How to Choose a Cool Collar for your Dog

I'm not a big fan of dressing my dogs in clothes, so I rely on cool collars to up their style quotient. Plain leather or nylon used to be the only choices, but now there are literally scores of different styles to choose from, starting at about four bucks and up. Here’s how the pick the perfect one for your pooch.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Using a tape measure, determine your dog’s neck size, then add two to three inches. You don’t want the collar to be loose enough to come off over her head and you definitely don’t want it to be too tight, which can cause choking and skin irritation. Different manufacturers label their small, mediums and larges differently, but the neck measurement (15”-17”, for example) should be on the product tag.
2. If your dog is a puppy and still growing, an adjustable collar is a must, and you should check the fit often. There are collars for every conceivable size of dog from teacup to super gigantor. You’ll need a smaller lightweight collar for a little guy and a heavy-duty wide one for the big lugs.
3. Most pet stores are more than happy to see non-human shoppers, so if at all possible, take your dog with you to the store to try the collar on. You should be able to fit two fingers flat between the collar and her neck for the best fit.
4. For training, I highly recommend what’s called a “Martingale” collar. They're nylon collars with a loop that basically acts as a choke chain. They’re much gentler on the dog’s neck when you correct them. Pinch collars with the sharp metal prongs? We’ll pass…
5. All dog collars should have tags with ID info and phone number attached at all times. If the metal tag’s jangling bugs you, there are actually plastic tag covers you can by to prevent this. You can also have personalized collars made for around ten bucks.
   
   My dogs have their collars and tags on them every minute except for bathing. God forbid, something should happen and they get out and the person doesn’t know from checking a microchip...
6. As for style, go wild! There's everything from super deluxe Swarovski crystals to funky, mod designs to crocodile skin to holiday themes to plain nylon in every conceivable color and at every price point.
7. I like my dogs’ collars to match or contrast, not clash, with their coloring, but that's just personal preference. There are collars to match every style--even your favorite football, college or baseball team.
8. Finally, if you're out walking your dog at night, there are even lighted and glow-in-the-dark collars. Why not invest in more than one for any situation or style emergency?

Tips & Warnings

• I just throw my dogs’ nylon and ribbon collars in the washing machine and they’re good for another go-round.
• Check the fit often. Even an adult dog's neck can change sizes every once in a while.