Dog Collars - What Kind of Collar Should I Get For My Dog?

by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁶³⁾ Blue Star

There are several types of dog collars on the market, from training collars to collars made to use in a show ring. The type you select can make a difference in your dog's behavior, even, in some cases contributing to an aggressive nature. Below are a few of the more common collars and the pros and cons of each.

Probably the most common collar is made of leather or nylon and lies flat against the dogs neck, often called a flat collar. It is probably the one you picture when you think of what a dog collar should look like. It could have a buckle (not advisable, in my opinion) or a break away clasp that is designed to pop open if excessive strain is placed on the collar. If you have more than one dog and they play, a break away clasp is wise. When playing, dogs go for the other's neck and their teeth can get caught in the collar causing both to pull to the point of suffocating the dog who cannot get free.

Choke and prong collars are often used in training and when walking a dog who insists on pulling its human along. The prong collar is considered the safer of the two, though to see it, you might wonder. The prong collar is made of metal and has a series of prongs that close around the dog's neck simulating an alpha dog's grasp. When the dog relaxes, the collar releases the grasp, thus making the dog compliant. Choke chains or metal slip chains will also become loose when a dog stops pulling, but the nature of a choke chain used with a persistent dog can cause injury and can frustrate the dog to the point of becoming aggressive.

Head halters are becoming a popular choice for any breed of dog. Known also as Gentle Leader and Halti collars, (brand names) these collars loop around the dog's snout just under its eyes and around its neck. The idea is similar to a horse's bit and halter, but no part of the collar goes into the mouth. As you guide the dog's head, the rest of it follows. Using a head halter is very effective in training a pulling dog to heel. Some who see it think it is a muzzle, but the dog's mouth is not restricted; the dog still can eat, drink or grab anything it sees. (That's another training issue!) Your dog may not initially like the snout part of the collar because it sets just under the eyes and may be uncomfortable at first. But, when he realizes the collar means " walk " he will soon be happy to see it.

I have used all three types of collars and recommend the head halter. When our dogs are indoors, they are collar free and we don't worry about the possibility of strangulation. When a collar is worn, they are under supervision. One of our dogs became aggressive toward the other when on a choke chain. An animal behaviorist at our SPCA realized the chain was the problem and since we stopped using a choke chain, her temperament is calm. We now use a Gentle Leader and are very pleased with our dogs' behaviors.

Never jerk your dog when he is on a leash. Any type of collar can cause damage to the neck or head of your pet.

To get more information on dog collars and see pictures of those mentioned above go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_collar

Please let me know your experiences with dog collars. The right collar might make the difference in your dog's personality!

Article submitted Thursday, April 29, 2010 & read 241 times.

Leave your comments through My Pet Tale:

No comments yet.

154-7-0-4-8-ADSO

Most Recent