waterproof. It has a melting point of 300 degrees.

Nylon webbing is used in many projects including climbing harnesses, parachute straps, boat rigging, animal leads and dog collars. Backpacks, luggage straps, belts and handbags can also use nylon webbing. Nylon straps are required on any project where weight-bearing is essential for safety. Nylon webbing is used as the core of our fabric-covered designer dog collars and leashes to make sure our family pets are safe. For more information about dogs and the collars needed go to American Kennel Club (akc.org).

Polypropylene webbing, or polypro webbing, is a good webbing but not as strong as nylon webbing. It has a tensile strength of 600 to 1000 pounds depending on the width. Polypro is light-weight but is not as abrasion resistant and durable as nylon webbing. Polypro webbing can be used for the same projects as nylon webbing, such as harnesses, boat rigging, dog collars and leashes, to name a few, but is also great for belts, luggage straps and harnesses for lighter weight objects.

Polypro webbing is UV resistant, waterproof and mildew resistant. Polypro webbing and nylon webbing have the same melting point of 300 degrees. Polypro webbing has some advantages over nylon webbing. It is stretch resistant, even in water, and will float on water. It is more acid and alkaline resistant than nylon webbing.. It is also more economical.

Cotton webbing is softer and easier to sew on but does not have the strength of nylon and polypro webbing. Cotton webbing has military and space applications when the elimination of static electricity is needed, and is used in belts, canteen straps and name labels. It can also be used in belts, luggage straps and purses. Cotton webbing, as well as nylon and polypro, is used in upholstery projects, such as weaving seats and repairing straps under chairs and antique beds.

Most projects using nylon webbing or polypro webbing are in plain view so appearance is also a factor. There is a large variety of colors in both nylon and polypro webbing even some multi-color and neon which can be seen in light. It is available in the most popular colors with several shades of pink and blue, as well as green, yellow, orange and the basic white and black. There is also a variety of widths and lengths available.

Sometimes, one article is not enough to relay all the information pertaining to a subject. That is the case with the recent column about Martingale collars and half check collars. The debate about the different types of choke collars was the subject but there was not space to discuss the proper fit and position of these types of collars, which is a very important aspect of using Martingale and Half Check collars.

In summary, Half check collars and Martingale collars are variations of choke collars that are considered to be more humane that the chain choke collar. These two types of collars were originally designed for sight hounds, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Borzoi, Saluki, etc., which are breeds that have necks larger than their heads, but prevents any dog from backing out of a regular collar.

Half check collars, or half choke collars, are usually made of leather or nylon webbing and chain, while Martingale collars are made totally of nylon webbing. Both of these specialty collars have a two-loop design that works by tightening on the dogs neck when it is trying to remove its head from the collar, but will loosen again when the dog stops struggling against it. The unique, limited closure of the half check collar and the Martingale collar prevents it from becoming too tight. However, the fit and positioning of each of these collars is extremely important.

The Martingale collar, which is usually made of nylon webbing, has two loops. The small loop, also called the control loop, has the dee ring which is the attach point for the leash. The Martingale collar is adjusted with the second loop which allows the collar to be tightened or loosened to fit the dog perfectly. A buckle can be added to the collar so it can be buckled around the dog’s neck.

To properly fit and position the Martingale collar, slip it over the dog’s head and pull the collar up right behind the ears of the dog. The collar is adjusted here because this is the point where a normal collar slips over the head. The control loop should close when the dee ring is pulled. The two hardware pieces attached to the control loop should be a minimum of two inches apart or the standard two-finger allowance. The two pieces should never touch. If the two pieces touch, your collar is too loose.

The Half Check Collar is similar to the Martingale except part of this collar is made with nylon webbing or leather and the other part is chain. It also has two loops that have the same functions as the Martingale collar. The control loop on this collar is the chain which is a circle. The dee ring is in this circle of chain and is also the attach point for the leash. This chain is also attached to the webbing or leather part of the collar with metal rings. The adjustment loop is in the part of the collar that is webbing or nylon.

As with the Martingale collar, the half check collar is positioned and fit in the same manner. When the dog pulls or tries to slip this collar over its head, the chain slides through the rings, tightening the webbing around the dog’s neck. The chain itself never tightens around the neck. The dog only feels the webbing or the leather. The distinctive clinking noise also serves as a training tool as the dog pulls against the Half check collar.

When learning how to properly fit and position these two collars, it becomes apparent how similar the Martingale and the Half check collars to each other. These collars work virtually the same way to control breeds that would normally be able to slip a regular flat collar over its head. Also, it is apparent that these collars are a more humane way to control dogs that the plain chain choke collar or the prong collar. The owner of the dog must be knowledgeable about these collars and how to use them so that no injury comes to the pet.

A topic which will always start a debate among dog owners is the use of choke collars. The opinions on blogs and forums are wide and varied about the benefits and disadvantages of the use of choke collars. Many pet owners and trainers are proponents of choke collars for training and control. Then there are the owners and trainers who think these collars are instruments of abuse. Information about the different types of choke collars is essential for the pet owner to make an informed decision. One type of choke collar is the chain choke collar also called a slip collar. This type of collar can be made of chain but is also made of cord, webbing or cloth. Despite the name, a chain choke collar is not intended to choke a dog – it is intended to press on the brachial nerve, much like pinching the funny bone. This type of collar is intended for training purposes only and must fit correctly on the neck and not under it, so the chain will not to cause damage to the dog’s throat. The design of this collar makes it dangerous to leave on an unattended animal because it can easily catch on something and accidentally strangle a pet. Many owners suggest the choke chain or slip collar should only be used for training purposes or for safe handling of dogs when on a leash. This type of collar is not recommended for puppies which are six months old or younger. Also, if a dog is continually pulling against the chain, then another type of choke collar should be used. Half check collars and Martingale collars are variations of choke collars that are considered by many dog owners to be more humane that the chain choke collar. These two types of collars were originally designed for sight hounds, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Barzoi, Saluki, etc., which are breeds that have necks larger than their heads. Half check and Martingale collars have since become popular with many breeders because it is prevents any dog from backing out of a regular collar. Half check collars, also called half choke collars, are made of leather or nylon webbing and chain. Martingale collars are made totally of nylon webbing. Both of these specialty collars have a two-loop design that works by tightening on the dogs neck when it is trying to remove its head from the collar, but will loosen again when the dog stops struggling against it. The unique, limited closure of the Half check collar and the Martingale collar prevents it from becoming too tight. These specialty collars are also good for controlling dogs when on a leash. Some dogs, even when properly trained, can be a problem when on a leash and these collars are a tool to keep the dog and its owner safe. Choke collars are especially useful with extra large and giant breeds of dogs which can easily pull an owner off their feet. One benefit of the Martingale collar over the Half check collar is that it will not tangle in the animals fur since it is made of webbing and has no chain. All owners that are proponents of these collars stress that the fit and position of these collars is essential to making sure these collars do not injure your dog. Instructions on the proper fit and position are easy to find at any pet store, on the internet or from any dog trainer. The debate over whether or not to use any type of choke collar will continue among dog owners, but there is plenty of information available for an educated decision. Ultimately, it is a decision that must be made by the individual owner and breeder for the benefit and safety of their dogs.