30/08/2026
A grot collar (also called a French collar, dominant dog collar, or influence control cord) is a thin nylon slip collar designed to sit high on the dog's neck right behind the ears and directly under the jawline, rather than low on the trachea like a standard flat collar. It is used by some trainers to administer quick corrections (pulling/tightening the collar quickly then releasing) in order to train a dog to walk to heel. They argue that high placement offers immediate pressure release and clear handling for working or reactive dogs.
We do not use, we do not promote the use, and we STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST the use of such collars.
They function by applying a physically aversive and uncomfortable sharp pressure to sensitive areas of the neck. They aim to change the dogs behaviour through the use of punishment (dog wants to avoid the sensation so pulling is punished). They can also be a physical risk to the dog. Sudden tightening on the upper neck can risk increased ocular (eye) pressure, soft tissue or tracheal damage.
The lead and collar are management tools, not training tools (although dogs should be trained to be comfortable wearing them and how to respond to subtle changes in pressure).
The training comes from teaching your dog to walk WITH you (whether or not they are on a lead) and respond to considered and communicative tactile cues when you change direction, slow down or stop (not yanking or pain!).
If your trainer proposes using one of these collars on your dog please stop the session and speak to your vet or consult the advice from ANY of the main animal welfare organisations in the UK first.
You got a dog to have a friend. Treat him like one.
Let’s Talk About Grot Collars 🚫
It’s come to my attention that some dogs locally are being trained using what’s commonly known as a grot collar. I feel it’s important to explain why these should never be used - especially on growing puppies.
Grot from the French word 'garrotte', was used for executions by hanging.
A grot collar (a thin cord or slip line placed high on the sensitive part of the neck and tightened sharply) works by causing discomfort, pain, or airway restriction when any pressure is applied. The idea is to 'correct' behaviour through physical aversion.
Here’s why I, and many training and behaviour organisations, do not support or use them:
🔴 They rely on fear and pain. Dogs learn best when they feel safe. Training through discomfort may suppress behaviour temporarily, but it does not teach understanding.
🔴 They can cause physical harm. Used incorrectly (and even sometimes when used “as intended”), they can damage the trachea, thyroid, cervical spine and soft tissues of the neck, particularly in young or small dogs.
🔴 They increase stress and anxiety. Aversive tools are linked to increased fear responses, defensive behaviour and, in some cases, reactivity or aggression.
🔴 They damage trust. Our relationship with our dogs is built on safety and communication - not intimidation.
At South Wales Dog Training Academy, I am committed to ethical, science-based, positive reinforcement training. That means I teach dogs what TO do, not punish them for getting it 'wrong.'
If you’re ever unsure about a training method or tool, please ask. No judgement - just honest guidance.
Here’s what we know from trusted welfare organisations:
👉 The RSPCA strongly recommends positive, reward-based training and advises owners to avoid harsh, painful or frightening training methods. Their guidance says dogs should be encouraged to behave through rewards rather than punished for mistakes, because training based on fear or pain can compromise welfare and lead to behavioural issues.
👉 They also specifically highlight that punishment-based tools, like prong, choke, or shock collars, are painful, can cause distress and do not teach dogs what is expected of them.
👉 DEFRA’s Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs states that trainers and owners should “only use positive reward-based training” and to avoid harsh, potentially painful or frightening methods, exactly the kind of methods grot or correction collars rely on.
Dogs trained through fear do not learn better, they can become stressed, anxious, confused and even develop new behaviour problems. Trust, confidence and clear communication are the foundations of good training, all of which are compromised when aversives are used.
Organisations That Champion Kind, Ethical, Positive Reinforcement
🐶 UK Welfare & Rescue Organisations
Dogs Trust
The UK’s largest dog welfare charity. Advocates reward-based training and promotes humane, science-led behaviour guidance.
Woodgreen Pets Charity
Promotes compassionate, welfare-centred training and behaviour support for adopters and owners.
RSPCA
Recommends positive reinforcement training and advises against harsh, painful or fear-based methods.
Blue Cross
Provides behaviour advice focused on positive techniques and strengthening the human–animal bond.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Supports reward-based behaviour modification and ethical training practices.
🏛 Government & Policy Guidance
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs encourages reward-based training and avoidance of methods that cause pain, fear or distress.
🩺 Veterinary & Professional Bodies
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
Supports welfare-centred behaviour approaches and ethical professional standards.
British Veterinary Association (BVA)
Promotes best practice in animal welfare, including humane behaviour management.
British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA)
Provides education and guidance emphasising positive reinforcement and fear-free handling.
🎓 UK Training & Behaviour Organisations
Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)
Sets standards for animal trainers and behaviourists in the UK. Promotes ethical, evidence-based, reward-focused practice.
Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT UK)
Encourages continuing education rooted in learning science and positive reinforcement.
Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT)
Advocates modern, science-based, force-free training methods.
Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT)
Promotes ethical standards and positive reinforcement in professional dog training.
Victoria Stilwell Academy
International academy promoting force-free, science-based training education.
UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter
A coalition agreement between leading UK animal welfare and training organisations committing to humane, reward-based methods and opposing aversive techniques.
Key Takeaway-
These organisations - spanning welfare charities, government bodies, veterinary regulators, and professional training associations - all align on one core principle:
Training should not rely on fear, pain, intimidation or distress. Reward-based, ethical methods protect welfare and create lasting behaviour change.
Always protect and stand up for those that cannot speak. 🐶🐾
