19 Jun Finding the Perfect Fit: A Guide to Choosing the Right Dog Collars for Your Canine Companion

If you have ever visited a pet shop, you must have encountered various products. For example, today, dog collars are available in hundreds of colours, materials, designs, and sizes, which really confuses you when choosing the best one. But what’s the difference between these collars? Which one is more suitable for my dog? This article discusses choosing and buying one of the most important dog accessories, the collar. First, we will teach you how to size a dog collar. Next, we will explain the types of collars and collar straps and the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

The Importance of Using Dog Collars and Collar Straps

Collars in animals such as cats may be more aesthetically pleasing, But it isn’t the case with dogs at all!

• One of the most important uses of the collar is in dogs’ training. In fact, many collars are essentially designed for training. So, since a funny puppy came into your house, you can teach and train the basic and necessary training with a collar.
• Another important aspect of the collar is keeping the dog safe. Dogs are playful and curious creatures that are outdoors, exciting them. Using collars and collar straps, you can easily control his activity and prevent escaping or similar problems.
• On the other hand, by installing a plate on the collar where you write your dog’s name, address, and phone number, you can hope the finder will call you and return your beloved dog home if the dog gets lost.

 Measuring the Size of a Dog’s Collar

Before buying a collar, you must get the right size for your dog. To do this, use a meter and measure around the dog’s neck (exactly where the collar is located). Next, of course, measure so that there’s a distance of two fingers between the meter and his neck. Finally, write down this number and find out the appropriate size for your dog based on the table below:

Important Points about Choosing the Right Collar for Your Puppy

Buying a collar for a puppy is a little different. Puppies are growing fast, and there are many things to consider. When buying a puppy collar, pay attention to the following points:

• Buy collars that have enough space for the puppy to grow and can be resized. Puppies grow and change sizes several times, especially in the first few months of life.
• However, don’t buy collars that are too large and loose for puppies. It would help if you considered resizing in the future, but a too wide collar can cause many problems. The puppy can easily take the collar off his neck and hold it. Also, training a puppy with a loose collar will be practically impossible!

• Measure your puppy regularly. Each puppy has his growth path, and his size change can’t be accurately predicted. For this reason, measure around the neck at least once every two weeks, and if the old collar is too tight, be sure to buy a larger one.

Choosing the Best Dog Collar Strap

The collar strap is as diverse as the collar itself, but it must be appropriate and compatible with the type of collar. For example, you can’t buy a delicate and nylon one for a chain collar. You need a chain collar!

Most collars are sold with a suitable strap to make them easier for dog owners to buy. The size and length of the collar is also an important factor to consider. The length of the leash depends on the size of the dog, your dog’s lifestyle, the amount of the dog’s activity, and so on.

In general, the standard length for a collar is about 2 meters. But, of course, these days, there are various models of collars that unlock with the push of a button. So you can make the length of the strap longer or shorter, depending on the position.

Tips on Choosing a Collar Buckle

The type and material of the buckle largely depend on your taste, but in this case, you also need to pay attention to some points.

• Plastic buckles: You can find it in most cheap collars that are very easy to use, but they can be easily damaged and loosened in the extreme temperature changes (extreme cold or scorching sun) and can be easily opened with a little effort! Therefore, if the durability of the buckle is important to you, it’s better not to go for plastic.
• Metal buckles: They are much more durable and safer. A metal buckle is more suitable for dogs accustomed to chewing their collars or larger and stronger dogs that pull their collars with more force (for example, for Husky or German dog collars, etc.).

Types of Dog Collars and Their Characteristics

Collars are generally divided into two categories: shoulder and neck collars.

1. Shoulder collar: 

• The shoulder collar (harness) resembles a vest or garment tied around the dog’s body. Dogs feel more comfortable and free with it; that is exactly why it’s more difficult to train dogs with a shoulder collar.

Advantages of Shoulder Collar

• The dog feels more comfortable. This collar is very suitable for small dogs and dwarf dogs.
• It doesn’t put pressure on the dog’s neck and eyes.

Disadvantages of the Shoulder Collars

• Not recommended for dog training.
• An untrained dog feels freer and may be encouraged to pull the collar.
• It is more expensive than a neck collar. 

German Shepherds, Huskies, Rottweilers, etc., have dog collars designed not to bother the dog with a lot of traction. It has good strength and durability with a width of 5 cm. The reflective dog collars allow the dog to be seen well at night and prevent various accidents. But Rachel’s collar is made for miniature and small dogs. It’s very durable and comfortable. It has lots of advantages, such as:

• Suitable for dogs weighing 5 to 7 kg
• Flexible mesh with air circulation capability
• Ability to open and close easily and quickly
• Quick and easy size adjustment
• The soft and washable inner layer

In the previous part, we said that a dog collar is a good tool for training, keeping security and preventing dogs from getting lost. We also stated the collar size for each breed. Collars have different types of shoulders and necks. Regarding the shoulder collar, we said it looks like a vest or garment wrapped around the dog’s body. We also described its advantages and disadvantages in detail. Puppies’ collars are different, and you must consider certain points to choose them. The collar strap is also essential, varying in size depending on your dog’s body, lifestyle, and activity. There are plastic and metal buckles that you can use according to your taste and type of need. This section will describe the other collars’ advantages and disadvantages separately.

2.  Neck Dog Collars

This collar is the most common and perhaps best for most dog breeds. It’s a thin strip of leather, metal, plastic, fabric, etc., that wraps around the dog’s neck. You can control the dog with a collar strap.

Advantages

• Easier to control the dog.
• More suitable for teaching walking to puppies.
• Easier to wear and take off.
• It has a lower price.

Disadvantages 

• There’s a possibility of injury to the dog’s neck (especially dogs that aren’t well trained and have a habit of pulling the collar)
• It’s not a good choice for dogs with respiratory problems!
• Excessive pulling puts pressure on the dog’s eyes as well.

Types of Neck Collars

The neck collar has a lot of variety in terms of appearance and material, and we will introduce some of the most famous of them:

1. Dog Training Collars

As the name implies, dog training collars are used to train dogs. Many dog trainers use this collar to train stubborn puppies who are constantly pulling the collar. The collar tightens with pulling, and the dog feels suffocated. Then, he understands that every time he pulls the collar, he faces this negative approval and stops doing it. But to use this type of collar, you must be a professional because if misused, the dog may be seriously injured. For this reason, it isn’t recommended for dog owners with less experience in dog training.

2. Collars for Guard and Herds Dog 

This collar is made entirely of metal rings, and some dog trainers use it as a training collar for large dogs such as German, Husky, Pit Bull (pitbull), Rottweilers, etc. But, of course, using this collar has many dangers and should never be used for an untrained dog! Never leave a dog alone with a collar. Especially in cold and icy weather where the dog’s collars and chains are hard to shake, and there is a possibility of damaging the dog’s neck.

Advantages

• Very high durability
• It gives a rough appearance to the dog
• It doesn’t smell and gets dirty
• Useful for training stubborn dogs

Disadvantages

• Dog collars and collar straps shouldn’t be used on untrained dogs
• It shouldn’t be used in cold and icy weather
• Using improperly can harm dogs
• Not compatible with any strap collar

3. Leather Collars: A Stylish Choice for Husky, German, Rottweiler, etc 

Leather collars have a very stylish appearance and relatively high durability. It’s one of the most popular types of collars for dogs. Especially as a German Shepherd or Husky dog ​​collar, it’s very suitable and gives them a dignified and majestic appearance. When buying this type of collar, make sure that it’s made of natural and pure leather because synthetic leather isn’t very durable and will deteriorate quickly. In addition, leather collars are not as versatile as fabric or nylon collars. Most are simple and natural brown leather, and some are patterned, studded or coloured. 

Advantages

• High durability
• Suitable for dogs with allergies 
• Made from natural materials
• The breathability of natural leather prevents odours
• Easy to clean

Disadvantages

• Low diversity
• Theyگre expensive
• Painted leather may give off colour when wet

4. Reflective Dog Collars: Beautiful and protective dog in the dark

Reflective dog collars are different neck or shoulder collars made of different materials with stripes reflecting light. In addition, of course, some new models use LED lamps inside the collar, and the dog literally shines at night! Reflective collars are great for taking the dog out at night or early in the morning, allowing passers-by and even cars to see and recognize your dog from a distance. 

5. Nylon Collars: Diverse, Cheap and Beautiful

Nylon collars are the most common type of collars and are most available in stores. These collars are available in various colours, designs, sizes, and qualities and in both neck and shoulder types that satisfy any taste. These collars are suitable for use indoors or walking and can be easily attached to the dog’s license plate or identity tag. So if you’re diverse and you like to wear beautiful and colourful collars for your dog, or if you’re looking for cheap or beautiful collars for dogs, nylon collars are a perfect choice.

Advantages

• They don’t have a high price.
• They have a myriad of colours, designs and models
• They’re straightforward to wear and take off

Disadvantages

• They won’t last long
• They smell over time
• They’re difficult to clean
• Some dogs may be allergic to nylon

6. Decorative Collar: Beautiful Collars for Stuffed and Furry Dogs

In addition to the collars mentioned above, there’s a more decorative series than practical. These collars have only a beautiful appearance and are often used as small and miniature dog collars such as terriers, doll poodles, Pomeranians, etc. Decorative collars aren’t strong and shouldn’t be used for walking and dog control. Only if you want your dog to look better at home or for a guest can you choose these collars.

The Last Word

Keeping and protecting dogs has special principles and tips to improve their health and increase their life expectancy. Dogs are lovable members of any family; learning how to care for their health, grooming, and all the tips and tricks is necessary. NeatEx’s specialized team, along with our experienced groomers, will help you increase your knowledge and bring the best and most accurate hygiene to groom your beloved dogs.