Your Ultimate Guide to Dog Collars

You always want the best for your dogs. Whether it's food, accessories, or toys, you choose only the highest quality items. Although they may not always be the main focus, dog collars are essential for ensuring your dog has a good life.

This article serves as your ultimate guide to dog collars.

Why is a Dog Collar Important?

A dog collar is not just for aesthetics but also for essential reasons like:

Safety

A collar provides a secured attachment to a leash, keeping your dog from roaming around when you take it for a walk. This will also protect it from other animals that may pose a danger.

Training

Collars can sometimes be helpful in obedience training. However, overusing them may cause more harm than good.

Identification

You can include a tag with your dog's information, such as its name, owner's name, address, and contact information. This will help others return your dog home if it gets lost.

Laws and Regulations

Many local and national governments require owners to provide collars for their pets. For specifications, check your country's laws or local government ordinances.

What are the Types of Collars?

Many collars are on the market, and the type of collar you need depends on the breed and purpose. Understanding the types of collars will give you an idea about their uses and functionality.

Flat Buckle

Flat buckle collars are the most common. They are typically made from a flat strip that fits snugly on your dog’s neck. They usually have buckles or quick-release snaps for easy attachment and removal. 

Martingale Collar

These are collars with tightening features when pulled but are made of fabrics so they won’t choke your dogs. They prevent dogs from slipping out if they back out. They are best for dogs with narrow necks, like greyhounds.

Choke Collar/Chain

These chains tighten when pulled and are designed for leash and obedience training. However, unlike martingale collars, they lack limits or locks, which increases the risk of throat injuries.

Prong/Pinch Collars

Like choke collars, these tighten when pulled, but they have metal prongs or sharp edges. They are designed to puncture the skin, which can lead to severe damage. These are prone to misuse.

Head Halter

These are more of a muzzle than a collar. They fit around your dog’s head just behind the ears, and some wrap around the snout. Some designs go around under the chin. They are meant for gentle pull and larger breeds.

Body Harness

Body harnesses are popular among owners of small breeds or dogs with sensitive throats. While dogs wearing these might pull since they don’t feel tension, owners have better control.

Tick Collar

These are ordinary collars that contain chemicals to shoo away those pesky ticks or fleas. One disadvantage of this collar is that you need to change it occasionally. 

Shock or Vibrating Collar

This collar creates a vibrating sensation to get your dog’s attention. It is used as a training collar or for deaf dogs. The collar usually has a remote controller that allows the handler to activate the shock or use an app.

GPS Collar

Another ordinary collar equipped with a GPS to locate your dog in case it gets lost. You can buy those with built-in GPS or just attach the device. Just make sure you always check the battery to make use of its functionality.

Elizabethan Collar

Popularly known as the funnel, this collar is used for medical reasons. It prevents dogs from licking wounds and injuries for faster healing, but it should also allow them to eat and drink. 

What are the Things to Consider When Buying a Collar?

You should always look at different angles to pave the way for a better experience for you and your dog. Here are some things to consider:

Breed

Smaller breeds are more comfortable with body harnesses, while dogs with slender necks need martingale collars. Intelligent breeds, like retrievers and poodles, are okay with the common ones, while athletic types like German Shepherds can perform better with head halters.

Growth

You should also consider your dog's size when it grows. The rule of thumb is that there should always be enough space to fit your two fingers in.

Materials

Collars are made from different materials, so it’s also best to check if the collar you are buying is sturdy but comfortable. Nylon-based collars are cheap but durable, while leather ones are strong and aesthetically good-looking.

Amount of Training Needed

Consider a martingale or body harness to give you a better advantage if your dog pulls you while walking. 

Age

Younger dogs need more training because they might pull their handlers. So, a body harness and martingale are recommended. Older dogs who are more relaxed and are used to walking drills would be doing fine with ordinary collars.

Environment

Does your area have loose dogs that might scare your dog? Or is your place located where ticks and fleas usually thrive? Consider the type of environment or neighborhood you have before buying your dog a collar.

Collars to Avoid

Collars like choke chains, pinch, and shock collars may deliver discomfort and pain. They may provide results only temporarily and may build trust issues, anxiety, and fear. The experience may also give your dog the idea that walking in the park or potty times are not fun.

What is the Best Dog Collar?

There isn’t a single best dog collar available; instead, choose one that meets your specific needs and preferences. Avoid focusing on brand names, as some lesser-known collars can perform just as well at a much lower cost. Lastly, stay away from the harmful collars, as they can cause pain and discomfort to your dog.