No-Pull Collar for German Shepherds: Fit and Control
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A German Shepherd is a large, strong dog, so neck size and collar type matter more than for a small breed. This guide compares six no pull collars using only the sizes, materials and types on their listings.
The six are different tools: a martingale, a head collar, three prong collars and a polymer training collar. A collar is not a substitute for training, so talk to a certified trainer or your vet about your dog’s pulling before you choose, especially before using a prong collar.
Quick answer
Measure your dog’s neck first. K9Pro Supply states a fit for 14 to 20 inch necks and names German Shepherds in its title. Herm Sprenger is a 20 inch prong collar for neck sizes up to 16 inches, and the Starmark is a Small 15-inch collar, so both need a careful check against a German Shepherd’s neck. Mayerzon (M/L), Aheasoun and BARKLESS state no neck range in the facts available.
Comparison table
| Product | Type | Stated size or fit | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayerzon | Martingale | M/L; no neck range stated; neoprene, polyester, rubber, stainless steel | Neck range not stated |
| K9Pro Supply | Prong collar | Fits 14 to 20 in necks; nylon, zinc alloy; quick release buckle | Titled for medium dogs |
| BARKLESS | Head collar | Cotton, buckle; no size stated | Different from a neck collar |
| Herm Sprenger | Prong collar | 20 in x 3.0 mm; neck size up to 16 in; chrome plated steel | Neck limit of 16 in |
| Aheasoun | Prong collar | Stainless steel, rubber tips; sizing not stated | Sizing not stated |
| Starmark | Polymer training collar | Small 15 in; 15 x 0.7 x 0.8 x 0.7 in display size | Small size |
The six collars one by one
Mayerzon Martingale Training Collar (Army Green, M/L)
What it is: A martingale-style no pull walking collar in Army Green, size M/L. The listing names neoprene, polyester, rubber and stainless steel, pattern Solid and a buckle closure.
Who it suits: An owner who wants a martingale rather than a prong or head collar and will confirm the M/L neck range with the seller.
Pros
- Materials are named
- Buckle closure
- Not a prong collar
Cons
- No neck measurement is stated for M/L
- Whether M/L fits a German Shepherd neck is not stated
Skip if: you need a stated neck range.
See the Mayerzon martingale on Amazon (affiliate link)
K9Pro Supply Prong Training Collar
What it is: A prong training collar with a quick release buckle and reflective trim. The title says it fits 14 to 20 inch necks and names German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. Materials are nylon and zinc alloy, color Black, closure buckle and double ring.
Who it suits: An owner whose German Shepherd’s neck measures inside 14 to 20 inches and who has talked it through with a trainer or vet.
Pros
- A neck range is stated (14 to 20 in)
- German Shepherd is named in the title and breed list
- Quick release buckle
Cons
- The title also says for medium dogs, so confirm the size on the page
- Prong collars are not for every dog, so get professional advice first
Skip if: you want a non-prong collar, or your dog’s neck is outside 14 to 20 inches.
Check the K9Pro Supply collar on Amazon (affiliate link)
BARKLESS No Pull Head Collar (Grey)
What it is: A head collar (halter) for gentle training walks, in Grey cotton with a buckle closure.
Who it suits: An owner who wants to steer the head instead of using a neck collar and will check the sizing chart on the page.
Pros
- Cotton material is stated
- Not a neck or prong collar
Cons
- No size or neck range is stated in the facts available
- A head collar fits and works differently from a neck collar, so a trainer can help with fitting
Skip if: your dog dislikes anything around the muzzle or you need a stated neck range.
View the BARKLESS head collar on Amazon (affiliate link)
Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus Prong Collar
What it is: A chrome plated steel prong collar made in Germany. The title gives 20in x 3.0mm and a neck size up to 16 inches. Closure type is Pull On, color Silver.
Who it suits: A dog whose neck is within the stated 16 inch limit. Compare it with your German Shepherd’s measured neck first.
Pros
- Neck limit is stated (up to 16 in)
- Material is named (chrome plated steel)
- Made in Germany per the title
Cons
- Up to 16 inches may be too small for a large neck
- Prong collars need professional guidance
Skip if: your dog’s neck is over 16 inches.
See the Herm Sprenger collar on Amazon (affiliate link)
Aheasoun Prong Training Collar
What it is: A stainless steel adjustable prong collar with comfort rubber tips, titled for large, medium and small dogs. Closure type is Pull On, color Silver.
Who it suits: A buyer who wants a prong collar with rubber tips and will confirm the neck range on the product page.
Pros
- Materials named (rubber, stainless steel)
- Adjustable per the title
Cons
- No neck range is stated
- The title covers large, medium and small dogs, so it gives no specific fit
Skip if: you need a stated neck range.
Check the Aheasoun prong collar on Amazon (affiliate link)
Starmark Pro-Training Collar (Small, 15-inch)
What it is: A polymer training collar sold as humane no-pull, in Black, size Small 15-inch. The listing shows item display dimensions of 15 x 0.7 x 0.8 x 0.7 inches.
Who it suits: A buyer who wants a polymer collar and has a dog with a neck that fits a Small 15-inch size.
Pros
- Size is stated in the title (15-inch)
- Material is named (polymer)
Cons
- A Small 15-inch size should be checked closely against a German Shepherd’s neck
- Only the Small size is shown here
Skip if: your dog’s neck is larger than this size covers; ask the seller for the larger size.
View the Starmark Pro-Training collar on Amazon (affiliate link)
Buying checklist
- Measure your dog’s neck where the collar will sit, then compare it with the stated range.
- Only K9Pro Supply (14 to 20 in) and Herm Sprenger (up to 16 in) state a neck figure; Starmark gives a 15-inch size.
- Choose the type first: martingale, head collar, prong or polymer collar. Each works differently.
- Ask a certified trainer or vet before using a prong collar or head collar.
- Open the exact size and color on the page, since each listing above is one variant. See the AKC guide to measuring dog gear for measuring tips.
Related guides
Related reading: Best Collars for Pitbulls That Pull, Best Nose Harness for Dogs That Pull, and for a young dog Best Teething Toys for German Shepherd Puppies.
FAQ
What neck size does a German Shepherd collar need?
The listings do not say what a German Shepherd needs. Measure your dog’s neck and compare it with the stated ranges: K9Pro Supply lists 14 to 20 inches and Herm Sprenger lists up to 16 inches.
Which of these collars is not a prong collar?
Mayerzon is a martingale, BARKLESS is a head collar and Starmark is a polymer training collar. K9Pro Supply, Herm Sprenger and Aheasoun are prong collars.
Is a no pull collar a substitute for training?
No. A collar is a tool, not a replacement for training. Ask a certified trainer or your vet about your dog’s pulling before you choose one.
Is the Starmark Small 15-inch a good fit for a German Shepherd?
The listing is a Small 15-inch size, so check it carefully against your dog’s neck. The facts available do not say it suits a German Shepherd.
What if a listing gives no neck range?
Treat the fit as unknown. Mayerzon, Aheasoun and BARKLESS state no neck range here, so ask the seller before you buy.
Closing note
For a German Shepherd, start with a measured neck and choose the collar type with a trainer’s input. K9Pro Supply is the only listing that names German Shepherds and states a 14 to 20 inch range. Confirm the exact size on the page before you order.
