How to Decide Between Dog Collars

Dog collars are an important accessory for your dog. Putting a collar on your dog enables you to walk it safely. Collars can help you teach your dog obedience skills and they come in many different styles, shapes, sizes and colors.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Measure your dog's neck to determine the proper collar size. The proper place to measure a dog's neck for proper collar fit is high on the neck, just behind the ears.

2. Think about the purpose of the collar. Buckle collars and half choke collars are mostly for walking your dog. Prong collars and choke collars are mostly for training your dog.

3. Decide on the material. Collars are typically made of nylon, leather and metal. Remember that prong collars only use metal.

4. Pick a color. Remember to think about where you will use the collar. Reflective collars are good if you walk your dog at night or on a busy road. Use bright orange collars if your dog hunts with you.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog's neck measurement falls at the very top of the range for a certain collar, consider buying the next size to give your dog room to grow.
• Buy a dog collar from a store that allows dogs into the store so that you can try the collar on your dog before you buy it.
• Never put a collar too tight or too loose on your dog's neck. A collar that is too tight can become embedded and cause injury or choking. A collar that is too loose can slide down the dog's neck and cause trachea damage.