What Collar Is Right for My Dog?

You probably already know the perks of having a dog collar for your pup if you’re reading this. But maybe you’re having difficulty figuring out which one is the best fit. Don’t worry; it’s not rocket science. This piece will highlight everything you need to know about dog collars, including the various types and factors that determine quality. 

What are the types of dog collars?

Dog collars come in varying shapes, designs, and sizes, so there’s one for every pup. Check out some of them below:

Light-Up Collar

The name of this collar gives it all away. A light-up collar special type of collar that glows or reflects light. It is especially helpful when walking your dog at night, early in the morning, or in any low light condition. Some models glow with built-in light bulbs, while others come with reflective materials. Either way, they produce lights that you, pedestrians, and drivers can clearly see. 

Chain Slip Collar

This type of collar is best for dog training. It’s usually made of metal and, with a good leash attached to it, can be used to train a dog on how to walk on a leash. 

Note that this type of collar is now obsolete, mostly because of its various dog strangulation hazards. However, you can use it without harming your dog with the right training. 

Smart Collars

Smart collars describe a wide range of collars retrofitted with techs like GPS, WiFi, and smartphone apps. Some smart collars even come with health monitors that let you keep track of your dog’s health, even when he’s far away. 

Head Collars

Head collars are quite similar to muzzles for dogs and horses, but they play a different function. They are mostly used to train dogs to walk when leashed properly. 

Shock Collars

Yes, you guessed right. A shock collar delivers electrical pulses of varying intensities to various parts of a dog’s body (mainly the neck) solely for training purposes. Some newer shock collar models have a vibration feature that warns before a low-intensity shock is delivered if the dog doesn’t heed instructions.

As you would expect, shock collars have suffered heavy criticism from animal enthusiasts and the general public because of their misuse in hurting dogs. In fact, it is currently illegal in some regions in the United States. So before purchasing a shock collar, ensure that it is legal in your region and only consider it as a last resort after other positive training methods prove futile. 

Metal Prong Collars

These collars are similar to chain slip collars, mostly used for fierce, tenacious hounds that tend to misbehave when on a leash. 

Note that using prong collars comes with some strangulation hazards, so ensure that you’re properly trained before using them. 

Martingale Collars

If you’re looking for something safe and comfy for your pup, martingale collars are your best bet. They are mostly leather/nylon material and are uniquely designed to check canine behavior without actually choking them. 

What are the factors to consider when choosing a dog collar?

Size

Size is probably the most important element on this list, and it’s determined by your dog’s size and fur length. To get the ideal collar size for your dog, use the two-finger rule, which states that your two fingers should fit between your dog’s neck and the collar. 

Material 

Dog collars are usually made of various materials, the best of which are nylon, leather, hemp, and metal. The first three options are convenient and “soft” on dogs, but if you’re looking for something a little bit tough, metal dog collars are your best bet. 

Summary

We all want what’s best for our furry friends and getting a great dog collar is a step in the right direction. Remember, there’s a collar for every dog, so don’t compromise by going for something that doesn’t fit.