How to Buy a Fancy Dog Leash and Collar

There are enough types of dog collars and leashes available that you should be able to find one that perfectly suits you and your pet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog Leashes
• Training Collar And Leash
• Dog Collars
• Designer Leashes

1. Understand that any type of collar and leash will do, as long as they are strong enough to hold your dog, fit properly and are not too heavy for your dog to carry.

2. 

   Know that a collar fits properly if you can fit only two fingers between it and the dog.

3. Get an idea as to what type or style of collar you are looking for. Do you want something personalized, glittery, for a holiday, in a certain color or fabric, or with a specific design? The more specific you are about what you want, the easier it will be for a salesperson to help you.

4. Consider the type of breed your dog is and what color her fur is. A fuzzy pink collar that would work for a toy poodle would probably look silly on a Doberman.

5. 

   Shop around to see all the types of collars and leashes available.

6. Look at the price ranges, and decide how much you would like to pay. Leashes and collars are priced starting at $10, depending on how fancy you want yours to be.

7. 

   Be certain you purchase a leash that is the right length for your dog. A very long leash will get tangled in a small dog's legs. A short leash will impede a big dog.

8. Ask the salesperson how durable the collar and leash will be. Decorative or glued-on items may have a tendency to fall off.

9. Check out some online stores to get a good idea of the wide variety that is available. RC Steele, In the Company of Dogs and PetSmart have large and varied selections.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog goes in water a lot, purchase a nylon collar. Anything else will not hold up as well to the constant moisture.
• If your dog likes to hold the leash in her mouth while walking, avoid leashes with decorative items glued on them, as they may detach and cause your dog to choke.
• If you would like a retractable leash, know that they come only in nylon.

on 11/22/2005 If you buy his/her first leash, you should do it at an early stage of its life (2-3 months). Let the dog wear it first inside the apartment/yard so it may get used to the idea of having something attached on his neck. Also, if you can't afford to change leashes every time your dog grows, here are some additional tips:

- The first leash can be a shoelace or something like it (if the dog is 2-3 months old).

- The second leash you buy should be fitting him perfectly while closed, but don't forget to loosen it as the dog grows!

- Pay a little more for one that is made of leather for big dogs. It'll be worth it.