The Dog Collar Guide: Choosing the Perfect Collar for your Dog

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Getting a dog is an exciting time for anyone. It’s like getting a new addition to your family. Dogs are a really important part of some people’s lives, so it’s no surprise that people want to treat them right (and spoil them when they can)! There is so much that a pet owner will have to consider though, things like what sort of food should they get, how much exercise should they be giving the dog etc.

But often one of the most important things is making sure that you have the right sized collar for your dog. It doesn’t just stop at sizing though, people who have just got a dog should make sure it is the right sort of collar. This will depend on the dog’s need. Is the dog in training? Is it a puppy? Does it have long hair, short hair etc… You can’t just pick the first collar you find and hope for the best. There is a lot more thought that needs to go into getting a collar, which is where this guide should be able to help you out.

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Getting the Right Size Dog Collar

This is a really important step when it comes to getting a dog collar. You don’t want to get a collar too small as this can choke the dog (or just not fit altogether). You also don’t want to get a collar that is too big, as it will easily slip off or might irritate the dog and rub the dog’s skin. So, you need to make sure that you get the right size dog collar first. The easiest way to make sure you have the right size collar, is to measure the section where the collar will be on your dog. 

If you don’t have a measuring tape, then a piece of string will work just as well if you are in a pinch. Once you have that initial measurement, you should add about 2 inches on top of that. When you get your collar though, you need to make sure that it does fit perfectly. Taking measurements just isn’t enough (as you might have made a mistake). So, when the collar is on your dog, you need to make sure that you can fit two fingers comfortably under the dog’s collar. If it feels too loose, or too tight then you know that you got the wrong size.

What are the Different Types of Collars That you Can Get?

It doesn’t just stop with getting the right size collar though. There are different types of collars that you can get. You should think about what your dog’s needs are and what their daily activities are. Most people get a standard collar which is normally just nylon or leather and comes with plastic or metal buckles. Some people prefer to treat their dog to something a little bit more special though and get them something like these Designer Dog Collars.

If you are training your dog, then a lot of people might use martingales and chain collars. If you decide to use a chain collar, then you have to make sure that you are using it properly as they can be quite damaging. It is, therefore, better to use a martingale collar instead, as they are safer and a lot more comfortable. They are normally half nylon and half chain, meaning that if your dog pulls, the collar can cinch up a certain amount and help them learn to heel quicker.

What Type of Leash Should you Get?

You probably won’t be surprised to learn that the options for dog leashes are just as extensive as dog collars. However, when it comes to leashes, you should make sure that the dog collar that you want is compatible with the dog lease that you have. Conveniently, most dog leashes are designed to match most collars. So, it isn’t something that you need to worry about hugely, it’s just something that you should be aware of.

Most dog leashes are your standard 6ft long ones, but you can also get recall, retractable and adjustable leashes. You can pick out the color as well. So, if you did decide to get a designer collar, then the good news is that you can get a leash that matches it perfectly. Just make sure that you get the right collar and leash for your dog’s needs first. Obviously, there are a few other things that you need to do when it comes to having a dog (a collar isn’t enough), so you should check out this article here about the four essentials for new pet owners.

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