Dog collars: what are and how to choose?

Collars are a necessary part of dog ammunition and are available in a wide range. A large selection of various models allows you to choose an accessory for all occasions of a pet’s life, from training to participation in exhibitions and publication.

The dog collar has several functions. Firstly, it is designed to limit the freedom of movement of the animal, and in combination with a leash is the main means of control over the dog. This is perhaps the most important functional purpose of collars and harnesses, and ensures both the safety of others and the pet itself. Secondly, the collar often performs a decorative function and acts as a mandatory accessory with the participation of the dog in competitions and exhibitions.

In addition, the collar is used to correct the behavior of the animal during training and walking, to attach a name tag with the address and phone number of the owner, as well as to control the animal in the dark (luminous models).

The classification of dog collars is made according to several criteria, the fundamental of which is the functional purpose. According to this criterion, several varieties of ammunition are distinguished.

These models have an exclusively practical function and are characterized by a simple design, wear resistance of the material and comfortable girth. These collars are designed for constant wear and are different durability and affordable price. Structurally, the products are a narrow leather or textile strap with a fastener for a leash snap hook and a belt buckle.

To participate in the dog shows, they get a special collar - a ring, which is a loop-like structure that is pulled around the neck of the animal with the slightest tension on the leash. Such collars are often equipped with an “Adam's apple”, which prevents the dog from bowing its head when performing.

These collars are designed to correct the behavior of an adult pet, as well as to educate puppies. Training models are divided, in turn, into a number of varieties that differ from each other by the principle of action and design.

They are a leather or metal strap with spikes directed inward. The length of the spikes can be very different and is selected depending on the density of the coat of the animal. For example, for Malamutes, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Moscow watchdogs and Caucasian shepherds, it is necessary to choose models with the maximum length of thorns, which, because of the too thick “collar”, will not cause physical harm to the dog, but only cause quite noticeable discomfort when pulling the leash.

Powerful but shorthair dogs such as Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Great Dane and German Boxer A “planer” with short and rounded spikes, which also does not inflict physical harm to the pet, but quickly disciplines it.

They are made in the form of a freely sliding loop, tightened around the neck of the pet with each sharp movement, and reminiscent of a ringing principle. These models are used for non-aggressive, but too active dogs who do not want to go next to the owner and strive to gallop forward. There are also half-frogs, which are a less radical version of noises. Such models are equipped with a limiter, due to which the loop is not completely tightened, but only to a certain level, and does not cause the animal severe discomfort.

This category of collars also includes jerk chains - strangleholds made of metal links. Such models are much more effective than ringings and textile noises, since they cause the animal much more painful sensations.

Also called a halter, it is an excellent alternative to a noose and does not allow the animal to pull the leash. The design is a pair of loops, one of which is worn on the dog’s neck, and the second on the mouth. The loops are connected by hard straps located at the level of the cheeks of the pet. The leash is attached to the bottom of the loop, which is located on the bow.

When the dog tries to pull the leash, its head will automatically turn back, not allowing it to accelerate. In addition, the halti from the outside looks like a muzzle, although it does not fulfill its functions at all.

Equipped with a remote control and a built-in battery, which is enough to send a light electrical impulse to the animal when disobeying or not following commands.This method of training causes a lot of controversy among the dog breeders and has both supporters and opponents.

Some dog handlers argue that the discharge that the dog feels is comparable to a mosquito bite, while others, on the contrary, are confident that the animal experiences a terrible fear of the next discharge, resulting in becoming oppressed and shy.

The collar also belongs to the correctional models and helps to wean the dog from excessive "talkativeness". Compared to previous models, it acts on the animal more humane, sending a stream of water or a vibration (sound) signal to the pet that is not barking. However, many experts believe that the use of the device suppresses the natural reaction in the animal to external stimuli, expressed in the form of a bark, and therefore causes irreparable harm to the psyche of the dog. As a result, the animal can get a nervous breakdown and even get sick physically.

Collars allow you to determine the exact location of a lost pet through satellite communications. Often, such models are equipped with a SIM card in GSM format, to which the owner of the missing dog can send an SMS and receive the coordinates of the pet in a reply message. For collars that do not have SIM cards, a special application is installed on the phone or laptop of the owner, in which you can track the exact location of the dog via the Internet.

For owners of many breeds, prone to regular shoots and vagrancy, such a collar will be a real find and will allow you to quickly and accurately find a fugitive.

Collars are based on LED strip, bulbs or beacons. Many models are able to work in several modes, like a Christmas garland, and can stably burn, flicker or blink. This collar category should also include reflective models or products with the application of light-accumulating phosphorus coating, glowing in the dark.

They protect the pet from the appearance of fleas and ticks and are used, as a rule, only in addition to the main collar. However, for the sake of justice, it is worth noting that such products do not give a full guarantee of cure for parasites and should be used in combination with other means.

Commonly used for small dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranian Spitz, Chihuahua and Toy Terriers. Products have a beautiful design and are often encrusted with precious and semiprecious stones.

The pheromone collar is designed specifically for too restless and impressionable dogs that are difficult to tolerate separation from the owner, are nervous when visiting a veterinarian and are anxious when there are loud noises and trips in the car.

They are mainly used for pumping up muscle mass and strength training of pit bulls, Staffordshire terriers, sometimes Dobermans and other breeds that need to be given relief. With the help of such models, the pet pumps up the muscles of the neck and chest and receives maximum physical activity on each walk.

Allows the owner to quickly take control of the dog when walking without a leash. Such models are most often made of waterproof nylon and painted in different colors. When the handle is no longer required, it is immediately pulled back into the collar and does not prevent the pet from running and playing.

Modern manufacturers of ammunition for dogs produce collars from different materials. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, as well as the scope of use of the product from one or another material.

• Leather collar is the most common equipment for dogs and is used for pets of all breeds and sizes. Wide models of genuine leather are great for large and heavy dogs as an option for every day. Leather products have an aesthetic appearance, can be painted in different colors and can serve several years.

• Textile collar is a great option for a small pretty pet. Such models are often sewn with sequins, decorated with bows and decorative buttons. Products are able to ennoble any dog ​​and give it a unique charm, however, we can’t talk about high strength in this case: textile collars are worn exclusively for “publication”.

• Canvas Collar made from natural cotton threads and stitched with nylon heavy duty fishing line. Models do not stretch, do not tear and do not fade and are quite suitable for large breeds that have protective or protective duties.

• Nylon collar noticeably wins in quality and attractiveness with a canvas analogue and is available in a wide range of colors. Synthetic models are available in a wide variety of sizes and can be used for dogs of all breeds.

Dog collars are available in a wide variety of sizes, which allows you to choose an accessory for any dog. When choosing the right size, be sure to take into account the circumference of his neck, the thickness of the coat, the temperament of the pet and the purpose for which the model is purchased. It should also be remembered that the collar should not fit too tightly to the skin and there should always be a “gap”. In addition, depending on the purpose of the model, the dog’s neck is measured at different sites. So, when choosing everyday models, measurements are taken near the base of the neck, and 5 cm is added to the results.

When choosing a noose, 6 cm is added to the girth of the neck, and when buying a “stoch”, measurements are made as high and close as possible to the ears of the pet, and the increase is 6-7 cm. When measuring the girth of the neck, the animal should either stand or sit, and the measuring tape should not should be too tight.

When choosing a collar for your pet, you need to consider a number of important factors.

• The product must be made of quality materials and not injure the neck of the animal. For a small puppy or small dog, instead of a collar, it is better to choose a harness that will not put pressure on the neck and cause inconvenience to the animal.
• As a daily model, it is advisable to purchase high-quality leather products with several stitches. Such collars serve not one year and do not lose their original appearance for a long time.
• Do not buy collars with jewelry in the form of spikes, large rivets and other protruding elements. Despite their attractiveness, such models can injure the owner or other dogs with whom the pet is playing for a walk.
• It is also necessary to evaluate the quality of the fittings and check the operability of locks, fasteners, fasteners and carbines. Models with plastic fittings can only be purchased for small dogs and for decorative purposes only.
• A canvas tarpaulin equipped with a plastic stopper is perfect for puppies. Such a model can be constantly increased in size as the animal grows.
• For dogs with a sensitive neck, such as dachshunds and most hunting breeds, it is recommended to purchase a herring collar. The model has an extension in the middle part and is similar in shape to a fish. Such collars do not rub the neck, do not twist and do not have a choking effect on the animal. In addition, they do not wash the hair and allow the animal to hold its head high.

To train a pet with a collar should be from a very early age. First, the baby needs to be given a sniff of a new accessory and only after that put it on the puppy. It is recommended to do this. in a relaxed home environment, just before feeding. A hungry baby will instantly lose interest in the collar and will focus only on food. If the puppy is in no hurry to approach the bowl and begins to scratch behind the ear, trying to remove it, then in such cases you should distract the pet with a game or give him a favorite treat. You can wear a collar before a walk, but the food option is considered more effective.

Some experts recommend accustoming the puppy to the collar gradually, putting it on for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day and gradually increasing the length of the sock. However, this method is only good if the pet completely rejects the collar, as most puppies get used to a new accessory almost immediately. Particularly obstinate babies often show discontent and try to remove the accessory themselves.

In order for the collar to last as long as possible and look like brand new, it must be carefully looked after. Leather and metal models should wipe regularly with a disinfectant, and wash nylon and tarpaulin. In addition, metal collars and chains must be regularly inspected and rust prevented. You also need to monitor the condition of the locks and the reliability of the mounts and, if necessary, contact the workshop for repairing shoes or leather goods on time.

Experienced dog handlers do not recommend wearing someone else's collar on an animal, especially if it is made of soft material - nylon, tarpaulin or leather. This is due to hygiene rules and is dictated by safety requirements, since you can never vouch for the condition of locks and carbine rings of someone else’s ammunition. It is also advisable to regularly check how the collar sits on the animal and relax it in time if it begins to squeeze the neck. This requirement is dictated by the fact that soft collar materials may dry out slightly or stretch due to constant temperature changes and frequent wetting / drying.

Moreover, during molting, the dog’s neck itself changes in girth both in one direction and in the other direction, which requires adjustment of the length of the belt. It is also necessary to observe the uniform distribution of load on the neck of the animal. To do this, it is desirable that the collar buckle is not too close to the ring.And lastly, collars made of soft materials, despite regular processing, should be replaced from time to time with new ones and not allow the pet to be in a tattered and dirty accessory.

For how to choose a dog collar, see the next video.