No Pull Collar for Small Dogs
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The person searching for a no pull collar for small dogs wants something that goes on the head or neck, not a harness, and wants to know which kind is meant for a small dog and how to size it. “No pull” covers three different designs on Amazon: martingale collars that tighten when the dog pulls, headcollars that loop over the muzzle, and link-style training collars. This guide compares six, one or more of each type. Every figure comes from the Amazon listing as checked on 2026-10-18. Where a listing contradicts itself, both versions are shown. Nothing here claims that any collar stops pulling for your dog, because no listing offers a test and results depend on the dog.
Quick answer
For a small dog with an ordinary skull and snout, the martingale collars are the simplest to compare: the Plutus Pet (XS 10-12 in, S 12-16 in), the Joytale and the Hikiko, all nylon with a quick-snap or quick-release buckle. The PetSafe Gentle Leader in Small and the Heather’s Heroes Sidekick in Mini are headcollars that work on the muzzle instead of the neck. The Gentle Leader listing says it will not fit short-snouted dogs such as pugs and bulldogs. The Starmark is the odd one out: a link-style training collar whose listing says it is for supervised training only. Read the sizing note on each before you order, because the neck ranges are on size charts that are not in the page text for four of the six.
How we chose
Each collar had to be sold as a no pull, martingale or headcollar product and offer a size that the listing ties to small dogs, or a small size name such as XS, Small, Petite or Mini. We compared the design, the size range, the closure and the cautions each listing prints. We left out prong collars, shock collars and harnesses. Prices, star ratings and review counts are not used, and nothing here was tested by us.
Related guides: a no-pull harness for small dogs, the Easy Walk harness against the Gentle Leader and a no-pull collar for a German Shepherd. They are the closest live guides on this site.
What matters in a no pull collar for a small dog
Three designs, three ways of working
A martingale collar has a loop that tightens when the dog pulls. The Plutus listing says it tightens when the dog pulls and loosens when the dog stops, and the Hikiko listing says a properly fitted one is comfortably loose when the dog is not pulling. A headcollar has a nose loop. The Gentle Leader listing says it is meant to interrupt a dog’s instinct to pull against pressure, and that it does not work like a muzzle, so the dog can still eat and drink. The Starmark is described as a martingale-style collar with links that can be added or removed. These are the sellers’ own descriptions; none of the listings gives a test.
Sizing, and why it differs
Only the Plutus listing prints neck ranges in its text: XS 10-12 in, S 12-16 in, M 16-20 in and L 18-24 in. It adds that the range is the collar’s length when fully tightened or closed. The Joytale and Hikiko listings name XS to L or XL, with the ranges on an image chart. The Gentle Leader lists Petite, Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large, and the Sidekick lists Mini (1/4 in) and Regular (3/8 in). The Starmark Small is 15 in per its title. Check the chart on the listing before you order.
Fit rules the listings print
The Joytale and Hikiko listings both say to leave a two-finger gap between collar and neck. The Hikiko listing also says to choose a size “that can slip over the head”, while it sells a quick-release buckle, so the two statements sit awkwardly together. The Gentle Leader listing says to put it on without a leash first and to fit the nose loop until it snaps.
When not to use them
The listings print cautions. Plutus: not recommended for tie-out use or group play. Hikiko: not recommended without a leash, not for indoor use, and never leave the dog unattended with a collar on. Starmark: supervised training only, never leave any training collar on an unattended dog. These are cautions from the sellers, not advice from us. For a dog that lunges or reacts to other dogs, a certified trainer is the right person to ask.
Comparison table
| Pick | Type | Small size (listing) | Closure | Listing caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plutus Pet (B08HSGSKT3) | Martingale, nylon | XS 10-12 in; S 12-16 in (closed length) | Quick snap buckle | Not for tie-out or group play |
| Joytale (B0C8NZSNKC) | Martingale, ripstop nylon | XS, S (ranges on an image) | Quick release buckle with lock | Neck ranges are not in the page text |
| Hikiko (B09CKL7MPH) | Martingale, soft nylon | X-Small, Small (ranges on an image) | Quick release buckle | Slip over head versus buckle; not for indoor use |
| PetSafe Gentle Leader (B00074L4O0) | Headcollar, nylon and neoprene | Petite, Small (ranges not in text) | Quick-snap neck strap, adjustable nose loop | Will not fit short snouts |
| Heather’s Heroes Sidekick (B0CNQBTPBW) | Rope headcollar with leash | Mini (1/4 in) | Rope loop | Seller makes behavior claims; sold with a leash |
| Starmark Pro-Training (B000A6BD5U) | Link-style training collar | Small, 15 in (title) | Links, plus a nylon slip collar | Supervised training only; category lines disagree |
The six picks
1. PLUTUS PET Reflective Martingale Collar (the only martingale with neck ranges in the text)
Specs from the listing (checked 2026-10-18):
- Sizes: XS 10-12 in; S 12-16 in; M 16-20 in; L 18-24 in. The listing says the range is the collar’s length when fully tightened or closed
- Material and closure: Nylon with reflective stitching and a quick snap buckle
- How it works: Tightens when the dog pulls and loosens when the dog stops; a martingale loop is meant to stop the dog backing out
- Dimensions: 24 x 1 x 0.04 in; 3.1 oz (product dimensions, for the L option opened)
- Cautions: Not recommended for tie-out use or during group play sessions
Pros: Ranges printed in the listing, and a buckle so the collar does not have to go over the head.
Cons: The XS and S ranges meet at 12 in, and the listing does not say which to take there. The dimensions shown belong to the L option, so they say nothing about the width of the XS.
Best for: A small dog with a measured neck of 10 to 16 in that you want to size from the listing.
Skip if: Your dog’s neck is under 10 in, or you plan to tie the dog out.
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2. Joytale Martingale Collar (13 colors, machine washable)
Specs from the listing (checked 2026-10-18):
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L; the neck ranges are on a size chart image, not in the page text
- Material: High-density ripstop nylon, rustproof D-ring, tri-glide slider for adjusting
- Closure: Quick release buckle with a lock
- Visibility: Dual-strip reflective stitching; the listing says it is visible from over 300 feet under headlights (seller claim)
- Care: Machine washable per the listing
- Dimensions: 9.05 x 1.57 x 0.04 in; 3.21 oz (the medium option)
Pros: A lock on the buckle and an adjustable slider, with an XS size on the list.
Cons: No neck ranges in the page text; you have to read the chart image. The listing describes the cinch as gentle without giving a test.
Best for: A small dog that needs an XS or S martingale in a bright color.
Skip if: You want the neck range stated in text, or a collar with no moving slider.
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3. Hikiko Martingale Collar (XS to XL, with printed cautions)
Specs from the listing (checked 2026-10-18):
- Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large; ranges are on a size chart image
- Material: Soft nylon with heavy-duty hardware, a quick release buckle and a reflective strip
- Fit: Leave two fingers between collar and neck; the listing also says to choose a size that can slip over the head
- Cautions: Not recommended without a leash, not for indoor use, and never leave the dog unattended with a collar on
- Dimensions: 9.84 x 1.77 x 0.73 in; 3.53 oz (the medium option opened)
Pros: The most explicit safety wording of the three martingales.
Cons: The slip-over-head sizing line does not match a buckle collar. The listing calls the design recommended by vets and trainers without naming a source, so treat that as the seller’s claim.
Best for: An owner who wants the cautions printed on the listing.
Skip if: You want a size chart in text, or a collar for indoor wear.
View on Amazon (affiliate link)
4. PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar, Small (nose loop instead of neck pressure)
Specs from the listing (checked 2026-10-18):
- Sizes: Petite, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, and a pack of six Smalls; the size chart is an image
- Material: Nylon with a padded neoprene nose loop; quick-snap neck strap
- Claims: Designed by a veterinary behaviorist; listed as the most effective no-pull solution (seller claims). The manufacturer recommended age is 1 month and up
- Fit: Adjustable nose loop; listen for a snap closure. It will not fit short snouts such as pugs or bulldogs
- Dimensions: 1.25 x 5.25 x 8 in; 2.4 oz (product dimensions)
Pros: Gives the dog a different point of control than a neck collar, and the listing explains how to introduce it.
Cons: Two parts to fit, the neck strap and the nose loop. The listing says it will not fit short-snouted dogs, and does not print the Small’s size range in text.
Best for: A small dog with a normal-length snout whose owner wants to try a headcollar.
Skip if: The dog is a pug, bulldog or other short-snouted breed, or the owner wants a one-step collar.
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5. Heather’s Heroes Sidekick Headcollar with Leash, Mini (rope headcollar and leash in one)
Specs from the listing (checked 2026-10-18):
- Sizes: Mini (1/4 in) and Regular (3/8 in)
- Material: Soft rope; the listing describes subtle pressure points on the nose
- Dimensions: 72 x 2 x 0.25 in; 3.04 oz (product dimensions); the title says it comes with a leash
- Claims: The seller says it addresses leash reactivity, excitement, fear and anxiety, and names K9 Lifeline as a training facility that uses it. These are the seller’s words, not our claims
- Listing option: The page opened was the Turquoise Mini
Pros: One piece replaces both leash and collar, and it comes in a Mini width.
Cons: No neck or muzzle size range is printed for the Mini, and the behavior claims are unsupported by any test on the page.
Best for: A small dog that already wears a headcollar happily, or a trainer’s suggestion.
Skip if: You want a separate leash, or a collar that stays on between walks. For reactivity or anxiety, ask a certified trainer or a vet.
View on Amazon (affiliate link)
6. Starmark Pro-Training Dog Collar, Small 15-inch (link-style, supervised training only)
Specs from the listing (checked 2026-10-18):
- Size: Small, 15 in per the title
- Design: Patented link system, rounded tips, martingale style; links can be added or removed to size it
- Included: A backup nylon slip collar
- Cautions: Supervised training only; never leave any training collar on an unattended dog
- Dimensions: 6 x 3 x 10 in; 2 oz (package dimensions). The page lists the collar under Pet Training Collars, and its rank line says Electronic Training Collars; the listing describes no electronic part
Pros: Adjustable by adding or removing links, and the maker developed it with its own training academy.
Cons: The listing says correction but does not explain how it feels to the dog, and the category lines disagree with the product description. Ask a trainer before using it.
Best for: An owner working with a trainer who has recommended this style.
Skip if: You want a collar for everyday wear, or you are not working with a trainer.
View on Amazon (affiliate link)
Worked example: an 11 in neck and a 12 in neck
Take a small dog whose neck measures 11 in. The Plutus XS (10-12 in, closed) covers it, with 1 in to spare at the top. A neck of 12 in sits on the edge of both the XS (10-12 in) and the S (12-16 in); the listing does not say which to choose, and an XS at its limit leaves no room to loosen. Measure twice, add the two-finger gap the Joytale and Hikiko listings recommend, and ask the seller if the measurement lands on a boundary. For the other five collars the neck range is on an image chart, so the same check has to be done there. This is arithmetic on listed ranges, not a claim that a collar fits any dog.
Common mistakes
Ordering by size letter
An XS from one seller is not an XS from another. The Plutus XS is 10-12 in closed, and the Starmark Small is 15 in by its title. Use the neck measurement.
Treating a headcollar like a neck collar
The Gentle Leader listing explains that the nose loop is introduced slowly, without a leash at first. It also says it will not fit short snouts. Read the fit section before you order.
Leaving it on
The Hikiko and Starmark listings print a caution about unattended wear, and the Plutus listing warns against tie-out use and group play. Treat these as walk-and-training tools, not all-day collars.
Expecting a collar to fix reactivity
The Sidekick listing makes behavior claims. No listing here cites a study. A certified trainer or a vet is the right person to ask about a dog that lunges or panics on walks.
Who should skip this guide
Skip it if a harness already works for your dog; the harness guide linked above covers that. Skip the headcollars if your dog has a short snout, and skip every training collar here if you are not planning to use it under supervision.
FAQ
What is a martingale collar?
Per the Plutus and Hikiko listings, it is a collar with a loop that tightens when the dog pulls and loosens when the dog stops pulling. Both are sold with a quick buckle, snap on the Plutus and quick release on the Hikiko, although the Hikiko size line says to pick a size that slips over the head.
Will a headcollar fit a small dog?
The Gentle Leader is sold in Petite and Small, and the Sidekick in Mini. The Gentle Leader listing warns that short-snouted breeds such as pugs and bulldogs are not a fit.
Which listed collar has neck sizes in the text?
Only the Plutus Pet: XS 10-12 in, S 12-16 in, M 16-20 in and L 18-24 in, measured with the collar fully tightened or closed. The others use size chart images.
Can I leave a no pull collar on all day?
The Hikiko, Plutus and Starmark listings print cautions against unattended or unsupervised use, tie-out use or group play. Follow each listing’s cautions.
Does a no pull collar fix leash reactivity?
None of the listings cites a test. For lunging, fear or reactivity, ask a certified trainer or a vet.
Bottom line
For a small dog with an ordinary snout, start with the Plutus martingale if you want neck ranges in text, or the Joytale and Hikiko if the size chart image suits you. Try the Gentle Leader Small only if the dog is not short-snouted. Treat the Sidekick and the Starmark as trainer-directed tools. Every effectiveness line on these listings is the seller’s claim, so measure the neck first and follow the cautions each listing prints.
