How to Choose the Right Collar for your Dog
As a dog parent, it’s important to make sure any equipment you buy for your four legged friend is comfortable, well-fitted and suited to their breed.
For the safety and comfort of your pooch, it is essential that you measure them accurately to ensure their collar is fitted correctly, otherwise it may cause some discomfort and you run the risk of causing harm if they break loose, which is the last thing you want when bringing them home for the first time!
In this blog post we’ll give you the best ways to measure a collar for your furry friend, what questions you need to be asking when buying a collar and our top recommendations.
Measuring your Dog
In order to measure your dog accurately, it is recommended that you use some form of measuring tape. Gently wrap the tape around the circumference of their neck to check their size. If you don’t have a measuring tape, get a piece of ribbon or string; you can also wrap this around the circumference of their neck and then check the size against a ruler.
Like the collar, the tape should be snug and not too tight, but not too loose either. You should be able to fit 1-2 fingers between the tape and the surface of your doggie’s coat.
Once you have these measurements, don’t forget to make note of them. Convert into centimetres/inches in case you are looking at collars with alternative measurements.
Once you have this done, it’s time to begin looking for a collar that suits your dog.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Collar
When looking for the right collar, there are certain questions you should be asking yourself. It’s not a case of which collar is the most stylish or looks the prettiest, but which one is most suitable to your pet.
- Does your dog have sensitive skin?
If your dog has sensitive skin, a soft polyester and lightweight collar may be the best option, such as Ribbon Collar Red and Blue Paws.
- Do they have a slender neck?
If they are slender, which is commonly found with greyhounds, a Martingayle collar may be the best option for them, such as COASTAL No Slip Martingale Collar, which is a reliable, secure fit. This collar’s responsive limited closure buckle adjusts perfectly to your dog to eliminate slipping. The buckle’s unique design also ensures you’ll never have to worry about the collar becoming too tight.
- Are they strong?
If they are strong, a robust and potentially double play collar may be the best option for them, such as COASTAL Nylon Double Ply Dog Collar, which has two layers of durable nylon are sewn together to give this dog collar extra strength.
- Are they a puller?
If they are a puller, a head collar or harness may be the best option as it is more comfortable for your dog, such as HALTI Headcollar.
If you decide to walk your dog with a harness, you have a bit more freedom to choose other collars. Collars of course still have their uses outside of walking, such as holding dog tags which is essential if your dog ever goes missing, and for visibility if walking your dog when it’s dark, so make sure to take this into account when choosing a collar.
How Often Should a Collar be Changed?
There is no set period for how often you need to change your dog’s collar, but you should change your dog’s collar when it no longer fits. If you have a puppy, make sure to upgrade their collar as they grow to a more suitable size.
If you notice the collar is damaged, the ID tag is no longer legible, or if your dog is uncomfortable in the collar, you should consider buying a new one.
Is It The Right Style?
Choosing the right dog collar isn’t just about making sure it fits-pick a style that will sure to make your pooch the most fashionable dog in the neighbourhood.
Colour-When choosing colour, make sure it complements your dog’s coat-a black collar on a black dog wouldn’t work! Pick a colour that pops, such as COASTAL Double Ply Nylon or COASTAL Sunburst Collar.
Pattern-A patterned collar such as Ribbon Orange and Mint adds a fun and light-hearted touch to your dog’s style.
Leather-Leather collars have the benefit of being durable and stylish, such as CIRCLE-T Rustic Leather Collar. Your dog will be handsomely dressed with this collar for years thanks to its long-lasting design.
Fabric-Does your dog like to get dirty and play in the mud when out on his walks? Choose a collar that will be easy to clean and maintain, such as COASTAL Nylon Dog Collar
