Shopping for accessories when your dog is concerned is a serious matter, especially when it comes to their dog collar. Not only can the wrong choice cramp your dog’s style – certainly something no owner wants for their furry companion – but it could also affect their health in ways that could turn out badly for them. Here are some things you should consider when getting your dog a high-quality dog collar.
- Your dog’s breed. One of the very first things that you’ll have to take into consideration when getting your dog its very first collar is its breed. As we all know, different breeds of dogs grow to different sizes, so it’s important that the collar you buy for your dog not only fits them properly but can be adjusted to accommodate their growth.
There’s also the fact that specific breeds of dogs with long, thick fur may need to a different sort of collar, a type that is clearly visible and has no corners or edges that could get tangled into fur.
Finally, energetic breeds will need collars made of more durable and sterner stuff than other collars, as they’ll be subjected to much more abuse. Sedentary dog breeds on the other hand may do just fine with collars with a lot more ornamentation to them, as they won’t be moving around much.
- The collar’s material. Another consideration you have to make is the type of material that your dog’s first collar is made of. Not all collars are made of the same stuff after all, and depending on your dog’s breed, size and fur length, some collar materials will work better than others. There’s also a chance that your dog may be allergic to certain materials, too, so you’ll definitely have to be careful when choosing a collar.
To play it completely safe, opt for a dog collar that’s made out of nylon webbing. It’s durable, lightweight, and completely hypoallergenic. Another safe option that’s also environmentally-friendly is a hemp dog collar, which has all the advantages of nylon while also being relatively free of any chemicals or dyes that could cause allergies. Choke and chain collars, while attractive and certainly gives your dog a ‘tougher’ look, should only be used during obedience training and never for daily use, as they can hurt your dog’s fur and skin quite easily.
- The fit of the collar. Choosing the right size for your dog’s collar doesn’t just start and end with the question of ‘if it fits’. Rather, you need to consider how it fits – whether it’s too tight, too loose or too snug. A dog collar that’s too loose will slip off really easily, while one that’s too tight may actually choke your dog and give it breathing problems. Snug collars may sound ideal but if they’re too snug, they could chafe and cause skin irritation.
The best thing to do here is to measure your dog’s neck circumference and add an inch or so depending on your dog’s size, so that the fit is just right while also giving them room to breathe. A good guideline that you can follow: small dogs get 1 inch of allowance, medium-sized dogs should do well with 2 inches, while big dogs should get three inches at the very least.
- The look of the collar. Obviously the most exciting part about picking a collar for your dog: its aesthetics. While it’s tempting to just pick the fanciest-looking one for your dog, or one that you feel captures their personality the most, remember that you need to balance it with your dog’s comfort and safety.
Gaudy and elaborate designs have the possibility of hooking onto your dog’s fur, causing irritations and tangles, while those that are clearly dyed in garish colors may have chemicals that can trigger skin allergies. Some of the fancier ones may also be too flimsy to stand up to your dog’s antics, especially if they’re an excitable and particularly rambunctious breed. When in doubt, go for something that has a look of its own but also something that is clearly designed to be comfortable around your dog’s neck.
By keeping these four considerations in mind when you go out collar-shopping for your dog, you’re all but guaranteed to pick the perfect one for your canine companion.
