How to Select a Dog Collar

If you are in the market to purchase a collar for your dog, you should consider several elements including the dog's age and training background. Follow these steps to make an appropriate choice.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide the purpose for the collar. Determine your choices by considering the dog's size, age, training background, and frequency of socialization.

2. Choose a collar category, such as dog training collars, leather collars that secure a dog identification tag, pretty collars to enhance a dog's neck, or to control or train the dog. Within each category, choose the type of collar such as sporting, nylon or buckle.

3. Select dog training collars. Choose a choke chain for training. Take the choke chain off when not physically present with the dog. It is very dangerous to leave a choke chain on an animal while not in training.

4. Secure an identification tag and choose a rolled leather collar. A rolled leather collar will not rub the hair off the dog's coat and is safe to leave on the dog for long periods.

5. Purchase designer dog collars for just about any occasion. Aesthetic collars are for decorative purposes. Remove them when the dog is at home.

6. Choose a collar for dog walking. You can use a rolled leather collar, choke chain, mouth or chest harness depending on the size, age and personality of the dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Take the dog with you to the pet store when purchasing the collar. An employee can help you choose an appropriate collar, and you can try it on for size before buying.
• For aggressive dogs, purchase a collar that will stop the dog from biting, such as harness-type or choke chain collars.