A guide on Dog collars

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One of the best things you can do for your canine’s mental and physical health and for

strengthening the bonds you share is walking. The main two things that you will need for your

walks are a leash and collar. They are not only fashion statement for dogs – they are legal

requirements. So, a good collar should not only be beautiful, but also comfortable and well-

fitting. As an owner, you should also check the collar regularly, fix it or replace if it is too tight

or loose. Choosing the type of collar is very important and depends on your pooch’s breed,

personality and lifestyle. So here are the descriptions of the most common types of collars, which

will help you to understand whether your choice is right or not.

Buckle collars

It is a traditional and one of the most popular collars that is very similar to the belt that we wear

around our waist. It is known as a quite safe and durable collar that is perfect who active canines

that do a lot of hiking or swimming. Buckle collars are suited to most breeds, but especially good

for bigger and stronger dogs.

Martingale collars

These double-loop collars are made to prevent canines from slipping out while they are on a

leash. Even though they tighten with a tug of a leash, martingale collars are quite safe because

there is a special mechanism that prevents complete closure around the dog’s neck. Originally

this type of a collar was created for the dog breeds with a neck bigger than their head – such as

Greyhound for example.

Head collars

This type of a dog collar is very similar to a horse’s halter. There are two straps: the first one fits

around the canine’s neck and is placed high on the head, while  the other one forms a loop

around the pooch’s muzzle. The leash is attached to the ring at the bottom of the muzzle loop. It

is a perfect collar for energetic and large dogs that like both jumping and pulling.

Slip collars

This type of collars is also known as choke collars, and is usually used as a training tool for those

dogs that have issues with behavior.  It is perfect for dogs that are easily distracted by others

canines, squirrels and people: with the help of this collar an owner can easily pull the dog and get

it back on track.

Body harness

Harnesses were designed for smaller dogs and some specific breeds that are prone to breathing

and psychological issues. It is also the right choice for active dog owners who like cycling or

running and want their canines to accompany them. However, it is important to remember about

one significant downside of harnesses: they encourage a dog to pull, especially if the clip is on

the back. Also, it is not recommended to wear a harness all day because the straps might cause

skin irritation.

Smart collars

It is a high-tech type of a collar that is usually equipped with GPS in order to track the dog’s

location. Some smart collars are also able to monitor the changes in the canine’s behavior, which

is especially useful for dog training.  Most high-tech collars are compatible with smartphones

and have wifi coverage.

Prong collars

This type of collars is quite similar to the martingale style, but is considered to be the most

controversial. It consists a control loop that is made of a series of fang-shaped prongs or metal

links with blunted points. So every time when the control loop is pulled, the blunted points pinch

the dog’s neck by causing discomfort and even pain. This type of a dog collar is extremely

popular among aversive owners, who consider it as a great method to correct the canine’s

behavior. However, many experts also believe that in reality causing pain does not really help to

train dogs by causing aggression and fear instead.

How to pick the right collar for your dog?

Choosing a proper collar for your dog is extremely important, and this might not be easy,

especially if you are doing it for the first time. In order to help you and make this process easier,

here are some useful tips.

·         Consider the size of your canine

The size of your dog is the primary consideration when buying a collar for your furry friend. In most cases, sturdy and light collars are perfect for small breeds due to their small weight. If your dog is bigger and stronger, it is better to choose a strapping collar that does not break away easily.

·         Choose the right material

The material of a collar is very important, and rely on your personal preferences is not enough. The main priority when choosing the material should be the comfort of your pooch.  Therefore, it is recommended to choose a soft collar that will not hurt the canine’s skin – such as a leather collar for example.  Fabric collars are also good, especially if they are made of a breathable material.

·         Train your dog to like a new collar

Unfortunately the truth is that most canines do not like their collars, especially if they have never worn them before. So you should be ready that it might take some time to train your dog to like his new accessory. The first step will be introducing the collar to the canine. In order to do this, put it on the floor and let your dog to sniff it. Do not forget to reward your four-legged friend for his interest to a new object. Then it is time to put the collar on your dog’s neck. However, do not fasten it yet. Let the canine to get comfortable by wearing it, and then reward him again. Finally, you can attach a leash and take the canine for a walk. While walking, pay attention at your dog’s behavior and reaction: it is important to make sure that the new collar does not cause any discomfort or pain.

We hope that the information provided in the article will help you to make the right decision and get the best and the most comfortable collar for your dogs in accordance with your dog’s lifestyle, energy level, size and breed. It is also important to remember, that no collars are permanent and it is totally fine to have a couple of them of several types.

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