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Just as important as training your dog, is choosing the right collar. Different sizes and breeds of dogs require different types of collars. Here are some tips....
It’s advisable to have two types of dog collars: a conventional (nylon or leather) collar, which can easily be adjusted, attaching to a lead, as well as a training collar. Conventional Dog DollarsRelatively inexpensive, conventional collars are easily adjustable as your puppy grows. Nylon collars are better for dogs that are around water, whereas leather ones can stretch when continually damp. However, if you keep a leather collar dry, it tends to last longer than nylon. Dog-Training CollarsJust as important as training a dog is making the right choice in a dog-training collar. Specially made to control your dog, a training collar is an essential item for owners . Not only do they serve as a collar and leash, but they’re also used to make dogs behave properly in public, besides at home. Just be sure you’re trained yourself first on how to work with them before using them on your dog. Before Selecting a Training CollarConsider size, temperament, and breed - Is your dog small, medium or large? Is her (or she) passive or stubborn? What breeds require more control because of their personality? These are just a few of the questions you need to ask before buying a training collar. Measure - First, measure your dog’s neck before going to a pet store for a purchase. Add two to three inches for a buckle allowance. It’s best to take your dog with you for an exact fit. Note that pet stores such as PetsMart and PETCO allow owners to bring their dogs inside their businesses. Types of Training CollarsElectronic collars – Electronic dog training collars don’t harm your dog, but give them a strong irritation that’s just enough to teach them, but not hurt them. Choke collars – Used mostly for larger, more powerful dogs (such as boxers), choke collars are affordable but before investing in one, you need to make sure you know how to use one. For example, there’s a right way to put on the collar so that it releases when the tugging stops to avoid strangling your dog. Not using this type of training collar correctly can result in abuse, affecting your dog’s personality. Also, only use a choke collar when your dog is chaperoned as it can easily be snagged, resulting in choking. Never put your dog outside with a choke collar because it can get caught in fence links. Gentle leaders – Also known as the halter type (or Halti), the gentle leader collar works as a horse halter because you can control your dog’s entire head instead of just the neck. It’s considered a more humane alternative to the choke collar. Just as the choke collar, the gentle leader works well with larger dogs. Avoid tugging or using excessively as this can cause spinal injuries if your dog fights against it too much, although it’s great for obstinate dogs who need more control. It’s not a muzzle although your dog can still bite. It lets others know your dog is not to be played with, thus warning people who insist on petting or getting close to your dog. Finally, when you crate your dog, take off his collar so he’ll be more comfortable. Then be sure to put it back on when you take him out. Also, be sure to include your dog’s pertinent information (as well as shots and rabies tag) on your dog’s collar so if he gets lost he can easily be returned to you.
The copyright of the article How to Select Dog Collars in Dog Training is owned by Venice Kichura. Permission to republish How to Select Dog Collars in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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