For all you dog lovers out there, we have today a post on how to choose the perfect dog collar for your furry friend. These can be used to control your dog in a fashionable manner which is also comfortable for your dog. Looking into the market, you will find a large variety of dog collars to choose from. It isn’t always easy given how many things need to be kept in mind. Choosing the right dog collar for your dog will depend on the size of the dog, the temperament of the dog, what breed the dog is and on the training goals.
In this article today, we will tell you a little bit about dog collars and give reviews on the 7 best dog collars.
#1: Auburn Leathercrafters Rolled Leather Dog Collar
Pros:
- Best for dogs with long hair
- Rounded and smooth for comfort
- Available in various colours
- Adjustable sizes
- Made with strong and durable leather
- Slightly expensive as compared to other flatter collars
- Difficult to clean since it is made of leather
Why we choose it?
This product is a little expensive since it is made with leather. On the plus side since it is made with leather it is strong and durable and is a good buy if you have a big dog. If you own a small dog which has a long furry coat, this collar is highly suitable. Since it is rounded and smooth it does not get tangled in the long hair of the dog and is also comfortable for the dog since it does not cause bruises on the skin of the dog as compared to a collar which is flatter.
Final Word:
This product is a long lasting one. If you wish to buy the best quality product for your dog this is the perfect buy for you. It is strong, durable and rounded for comfort. It may be an expensive product, but is worth a buy. It comes in various colours and is adjustable in size. It may be difficult to clean this leather collar but one cleaning lasts a long time, since it does not get dirty very easily.
#2: Training Unlimited Comfort Trainer Head Halter
https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Trainer-Head-Halter-Size/dp/B0798XXBG4/
Pros:
- Soft and rounded
- Suited for all dogs who need to be trained
- Does not irritate the eyes of the dog
- Protects the dog from injuries
- Available in a variety of colours
- Works well for aggressive dogs
Cons:
- Frays easily
- Easily wears off
- Buckle is flimsy
Why choose it?
This trainer is made with a soft material which fits any dog from a Rottweiler to a Boston Terrier. It helps gently guide the dog’s head. This helps you train the dog with ease. It does not irritate your dog’s eyes or constrict his jaws. It is comfortable for it to wear and hence the dog acclimates to it quickly. This makes it easier to train the dog. This provides a powerful yet gentle pull to your dog to deter him from barking, biting or pulling.
Final Word:
Although, the clasp is flimsy and the material wares off easily this product is great to train your dog. It is only needed for the duration of when it is being trained. The material used is such so as to make it comfortable for the dog. It is a training aid which has been rated averagely high by users. This product comes with an instruction manual hence it becomes easy to understand how to use this product correctly.
#3: Braided Training Slip Collars for All Dogs
https://www.amazon.com/BronzeDog-Collar-Braided-Training-Collars/dp/B07DNXGZYB/
Pros:
- Best for big dogs
- Durable and strong
- Made with climbing rope material
- Strong choke collar for dogs that pull
Cons:
- Not suitable for small dogs
- Sometimes coke may hurt the dog
Why choose it?
This product is great if you want to train your dog. It helps you to keep it under control and prevent it from pulling too much. This product is useful to train a dog for walks etc. It can be used for big dogs and is made from a strong and durable material which is the same as used for making climbing ropes.
Final word:
This product is perfect and effective in training your dog. This choke collar needs to be fastened to a leash at all times and should only be used while training the dog. This product is a great buy if you have a 2 to 3 month old puppy. It is easy to use and is quite handy. Overall this is an effective product.
#4: Max and Neo Stainless Steel Chain Martingale Collar
Pros:
- Available in a variety of sizes and colours
- Promotes a noble cause, each collar sold, one is donated to a rescue dog
- Made with stainless steel
- Rust proof
- Loop for dog tags and charms available
- Broad collar with vibrant colours suitable for night time walks
Cons:
- The choke collar may be too harsh at times
- Rough around the neck
Why choose it?
This product is built around the idea of social service and is a great way to donate collars to rescue dogs. If you believe in this idea, or are ready to invest in a collar which is both durable and strong this is the product for you and your dog. It serves the purpose of being a dog collar and even has an extra loop for nametags and charms.
Final Word:
Some customers found this product uncomfortable for their dog. Some were of the opinion that the steel leaves behind colour. Other than this, it serves the purpose of a choke collar and is strong as well as long lasting. It has a noble cause behind it and it not very expensive. Overall this is a decent investment for your dog.
#5: Chrome Plated Training Collar with Quick Release Snap for Dogs
Pros:
- Great for big dogs
- Easy release features
- Designed to evenly spread pressure around the neck
- Manufactured in Germany with great quality products
Cons:
- Limited guarantee against rust, breakage and tarnish
- Only suitable for heavy bulky dogs
Why choose it?
This product is a great buy if you own a big dog, for example a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd. These dogs are strong and bulky and this collar is perfect for such dogs. It is made with a quick release feature that allows you to release your dog instantly. The links are rounded so as not hurt the dog. This provides the dog with the help required to learn and the dogs can be trained with ease.
Final Word:
This product provides limited guarantee against tarnish, rust and breakage. But it is a great product to train a dog which is heavy and big. This helps you control the dog properly and train it in the process. If you wish to train your big dog with ease this is the product for you.
#6: Basic Bark Control Collar for Dogs with
Up, Anti-Bark Training Device
Pros:
- Helps reduce excessive barking in dogs
- Will not cause the dog to bark unnecessarily
- Static is used as a corrective method
- Safety shut off after 50 seconds
- Water proof
Cons:
- Only fit for dogs over 8lb
Why choose it?
This product uses a progressive level system to reduce or eliminate the problem of excessive barking in some dogs. This device detects the vibrations of the barking dog and sends static signals that encourage the dog to stop barking. This device is safe for use since it has an automatic safety cut off, after every 50 seconds. This device is perfect to prevent your dog from barking too much. It is also water proof.
Final Word:
This product is fit for dogs which are 8lb or more. It is a great buy to prevent your dog from barking too much and unnecessarily. It is a good product to train your dog to bark only when required. There is a customer care service provided when this device is bought, they are helpful and provide solutions quickly. It is an averagely rated product to prevent dogs from barking unnecessarily.
#7Dog Shock Collar with Remote Control for 2600ft Range
Pros:
- Aids in training a dog
- Comes with a remote control
- 3 control modes available
- Strong transmission of signal
- Controls barking and helps in other training for other things
- Receiver is water proof
- Long lasting battery life
- Soft and adjustable collar made with skin friendly material
Cons:
- Uses shock to train dogs
Why choose it?
This product should be bought for the cutting edge technology it provides. Now you can use a collar and a remote to train your dog. This product has 3 training modes, vibration, sound, and mild shock. The owner can use these techniques remotely from a distance of 2600ft. It has a chargeable and long lasting battery life. It is designed in such a way that one remote control can train 3 dogs simultaneously.
Final Word:
Although, this product uses shock therapy to train dogs, the shock given is very minimal and does not harm the dog. It is water resistant completely and can be worn by the dog even while bathing or swimming. It has a remote control to train your dog and this is the easiest way available to train it. This also helps prevent unnecessary barking. This product has been rated highly by customers and is a great buy.
Different Types of Dog Collars: Finding the Right One for Your Pet
How to Choose the Correct Collar Size for Your Dog
Now that you know which dog collar is the best option to go with, the next important thing to do is to choose the correct size according to your dog. There are different sizes and you will have to choose one depending on the measurements of your dog. The method for measuring the right size collar is given below:
- You will need a flexible tape measure to start with. Measure around your dog’s neck.
- Measure right under the head since the correct place for a dog collar is towards the higher end of the neck.
- Add two inches to the measurement of the dog’s neck. This is needed to allow sufficient space to fit the buckle and the snap and for making adjustments.
- Based on the measurement you get, choose your dog’s collar.
What are the different types of dog collars?
Image Link: https://drsophiayin.com/app/uploads/blogimg/neko%20flat%20collar.jpg
Slip Collar: This type of collar is also called a Choker or a Choke. This type of collar uses a simple loop and a ring to constrict the dog’s neck. These are ordinarily made of nylon or chain. These are mostly an effective for training dogs to not pull on leads and to help the dogs to remain focused on their handler. There are a few things should be taken care of when choosing to use this collar for your dog. Be sure that your dog doesn’t have:
- Tendency to have a collapsed trachea.
- Upper respiratory disease.
- Pushed in snouts which can cause difficulty in breathing.
- Dogs with long and slender necks such as Whippets or Greyhounds.
- Be sure to only use these collars for fast corrective actions in training.
Image Link: https://drsophiayin.com/app/uploads/blogimg/FrankChokeChain.jpg
Martingale Collar: These collars are used most commonly for dogs with a narrow head. This is because these dogs can easily pull their way out of regular or traditional collars; they function by limiting the ability to constrict when they are pulled at. These collars are mostly preferred for Greyhounds and therefore are often called Greyhound Collars. They are usually made of a wider material and are a lot less damaging to dogs that have a sensitive neck. These are also a better choice since they don’t choke the dog completely.
Image Link: https://d31omju6te34uu.cloudfront.net/media/catalog/product/p/r/prc-red_e1.jpg
Prong Collar: This type of collar is also called a Pinch Collar and should only be used for dogs in extreme cases when all other methods of controlling the dogs fail. These often look like a torture device and they function by constricting and pushing into the neck of the dog simultaneously when the dog pulls. The blunt prongs on it push into the dogs and cause pain. If used for training without proper precautions or if used on the wrong dog breeds, they can even injure a dog seriously.
Image Link: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRCVrUmjqfxn-QkBNdLEyEAPSdxGm4HJpoVgg7xgD3AwGV8mYzf
Electronic Collar: These are also called shock collars, remote training collars and e-collars. These can be used by dog trainers to curb unwanted behaviours such as aggression, excessive barking, staying within the property while off a leash, etc. They function as a deterrent to behaviours that may be unsafe or unwanted, since the dog will learn to associate the discomfort of the jolt given by the collar when they exhibit a certain behavior that is unwanted. These do not do any long term damage to the dogs and simply work as a method of aversive training.
Image Link: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/Shock_collar.jpg/220px-Shock_collar.jpg
Head Halter
Gentle Leader: This is a type of collar that functions as a tool to train your dog leash manners. It functions by gently moving the head and body of the dog back towards the trainer when the dog pulls at the collar. This helps to return the dog’s focus back to the trainer.
Image Link: https://www.canadianpetconnection.ca/dog-products/dog-accessories-and-training-products/dog-training-accessories/gentle-leader-head-halter-for-dogs/
Snoot Loop: This is a type of collar that guides the head of the dog and keeps them from pulling on it or lunging. When using this dog collar, there is no need to yank on the leash and doesn’t cause any strain on the dog.
Image Link: http://snootloop.com/sm_setter.jpg
What is the best material for dog collars?
Nylon: These collars are most often flat. The nylon used in them is that of a woven mesh and has a plastic or metal buckle or a clasp. These are very easy to find and are available in many colours and sizes. These are often cheap but don’t last very long. Some dogs are allergic to nylon so it is best to check since it can be dangerous for the dog. One thing to keep in mind is that these collars can be a choking hazard if a dog pulls on the collar of a dog using a dog
Suede: These collars don’t wear out easily. They also don’t fray easily. These are a relatively safe option in case of allergies and are rarely harmful to dog. A thick collar lasts long and doesn’t cause irritation to the dogs. Compared to other types, these are lightweight and a good quality ones is easy to adjust.
Leather: Dog collars made of leather are most often made of cowhide. Leather dog collars are usually flat or rolled collars with buckles. These are more expensive than cheaper alternatives like nylon leather collars but they last much longer and give a good value for money. These can be embossed or engraved to make them more personalized. The biggest disadvantage of leather dog collars is that they can often cause chaffing in the dogs.
Cotton: Cotton collars are used by creating a mesh out of cotton fabric. Cotton collars in the market come in varieties of colours and even prints. These usually come with a clasp and are more comfortable for dogs since they are softer than nylon and leather. These are sturdy and therefore lasts long.
Pet Collar Material Type
Buckle- type fasteners: these are more durable and perfect for big dogs. Buckles are stronger, hence perfect for dogs which are strong or have a habit of pulling. Buckles do not break easily, hence are most suited for collars made for heavy, bulky and strong dogs.
Snap-type fasteners: these are better for smaller dogs since these may break if tugged on with too much force. They are not durable if being used for a large dog.
Tips to consider while buying a dog collar:
- It is important to take the width and weight of the dog collar into consideration. The weight of the dog should be proportional to the width of the collar. Hence, for bigger dogs the collar width should also be more.
- You need to decide how adjustable your dog collar needs to be depending upon the age of your dog. If you are buying a collar for a puppy then he will grow, hence buying an adjustable dog collar can be a good idea.
- The comfort of the dog is of utmost importance, if the dog is not comfortable it will be difficult to train him. Hence, comfort is also important.
The D-ring, that is the ring which attaches to the leash should be of an adequate size so that the leash can be attached with ease.
