Any responsible dog owner will inevitably want to purchase a dog collar for their dog. Getting the right dog collar is something very important to your dog’s well-being, but also something that is often overlooked and not properly considered. Remember, your dog will probably spend most of his life in a collar and choosing the right one for your dog is essential. The necklace should be, above all, safe and comfortable, and for fashionistas, why not get one that is also attractive?
Finding the best dog collar for your dog will depend on the types of dog you have and what the main function of the collar will be.
What is a dog collar used for?
There are several uses for a dog collar. The most important of which is the ability to control your dog. When used in combination with a leash, it provides you with the necessary control to prevent our dog from straying too far from you or into the road and traffic. They are also great for training purposes and you can also put all of your dog’s identity details on the collar in case your dog gets lost.
Make sure you get the correct size
It is essential that you make sure that your dog has the correct size collar. You can harm your dog with a collar that is too small, or in the best case scenario, leave him with possible breathing difficulties and feeling uncomfortable. The other side of the coin is having a collar that is too large and this can be dangerous as your dog can slip off the collar. Another consideration is what the collar is made of and if it fits your dog.
There is little point in getting a studded leather collar for a small domestic dog like a Chihuahua, and similarly you wouldn’t get a lightweight nylon collar for a Great Dane or Rottweiler.
A simple test is the following. When your dog is wearing his collar, if you can slide two fingers between your dog’s throat and collar, then you have ensured that there is enough room to breathe. Make sure the collar cannot be pulled over the dog’s head and ears. Be careful as some larger dogs have very wide necks and too loose a fit can allow the collar to slip over the dog’s ears.
What are the different types available?
There are several different types available, but these are the main groups.
The standard collar
The Training Collar
The electric or shock collar
Your standard dog collar comes in several different types of material and your dog will be wearing it every day. The most common are nylon, and they can come in a variety of different colors, sizes, and designs. They are very cheap and very durable, as they are practically weather resistant and waterproof.
A higher quality version is the leather collar. A good quality leather Cuban Dog Collar can last the dog’s life and has a natural appeal. Often more expensive, but generally worth that additional investment. You should always make sure that whatever type you choose, your dog is comfortable with it as it will be used for a long time. Never choose fashion over comfort, as the needs of your dogs should be your first priority.
The training collar is used primarily as a tool to aid in behavioral training. The type of collar used during training will depend on the training program. For basic obedience training, you may do better with a choke collar or ‘choke chain’. This necklace is usually a light chain that is wound on itself. If your dog tries to pull on his leash, the chain contracts a bit and makes your dog uncomfortable. When it stops pulling, it releases.
It is imperative that you only wear this type of collar when the dog is supervised. NEVER leave your dog alone with a choke collar on. He could easily get tangled up in something and end up suffocated!
Electric or shock collars for dogs, also known as anti-bark collars, are designed to provide an electric shock to your dog each time he barks. Some models come with a perimeter fence that when crossed, causes the collar to deliver an impact as well. This type of collar is designed to discourage your dog from certain behaviors. Whether running away, barking, etc. Although they seem like a good idea at first, I would advise against using them for the following reason.