How to Choose a Collar for Your Dog

Choosing a proper collar is important for your dog. An ill-fitting color can cause injury to your dog, and can easily be avoided. But how do you choose the right one for your pet. There are many different types of collars available on the market, and this article is going to cover basic collars that are leather, fabric, or nylon - and not harnesses, prong collars, or others that are available.

Break Away Collars
Are great for mischievous dogs, and will actually break off if it happens to get caught on something. It is not a must have but is preferred by many owners because of the built in safety feature. When a dog is caught on the collar there is a risk of choking - which this type significantly reduces the risk. Also, they do beak away, but will not do so at the slightest touch, so you do not have to worry about the collar accidentally being pulled off your pet.

Fashion Style
Is really your call! Just make sure it is not too heavy for your dog's neck. There are some collars that are decorated with spikes or rhinestones, but for smaller dogs they may be too heavy and uncomfortable for your dog to wear. Make sure there is a ring on the collar to attach an appropriate ID and rabies tag to.

Wide or Narrow Collar?
You will need a wider collar on a larger dog - they will easily snap if they are too thin. Small dogs can wear either size as long as the wide collar is not too heavy. I own a smaller dog, and prefer wider collars because they are a bit more durable and do not need to be replaced as often.

Fit on the Neck
The collar should fit comfortably on your pet's neck. When fitted you should be able to fit two fingers under it vertically. Any looser and it could slide off your pet's neck, and any tighter will risk restricting your pets airway and ability to swallow food/water.

Collar or Harness?
Some dogs do not do well with collars when it comes to taking walks, or when learning to walk on a leash. Often they will pull and choke themselves attempting to run everywhere. If this is the case you may want to use a harness for walking your dog, keeping your pet safer and making going for a walk easier for you. Always make sure some form of ID is attached to your pet when you take them outside.