Dog Collar Guide: Finding the Right Collar for Your Dog

A dog’s collar is one gear that he will wear the most. This is why it makes sense that you’ll choose a collar that doesn’t just fit but will ensure your pup’s comfort as well. On top of that, you’ll also need to consider the types of activities that you will both together in your decision.

In this dog collar guide, we’ll let you in on some tips and tricks on how to find the right collar for your furry friend.

Dog collar: What are the different types?

Collars for your canine friend usually come in a variety of sizes, colors, shapes, and even functionality. We know how confusing that can get, which is why our dog collar guide lists down some of the most common canine collar types out there to help you choose.

Puppy collars

Probably the very first ever collar you’ll get for your dog, puppy collars are highly adjustable. This is to ensure that the collar can adapt to your growing pup, especially in the first few months. Puppy collars need to be lightweight to avoid unnecessary pressure or weight that could strain your young pup’s neck.

Padded collars

Certain dog collars may come with extra padding to ensure maximum comfort to the canine wearer. The padding provides cushioning between the dog’s neck and the collar. This is the perfect collar for dogs who keep pulling on their leash. This is also ideal for dogs with sensitive skin and short hair.

During warm days or if you’d rather the collar not retain water for long, you can choose a padded collar with breathable cushioning instead.

Sem-slip collars

For escape artist dogs who seem to always slip out of their collars whether by intent or by accident, there are dog collars that come with a semi-slip feature to prevent them from doing that. The collar is specifically designed to prevent your pup from sliding out of the collar. These collars are also known as limited slip collars, greyhound collars, or martingale collars.

These collars are designed with an additional loop which will tighten slightly if there is pressure put on the leash.

Adjustable collars

A very popular choice among dog owners are static but adjustable collars. They come with clips which makes taking them on and off easier to do as this gets rid of the need to have to pull the collar over the pup‘s head.

Safety collars

If you let your pup run about and play with other dogs, a safety collar makes the most sense. This collar is designed to prevent pups from getting tangled with branches and bushes and even other dogs. The downside is that you’ll probably end up losing and replacing the collar each time. But at least you won’t ever have to worry about your best friend choking by accident.

Dog collar measuring guide

One thing our dog collar guide cannot emphasize enough is how important it is that you get the right-sized collar for your pup. To do this, start by measuring the circumference of his neck. In particular, measure the part where the collar is supposed to sit.

Once you have the numbers, just refer to the collar chart to determine which size corresponds to your pup’s measurements.

Collar tightness

While you want the collar to be a snug fit, the last thing you want is for it to be too tight around your dog’s neck. A good rule of thumb is that you should easily slide two fingers between your pup’s neck and the collar. However, you’ll probably need less space if you have a smaller dog and a bit more for larger breeds.

Remember that aside from ensuring that the collar is a snug fit, it has to be comfortable for your dog to wear.

Collars that are too loose can accidentally slide or slip over your dog’s head. It could also slide down around the shoulders which could significantly affect his movement.

When should I use a dog collar?

Dog collars are not only useful when doing activities together with your dog but in everyday life as well. They offer an easy way for you to connect a line to your pup and take them with you to whatever adventure you want them to be part of.

These gears can also be used to provide identification to your dog. Some collars come with name tags where you can put your personal details in the event that your dog might get lost. For dollars that do not come with a tag, you can easily add one with your details.

A collar is also another way of improving visibility when walking in the dark. All you need to do is find a collar with reflective or bright coloring so nighttime walks are safer.

However, it is not all the time that dogs should wear collars. For instance, if you have a pet who tends to pull on his leash, a collar is not the best option. If you want to take part in activities such as skiing, running, or biking with your dog, you will be better off putting him in a dog harness. A harness is designed to allow for maximum movement while being active as well as ensure that his breathing is restricted the whole time.

When laying with other dogs or running free, dogs do have a risk of getting entangled in bushes, branches, and even other dogs. In this case, a collar is not the safest option for them to wear. Instead, it is more prudent to take the collar off. The same is true when your dog is left to play on his own unattended. The only exception is when he is wearing a safety collar which will automatically detach from your pup’s neck, so there is no risk of choking.

Cleaning a dog collar

With all the antics dogs get into, it makes sense that their collar should also be easy enough to clean. Most collars these days are made from easy-to-clean materials where just rinsing it off with water will do the job. There are cases, however, when giving it a proper wash is necessary. Invest in dog collars with durable materials. This way, they can be easily cleaned in the washing machine when necessary.