Fashionability aside, there are a huge number of different dog collars to choose from. How do you know which one is best for your furry friend? Before choosing a dog collar, it helps to know a little bit about the different types and what they’re used for.
Nylon Dog Collars
Nylon dog collars the the most popular, as they’re cheap and easy to use. They come in a wide variety of colors and tend to last for years; in most cases, this is all you need. Generally you’ll only want something other than a nylon collar for a specific purpose.
Leather Dog Collars
Many people find the look of leather dog dollars pleasant, especially on “tough dogs”. These collars often start out tough and soften from the moisture in the dog’s skin. These are similar in design to nylon collars.
Dog Harnesses
A dog harness is more trouble to get on and off than a collar, but it eliminates the possibility of the collar choking the dog; it also can make the dog easier to get a hold of! The harness goes around the shoulders and ribs and behind the front legs; as a result, when the dog pulls, the leash puts pressure on his upper body rather than his neck. These are also helpful for dogs who have bad backs, as the harness keeps the dog from popping his back when he fights the leash. Thus, these can be considered safer than traditional collars. The disadvantage is that they’re also easier to get to; one of the author’s dogs has chewed through several harnesses!
Dog Halter
Unlike the other collars we discussed, a halter is not meant for wearing constantly, but is generally used when walking the dog. The halter is similar to a nylon collar, but with a nose loop; if the dog tries to pull while walking, the nose loop pulls him to the side, bringing him to a quick stop. With this, even a small person can control a larger dog, as his pulling force is redirected against him; kind of like doggie judo! In the author’s experience, this annoys the dog, but doesn’t hurt him.
Whichever collar (or collars) you get, be sure to get the correct size; fitting Fido with a collar that is either too loose or too tight can be dangerous to his health. A correctly-sized collar should be comfortable for the dog and, along with proper dog tags, goes a long way towards keeping him safe. Dog collars should be inspected periodically to ensure they are neither overly worn nor incorrectly sized; if he could talk, your four-legged friend would thank you!
Good information, I always prefer a waterproof collar since my lab is constantly in the water in the summer! Some make neoprene collars which are like wetsuit material, good to have for the swimming dog!
A lot of great information in this post! It was my understanding that a harness would give the dog more power and making it hard to control. I’m glad to know that if gives the owner more control over the animal. It’s also good to know that a harness is safer on a dog’s back. Thanks so much for the information.