[linedog]

I have found a martingale useful at times, more for control than correction The area I do a lot of socialization and some training is a community college, an excellent mixture of people walking dogs, bicycles, students, baby strollers, etc.

prey drive being what it is, and the need to teach control to the dog ,has led to some pretty exciting episodes in this locale. when I see a possible situation developing, which is usually a good training situation also I usually sit the dog at my side, slide my hand under the chains at the back of the neck and hold them from breaking. no break-- then a "good girl" and a treat or a toss of the ball.In these situations I can't and won't use a chain or nylon choke and a prong is out of the question. I can't and haven't forseen all situations that might trigger this almost instantaneos "go for it " drive,I risk serious injury to the dog using anything other than a wide collar or as wide as will fit martingale.
Usually by a year of age the dog is on a wide leather agitation type collar, with a harness for tracking.
i will agree a martingale is little different than a standard collar,I just find that when I need to quickly "get a grip" on things , it is easier to do so.