Pet Tip For You: What the best collar for your dog?

How Heavy Should the Collar and Leash Be?

Generally, the collar and leash you choose is merely a matter of personal preference. The most important thing is to remember is to get a collar that fits properly, and a leash that is neither too heavy nor too light for the dog you have. Every pet should wear a collar with an identification tag that gives your name, address, and phone number.

Getting the Proper Fit

That depends on the size of your dog. A large, strong dog can easily break a collar or leash that is lightweight, so they need a heavier collar and leash. Smaller dogs, on the other hand, don't need to carry around a heavy, wide collar and leash.

For your dog to be safe and comfortable, the collar must fit correctly. Here's the rule of thumb (or should we say finger?):

Place two fingers between the dog's neck and the collar; there should be no more than the width of those two fingers between the neck and collar. Any looser than this and the collar could slip over the dog's ears. Check the collar occasionally to see if your dog has any redness or hair loss under the collar.

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Choosing the Type of Collar For Your Dog

Buckle Collars

Buckle collars are overall the best choice of collar for most dogs in most situations. Puppies should wear only buckle collars. Buckle collars come in a variety of colors, are made with various materials, and even come in styles that make a real fashion statement!

Nylon Collars

Nylon collars are good for dogs that are in water a lot. Nylon is very durable and washable, and come in a variety of colors. Many owners like to get matching collars and leashes, and some owners even like to match the color of the collar to the color of their dog's coat!

Leather Collars

Leather collars wear well and are very long lasting. Collars also soften from the oils in your dog's skin. Rolled leather collars (round instead of flat) are designed for longhaired dogs and keep the hair from lying flat against the coat.

Training Collars

Training collars such as "choke chains" and "pinch" collars are meant to be used for training purposes ONLY. There is a right and a wrong way of putting these collars on and should only be used during a training session by experienced hands. They are designed to briefly tighten and apply pressure when the trainer is delivering a correction. Never leave a dog unattended with one of these collars on as they may cause injury or strangulation if the collar was to get caught on something. Never use a training collar as your dog's everyday collar, and never put your dog on a tie-out with a training collar.

Harnesses

A harness is placed around the dog's chest and ribcage, and therefore eliminates the potential for choking. These are popular for dogs that tend to pull while they are being walked.

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Head Collar

The head collar works by putting light pressure on your dog's muzzle and at the back of the neck. This replicates the method employed by the mother dog or pack leader who gently, yet firmly grasps the dog's muzzle in the mouth. This sends a clear signal to the dog that you are the pack leader. Along with using positive reinforcement and appropriate training treats, many dog lovers find that this alters their dog's undesirable behavior. The head collar will assist you in teaching your dog to sit, and prevent jumping and tugging during walks. PETsMART's obedience training instructors use and recommend use of the head collar.

Choosing The Type of Leash for Your Dog

Nylon Leashes

Nylon leashes are very durable and washable, and come in a variety of colors. Many owners like to get matching collars and leashes.

Leather Leashes

Leather leashes are very durable and long lasting. Leather softens from the oils in your skin, which is easier on the hands. Leather leashes are also easier to grip.

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Retractable Leashes

A unique feature about a retractable leash is the ability to control how little or how much lead the dog is given. The nylon lead is rolled up and housed within a plastic casing that you hold in your hand. A spring-type function allows the lead to automatically lengthen or shorten (retract) as the dog travels. Imagine retractables working somewhat like a fishing pole. You hold the housing of the lead in your hand and use the lead to "reel your dog in" if necessary. A one-button braking system stops the dog from traveling any farther. It also serves as a locking mechanism should you want to keep your dog at a consistent distance.

Retractable leads are great if you:

• Walk your dog

• Have a dog tied outside

• Own a large dog (the braking features are helpful in controlling large dogs)

• Will be traveling with your dog

• Are tired of messy, tangled leads

Cotton Webbed Leashes

Leads also come in a cotton webbing material that is washable, easy on the hands, and economical. They come in a variety of lengths. The 20-foot length, known as a "long line," is ideal to use when teaching your dog to come when called. This allows your dog the freedom to roam a distance away from you while still maintaining control.

Tie-Outs and Chains

Tie-outs and chains are for dogs that spend time outdoors. Tie-outs are like stakes that are placed in the ground. A chain is attached to the tie-out so that the dog has room to move about, yet is restricted to a certain area. These are handy if you travel, or like to spend time outdoors, such as with camping or for a day at the park.

What Should I Consider When Looking for a Collar for my Puppy?

Puppies should not have collars that are heavy and bulky for them to wear. Use only a buckle collar on puppies, even for training purposes. Puppies grow quickly, and a collar can become uncomfortable and dangerously tight. You will need to check the collar often and adjust it to allow for growth. If you have your puppy enrolled in Puppy Preschool classes, a buckle collar and a 6-foot leash of your choice is the equipment you will need.

Muzzles

When properly used, a muzzle protects either a person, the pet itself, or both. Muzzles should never remain on the pet longer than 20 minutes before being removed and allowing the pet to rest. Muzzles must never be used on pets that have been sedated or used when a pet is in a kennel. Also, they must not be used if a pet exhibits any sign of stress.

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