The first thing you should know is that in the market there are many types of collars, (normal, fabric, buckle, waterproof, martingale, punishment even bibs and harnesses we can include in this category), all so different and made of different materials that make us ask ourselves, which collar will be the best is the correct for our dog? Most interestingly, how is this accessory to be worn correctly?
Each accessory of this type is different, but there is something common and basic regardless of whether it is a collar, chest, or harness, and that is that it must be well placed; because it will be this accessory that protects the dog during walks and prevents it from leaving.
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Dog Collars: How they work?
It is very common that collars (or any of the other options mentioned above), if not put on correctly, the dog gets loose at the time of the walk, putting it in danger of getting lost or running away. This happens, that the dog gets loose when the collar is very loose, and many people believe that to avoid hurting the dog’s neck, it is best to leave it loose. However, doing so will only cause the dog to pull on and remove the collar.
Now, on the other hand, if you squeeze too much, to avoid escapist dogs, in doing so, you can effectively hurt your neck, your muscles and when pulling it you can choke yourself. Therefore, it is not good to tighten the strap too much.
That brings us to the ideal point, and that is that it is neither too loose nor too tight, but that may sound very ambiguous; Well, a very easy way to place the collar is to verify that there is a separate measure of “two fingers”, that is, there must be enough space between the dog’s skin and the collar so that you can put two fingers in, which it will indicate that the collar is not loose, nor too tight to allow proper movement without hurting you, even with the leash on.
Escapism is a common factor in many dogs and is due to their natural tendency to travel a territory in search of game or other travel companions. That is why we usually take our dogs down the street, at least in urban centres, on a leash and with a collar. It is not a measure of strength but protection, as when we shake hands with a small child so that they do not get lost. Here we embark on the greatest question – which bark collar will be the best, especially if you have a big dog. You know that you need to train your dog with a bark collar.
We must bear in mind that the dog is not in a logical environment for him in the centre of town or city, and needs to be guided.
Types of collars and leashes:
Nylon: it is the most used material for its resistance to traction, as well as for its ease of being cleaned if the dog gets stained with mud or other substances found on the floor: it resists soaps and dries immediately because it does not retain the humidity. Both collars and leashes can be found in different thicknesses depending on the size of the dog. The only problem it has is that in short-haired dogs it can cause friction and erosions that lead to sores, so it should be removed after the walk. Aesthetically they present the problem that with time they become ugly.
Leather: it is the other favourite material of manufacturers and owners since although it is not as resistant as nylon, it supports traction well. It has the advantage that it causes less friction as its entire surface is smooth, thus avoiding sores in short-haired dogs. It is also usually more aesthetic. However, if it gets dirty with mud or other substances, after washing it will acquire moisture and become soft. Over time the straps tend to blacken and, with the traction of our friend, the necklaces tend to give themselves away.
Fabric – Lately there are some fabric collars and leashes for certain small breeds. They do not resist traction well in large dogs and if they are stained they are difficult to wash. Some models are double-stitched with blotting balls inside, but in the end, they also fill up.
Bow leash-collar: these are round nylon leashes that are finished off in a rope or loop that is passed through the dog’s neck. They have the advantage that it is not necessary to have an additional collar and that when we get home we can remove it all in one piece. However, in nervous and strong dogs it can cause strangulation.
Sizing Recommendations
If there for some reason you can’t measure your dog’s neck and the urge for having a collar is like now, we have some sizing recommendations so that you can follow:
- XX-Small Collar that’s up to 5lbs
- X Small Collar that’s up from 5 to 10lbs
- Small Collar that’s up from 10 to 25lbs
- Medium Collar that’s up from 25 to 55lbs
- Large Collar that’s up from 55 to 75lbs, and
- X Large Collar that’s from 75lbs and up
