Dog Collars – How to Choose Them
How often do you find yourself obsessing over your dog’s needs and requirements? Sometimes, even the most expensive products could be bad. All pet parents can agree with this. Since your furry friend is a loving member of your family, you may go to any lengths to ensure they lead a comfortable life. While many pay attention to the types of food, not all pay heed to dog collars. This is especially important if you are buying a collar for the first time.
Picking a dog collar is no rocket science; however, there are several types of brands and types, which make it extremely difficult to make a choice.
Some of the factors to help you make an informed choice are:
Style
Dog collars greatly differ in their style. You should choose the style depending on the purpose of it. You could select a collar if you want to train your pet or take it on walks. It could also be just for regular use or for dog flea removal. Here are some of the common dog collar styles available.
- Traditional buckle collar
The traditional buckle collar is the most popular kind of collar.
The martingale collar will let you have a better hold and control over your dog. It is especially great for dogs who back out of their collars. It is also best to use this kind of collar when training your dog, as it balances the pressure of the collar when you pull the leash.
This kind of dog collar features a metal or plastic buckle that clips together. This collar style is commonly employed in dog care or boarding facilities, as it can be released conveniently if caught up somewhere.
The center ring collar is typically used for hunting dogs. This collar features an O-shaped ring in the center of the collar’s band. This provides safety in case the dog gets caught up in a brach or rock, as it provides more flexibility. It also reduces the hazard of choking.
Material
The material of the dog collar should be picked with utmost understanding. Consider factors such as whether you are looking for durability or style. You should also consider your dog’s skin condition. Here are the materials that dog collars are available in:
- Leather
Leather is the most common kind of material used for dog collars. Leather dog collars not only look stylish but are also very functional. It is durable and is found to protect your furry friend from several elements. Moreover, the material tends to get softer over extended usage. Leather too comes in varied types and you can pick them according to your dog’s breed. Italian leather collars are most preferred for dogs with tiny necks as it is lightweight. Similarly, bridle leather collars are widely used for stronger dog breeds. - Nylon
Nylon dog collars are relatively cheaper than collars made from other types of materials. You also get to pick from a wider range of designs and colors with this material. They are good for smaller breed dogs or puppies. Nylon collars are ideal for dogs with sensitive coats. However, they are not very sturdy and may not last as long. If your dog spends several hours outside home or gets into water puddles, the material can cause discomfort. - Cotton
Cotton dog collars are the best if your dog is allergic to materials such as nylon. These collars are also a good choice if your dog suffers from skin conditions. While they are made with a nylon core, the exterior is covered with cotton fabric. Thus, only the fabric touches your dog’s skin, making it comfortable.
If you are a a dog parent who is concerned about your dog’s appearence, the type of collar does matter. Collars are available in a slew of fashionable choices to pick from and you can even personalize them. From having the name of your dog engraved or embroidered and embossed, the possibilities of personalization are endless. Also, for the purpose of safety, you should ensure your dog’s collar carries your contact information. In case your dog goes missing, he/she can be traced back to you through the given information.
