To walk any dog on the street you need a collar. It is this attribute that distinguishes the home dog from the homeless. Collars for dogs of large breeds are different both in the material of manufacture and in the type of destination. Without this accessory, safe and comfortable walking will not work.
What is a collar for?
The collar’s functionality is not only in decorating the dog, first of all it:
- means for fastening the leash on the walk;
- on the collar you can place a tag with the contacts of the owner, in case the pet is lost;
- decorative function: on this basis the collar material, color, size are selected;
- corrective goals to keep the behavior under control.
Materials
The most commonly used skin is both artificial and natural type. Very popular textile collars. Most often they are made of tarpaulin for large breeds, for miniature dogs most often it is velor and velvet. Tarpaulin is a very budget material, convenient, but quickly fails. Regular cleansing makes him unusable; at some point, the dog may disrupt it. Nylon and nylon collars are more durable, but cost more.
A metal accessory is one of the strongest. However, it should be borne in mind that smooth-coated breeds in it will be uncomfortable in the cold.
Kinds
The accessory can be divided according to various characteristics, for example, the material of manufacture, the age of the dog, designed for any breed.
Soft
Very comfortable, made, as a rule, of leather and have a soft lining of fleece, felt. Among the soft collars are:
- for everyday walks, with the possibility of fastening the occasion;
- for trainers equipped with a holding handle;
- guard type with a half ring into which the belt is threaded.
It is believed that for regular walks, artificial-type materials are more suitable. Natural ones are less durable, crack with frequent washing, they are more difficult to disinfect.
Strict
Designed for educational purposes, therefore, not as comfortable as accessories from the previous group. However, they are not considered rigid and do not injure the animal. It feels like a female biting her puppy. The category is divided into the following types.
- Parfors. A studded collar that creates discomfort when the dog pulls on the occasion.
- Noose. In a manner of tightening, it looks like a loop, works great when you need to drag an animal.
- Electroshock. Launches small discharges in order to train the dog to certain reflexes. Tingling in this case is small, but very effective, while not coming from the owner.
- Antilay. Needed to control aggressive, barren rocks. When the dog begins to bark, it receives an ultrasound signal from the collar, inaudible by a person. The louder the bark, the stronger the signal.
These types of collars are suitable only for large breeds and are not used often, only for training purposes. Do not use these types of collars for puppies.
Additional functions
Modern models can be equipped with useful functionality, such models are more expensive than standard ones, but significantly simplify the life of the dog owner:
- with the GPS sensor you can not be afraid that the dog will be lost in the city or in nature;
- with LEDs, walking in the dark will be safer, because even if the dog runs away, it will be visible to drivers;
- with the means against parasites, the dog will not pick up ticks, fleas in the warm season, horseflies and midges will not interfere with it;
- collars for large breeds with original decor look brutal and noticeable, most often they are thorns, however, dog breeders do not recommend such decorations, since they are traumatic;
- with an informational medallion, allowing the finder of the lost dog to return to its owner.
How to choose
When buying a collar, be sure to pay attention to the following parameters.
- Additional functions will help protect the pet from parasites and other troubles, a strict collar is suitable for training, soft - for walking.
- Do not buy an accessory with internal spikes, as it is cruel and hurts the animal.
- When buying beautiful decorative collars, evaluate the injuries of the decor, if there are any sharp elements.
- Correctly selected size is very important. The larger your dog, the wider the accessory should be. Each dog breed has its own optimal diameter.
- When trying on a collar, evaluate how loose it is on the neck. Slide two fingers for it - if they enter freely, the model is suitable.
- Check the buckle; it should not scratch the dog. The ring must be properly attached.
- When choosing leather models, give preference to those that are finished with a soft cloth, otherwise they will rub. Better when the seams outside the collar or hidden.
- If the dog is on a chain, then a canvas accessory is suitable for her. It does not become stiffer from temperature changes and is not afraid of moisture.
- Be sure to consider the age of the pet, not all models are suitable for puppies. Kids pick up accessories for growth.
- The breed of the dog is also important, for example, the greyhound due to the peculiarities of addition, standard collars are not suitable. For them, model-hounds are acquired.
About the nuances of choosing a collar for dogs, see the next video.