What to Look for in a Dog Collar
Dogs are a part of our family. When it comes to picking out the right collar for your dog, you will want to make sure that you choose one that not only looks good but also has the features and qualities that meet your needs. In this article, we will discuss some of the important things to look for in a dog collar so that you can pick an appropriate one.
The Flat Collar
The flat collar is one of the most common types of collars for dogs. They are typically made from a single strip, and they buckle with two D-rings that connect to each other on either end. This type of dog collar can also come in different widths which will help you determine how much room there is for your dog’s neck.
We like this collar because it’s easy to find and use. However, if your dog likes to pull on their leash, this type of collar can be uncomfortable and even cause neck injury.
The Harness
A dog harness is commonly used today because it’s a great way to control your dog. It’s popularly used for short nose dogs who have trouble breathing well. With this type of accessory, the leash is clipped on top of the dog’s back.
We love this type of collar because it evenly distributes pressure on your dog’s abdomen and doesn’t cause choking or neck injuries. However, for dogs who like to pull, it can make your dog harder to control while on a leash.
The Head Collar
A head collar is a gentle way to take control of your dog. We like to compare this collar to a horse collar because it goes over the dog’s snout and clips behind the ears. This type of accessory works with the leash and it’s often used for dogs who have issues walking without pulling on their owner when they walk them outdoors.
You can also use this as a training device because it gives you leverage on your pet if need be but may not be right for everyone. Unfortunately, many dogs don’t like this kind of leash because, if used improperly, it can be painful and cause damage to the head.
The Pinch or Prong Collar
This type of collar is also known as a pinch or prong collar. Its main purpose is to discourage your pet from pulling on the leash. The design includes metal links that are tightened around the dog’s neck when he pulls too hard and they have small points or sharp edges that touch his skin, which hurts him and encourages him not to pull.
If this isn’t used properly, it is considered abusive. We suggest consulting a professional trainer before attempting to utilize this type of collar. It is meant to be used for dogs that lunge or pull excessively while on a leash. To be effective and safe, it should be fitted by someone with experience.
The Slip Collar
The slip collar is also known as the choke chain. It’s not a good idea to use this if your dog has neck problems because it can compress their trachea and lead to serious injuries. The reason people might want to buy one of these collars is that they are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to put on quickly when you need them. It also helps correct your dog’s behavior when they lunge on a leash.
You will often see these used in shelters and vet offices because it’s safer for everyone.
Other benefits include:
- It’s easy to use and quick to put on, which could save your dog when they get out in public or are a flight risk at home.
- It’s safer than a pinch chain.
- It’s good for untrained dogs with little on-leash experience.
The Martingale Collar
The Martingale collar, also known as a limited-slip collar or Greyhound Collar is one of the most popular types. The straps are made from nylon with rings at each end and come in various widths that can accommodate different neck sizes.
It’s used for breeds with narrow necks and heads. However, like all collars, it can cause damage to the neck if the dog pulls too hard.
Choose a Collar with Safety in Mind
A good rule of thumb is to buy a collar that’s as wide as it needs to be and no wider. This will give the dog room for their head but won’t dangle or get in the way when they’re off-leash.
Consider your dog’s behavior on-leash and use our tips above to decide which dog collar is right for your pup.