Choosing the right collar for your dog

There are many varieties of dog collars available. The primary purpose of a collar is to provide
an effective way for the owner to their dog. In addition to the traditional flat buckle collar, popular choices are martingale collars. Each of type of collar or restraint is designed for a specific purpose. Some collars are appropriate for wear at all times, while others are specifically for walking the dog or for training sessions. Additionally, each type of collar is designed to fit the dog in a different way. An improperly fitted collar will not work in the manner it is designed to and can cause injury to the dog.

Styles of Collars

Consider for which activity you are planning on using the collar. Get a flat collar if the fur of your dog is short to leave your dog’s neck unmarked. Wide padded collars are not only comfortable for your dog, but also safer than slimmer collars in terms of preventing damage to the windpipe. Round dog collar for long haired dogs to keep the hair from lying flat and not break.

Buckle collars

The buckle collar will have a metal or plastic buckle on it, somewhat similar to a belt. The buckle makes the collar size adjustable. These collars are available in many different materials, as well as a wide variety of colors and patterns. A properly fitted flat buckle collar will be somewhat snug; however, you should be able to easily fit two fingers between your pet’s neck and the collar. A flat buckle collar that is too tight can cause skin irritation.

Pictured: Crocodile Rocks Collar from Puchi designer petwear

Martingale collars

Another option for a dog with a large neck and a small head is the martingale collar (or Premier collar). The martingale collar has a loop that connects two ends of a flat collar and can be made of nylon, leather or chain. A pull on this loop will cause the collar to tighten only as far as the
ends of the flat collar, thereby reducing the opportunity for choking or damage to the trachea.

Slip collars

These are usually made of nylon or leather and have rings at either end - or they are made of metal chain, so called choke collars. When a slip collar is put on properly, pulling on the leash causes the collar to cinch up like a noose and then release after a correction is given. These are generally used for training purposes only.

Head halters

The halter-style collar controls the dog’s head but does not restrict its ability to pant, drink, or grasp objects. Head halters (sold under brand names such as Halti or Gentle Leader), are similar in design to a halter for a horse. This muzzle-like device fastens around the back of the neck and over the top of the muzzle, giving more control over a dog’s direction and the intensity of pulling on a leash than collars that fit strictly around the neck. Pressure on this type of collar pulls the dog’s head towards the handler.
Bear in mind though that injury can result from improper use of the head halter; if a dog is jerked suddenly by the leash attached to the head halter, the dog’s neck is pulled sharply to the side, which might result in neck injury.

Material

Dog collars come in a wide range of materials with leather and nylon being the most common popular. Lined collars (such as fleece lined martingale collars) are increasing in popularity.. Not only are they fashionable but they are also very comfortable for your dog.

Leather

Leather collars generally get softer with use, though depending on their finish and use they may stretch or crack as they age. Cleaning leather collars simply using soap and water will dry out the leather, and shorten its useful life. To prevent this from happening, be sure to apply leather conditioner or oil to the collar or other approved cleaning products designed for leather.

Nylon

Nylon collars are less likely to break or stretch than leather collars. They can be cleaned by simply using soap and water.

Sizing

To obtain the perfect size, provide an allowance by inserting your two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.