All collars for dogs have their purpose.
A collar is a necessary attribute of a dog. However, the choice is not as easy as it may seem at first sight. Dog collars can be designed not only for each breed group, but also for specific situations or different types of training.
It is not easy to get to grips with such a variety of collars. We will help you make the right choice. Collars for dogs are first of all classified according to their intended use.
Classic soft collars
(collars for walking, protection, guarding): these collars are made of leather, plastic or a combination of both. Usually these collars have a soft base (felt, thin leather with a soft padding) to give the dog maximum comfort.
Walking collars are the most common type. These collars usually have a ring for attaching the leash, which is placed near the buckle. Or on the opposite side of the collar, so the owner doesn’t have to look for the ring to fasten the dog (the buckle is the heaviest this part, turning the dog’s neck downwards).
Collars for protective training with a handle to comfortably hold the dog. The leash ring is placed on or under the handle.
Collars for guarding
the most reliable, time-tested type. The collar is designed to keep the dog tethered at all times and must therefore be extremely reliable. It has a unique feature: the collar strap is first passed through a semi-circular ring and then buckled. In this way, the main loads are not borne by the buckle and the fastening holes, but by the durable material passing through the ring. The buckle is located at the top and does not interfere with the dog.
Snuggle collars or loops
(metal chain, leather, synthetic). these collars are most commonly used in training or at shows. However, their light weight makes them comfortable to use in everyday life. Dogs perceive choke collars as the closest thing to natural collars: the mother teaches her puppy to choke a little.
However, any exposure, especially to a puppy, must be precise and brief or any educational value will be lost. An experienced trainer should fully explain and demonstrate how the dog should be handled before allowing the use of such a collar.
All metal collars must be made of a durable alloy, the parts soldered or welded and the surface smooth so as not to injure the dog. Remember also that poor quality products can stain the dog’s coat. Therefore, be sure to test the collar in advance before attending the show. One more note: the larger the rings on the chain, the less it will rub the fur where the collar is placed. This is especially true for owners whose pets are exhibiting at shows.
“Tight” collars.
These collars should be considered special and used under the supervision of experienced trainers. The main feature is the spines, which cause discomfort to the dog when pulled. this collar should be chosen strictly according to the circumference of the neck, should be placed immediately behind the ears, and should not hang down or fall. One of the most well-known quality metal collarsmanufacturers of poo are the German company Sprenger.
A “strict” collar should not be kept on the dog all the time – it should only be used during training and only after all other options for obedience have been tried. The unreasonable use of ‘hard’ collars has a particularly detrimental effect and can lead to the animal becoming uncontrollable.
Collars for the show must be such that they do not distract from the dog (usually chosen on the basis of coat colour). It is important that it does not visually divide the animal’s neck, is comfortable, reliable and practical. Most commonly plastic or metal strangle chains.
Which collars are more durable
Dog collars are made of leather, plastic, metal or a combination of these. Leather is the most pleasant material for humans and animals alike. High-quality leather collars are always fashionable and beautiful and last for many years. However, like any other product made of leather, it requires careful use and care.
Plastic is the most durable material for soft furs collars. It is resistant to external factors and different weather conditions. In addition, the colour, width and quality can be chosen according to the owner’s taste.
The most durable and reliable collars are made of a combination of leather and plastic. The high quality of the product and the reliable fittings make it the ideal choice for those looking for a collar for a guard dog or for an owner preparing to train a large protection dog.
Of course, high quality metal collars can last for generations, but when used in the cold season, there is a risk of frostbite.
It is important that the collar is comfortable
Soft collars should be chosen so that the strap is fastened in the middle hole (i.e. usually two more holes on the smaller and larger side) and does not hang down the dog’s neck. If the big toe sticks under the collar, that’s OK: if it’s smaller, it’s pressing, if it’s bigger, it can fall off or curl around the neck.
When choosing a collar for a small puppy, bear in mind that the dog will grow. So, aThe size of the collar should be such that: firstly, the collar can be enlarged, and secondly, the remaining end of the leash should not be too long and should not interfere with the pet. It should be fastened at the innermost hole and as the puppy grows it will always be possible to enlarge the collar to suit its needs.
Do not keep the collar on the dog all the time – it can rub off the coat and cause discomfort and distress to the pet. If it is necessary to keep the dog tethered at home, use a thin leather choke (loop) collar.
The choice of size depends on the type of collar. For example, soft and ‘tight’ collars should fit well around the neck but not cause discomfort to the animal. In this case, measure the circumference of the dog’s neck and choose the appropriate collar. However, in such a way that the size of the collar can be changed as the body changes.
The loops (otherwise known as choke collars) are placed over the dog’s head, so the basic size is the circumference of the head at the widest point – at the ears. Otherwise, you simply won’t be able to put it on. However, too largeThe collar allows the dog to move more freely during training and makes it more difficult to control the pet. The optimal size of the collar is 2 – 3 cm larger than the dog’s neck circumference.
Collar replacement
Often the owner has several types of collars. Changing the collar is easy and the pet hardly notices. In addition, for most dogs the collar is associated with walks and entertainment. However, the animal can guess which collar it is wearing by its weight. This is a problem for owners who use shock or “tight” collars. With these collars, the dog may listen perfectly, whereas with a regular collar it may become uncontrollable. This is the main problem encountered when using special tools in training.
Fashionable dog collars
When choosing an “a la mode” collar, make sure that there are no sharp corners on the decorations, charms or rivets. Especially on the inside of the collar. Remember that bumps or sharp edges on the outside of the collar can cause injury not only to you but also to yourother dogs or people. Therefore, use such collars appropriately. In addition, collars with such “beauties” are less durable and not long-lasting.
Navigation collars (GPS)
Technology has not stagnated and collars with navigation systems have become a major breakthrough, especially in the search for missing pets. Although originally designed for hunters whose dogs run deep into the woods in search of prey, these collars are now increasingly being used on the necks of ordinary pets.
The navigation system consists of a collar, a GPS signal transmitting device on the collar, and a remote control receiver carried by the owner. The cost of these systems depends on how the receiver helps the owner to locate the dog: it can be a beep to indicate which direction to go, or a full map showing the pet’s location. Finding a dog by satellite is a fantasy come true. We just have to wait for such devices to become available to everyone.