Non Electronic Dog Training Collar
Leather Hunting Dog Collar
Diamond Dog Collar
Daisy Dog Collar
Dog Collar Id Tag
Dog Training Collar And Leash
Large Breed Dog Collar
Electronic Dog Collar Fence
Personalized Rhinestone Dog Collar
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Choosing A Dog Collar
Choosing The Proper Collar For Your Dog
With so many dog collars available, you may be wondering
how to choose the right one for your dog. Some of the
things that you want to take into consideration when
choosing a collar for your dog are your dogs breed,
size and temperament. You also want to think about what
activities your dog will be participating in. Will you
be hunting with your dog? Do you plan on showing your
dog? Is behavior and training important to you? Luckily,
there are many different dog collars available to suit
your needs.
Another important thing to remember when choosing a
collar for your dog is that proper fitting of the collar
is essential. When using a basic leather or nylon dog
collar, many people make the mistake of fitting it too
loose or too tight. The general rule is that two of your
fingers should fit between your dogs neck and his
collar.
When bringing a new puppy home, it is important to get
him used to wearing a dog collar right away. Not only is
a dog collar an identification tool, it is also
essential for training. There are all kinds of dog
collars available. The most common are the basic nylon
dog collars. Nylon dog collars come in all sizes from
extra small to extra large and either use a metal buckle
closure or a quick release plastic snap.
Nylon dog collars have the most variety in color,
patterns, and styles. Most nylon collars have matching
leashes available as well. If you order a traditional
nylon dog collar through online or catalog companies,
many of them will have the option of embroidering your
contact information or any other personal message onto
the collar.
Many people prefer to use leather dog collars. Like
nylon collars, leather dog collars are available for all
sizes of dogs. Most are available in traditional brown
or black leather, though other colors are available.
Leather collars have a metal buckle closure. Available
styles include belt like collars, rolled leather dog
collars, and braided style dog collars.
If you have a large dog or one that pulls, you may want
to consider a choke collar or prong collar. Choke
collars are usually made from metal chains though nylon
choke collars are also available. The collar looks like
one long chain with a metal ring on each end. To fit a
choke chain properly, pull the chain through one of the
hoops and place it over your dogs head. When the metal
choke collar is on your dog, it should fit somewhat
loosely.
When you attach a leash and pull gently on the chain, it
should slide back against your dogs neck like a choker
necklace. Some trainers recommend using choke chain dog
collars as a training tool, however, be advised that if
used improperly, choke chains can hurt your dog.
Sometimes, choke dog collar usage can cause hair loss
around your dogs neck.
Prong collars are also made from metal. They feature
pinch prongs that sit gently against your dogs neck.
When the attached leash is pulled, the prongs will poke
against your dog. Although prong collars were often
recommended in the past, most trainers today feel that
metal pinch prong dog collars should only be used in
extreme cases.
If you have a dog that pulls on his lead, but would like
to try a more positive method of training, a head halter
collar may be for you. Two brands - Halti and Premier
Gentle Leader - are the most popular and readily
available halter collars on the market today. The idea
behind the Halti and Gentle Leader collars is similar to
that of a horses head harness. They allow you to lead
your dog by his head instead of having his collar
straining on his neck.
To fit a Halti or Gentle Leader, slip the nose band over
the muzzle of your dog and clasp the head collar firmly
behind his ears. The clasp should not be around his
neck. Gentle Leader and Halti dog collars are made of
soft nylon and are sized for dogs from medium to giant
breeds. Many dogs will resist using a head halter collar
at first. It is important to desensitize them by
training them to wear the collar for a short period of
time each day, increasing the time every day for about a
week until they are used to wearing their Gentle Leader
or Halti.
The head halter collars are used for walking and
training your dog and are not for everyday wear. Many
trainers recommend the Premier Gentle Leader and Halti
head collars as a more humane alternative to choke
chains and prong collars.
Many hunters like to use tracking dog collars. While out
hunting, dogs often get either far away from their owner
or the terrain is such that the owner cannot see the
dog. Tracking collars use radio telemetry - the dog will
be wearing a collar with a radio transmitter and the
owner will have a hand held receiver. Radio tracking dog
collars work by sending a radio signal to let the owner
know approximately where their dog is located. Some
tracking collars also have features to let the owner
know if the dog is barking or has stopped.
When choosing a collar for your dog, always keep in mind
what your main use for the collar will be. If you need
assistance with choosing or fitting a dog collar, ask a
trainer, veterinarian, or other pet professional for
assistance.
About the Author
Jennifer MacRostie lives in Wisconsin with her husband
and their Border Collie and three cats. She is a
freelance writer and columnist for WOOF. She has worked
in the veterinary industry for four years. She is a new contributor to http://www.my-dog-collar.com
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