Since 1997, the StarMark Animal Behavior Center has been in the business of well, animal behavior. It has trained and boarded dogs and even produced products to facilitate the training. One of which is the StarMark Training Collar
One thing you should note is that the StarMark Animal Behavior Center used to be known as the Triple Crown Dog Academy, Inc. Just so you’re not confused if you stumble on the old name.
Table of Contents
Can Every Dog Use The StarMark Training Collar?
The StarMark Training Collar works for all dogs and is available in a range of sizes to suit different breeds. This training collar is not meant to replace a regular collar and should never be used on puppies.
The pinches might prove too intense for them however benign they may seem.
What Are The Features Of The StarMark Training Collar?
- Plastic prongs and body.
- Adjustable links.
- Clasp and leash ring.
- You also get an extra collar made of nylon.
1. Material
The collar is made of plastic and that is a good thing. Why? Well because there is only so much pain that a plastic prong can inflict. Especially compared to a metal prong.
Plastic makes the StarMark Training Collar a safer choice for a prong collar. It sure doesn’t hurt (literally) that the prongs are blunt.
So, when you pull on the collar, the pinch is not as intense as metal prongs would have been. It also reduces the chances of this collar coming off when it’s pulled.
2. Extra Collar
There is an extra collar that is attached to the main collar. It is supposed to be a back-up that should suffice if the main collar comes undone.
Although we’ve said that the StarMark Training Collar, being plastic, has a reduced chance of breaking, it doesn’t have a non-existent chance. So, it is a great thing that StarMark decided to add this back-up collar.
The back-up collar is a choke slip-on collar that is made of nylon. Hopefully, you don’t get to use it. But if you do get to use it, your dog should be fine with it.
3. Adjustable Links
The largest Star Mark Training Dog Collar
If the 20” collar is not big enough, all you need do is add a few links. Very easy to remove and add links to the collar. This makes the collar a decently adjustable collar.
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4. Clasp And Leash Ring
Many collars have a D Ring but the StarMark Training Collar has a regular round ring where you can attach a leash. A regular round ring moves around the material more freely than a D Ring.
Now, the reason the StarMark Training Collar uses a free moving ring (the round leash ring) is that the ring doubles as a sort of hook for the extra collar. So while holding together both ends of the extra collar, it also holds the leash. A D Ring might not have done a good job.
The clasp and leash Ring is the only metal things on this collar. And since they are not pointy and contribute nothing to the pinch of the collar, we can certainly heave a sigh of relief.
In fact, we like that the metal is here because it guarantees us quality. Plus, the kind of metal used ensures that the clasp and D Ring is resistant to rust. So if the rain happens to meet you and your dog as you train, you know it is no biggie. At least as regards your dog.
Is The StarMark Training Collar User-Friendly?
The StarMark Training Collar is relatively easy to use. All you have to do is to unhook the clasp and put the collar around your dog’s neck. Furthermore, adjusting it is pretty easy. Simply add or remove the needed links and the collar is good to go. However, do seek professional advice before using a pinch collar, especially if you have a small dog.
What Are The Benefits Of The StarMark Training Collar?
- It is professionally tested for safety and effectiveness.
- Comes with plastic prongs.
- Does not look like a prong collar.
1. Professionally Tested
Apparently, the StarMark Training Collar has gone through a series of professional tests that checked its safety and effectiveness. Seeing as the test results were encouraging, it is safe to say that the StarMark Training Collar is a safe and effective pinch collar.
2. Plastic Prongs
The plastic prongs are not as “pinchy” as metal ones. So even if you pull or your dog pulls, what he will get from the collar is an uncomfortable pinch and not a painful one.
3. Outlook
One of the most awesome things about the StarMark Training Collar is that it doesn’t look like a pinch collar at all. Some may ask why this is even a pro. But if you’ve ever walked your dog with a pinch collar, you’ll understand why this is an advantage.
People tend to look at you questioningly if you walk your dog with a pinch collar. Some people even get it in their heads to come up to you to give parenting advice. We don’t think you want that.
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What Are The Cons Of The StarMark Training Collar?
The StarMark Training Collar might not work for very strong, very aggressive dogs as plastic prongs are not as pinchy as metal prongs. While plastic prongs are safer and less hurtful, they might also be less effective for some dogs.
Some people complain that it doesn’t work as effectively or as quickly as a metal pinch collar does. Basically, because the pinch is not as “pinchy” as a metal collar.
Some consider this a bad thing because they feel their stubborn dogs need a collar that is a little more “pinchy”. So if you are one of these some, the StarMark Training Collar is probably not for you.
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What Are Alternative Options To The StarMark Training Collar?
If you want a different collar, you can try the Herm Sprenger Quick Release Training Collar. This collar comes with blunted metal prongs and works better for a larger, more aggressive dog. You can also check out the ImPetZ Dog Training Collar which features metal prongs and extra links as well. The Mayerzon Dog Prong Collar is also an alternative and it features metal prongs each with a rubber stop at the tip.
High-End Option — Herm Sprenger Quick Release Training Dog Collar
The Herm Sprenger Quick Release Training Dog Collar
Also, the sizes run as far as 23 inches. That is 3 inches more than the largest StarMark Training Collar has to offer. However, this collar is a bit pricier than the StarMark Training Collar.
The Option With More Bonuses — ImPetZ Dog Training Dog Collar
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This is another metal prong collar (there seems to be a lot of those around). However, it makes our alternatives list because of the freebies it comes with. There are three extra links that should extend the length of the collar to 28”.
You’ll also find e-books that should give you enough tips on becoming the best dog parent ever. And you get all these for the price of one collar.
Opposite Spectrum — Mayerzon Dog Prong Training Collar
This is yet another metal pinch collar and just like the StarMark Training Collar, you can add and remove links. However, unlike all the collars we’ve listed, all the prongs come with rubber stops. So that the pinch is softened.
You’ll also find 5 extra rubber stoppers and an extra link with rubber stoppers in the package. And of course, you get all these for the price of one collar
Comparison Table
StarMark Training Collar
|
Herm Sprenger Quick Release Training Dog Collar |
ImPetZ Dog Training Dog Collar |
Mayerzon Dog Prong Training Collar
|
|
| Material | Plastic | Metal | Metal | Metal |
| Largest Size | 20” | 25” | 25” | 23.62” |
| Special Feature | Backup slip collar | Chrome plated | Extra links and free e-books | Rubber stops for the prong |
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What Are People Saying About The StarMark Training Collar?
Dog parents love this collar primarily because it doesn’t look like what it is which is a prong collar. So they can keep their dogs on a tight leash without suffering the looks and unsolicited advice.
Should I Get The StarMark Training Collar?
You can get the StarMark Training Collar if you intend to train an adult dog. It is available in a range of sizes and so it caters to dogs of all sizes. Also, because it is made of plastic it is not very hurtful to your dog. However, remember to seek professional advice from your vet first especially if you own a small dog.
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StarMark Training Collar FAQs
Is The StarMark Training Collar Any Good?
The StarMark Training Collar is a good buy if your dog is not too aggressive. According to the manufacturers of this collar, the StarMark Training Collar has undergone a series of professional tests for safety and effectiveness before distribution. Plus, the collar comes with adjustable links and you get an extra collar when you buy one.
The StarMark Training Collar is a great collar to consider if you’re not comfortable with the idea of using metal prong collars on your dog. This collar comes with plastic prongs that hurt less when they dig into the skin and the collar hardly looks like a prong collar.
How Do You Use The StarMark Training Collar?
Using the StarMark Training Collar is quite easy. All around the collar, there are connecting links that attach to each other like a jigsaw puzzle or lego blocks, with a knob-like end that fits into what you can call the receiving end.
To put the collar on your dog, disconnect one of the links by pulling out the knob-like end out of the receiving end. Use your stronger hand on the knob-like end. When you’ve put the collar on your dog, reconnect the collar by pushing the knob-like end into the receiving end using your stronger hand.
Note that doing this requires a moderate level of force especially when the collar is still brand new. It might be best to do this a few times on your own before using it on your dog. This will help you break the collar a bit so that it is easier to put it on your dog when you have to.
Also, if you have weak hands, it might be best to get a different collar altogether.
How Do I Add A Link To My StarMark Collar?
The StarMark Collar consists of a series of links connected to each other like a jigsaw puzzle or lego blocks. To insert a new link, you’d have to remove one link completely in the area you wish to insert the new link.
Like a lego block, a link has the knob-like side and the receiving side. So, disengage the link by pulling out its knob-like side from the receiving side of the joining link.
Do the same thing to the link on the other side of the link you wish to remove. Now, insert the link you wish to add, not forgetting the link you took out and you’re done.
Are Prong Collars Good For Training?
Prong collars are good for training dogs. However, that is all they should be used to do. Prong collars are not supposed to be worn routinely. Your dog should have a separate, regular, everyday collar. The prong collar should only be worn during training and must never be used as a disciplinary measure or as punishment.
Are Prong Training Collars Cruel?
Some trainers do not consider prong training collars cruel as long as they fit the dog. And there are many dog trainers who use prong training collars as a part of their training tools.
However, the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SFSPCA) maintains that prong collars are cruel because even properly-fitted prong collars dig into the sensitive skin of the neck. This could create the risk of damage to the organs in the neck like the trachea and the esophagus. In comparison to metal collars, though, the risks with plastic prong collars are considerably reduced.
Do Vets Recommend Prong Collars?
There is no official statement from the veterinary community on whether or not prong collars should be recommended. Generally, most vets advise that you only use prong collars when needed and never without supervision. If you’d be leaving your dog unsupervised or when you’re not training, you should use a regular collar.