A dog collar is essential for a safe walk and easy training. Finding a dog collar isn’t difficult until you head to the pet store and find a giant aisle dedicated to different types, styles, sizes, and uses.

For some dog owners, a collar is just a place to hand their ID tags. While for others, it is a heart for leashed walks. Whatever intention you have, your dog’s collar must be safe, comfortable, and properly sized, and most importantly, it should fit your dog’s lifestyle.
Some collars claim to help prevent leash pulling, while others advertise being fashionable. Knowing which one is the most suitable and reliable will help you make the right decisions, both for you and your furry friend.

Let’s walk through different collar types and key considerations to choose the suitable collar.

Type of Dog Collars

By understanding different dog collar types and what specific purposes they serve, you will be able to splurge on the right collar for your dog. Here are 7 types of dog collars you will possibly find in pet stores.

1. Flat Buckle Collar

Dog owners most commonly use this type of collar. Flat or rolled collars are the most comfortable and soft material but can also be firm. They vary in material and size and keep themselves up to date with the latest trends.

Some of them contain light-reflective strips, which will help you walk your dog at night. These flat buckle collars are the preferred choice for securing tags for your furry friend.

2. Body Harness

This type of collar goes well with small dogs such as F1B Goldendoodle. Your dog might pull the leash if they don’t feel tension on the next while wearing the harness.

In this case, you should invest in front-hook harnesses. This enables the leash to get fastened on the front, which gives better control to the owner while demanding less strength.

3. Martingale collar

with a little catch. They get tightened around the dog’s neck and have a small chain linked to the rings at the end of the collar.

This chain tights the collar when pulled. This collar works best for dogs with slender necks or small heads.

4. Smart Collar

If we want our furry mutt to get tech-savvy, a smart collar equipped with GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities will be suitable. However, this collar type might put a dent in your pocket as they are pretty expensive. As pet care products are estimated to reach 358.62 billion by 2027, you will see advanced collars like this in the near future.

5. Head halter

A head halter or head collar is most commonly used to train big dogs. The harness folds around the dog’s head and sits on his neck, while the other straps tuck around the muzzle where it has to be attached to a leash.

This setup is quite similar to the horse halter and helps in redirecting your pup. If your dog tries to pull the leash, this collar will deter this behavior by turning your dog’s head. This setup offers better control and leverage than other collars and, if used correctly, can help make your training sessions as easiest as possible.

6. Prong or Pinch Collar

It is not the type of collar your dog should always wear. The prong or pinch collar can cause discomfort to your dog’s neck and can even lead to strain.

Going for this collar means exposing your four-legged best friend to unpleasant and painful experiences. So we recommend staying away from prong, chain, or choke collars. There are many better ways to train your dog.

7. Shock Collars

These collars give your dog shocks every time he misbehaves. Though the shock is too minimal to cause any harm to your dog, it is still a negative reinforcement.

Therefore, it is not recommended to opt for this type of training method. That said, if your dog is too disorderly and you are left with no other option, this type of collar might do the trick.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Dog Collar

If a collar type fits your wallet or choice, it doesn’t mean it would fit your dog’s needs as well. Dogs vary in their walking etiquette, and so do their growth and training requirements. Therefore, keep the following considerations in mind while deciding on a suitable collar for your canine friend.

Consider the Breed and Temperament

Take your dog’s breed and temperament into account while purchasing a dog collar. For instance, if your dog’s head is small and has a slender neck, he would most benefit from a martingale collar. On the contrary, a giant energetic German shepherd should be gifted with a head halter.

Select the Appropriate Collar width

You will find different collar widths, so make to get one that is compatible with your dog’s neck size. For instance, a Beagle would feel comfortable in a collar with ¾” width, while a Chihuahua would do much better with a 3/8” width. Larger breeds may need collars with more than one inch of width.

Moreover, consider the weight of your collar as well. High width refers to increased weight. Plus, the material also contributes to the weight. For instance, nylon and biothane collars are lighter, while leather is heavier.

Measure Dog Neck

Before getting a collar, it would be wise to measure your dog’s neck. Take a measuring take and measure around the neck of your dog where the collar sits. Try to measure the neck a little higher up near the ears, as some collars, such as head collars sits there.

While measuring around the neck, slip two fingers between the neck and the measuring tape or add 2 to 3 inches more to the measurement to make a comfortable fit.

Consider Training Needs

Dogs that pull the leash most often need training; for that, you would need to opt for a martingale or harness. Consider your dog’s training requirement and associated challenges before settling for a collar type.

Most importantly, make sure to remove the raining collar or harness before leaving your dog unattended, as it may cause risks of injury to your dog.

To Sum Up

Being a responsive dog owner, always invest in items that make your pup comfortable and safe. A dog collar is a must-have, but the struggles to find a suitable collar can never be overstated. Here we have discussed different types of dog collars and a few tips to find the right collar for your furry canine. We hope you are now able to get your dog the perfect collar.