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Dog Collars
For Any Dog Activity

What Are The Different Types Of Dog Collars?

One of the most importantant decisions to make as a canine owner, is choosing a dog collar from the different types. Whatever activity you and your dog will come to enjoy, choosing the correct collar may depend on the dog's age, activity with the dog, or type of dog. You may find that over the lifetime of your companion, you will be using many different collar varieties, each with their specific different design purpose. Some are designed for puppies, for controlling excitable dogs, for larger dogs, for long-haired dogs, for training, or for the exercise of just walking.

Fitting Your Dog's Collar

Typically, the buckle collars should be fitted with two inches between your dog's neck and the collar. Slipping two fingers between is a sufficient way to test for correct fitting. When buying a collar for a puppy, allow for future growth. Most likely, you will purchase a few collars during the lifetime of your dog.

MOST COMMON DOG COLLARS:

	Personalized Nylon Collars Personalized collars come in a wide variety of colors and styles, and often have matching nylon leashes available. Have your dog's name embroidered!
	Rolled Leather Collars Rolled leather collars avoid the chafing or hair breakage that flat collars sometimes cause on long-haired dogs. Most leather collars have the belt-buckle type fastener.
	Quick Release Nylon Dog Collars Quick release collars are basically adjustable flat nylon buckle collars, with a plastic closure that makes getting the collar on and off a little quicker (similar to some luggage strap fasteners).
	Choke Chain Collars Choker chain collars are used for training and can safely inhibit your dog from running away, tugging on the lead, or jumping. The collar slides to tighten on the dog's neck when a "correction" is given.
	Prong Collars Prong collars are used in conjunction with a training program. Perpendicular metal prongs prod into your dog’s neck and distribute pressure evenly. Great control for dogs that tug on lead.
	Martingale Collars Martingales are frequently used to show Toy dogs in conformation. They slide over the dog's head, and then a piece of plastic tubing (typically) is slid down to the desired tightness.
	Head Collars Head collars wrap around the nose of the dog in addition to its neck for more exact control. Trainers recommend head collars for dogs that respond to subtle tugs.
	Harness Collars Harnesses offer the most effective means of weight distribution. Ideal for small dogs and does not put any pressure on the dog's neck at all.
	Electronic Bark Control Collars Electronic collars are designed to be effective across many dog breeds and their individual barking behaviors. These devices deliver an electrical stimulus to the dog as a correction.

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Using Training Dog Collars:

Training collars work on the principle of pressure and slowly tighten against resistance. When your dog pulls, the collar becomes increasingly tighter, will ease to prevent the collar from continuing to tighten. If used correctly, a training collar is a gentle but firm way to correct your dog. These collars help when training your puppy basic dog commands and are every useful for teaching your dog to heel, come, or simply how to take a nice walk without dragging you behind.

These collars are constructed from metal for durability even against the biggest breeds. The linked chain simply tightens upon resistance from the dog and most are guaranteed not to rust and cause your dog harm. For bigger or more difficult dogs, some metal dog collars have prongs which will actually grasp onto the dog's neck and tighten which help the dog to obey much quicker. Some are now constructed from nylon and have a limited closure to prevent the collar from becoming too tight. Other collars work on an opposite resistance principle and cause pressure only to the back of the dog's neck and not the sensitive throat area.

Choosing A Training Dog Collar

When deciding which training collar is most suitable for your dog training needs, consult with a veterinarian or local dog trainer. Ask to be shown the proper way to use it by a qualified, experienced instructor.

How To Size A Dog Collar

As with all collars, a proper fit is of vital importance. Non-slip collars should be loose enough to allow you to fit two fingers between the collar and the neck of the dog. Choke chains, pinch, head halters and harnesses should be fitted with the help of a professional.

Smart Shopping Tips & Suggestions:

For Size - When shopping for dog collars, be sure to measure for correct fitting.

For Cost - Always check price comparisons! No doubt you will find some great deals for all types of dog collars.

Do Comparison Shopping - Great places to begin comparison shopping:
   
    Shopzilla's Dog Collars
    Shop.Com

Dog collars come in all styles. When purchasing an everyday collar for a puppy, keep it a simple nylon collar, because by the time they reach a year old they most likely will outgrow a few of their first collars!