No matter your dog’s age, size, or how well behaved they are. You should buy your doggo a collar. It should bare their name and your telephone number if they get lost. Your furry friend should wear their collar, especially if you’re out in public. So, let’s talk about what to consider when picking a dog collar.
Types Of Dog Collars
Not all collars will fit every dog. They come in different sizes, and they are different types. So, you’ll need to choose a collar that will suit your dog, fit them best, and be most comfortable wearing.
Let’s talk about a few different types of dog collars.
Flat-Buckle
This type of collar is your typical dog collar. It snaps closed with a buckle, fitting snug around your dog’s neck. There’s also a place to add your dog’s ID and rabies tags. So if your doggo doesn’t slip out of their collar and walks nicely on a leash, this collar would suit them well.
Martingale
On the other hand, if your dog tends to tug or slip out of its collar, the martingale is a good idea. This type of collar will tighten depending on how much your dog tugs and what you adjust it to. So, it won’t choke your dog or damage their throat, but it’ll make it difficult for them to slip out of their collar.
Choke, Prong, Or Pinch
A choke collar will tighten your dog’s throat if they pull too much. A prong or pinch collar has metal spikes on the inside, poking at your dog’s throat. Both of these types are unsafe to use with your dog since they can cause throat damage. They’re used to prevent pulling, but there are other safer methods.
Head Halter
Like a horse’s halter, a head halter for dogs goes around their neck and over their muzzle. It always you to control their head safely without so much strength. These collars are often used to help train large dog breeds on walks. However, it’s no one to have your dog wear.
Harness
Whether you have a body harness, front harness, or back harness, these all clip around the nape of your dog’s neck and their back and belly. Harnesses allow for easier control when training your furry friend, but there’s usually no spot for you to clip on their ID tag or rabies tag.
Things To Consider When Picking A Dog Collar
Now that we know the different types of collars, you need to choose which collar might be the best option for your furry friend. However, there are plenty of factors to consider when picking a dog collar.
Dog Breed, Age, And Temperament
Not all dogs walk well on a leash. Also, if you have a puppy, they’ll still be training to walk well. Picking a dog collar will depend on their temperament and how much they need to be prepared.
For example, if they slip out of their collar a lot when on the lead, you might want to consider getting a martingale, head halter, or harness.
Some dogs are more accessible to train than others, so you’ll need to choose a collar to help you through that process.
The Dog’s Size
Collars are not a “one size fits all” deal. The sizes range from extra-extra-small to extra-extra-large. You’ll need to measure the diameter of your dog’s neck and consider their typical breed size when choosing a collar.
Also, keep in mind that you’ll need to upgrade the collar as they grow so that their puppy collar doesn’t get too tight on them when getting a collar for a puppy. So, in the beginning, you can choose a flat-buckle collar to adjust the sizing as they grow.
Then, when your puppy is at their full size, you can buy an adult collar either in the same style or a different one that will suit your furry friend.
Consider The Material
Collars are made with all sorts of materials. For example, you can get collars that are made with the following:
- Plastic
- Fabric
- Mesh
- Metal
- Rubber
- Leather
Choosing a suitable material is essential. Plastic, for example, can chafe your dog’s neck, rubbing it the wrong way. Then it might cause sores to your dog’s throat and skin.
The best collars are soft fabric, so it’s comfortable around your dog’s neck. Breathable fabric or mesh is the best, especially for warmer days.
Overall, you’ll want to choose something that works well. First, it should be able to hold your dog’s ID tag. It should fit them well so that the collar can’t slip off but is not tight enough to harm your dog’s throat. Finally, the material should be comfortable for your dog since they should be wearing it all the time.
Picking A Dog Collar Should Be Easy
After considering all these factors, choosing a suitable dog collar for your furry friend should be simple. You can buy more than one to have a backup, just in case. First, however, make sure you consider your dog’s comfort and safety.
