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.

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.

There are many reasons owners to use a dog harnesses, including behavior issues, safety concerns or medical conditions.

The harness is recommended by many dog trainers and animal behaviorists as a harness has many advantages over a collar in some very basic and humane ways: A dog harness distributes force evenly throughout the dog. Instead of yanking the dog’s head, you can pull on a harness and the dog feels his entire center of gravity being moved. This is a much more humane way of applying force to a dog, when force is needed.

For some small dog owners harnesses become a medical necessity due to a condition called collapsing trachea. The trachea (the airway to the lungs) of these animals can become flattened or completely collapse as a result of pressure on the throat, such as when pulling on the collar during walks.

Harnesses are also more difficult for a dog to slip out of than a flat buckle collar, so for dogs that have a relatively large neck when compared to their head (e.g. greyhounds, pugs, etc.) a harness can be essential as they can easily pull out of many collars. These dogs may slip their head through collar.

No matter what your motivation for using a harness, finding the right style should be easy when you stop to consider a few factors before you shop.

Features to Consider in a Dog Harness

• Type (Car seatbelt, step-in harness, coat harness)
• Material: Strength of material, type of buckles, width of straps
• Design: Adjustablility, comfort, convenient and easy to use
• Safety: Strength, secure buckles
• Size
• Machine washable

An ideal choice for a harness for your dog is an adjustable, easy to fit harness with secure buckles, that is comfortable, durable and machine washable. Choose based on your dog’s size, temperament, body type or for primary function and ease of use.

On of our favorite types for smaller dogs are the soft canvas harnesses.

Size

The harness should be snug, but still allow two fingers to slip easily beneath it.

Harness size is determined by the size of the dog’s chest. To find your dog’s harness size, simply measure the widest part of the ribcage just behind the elbows nd add about 5 cms.Keep in mind that each harness type may have different or additional measurement points to assure proper sizing.Harnesses usually fasten with a buckle, so the size is adjustable.

A harness should be tight enough to prevent slipping, note that some dogs have the capability to slip out of harness that is too loose. Note that the harness material may stretch or loosen with use so be sure to check the fit regularly. So whatever type of harness you select, find one that is adjustable so it fits your dog properly can expand.