Do You Have The Right Dog Collar For Your Dog?

For some bizarre reason, the majority of dog owners look more for style, than function and practicality when choosing a dog collar.  Perhaps that is why they dread walking their dog or spend most of their time looking up their dog's ancestors, while on a walk!

Using the right tool makes the job much easier.  Find the right collar for your dog.  Training and walking your dog should be a pleasure, not a chore!

5 Most Commonly Used Collars are:

Head collar

Chain slip collar (aka choke chain)

Flat/rolled leather collar

Metal prong collar

Martingale collar

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly and the Dangerous

Head collars resemble a horse’s halter.  It works on the same principal.  Ever wonder how a 5-year old child can lead a 1,200 pound horse around a paddock?  Simple!  Lead the head, the body will follow!

A head collar is designed in 3 parts.  The first part slips over the dog's nose, almost like a muzzle. The second part connects around the dog's neck, like a flat collar.  The third part is a short piece that hangs under the dog's jaw, near their throat.  That is where the leash is connected to an O-ring.

If properly used, it discourages a dog from puling.  Reason being, the harder they pull, the more their head is turned toward the walker.  It's uncomfortable to walk that way!

This collar should only be used when a dog may have, or to prevent trachea damage; or by children and seniors that may have problems controlling a large or stubborn dog.  If that's the case...they need to enroll in obedience classes!

Chain slip collar (aka choke chain) should only be used for training purposes.  The chain collar is rapidly losing the popularity it once had, as dog trainers are encouraging students to use more humane collars.

The way a choke chain collar works is, when a correction needs to be made, the handler give a quick "pop" or tug to the leash.  The as the pressure from the tug pulls the chain, the part around the dog's throat tightens, to let them know that particular behavior is unacceptable.

The problem is, most people, do not know there is a right and a wrong way to place a choke chain on their dog.  If done correctly, the chain will release and slide into a relaxed position, once the corrections is made, and pressure from the leash is released. If placed on the dog incorrectly, the chain will tighten with even the slightest pressure, locking into itself.  It cannot unlock when the leash pressure is relaxed.  It can and will do serious damage to the dog's neck, and throat.

CAUTION! Before using a chain slip collar, learn how to use it correctly!  When on your dog, it should resemble a horizontal P.  The stem of the P is ALWAYS at the TOP...never at the bottom.  You will choke your pet!  Practice before using it.  Make a fist.  That’s your dog's head.  Slide the collar over your fist to your wrist.  Your wrist is the dog's neck.  Now pull the stem part of the chain.  If it's on correctly, it will slide to tighten when the correction is made, and it will loosen automatically when the pressure is released.  If done incorrectly, you will cut off the circulation on your wrist!

Never leave a chain slip collar on your dog when you are not working with them. NEVER TETHER YOUR DOG USING A CHAIN COLLAR!

FLAT/ROLLED LEATHER COLLAR is the everyday collar most dogs wear with all their ID's attached. Flat collars can be found in an phenomenal assortment of materials, colors and styles with either buckles or quick release connectors.  A rolled leather collar is suggested especially for long hair dogs, as the roundness tends to lead to less hair loss or collar marks.

METAL PRONG COLLAR aka spike or pinch collar is the one that looks like a torture tool used during the Spanish Inquisition!  Most experienced dog trainers prefer not to use them!  Some people with stubborn or large dogs they have not control over and who think they don't need obedience training do prefer to use them!

Fact is, by having to use a metal prong collar, it is an indication the owner has no control over their animal!

The problem with the prong collar is, most people who use them, use them incorrectly!  There is no need to cause a dog pain, whenever they are walked.  When used correctly, the walker should only apply pressure with a quick "pop" or tug of the leash.

Some metal prong collars come fitted with rubber caps to cover the prong, so as not to injure or inflict unnecessary pain to your dog because of improper use.

CAUTION! If you are not walking your dog, REMOVE THIS COLLAR IMMEDIATELY!

MARTINGALE COLLAR is probably the best training collar for the average dog owner.  It offers the best part of a chain slip collar and the best part of the flat collar.  It is also known as a modified choke or Greyhound collar.

The Martingale collar has no buckle or clasp.  You adjust it to comfortably slide over your dog's head.  It is designed so that the dog cannot slip out of it and you can make a correction with a quick "pop" or tug.  There is a short piece of chain or material at the top, fitted with an O-ring to which the leash is attached.  That short piece is used as a halting device, tightening the collar, yet not choking the dog.

It is an excellent training collar for most dogs!  It is especially helpful for when walking scent and sighthounds.

Take your time...find the right collar for your dog!

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