You can find a lot of different products online for our pets and sometimes we tend to forget how important it is to give attention to small details.
For example there are a lot of dog collars available at your local pet store and online and choosing one can be a mind boggling decision for some. There are even pet owners who are not fan of dog collars because of whatever reasons they may have. We usually ask store clerks or store owners to help us in our decision but only you ultimately know your dog best. For example, I usually buy harness for my dogs because I think that they are more comfortable using a harness compare to dog collars. Plus the fact that it usually lessens choking accidents with my dogs.
Did you know that there are dog collars ideal for small dogs, collars best for dogs that pull, collars for escape artists and dog collars specifically suitable for dogs with behavioral problems? Have you ever wondered why your dog pulls when you put his harness on, gags on the slip collar or slips out of the buckle collar when he gets excited? If you experienced any of the situation above that's mostly likely because you chose the wrong type of collar.
The following article is a comprehensive guide to Dog Collors which I found in voices.yahoo.com website.
A Comprehensive Guide to Common and Not so Common Dog Collars
Some collars are quite common and can be easily found at your favorite pet store but some are quite unheard of. Learn what type of collar is perfect for your dog and which you are better off avoiding. While dog collars should never be used as a substitute for training, they make a great addition to a good training program.
Buckle Collars
Also known as flat collars, these are the most common every-day type of collars and their name depicts them very well since they buckle. If the dog pulls, these traditional collars do not tighten automatically as some other collars. They come in different colors, materials and styles, however the most common are made of leather or nylon. In order to fit this collar well, it should be buckled snug but two fingers should be able to pass between the dog's neck and collar. This collar is good for dogs who do not pull much but should be avoided by dogs who pull to the point of coughing and gagging.
Pros:
Stocked in virtually all stores, can be worn most of the time (always keep an eye on your dog though).
Quite affordable in price.
The nylon varieties can be quite durable
They are ideal for attaching ID tags.
Some nylon buckle collars feature a ''quick release'' option similar to luggage strap fasteners which allow owners to get them on and off readily with no hassle.
Cons:
Adjust this collar too loose and your dog may slip out of it, adjust it too tight and your dog may cough and gag.
Some small and delicate dogs may get a collapsed trachea from wearing a buckle collar and pulling with too much force.
Some dogs learn how to back out of this collar when frightened or excited.
Martingale Collars
Also known as Greyhound collars, these collars are ideal for those dogs capable of slipping out of a buckle collar.They are great for dogs with necks larger than their heads (greyhounds, whippets and other sight hounds). If your dog has learned how to free itself from its traditional collar, this is the collar for you. It is loose when not in use, but once engaged becomes snug enough to prevent escaping. Made of two loops, the larger loop slips over the dog's neck, whereas the smaller loop is used to attach the leash to its ''D'' ring. Tension from the leash makes this small loop taunt so the larger loop around the dog's neck tightens but without choking or constricting the airway as some other collars.
Pros:
Effective against dogs slipping out of collars but without having an uncomfortably tight collar.
They are mid range in between buckle collars and slip collars.
Good for dogs with necks larger than heads.
Cons:
May cost more than regular collars.
May not be found in all pet stores
Not designed for carrying tags so may need to be worn with regular buckle collar.
Not meant to be worn most of the time.
Limited Slip Collar
Also known as Alaskan collars since they were used on sled dogs, these collars are a good solution for dogs who tend to slip out. They are similar to a buckle collar, but at a closer inspection they lack a buckle or clip and rather have a large ring to attach the leash to. They are worn by slipping it over the dog's head. Limited slip collars, as the martingale collars, are comfortable but tighten about two inches upon pulling but without choking the dog.
Pros:
Effective against dogs who slip out of collars but without constricting
Can be used as regular daily collars.
Ideal for attaching ID tags
Good for dogs with lots of fur around their necks since their loose fit does not break the hair.
Cons:
Not easy to find, may need to be special ordered.
Determined dogs may chew the attachment point if left unsupervised.
Choke Collars
Also known as slip collars or choke chains, these chain collars tighten automatically when the dog pulls. They should never be used on puppies. The right way to fit the collar is to slip the chain through one of the two end rings. This should create a large circle which will slip over the dog's neck leaving a ring to attach the leash to. When worn correctly, the choke collar will look like a ''P''.
Pros:
When used correctly, a leash ''pop'' may help train a dog to heel, but there are more positive ways to train nowadays (and should ideally be used first)
Cons:
Some dogs may slip out of them by lowering their heads
Considered by positive reinforcement trainers an old-fashioned punishment based tool
Can cause injuries when used incorrectly
Requires a dog trainer to show correct use
May get caught around hair on dog's neck
should never be left on dog unattended as may cause strangulation
Unlike martingales and limited slip collars, there are no barriers to prevent choking.
Prong Collars
Also known as pinch collars, these collars look like medieval torture devices but used correctly they may be kinder than choke collars. They should never be used on puppies. May work for hyper dogs but can aggravate fear or certain aggressive problems. This collar cannot be worn by slipping it on the dog's neck, it needs to be opened and closed by joining and separating the links. Works by delivering a ''pinch'' in the neck area which resembles a dog's bite.
Pros:
When used correctly they can help teach a dog to heel ( serve as power-steering) but there are more positive ways to train nowadays (and should ideally be tried first)
Does not put strain on the trachea
Cons:
Should never be worn when unattended
Require a trainer to show correct use
Considered by positive reinforcement trainers as a punishment based tool
Not suitable for fearful or aggressive dogs
Can break apart and fall off; it's best if worn with a buckle collar just in case
Must be worn correctly to work
May be challenging to put on and take off for novice users
Head Collars
Also known as a ''gentle leader'' or ''halter'' since it closely resembles a horses' halter, head collars are a good solution for owners of dogs who pull. Often erroneously confused for muzzles, head collars are often used in behavior modification programs since they help prevent jumping, lunging, pulling and provide give better control.
Pros:
Prevents strain on the trachea
Dogs readily responds to pressure
Good for behavior modification programs,
Cons:
Not suitable for brachycephalic dogs with short muzzles
Dogs may have a hard time getting used to wearing them
May cause skin abrasions or neck injuries.
Harnesses
A harness is not really a collar since it does not go around a dog's neck, but it is often sold in the same aisle with other collars. It makes a good solution for small and delicate dogs since it prevents strain on the neck, the main cause for collapsed trachea. They are also good for dogs with neck and other respiratory problems. When worn correctly, two fingers should be able to fit beneath it.
Pros:
Ideal for small dogs, no more strain on the dog's neck since it fits around dog's chest and rib cage
Difficult for a dog to slip out of even small headed ones.
Cons:
May take some time for some dogs to get used to
Have a reputation for encouraging pulling because of the ''opposition reflex''. Indeed harnesses are used on sled dogs to encourage pulling.
Front Connection Harnesses
These look like normal harnesses, but unlike them, the leash is connected to a ring in front of the dog's chest. One of the most popular versions is the ''Easy Walk'' harness by Premier. They are good for behavior modification since they train a dog to stop lunging and pulling.
Pros:
Do not put strain on a dog's trachea
Ideal for behavior modification programs
Cons:
May take a bit of time for a dog to get used to them
Require some initial training to teach dog not to pull.
