Choosing the Right Dog Collar for Your Pet

It has been a question dog owners have been asking themselves for years: What type of dog collar do I use on my canine? There are many factors to consider when choosing a collar for your pooch, since they have changed in many ways over the years. Instead of basic brown leather with buckles, we can now find patterned nylon with easy snap clips, available in a rainbow of colors and patterns. Add a few studs, rhinestones and other jewelry, and a dog collar becomes a fashion statement!

Responsible pet owners should consider the following when looking to purchase a dog collar. Is the collar solely for decoration, or is it going to be used in training or to correct a problem? For training, a choke chain or adjustable collar is the way to go; when used correctly, these collars give an owner control and an effective means of discipline. Children or people that have not been shown proper techniques by a trainer should never use a choke chain or collar. If your canine is a puller, you might want to stay away from a nylon snap collar, as the snaps will loosen and may let go. A sturdy collar (either nylon or leather) with buckles is best, unless the collar is not going to have significant force on it.

Proper fit is an essential consideration when looking at a dog collar. While it should be snug enough to avoid slipping over the head, there needs to be enough slack to place two fingers sideways between the collar and neck. Elasticized collars can fit slightly snugger, and are good for dogs that spend a lot of time off leash and in brush areas. However, since your pet can easily slip this type of collar, they should not be used on a regular walk.