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Puppy Collar

No dog is complete with out its very own collar. However, there are hundreds of different types, styles, and designs of collars, so how do you choose the collar that will meet all of the unique needs of your canine friend? On this sight you will be able to learn about the different collar types so that you can choose and purchase the best collar for your dog today!

Nylon/Cotton
Nylon and cotton collars are perhaps the most popular type of collar on the market, because of their comfort and versatility of design. Nylon and cotton collars are durable, washable, and are less harsh/irritable to a dog’s skin. These types of collars come in a variety of lengths and widths to fit your dog’s particular size. Collar length should usually be 3-4 inches longer than the circumference of your dogs neck (or longer if you are buying for a puppy and want to leave room for growth). Collar width also depends on the size of your dog, with the general rule that the width of the collar should be equal to the approximate size of the dog’s vertebrae. This should be done to ensure that pressure is distributed evenly across the dog’s neck. Nylon/cotton collars can come in flat or rolled designs. Flat designs are beneficial for use with dogs that pull on their leash, as its flat design helps distribute the pressure of the pull evenly across their neck to prevent injury. Rolled designs cause pressure to be focused on to less surface area, thereby potentially causing more damage during pulling. However, if your dog does not have a problem with pulling, rolled collars are known for causing less chaffing and hair pulling/breaking. Nylon and cotton collars can be closed either by buckles or plastic snaps. Buckle closures are generally seen as being more secure, as it does not come apart as easily after sudden lunges.

Leather
Leather collars can be a durable option for your dog and are also seen by many as one of the most stylish options (as they come in many colors, patterns, and even with rhinestone studs, etc). However, one of the most common predicaments owners can get in with leather collars is the fact that it is made animal hide which most dogs find to be incredibly delicious and fun to chew on. Leather can also become very brittle and irritating to a dogs skin if it gets wet.

Slip/Choke Chain
Slip chain collars, commonly known as choke chains, are designed for the training purpose of deterring leash pulling. They are designed like slip-knots, in that they are fashioned to tighten around a dog’s neck when the dog pulls on the leash. Choke chains can be extremely dangerous if the owner does not understand the appropriate timing and level of correction to use in deterring pulling. In several cases inappropriate use of choke chains has led to the collapsing of a dog’s windpipe. Choke chains, if used with proper understanding, should still only be used as a temporary training tool, rather than a long-term collar.

Pinch/Prong
A pinch or prong collar is another temporary training tool utilized in training a dog not to pull on its leash. These types of collars are made of metal and are lined with blunt metal prongs designed to poke the dog’s skin if the dog pulls too far forward. Pinch collars are designed to be safer than choke chain collars, because the amount by which the collar can restrict is limited, thereby more evenly distributing the pressure of correction and making choking of your dog less likely. Nevertheless, placement of a pinch collar around a dog’s neck should still be just below a dog’s ears to avoid damage to the larynx and should still only be used as a temporary training tool, not a long-term collar.

Martingales
Martingales are made with one larger loop (which goes around the dog’s neck) connected to a smaller loop (which has a D-ring and attaches to the leash). The Martingale is designed to loosen and tighten depending upon how tense the leash is and does not pose the choking risk present with choke chain or prong collars. When a dog pulls on the leash or tries to escape from its collar the smaller loop contracts, pulling the larger loop tighter. Martingales are wonderful options for dogs such as Greyhounds, Whippets, and Borsois, who often escape or slip out of collars, because their heads are the same size or smaller than their necks.

How To Get Your Puppy Used To Their Collar
New puppies may not be comfortable with the feeling of a puppy collar around their throat. The throat is one of the most vulnerable areas on a dog’s body and a dog’s natural instincts lead it to protect this area. Therefore, proper introduction of the collar is crucial to the success of being able to get your dog to wear it for walks, identification, etc. Begin by allowing your dog to investigate the collar. Then, put it on your puppy for a few seconds. Remember to do this by unbuckling the collar and approaching from the underside of the puppy’s neck (as the approach of putting it on over their head is very intimidating). Don’t do the collar up too tightly, just let it hang loosely around the neck. Give your puppy lots of praise and treats after putting on the collar and then take it off. Gradually increase the amount of time you leave the collar on, continuing to give positive praise and treats. Eventually you can begin to tighten the collar, little by little, each time you put it on, eventually ending with two finger widths (flat) of room between the collar and your puppy’s neck. Once your dog is used to this go ahead and leave the collar on and enjoy your walks!