A guide to dog collars
Source: cogdogblog
The Bonds That Tie
Whether you are a new or experienced dog owner, you must both have and use two pieces of equipment. They are tools to keep your dog safe. They also provide you with peace of mind. While your heart may bind you emotionally to your favourite canine, these items ensure your dog remains physically bound to you. Although sometimes, you may not think you need them, it is always best to have them on your dog and on your person. Yes, collars and leads are indispensible tools of the responsible dog owner.
Collars - The Bare Bones
Collars come in a variety of sizes, colours, shapes, materials and widths. You can purchase a collar as a fashion statement. Collars can reflect the approach of a specific occasion, such as a Royal wedding or anniversary. You can buy a check collar or noose style one to address certain control issues. Yet, collars, no matter what the type, exist to ensure the safety of your dog. While microchipping allows for identification at a shelter or veterinarian clinic, the ID on a collar provides instant recognition and a means for the well-meaning finder of a missing mutt to contact you quickly and easily. Always make sure your dog is wearing some form of ID - waterproof and clearly written.
Your choice of collars depends upon several factors: the type of dog, the nature of the canine, the amount of money you can afford and your personal preferences. Setting aside the issue of money, consider the following types of collars:
- Flat collar
- These standard collars come in all colours, sizes and shapes. Some are of a specific width designed to help you control hounds or very fine necked dogs - such as greyhounds. Others feature studs, "jewels" and other forms of canine "bling." Lining supplies greater comfort. This is the everyday collar. You attach your dog's tags to this.
- Rolled collar
- Another variant of a standard form of collar in different sizes, widths and colours. This type is best suited to long-haired dogs as it stops the hair being flattened or raised by a flat collar - more comfy and better for your dog's hair do.
- Training collar
- This is the collar you use to help check, control and teach your dog. These should only serve as part of training. Types include the martindale (check or half-check). These are usually half fabric/leather and part check collar.
- Check collars are another choice for training canines to behave - sadly often a wrong choice. Check collars (and notice we did not say CHOKE collars), if incorrectly and/or repeatedly used ineptly, can cause throat and neck injuries. Prong collars are another form of training device used by some for extreme dogs but highly undesirable and certainly never recommended apart from on veterinary advice. Although these metal collars have pointed prongs facing inwards to the neck, they are actually less harmful than choke collars used badly. Suitable for large, uncontrollable dogs.
- Special Purpose Collar
- You can buy electronic collars to monitor your dogs and prevent them from wandering for those with a tendency to rove, e.g. beagles or huskies. There are also various anti-barking collar devices. The most popular in the UK are ultrasonic and spray collars - neither harm your dog but deter bad behaviour. Of dubious and often illegal usage (e.g. in Wales) are the electronic collars - please - don't go there!
- Show Collar
- These are generally simple loop devices combining lead and collar.
Leads
Leads are the second part of the dog-human physical bond. Like collars, you can find them in an infinite variety of lengths, widths, materials, colours and patterns. Over the years leads, except for some training leads, have rarely changed, unlike collars.
- Everyday leads. The leather, nylon, rope or mixed-material lead is the constant. The length and width depend upon your dog's size, strength and weight. A miniature poodle, for example, requires a lighter and finer lead than an English Mastiff. Puppies in particular need a light, fine lead or they will feel the drag of the weight of the lead on their neck.
- Extendable Leads. The only "advance" in lead design over the past few years has been the retractable or extendable lead. This is very popular lead, and it does have its advantages. Your dog can roam further afield. You can rein-in your dog quickly. It is adjustable. Yet, these leads are not for everyone or every dog. The fast retraction can create certain physical problems for some canines. Some individuals tend to be slow on the "trigger" mechanism. Some people allow full length, not paying enough attention to what is actually going on. This can place the dog in danger. You can also shock or even hurt a dog if they don't realise they are on a lead and hurtle oblivious towards the horizon, only to be snapped back when they hit the full extent of the lead's length. NOT pleasant.
Conclusion
Collars and leads are the ties that bind. They provide you and your canine with physical security. They help you remain in control while protecting your canine from harm. Think wisely before you chose.
Petside: Get Started
-
- Kitten Life
Learn about the different life stages of your Kitten and much more!
-
- Puppy Life
Everything you need to know about raising a Puppy, all in one place! Check it out.
-
- Find a Breed
Browse dog and cat breeds to find your perfect pal.
-
- Diagnose a Condition
Use PetVet to research what's ailing your pet.
Comments (0)
add your comment