When it comes to outfitting your dog with a collar, you have many options. Each type of collar serves a different purpose. Therefore, it’s good to know your options before buying. Here’s an introduction to 6 different types of dog collars to help you choose the one that’s right for your dog.
• Conventional Buckle or Clasp Collars
Conventional collars are available almost anywhere they sell pet products. They are a simple strap with a buckle or other type of clasp to hold the strap together. These collars come in an array of shapes, sizes, materials and colors. Flat strap collars are usually the strongest collar – especially when made from quality leathers. If your dog pulls at the leash when walking, conventional collars will apply pressure to the throat and don’t offer much in the way of correction.
• Slip or Choke Chains
Slip or choke chain collars are common training collars, although they can be dangerous and put much pressure to a dog’s neck. They are designed to tighten quickly if the dog pulls. However, a dog who lunges suddenly or who gets caught by the collar could suffer injury or even death by strangulation. Therefore, this type of collar is best suited to be used by professional dog handlers, if at all.
• Martingale Collars
A Martingale collars is like a combination of a conventional collar and a slip collar; hence they are also called limited slip collars. Popular with Greyhounds or other large dogs with necks that are bigger than their heads, the collar is designed to tighten when the dog pulls. However, the two-piece construction doesn’t allow full closure on the neck. This provides a more humane way to stop a large animal from pulling or lunging. Martingale collars are usually made from nylon or other strong woven materials or leathers and can be used on most breeds of dog.
• Pinch Collars
Pinch collars are similar in construction to the Martingale collar with one major difference. The inside of the collar closest to the neck is made with metal prongs to induce quick correction on strong, stubborn dogs. Extreme caution should be used with these types of collar, as the prongs can penetrate the skin with excessive twisting and pulling. Therefore, this collar is not usually suitable for the average dog.
• Harnesses
Harnesses are actually two collars – one goes around the dog’s chest and the other around the belly with strap that connects the two pieces. These collars are popular with dogs that have medical or breathing problems because they are designed not to put pressure on the neck. However, as such, they don’t offer much in the way of correction to the animal. Some manufacturers also make full body vest harnesses from light-weight yet strong materials that are designed to be comfortable for the dog.
• Halter Collars
Halter collars are sometimes called head collars because they strap around the neck and head to help train a dog. When the dog pulls, the dual collars work together to tilt the head. This head movement is unusual for a dog and it will momentarily distract them from pulling and give the owner time for reinforced correction or other training commands. Although effective for some training purposes, it is not recommended for everyday use.
Knowing the characteristics of your dog, you can match them up with the right collar. Please keep in mind, however, that all collars confine or restrain a dog in some manner. Therefore, it’s important to use them only for their intended purpose, use them humanely as all times and not leave a dog unattended where the collar can get caught on something and cause injury to the animal. With proper handling, however, your dog’s collar should provide a way to walk together in relative comfort and safety in public places.