Choosing a dog collar is one of the most important decisions that you are going to make for your pet. A dog collar is perhaps the most effective tool of communication that you have with your dog.
Therefore, when buying a quality collar for your dog for the first time requires awareness about important factors that come into play when buying a dog collar that will last you for a very long, long time.
Size
The first thing that you need to do is measure the size of your dog’s neck. Depending on the dog’s size the measurements are made an inch or so below the neck. The collar should not be very tight, as this could lead to choking, yet it should not be really loose or the dog can slip out of it easily and run amok.
Tall and Short Dogs
For shorter dogs, it is recommended that the collar is at least 1 inch below the head, the same can also be applied for puppies. While medium to large dogs should have a gap of at least 2 inches.
Materials
The most common materials used for the dog collars are leather, nylon, and hemp. If your dogs an aggressive chewer than the use of a nylon collar is best because it is extremely durable, washable and if your dog likes to swim its water-resistant as well.
Hemp and Leather Collars
Leather collars are the most comfortable and are of a higher quality than nylon, they are especially recommended for long-haired dogs. While a hemp collar is an ecofriendly solution at the very best.
Types of Dog Collars
There are many different types of dog collars available with the most common being the everyday flat collar which has a buckle or a plastic for a quick release. This type of collar is extremely suitable for normal dogs.
Martingale Collar
A martingale collar is designed especially for those dogs that have a thin neck; the most common example of this is the Greyhound. It is designed in such a way that they can’t slip in and out of it at a moment’s notice. Most dog breeds can, however, make do with normal collars.
Collars to Avoid for Puppies
Who doesn’t like puppies? They are a bundle of joy and extremely cute. Many dog owners however are not aware of the fact that they should never ever use choke chains or pronged collars on a puppy.
The same holds true for smaller dogs, as they have delicate tracheas, and a choke chain can end up doing more harm than good for your dog. You can find out more about the disadvantages of using a choke or prong collar in the following link.
Functionality
Collars are used for 2 distinct purposes the chief of which is to allow the trainer to handle their dog. However, there are also other collars which are used for behavior modification and correction.
Normal collars
If you have followed the instructions about collar sizes, then it’s really down to your own personal preferences when selecting a collar. This usually pertains to the color and the shape of the collar more than anything else.
Behavior Modification Collars
Only make use of these collars if your dog is displaying a behavior that you would like to correct. The most common of these are obedience training collars.
Dog Show Collars
These are a bit fancy and are made especially if your dog is to appear in a show or a pageant. They are shiny and sparkly and are designed to enhance the appearance of your dog.
Breed of the Dog
As a general rule, most dogs that have a thick hairy coat should not be fitted with a mounted collar or decorative jewels. The reason for this is quite simple, and that is the fact that it can get entangled in the hair of your pooch, and can cause it a lot of discomforts. Such collars can also cause skin infections to your dog.
Highly Active Dogs
Dogs which are highly active need to have a collar which fits properly and does not come off easily, however this does also pose a risk of strangulation during roughhousing. Hence a breakaway collar that comes of instantly is the best choice for such a breed.
Budget
Like all things in life it does come down to your finances as well. Go for a simple dog collar if you have a limited budget. However, if you can splash the cash then go for one which is state of the art, and combines functionality and comfort well. There are so many types of dog collars to cater to all of our different budgets!
Ultrasonic Collars
These are great for indoor training; it catches your dog’s attention by emitting an ultrasound. Dogs have really sensitive hearing, and though we might not hear anything they react to the sound really well. These should not be confused with dog shock collars.
Conclusion
A dog can be an extremely faithful companion, and a valuable member for your family. Hence treating them with respect and giving them the required attention is sure to guarantee you their loyalty.
When selecting a collar pay proper attention to the dog’s needs, and requirements. Follow these tips to ensure that you can provide the very best for your canine pal.
Tris Vaughan has been training dogs for as long as she can remember, her love for animals led her to become a trainer, she enjoys writing in her spare time, and she currently writes blogs for Kustom-Fit Halters.