-->

• Choosing the Right Collar for Your Dog

  Choosing the right collar for your dog is important; collars aren't just fashion accessories for Fido. Your dog should wear an everyday collar with ID tags, even if he's been tattooed or microchipped. These markings may go unnoticed even by a veterinarian, and a dog without a collar is often assumed to be a homeless stray and may be stolen or end up in an animal shelter.

  Collars come in many styles, and you may need more than one collar for your dog. Slip collars are often used in dog obedience training. Although "choker chains" are illegal in some states, when the slip collar is used appropriately it causes no real pain or harm to the dog.

  A slip collar should not be used as an everyday collar, and it's unwise to leave a choke-type collar on your dog when he is unsupervised.

  Electronic training collars use mild electrical current, vibration or tone to correct dog behavior. This type of collar should only be used by a skilled dog handler to correct extreme behavior problems in dogs, since the controversial method has high potential for misuse and abuse.

  A harness is often used in place of a collar for the purposes of dog obedience training or as work equipment. Carting dogs and sled dogs wear harnesses to give them added pulling power.

  Owners may use harnesses or head halters to control their dogs when the canines are resistant to lead training. a harness may encourage the dog to pull even more, which is why sled dogs wear them. Head halters, which allow the owners to lead the dog by the head, can help teach your dog to follow you instead of lunging away; where the dog's head goes, the dog will go. Head halters must be carefully fitted and adjusted to avoid digging into the dogs eyes and muzzle.

  Martingale collars are often recommended for dogs (particularly sight hounds) whose narrow heads let them slip easily out of standard collars. The Martingale collar has two loops; the smaller loop tightens the larger loop around the dog's neck when it is pulled.

  
  

  
  

  
  

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Dogs | Dog Care l Dog Health l Dog Obedience l Dog Training

• Fast Facts

  1. Leather collars are the strongest and most durable choice http://www.animalshelter.org/pet-tips/43...
  2. Braided leather collars are recommended for large and giant breed dogs http://www.animalshelter.org/pet-tips/43...
  3. Use lightweight nylon or canvas collars for puppies and very small dogs. http://www.animalshelter.org/pet-tips/43...
  4. Your dog's collar should be loose enough that you can fit two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck. http://www.animalshelter.org/pet-tips/43...

Categories

• View History
• Discuss on the Message Board
• Embed this Page
• Share this page